Facilities

Much of our research takes place within the Centre for Molecular Biosciences on the Coleraine campus of the University of Ulster.

Resources Available within the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the Universtiy of Ulster

Researchers within the Group have access to state of the art analytical tools such as QTOF mass spectrometry (Waters QTOF Ultima API) as pictured above. QTOF MS/MS de novo sequencing experiments have been used extensively in our recent publications particularly when combined with cDNA cloning.

For chromatographic purification of compounds and MS or MS/MS characterisation we also use standard LC coupled to electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (Thermo LCQ "Classic") pictured below.

MALDI TOF mass spectrometry is also widely used in the form of an Applied Biosystems Voyager DE mass spectrometer (below). This technique is used for rapid assessment of crude samples, separated fractions or synthesised peptides.

Apart from mass spectrometric tools for peptide sequencing the group also has at its disposal an Applied Biosystems 491 automated Edman degradation protein sequencer as pictured below.

Once the sequence of a peptide is known and bioactvity assays are required, FMOC solid phase peptide synthesis may be used to prepare sufficient quantities on the compound. This work is done using an Applied Biosystems 433A peptide synthesiser (below).

There are also facilties for DNA Sequencing.