An inverted microscope (Leica DMI4000B) with bright field, phase contrast, fluorescence (DAPI, GFP, Rhodamine, Y5) differential interference contrast (DIC) imaging equipped with a black and white camera (Leica DFC340 FX) allows for imaging of live and fixed biological samples and material samples.

Plate reader (Synergy 2, Biotek)

Allows for quantification of absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence from a variety of cell (or material) –based assays in multi-well plates.

Embedding Workstation (Histostar, Epredia)

Keeps samples and molds, warm during paraffin embedding so that samples can be properly oriented; dispenses liquid paraffin; cools samples in molds. Thin sections of paraffin blocks are cut using the paraffin microtome.

Paraffin Microtome

(HM355S, Epredia)

Used to cut paraffin sections (3-15um thick). Works in semi-automated and manual modes.

Histology: Tissue Processor

(STP 120, Epredia)

Facilitates dehydration of fixed tissue specimens through graded alcohols (70% to 100%) clearing reagent, and paraffin. Dehydrate samples in cassettes 70% Samples are moved through reagents using an automated process. Processed samples are embedded in paraffin using the Histology Embedding Center.

Contact angle goniometer (250-F1, ramé-hart)

Used to assess material surface wettability (hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity) and surface energy by the sessile drop method.

High-resolution digital microscope (KH8700, Hirox)

Used to image material surfaces with magnification up to 3500x. The microscope is used to generate 2D and 3D images and measurements can be conviently made in the software, including 3D surface plots. Images can be generated of dry and hydrated samples that are transparent or opaque.

Electrospinner (LE-50, Fluidnatek)

Used to make polymer fiber mats. Exhausted enclosure with high voltage safety interlocks.

Within the enclosure: Syringe pumps (2) for spinning multiple materials at one time (dual-electrospinning). Single emitter translates along the collector which can be a stationary place or rotating drum. Rotation and translation rates and the distance between the emitter and collector are fully adjustable.

Freeze dryer (FreeZone 71020 2.5L, Labconco)

Facilitates removal of water from samples (for example hydrogels or nanoparticles) by sublimation in preparation for downstream processes.

High speed Centrifuge (X4RF Pro-MD, Sorvall, thermoscientific)

Used for material preparation (i.e. separation of particles from media). Can accomodate15 ml and 50 ml tubes and will centrifuge up to 14,500 rpm (24,446 xg).  Tubes appropriately rated for the rcf (relative centrifugal force) must be used.

Hydraulic press (model 3851, Carver)

Used to heat samples to facilitate compression molding, embossing, and thin-film preparation and dogbone preparation for material testing.

Dynamic mechanical analyzers (Q800 DMA, TA Instruments)

Used to evaluate polymer thermo-mechanical properties including storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) over a wide temperature range from -150°C to 200°C. A variety of clamps (tension film, tension fiber, compression, three-point bend, submersion film) facility many testing needs.

Dynamic mechanical analyzers (Q800 DMA, TA Instruments)

Used to evaluate polymer thermo-mechanical properties including storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) over a wide temperature range from -150°C to 200°C. A variety of clamps (tension film, tension fiber, compression, three-point bend, submersion film) facility many testing needs.

Rotational rheometer (DHR3, TA Instruments)

Used to measure viscoelastic properties including viscosity and flow of liquids, polymer gels, hydrogels and other materials. A Peltier-controlled (heating and cooling) lower plate and a variety of cone and plate geometries with different diameters enable a variety of testing needs.

The sputter coater is used to coat a thin metal (gold or other metal ) layer on the surface of a sample in preparation for scanning electron microscopy or for other purposes.

Can also etch to clean surfaces.

Works in auto and manual modes.

The sputter coater is used to coat a thin metal (gold or other metal ) layer on the surface of a sample in preparation for scanning electron microscopy or for other purposes.

Can also etch to clean surfaces.

Works in auto an manual modes.

Dynamic light scattering, DLS (Zetasizer Ultra, Malvern Panalytical)

Used to analyze nanoparticles in solution, including but not limited to proteins and synthetic particles. Analysis is based on the ability of particles in solution to scatter light. This instrument can generate data on size, concentration and charge (zeta-potential charge or electrophoretic mobility) of particles. This instrument can also perform highly sensitive size measurements using multi-angle dynamic light scattering (MALDS).

Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR, Nicolet iS5, thermoscientific)

Used to analyze surface chemistry and progress of chemical reactions. Samples can be analyzed using  KBr pellets in transmission mode or in reflectance mode using a diamond crystal iD7 ATR (attenuated total reflectance).

Differential scanning calorimeter (Discovery DSC250, TA Instruments)

Used to assess crystallization, melting point, and glass transition temperatures of materials. This instrument is capable of colling samples to -90°C and heating to 400°C.

Dynamic mechanical analyzers (Q800 DMA, TA Instruments)

Used to evaluate polymer thermo-mechanical properties including storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg) over a wide temperature range from -150°C to 200°C. A variety of clamps (tension film, tension fiber, compression, three-point bend, submersion film) facility many testing needs.