NanoBio and NanoFluidic Equipment

The Biomolecular Interaction Centre

An important collaborative node of the MacDiarmid Institute, the The Biomolecular Interaction Centre is a multi-disciplinary centre dedicated to the study of molecular interactions critical to biological function. The BIC centre plays a key role for MacDiarmid Scientists working under Theme 6: The intersection of Nanoscience and Biology. Key research capabilities include a Confocal Microscope (Leica), Surface Plasmon Resonance (BioRad ProteOn XPR 36), Circular Dichroism Spectrometer (Jasco 815), Automated Affinity Chromatograph and Electrophoresis equipment, Plate Reader with Fluorescence Detector, Nano Differential Scanning Calorimeter, and Isothermal Calorimeter.

Please contact Juliet Gerrard for more information.

The Nano Fluidics Lab

The Nano and Micro Fluidics team at IRL has capability in the production and testing of microfluidic devices and antibody-linked diagnostics, as well as characterising nanopore-based particle sizing (collaboration with Izon Science). We operate principally under an MSI project with priority given to industry-focussed projects. Our technology uses soft lithography to create silicone or coated silicone micro channels that can be bonded to glass, and we are developing the use of hot-embossing to process thermoplastic chips. There is also production of quantum dots for labelling of antibody-containing magnetic ligands. We share access with other teams at IRL, and also industry partners, to the microfabrication clean-room, containing a laser direct writer, E-beam evaporator, mask aligner, sputterer, plasma oxidiser, wet chemical facilities, grinding etc.
The team also has the following: optical microscopes, contact angle apparatus, micro-electrophoresis set-ups, and various impedance/RF/low current electronics.

Please contact Geoff Willmott for more information.

The BioLab

Located in close proximity to the Nanofabrication Lab at the University of Canterbury, the BioLab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering provides space for experimental needs related to micro- and nanofluidic devices and their application. Lithographic masters fabricated in the Nanolab can be directly replicated into silicone polymers and polyurethanes using casting and replica-molding. Finished devices can be integrated and characterized using a Nikon stereo microscope. For sample preparation a centrifuge, cell-culture incubator and biological containment fumehood are available. Fluidic experiments are performed on a Nikon Eclipse 80i fluorescence microscope with a cooled CCD-camera and an attached Harvard PHD2000 computer-controlled syringe pump. Other equipment includes electronics for electrophoresis and a gas setup for controlling oxygen concentrations in flow.

Please contact Volker Nock for more information.