Platform lab equipment and analysis

The Analytical and Molecular Research Platform has cutting-edge technology, including advanced clinical chemistry and immunology analysers, a UPLC system, mass spectrometry tools and PromethION genome sequencing equipment. These instruments enable a wide range of high-precision tests and analyses, such as untargeted metabolomics, protein analysis, targeted small molecule detection, supporting complex research projects with expert technical staff and automated sample processing capabilities.

COBAS Analysers

The Institute operates a c311 Clinical Chemistry Analyser and an e601 Immunology Analyser. These analysers run the same tests as hospital and diagnostic medical labs, the list of which is extremely extensive (available on request). Some of these tests are run routinely, so we have kits in stock (see list below); others can be purchased for specific projects.

C311 Clinical Chemistry Analyser

E601 Immunology Analyser 

Multiplex and ELISA Assays 

We use the Magpix Multiplex reader to measure specific proteins via a magnetic antibody technique. The reader can measure related compounds from a small sample volume in one microplate, for example, 10-20 cytokines, adipokines, and all IGF-1 binding proteins.

A wide range of kits are available across a variety of species, and we can advise you on which to use. Our experienced technician specialises in these assays, removing the cost of ‘novice’ attempts. We are also able to carry out any commercially available ELISA microplate assay.

Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) system 

Untargeted Metabolomics is a cutting-edge field, and we have two mass spectrometers for this type of work. A new Shimadzu 9030 QToF and a Thermo Q-Exactive. These machines allow researchers to see the entire ‘forest’ of compounds in a sample and compare variations across treatments or subject groups.

This technology is used extensively by researchers looking for biomarkers in biological samples (for example, plasma, CSF, stool, hair). A typical run will reveal over 800 different compounds across a variety of classes, many of which can be positively identified.

We have technical staff skilled in this field and a data pipeline for analysis developed by a Liggins academic staff member.

Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers (LCMSMS)

Our triple quad LCMSMS capability revolves around established techniques (for example, steroid measurement) and developing new methods on request.

We have a Thermo Quantiva designed for targeted analysis of known compounds in complex mixtures (for example, plasma). This machine has a 1500m/z upper limit and is specifically designed to measure naturally occurring and synthetically produced small molecules. Parts of our sample preparation procedures are automated, allowing for higher throughput and analysis of larger sample sets.

The latest addition to our research capability is high-throughput PromethION sequencing equipment from Oxford Nanopore Technologies. We have five sequencers, three of which are set aside for the Newborn Genomics Programme in conjunction with LabPlus at Auckland Hospital.

This equipment and the associated data analysis pipeline provide long-read DNA and RNA sequence information, variant analysis and methylation profiles for clinical and research-derived samples.