Bioanalyzer Services
The CMMT/CFRI BioAnalyzer Core Facility provides researchers at the Children's and Women's Hospital site and within the Greater Vancouver community access to the state-of-the-art microfluidics-based functionality of the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer system from Agilent Technologies.
This system enables rapid, accurate and reproducible analysis of the quality and composition of RNA, DNA and protein samples with exceptionally small sample quantities and with many advantages over gel electrophoresis methods. The 2100 bioanalyzer system is the de facto standard for qualitative and quantitative analysis of RNA samples prior to analysis on microarray systems.
Overview of technology
The CMMT/CFRI BioAnalyzer Core Facility offers you access to the advanced functionality of the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer. The Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer uses lab-on-a-chip technology to provide improved analysis of RNA, DNA, and proteins through:
Automation for improved accuracy and reproducibility;
Rapid visualisation of sample quality and quantity;
High sensitivity with minimal sample quantities;
Significant time savings—up to 12 samples in 30 minutes;
Easy comparison or sharing of digital sample data;
Simple, robust protocols and reagents; and
Reduced use and waste of hazardous chemicals;
For more information...
Additional information on the Agilent 2100 BioAnalyzer platform can be found on the Agilent website (link). Click here to download the Agilent brochure (1.10 MB, PDF). Click here to view our summary of the principles of nucleic acid and protein analysis analysis on the 2100.
Services Available from the Facility
The facility currently provides analyses utilizing the following LabChip kits.
| Kit | Samples analyzed |
Samples per chip |
Result example |
| RNA Nano LabChip Kit |
RNA 5-500 ng/ul |
12 | Nano |
| RNA Pico LabChip Kit |
RNA 200-5,000 pg/ul |
11 | Pico |
| DNA LabChip Kits |
DNA or siRNA 25bp-12kb |
12 | DNA No. 1 DNA No. 2 |
| Protein 200 LabChip Kit |
Protein samples 14-200 kDa |
10 | Protein 200 |
Sample submission
For information on sample preparation and to submit samples, please download the sample submission form in Microsoft Word format (85 KB) or in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) (131 KB) format.
Results analysis
BioAnalyzer results will usually be sent via email and can be completed as quickly as the same day as sample submission. Results are viewed and analyzed and printed using the free Agilent 2100 expert software (this is the same analysis software used by the facility).
Minimum requirements are an 1.5 Ghz Pentium 4 with 512 MB RAM with either Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (or higher) or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (or higher). Please contact the Facility for a copy of the software (Version B.02.02) as the version available for download at Agilent (Version B.02.03) may not be compatible.
Extensive online help is included on how to use the software. Please click on RNA, DNA, or protein to see data analysis examples and instructions from the online help.
If you do not have a system that can run the Agilent 2100 expert software, please contact us for assistance with other options.
Pricing
The cost per sample is approximately $3.75 to $6.50 depending primarily on the type of sample analyzed. A materials cost of $2 to $4 will be charged for each un-used well on a chip. These empty well charges are minimized by submitting samples in multiples of the number of wells on a chip (see LabChip Kit table above) or when samples from other users are run on the same chip.
If you are not sure if the Agilent 2100 technology is suitable for your research needs, please contact us about running a couple of your samples for free.
Monthly billing for services is either by Journal Voucher for UBC researchers or invoice.
