The genetics and bioenergetics of mitochondrial metabolism and its association with the processes of ageing is one of Professor Bill Ballard's research strengths.
Single-Cell Analysis Facility
The Single-Cell Analysis Facility (SCAF) is located in Room 122 in the Samuels Building. Dr Belinda Ferrari is the Director of the facility, and Dr Jiewei Wei is the equipment officer responsible for maintenance of instrumentation and managing bookings. (Please note that fees quoted below are current for 2009.)
SCAF Equipment
Beckman Coulter Quanta MPC flow cytometer
This 3-colour analyser with coulter volume and side scatter measurements is equipped with a 488 nm (bluer) laser and a mercury arc lamp for UV excitation (366, 405, 435 nm). This system includes a multi-platform loader and auto-setup capability, enabling analysis of micro centrifuge tubes as well as 24-, 96- or 384-well plates on the same system.
BD Biosciences FACSAria 1 flow cytometer
This high-speed cell sorter is equipped with both a 488 nm (blue) and 633 nm (red) laser for multicolour analysis. It is capable of sorting single cells into 96 well plates for further analysis.
Olympus BX51 fixed stage fluorescence microscope equipped with an Eppendorf microdissector
This microscope is fitted with a TransferMan NK manipulator for the isolation of single-cells.
FACSSort flow cytometer
This analysis-only instrument is equipped with a 488 nm laser and is located in a PC2 lab in the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering (Level 4, Samuels Building). Contact is Dr Robert Nordon, phone +612 9385 3906; email r.nordon@unsw.edu.au
Cell Lab Quanta SC MPC flow cytometer
BABS user charges for fully trained users (fully trained users are to carry out start-up and shutdown procedures as outlined by Beckman-Coulter):
- Trial use/training $60/hour for up to 4 hours
- Low users <10 bookings per year $500
- Intermediate users 10-20 bookings per year $1,000
- High users >20 bookings per year $2,000
Cell Lab Quanta SC MPC flow cytometer
Non-BABS user charges for fully trained users (fully trained users are to carry out start-up and shutdown procedures as outlined by Beckman-Coulter):
- Trial use/training $80/hour for up to 4 hours
- Low users <10 bookings per year $700
- Intermediate users 10-20 bookings per year $1,400
- High users >20 bookings per year $2,800
BD Biosciences FACSAria 1 Flow cytometer
User Group charges for fully trained users. Fully trained users are to carry out start-up and shut down procedures as outlined by BD Biosciences.
- $50 extra charge for start-up/QC to be carried out by technician
- Trial use $80/hour for up to 4 hours for new users
- Low users <10 bookings per year $1,000
- Intermediate users 10-20 bookings per year $1,800
- High users >20 bookings per year $3,200
Full training is offered once a year at a cost of approximately $500 per user. Note that space is limited to 3 people for a 3-day intensive course, which is run by BD Biosciences.
BX51 fluorescence microscope/Eppendorf Advanced Micromanipulator
Charges are $20 per hour for those fully trained. Researchers must supply their own needles for micromanipulation (they may be supplied for trial use after negotiation with the facility director).
BD FACSSort
Current usage charge is $20 per 15 minutes.
SCAF Fees
Fees cover the cost of QC beads, sheath fluid (all users) and FACS tubes (trial and low end users only). Fees will need to be paid on bi-yearly basis to enable payment of maintenance bills. Existing cost structure for internal/external/commercial non-trained users for the Aria 1 and Biacore will continue as BABS technical staff are required for the analysis of samples.
For enquiries and bookings please contact Dr Belinda Ferrari, +612 9385 2032, email b.ferrari@unsw.edu.au; or Dr Jiewei Wei +612 9385 2039, email j.wei@unsw.edu.au.