Research Equipment

Next-Generation Sequencer (Long-read) Oxford Nanopore GridION

A real-time ultra-long DNA/RNA analysis system using nanopore technology. We use it for de novo genome assembly of bacteria and non-model organisms, as well as full-length transcript analysis.

Next-Generation Sequencer (Short-read) Illumina MiSeq

Illumina's short-read parallel DNA sequencing system. We use it for de novo genome assembly of bacteria and non-model organisms, as well as transcript analysis.

Fully Automated Cassette-Based Electrophoresis System Agilent TapeStation 4150

A fully automated electrophoresis system for quality control of DNA and RNA samples, capable of processing up to 16 samples per run. We use it for QC of NGS libraries.

Real-time PCR System ThermoFisher QuantStudio 1

A very standard real-time PCR system. In Fast mode, the cycles finish in 40 minutes, though we rarely find ourselves in such a rush in the lab.

Transilluminator Atto WSE-5300

A device for observing gels after electrophoresis. It visualizes nucleic acids stained with ethidium bromide or SYBR Green via UV irradiation. It also supports SDS-PAGE gels (simply for brightfield imaging).

All-in-one Fluorescence Microscope Keyence BZ-810

An inverted research microscope capable of high-sensitivity fluorescence observation. We use it for observing the expression of various fluorescent proteins like GFP and RFP, and for cellular mRNA transcript analysis via fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Single-particle Manual Picking System Nepa Gene MPP-200B

A system for picking particles under an inverted microscope. It can also dispense into 8-strip tubes. Apparently, once you get the hang of it, you can catch quite a few per hour.

Flow Cytometer (Analyzer) Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX

A cell analyzer equipped with a single 488 nm excitation laser. We use it to obtain basic FSC/SSC parameters and measure GFP positivity rates.

Pressure Pump for Microdroplet Generation On-Chip Biotechnologies Droplet Generator

A pressure pump used for generating microdroplets and similar tasks. It can apply three different pressures simultaneously. It is used in combination with an inverted microscope.

Multi-mode Plate Reader ThermoFisher Multiskan GO

A multi-mode plate reader compatible with 96-well plates. It can also acquire time-series data. Note that it does not support fluorescence.

Bead Crusher TAITEC μT-12

As the name suggests, this is a bead homogenizer. It vigorously shakes the tubes containing tissue and beads. I believe this method allows for more uniform DNA extraction from bacteria compared to enzymatic digestion.

4°C Cold Room

As the name suggests, a room maintained at 4°C. It is primarily used for storing plates, reagents, and feed.

Recirculating Aquarium System for Infection Trials

As the name suggests, a recirculating water system used for infection trials and rearing. We have two sets, each consisting of ten interconnected 60cm tanks.

* Listed instruments are representative examples. Please contact the laboratory for further information.