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In vitro sampling and assay laboratory
The research unit has a dedicated ‘wet lab’ run by our specialist bioassay technician. Biological samples collected on site can be analysed for numerous analytes such as cortisol, testosterone, interleukin-6, glucose & caffeine. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and safety guidelines are followed to ensure the chemical integrity of a specimen from the time it is collected until it is assayed.
Capability
Our trained phlebotomists are able to obtain samples via venepuncture and cannulation. Once collected, samples are processed and then stored within the unit or in our HTA-licensed tissue bank. Various methodologies are employed depending on the analyte of interest. Immunological techniques have been used to assess levels of hormones in saliva using specific Enzyme-Linked Immunoabsorbent Assays (ELISA) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC ) for resveratrol quantification in serum.
Equipment
The samples may be stored in alarm-controlled freezers capable of reaching temperatures of -85°C. Specimens can be centrifuged in our temperature-controlled Beckman Coulter Allegra X-22 Series bench top centrifuge which can generate centrifugal force for a wide variety of applications. The laboratory has a Bio-Tek FLx800-TBI Luminescence/Fluorescence Microplate reader with KC4 Data Analysis Software and an Anthos 2010 Absorbance Microplate reader. In collaboration with other departments within the School of Life Sciences, we have access to a Bio-Stat Sapphire automated bench top analyser and HPLC instrumentation.
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Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre
School of Life Sciences
4th Floor, Northumberland Building
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8ST
t: 44 (0) 191 2048818
e: bpnrc@northumbria.ac.uk
Members of
Medicinal Plant Research Group