Short Description
The BOKU Core Facility for Biomolecular & Cellular Analysis (BMCA) is a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory providing access to advanced instrumentation and expert knowledge. It specialises in three key areas: biomolecular analysis, including the characterization of proteins and particles as well as the study of biomolecular interactions; cellular analysis using flow cytometry for cell characterization and sorting; and structural analysis, encompassing X-ray crystallography and BioSAXS, supported by a comprehensive infrastructure for sample preparation, data collection, and data processing.
Contact Person
Irene Schaffner, PhD; Elisabeth Laurent, PhD
Research Services
Beyond providing access to advanced instrumentation, we support researchers throughout the entire experimental process, from optimised sample preparation to data generation. Our trained-user mode offers hands-on instruction in specialised techniques, combined with expert guidance on experimental design and setup.
For researchers seeking comprehensive support, our full-service mode includes sample measurements performed by experienced staff, along with detailed experimental reports to ensure reliable, high-quality results.
Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure
--Biomolecular Analysis--
• Protein Purification – ÄKTA go Liquid Chromatography System (Cytiva)
Preparative purification of proteins at laboratory scale, final purification step for protein samples
• Molecular Weight & Sample Quality – OMNISEC System (Malvern Panalytical)
Determination of molecular weight, concentration, oligomeric state and sample purity using SEC with LS, UV and RI detection
• Particle Size Analysis – Zetasizer Nano ZSP (Malvern Panalytical)
Determination of particle size and zeta potential, analysis of sample stability and aggregation behaviour
• Concentration & Particle Size – Stunner (Unchained Labs)
Determination of concentration, particle size and aggregation using UV/Vis and DLS
• Thermal & Colloidal Stability – Uncle (Unchained Labs)
Analysis of protein unfolding, aggregation, particle size and stability in a single experiment
• Thermal Stability – PEAQ-DSC Automated (Malvern Panalytical)
Determination of unfolding temperature and thermodynamic stability of biomolecules
• Biomolecular Interactions in Solution – PEAQ-ITC Automated (Malvern Panalytical)
Determination of binding affinity, stoichiometry, enthalpy and entropy of biomolecular interactions
• Biomolecular Interactions & Kinetics – Octet R8e (Sartorius)
Determination of binding kinetics and affinities using Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI)
• Biomolecular Interactions & Kinetics – Biacore T200 (Cytiva)
Highly sensitive analysis of binding kinetics and affinities using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
--Cellular Analysis--
• Cell Analysis – CytoFLEX S (Beckman Coulter)
Multiparametric cell analysis with 4 lasers and up to 13 fluorescence channels, detection of nanoparticles from 80 nm and determination of absolute cell counts
• Cell Sorting (FACS) – Sony SH800
Automated analysis and high-purity sorting of yeast, bacterial, plant and mammalian cells, including single-cell, pool and index sorting
• Cell Sorting (FACS) – CytoFLEX SRT (Beckman Coulter)
Highly sensitive multiparametric analysis and sorting of cells and nanoparticles from 100 nm, including single-cell, pool and index sorting
--Structural Analysis--
We provide comprehensive infrastructure and support for X-ray crystallography and BioSAXS, covering the entire workflow from sample preparation to structural analysis. Our services include:
• Protein crystallisation, optimisation and crystal handling (harvesting, freezing and storage)
• Coordination of sample or crystal shipment and data collection at synchrotron beamlines (BioSAXS and MX beamlines)
• Data processing and structure determination
• Precise Pipetting (nL) – Mosquito LCP (SPT Labtech)
Automated liquid handling for protein crystallisation, precise dispensing of nanolitre volumes down to approx. 25 nL, minimising protein consumption and enabling challenging crystallisation conditions
• Crystallisation Plate Monitoring – Rock Imager 1000 (Formulatrix)
Fully automated imaging and monitoring of up to 250 crystallisation plates using visible light, UV and fluorescence for reliable identification of protein crystals
• Sample Visualisation – SteREO Discovery.V12 (Zeiss)
Stereomicroscope for three-dimensional observation, manipulation and documentation of protein crystals at variable magnification
• Crystallisation Condition Generation & Optimisation – Formulator 10 (Formulatrix)
Automated generation of crystallisation conditions in 96-well plates with precise dispensing of different components using microfluidic technology
Equipment
- ZetaView Nano Particle Tracking Analyzer
- Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectrometer Biacore T200
- PEAQ Isothermal Titration Calorimeter Automated (Malvern Panalytical)
- PEAQ Differential Scanning Calorimeter Automated (Malvern Panalytical)
- Flow cytometer CytoFLEX S (4 laser)
- Cell sorter SH800 (Sony)
- Microscope SteREO Discovery.V12
- Fully automated protein crystallization monitoring system Rock Imager 1000
- pipetting robot mosquito® LCP
- OMNISEC multi-detector GPC/SEC system
- AEKTA go liquid chromatography system
- Octet R8e
- Cell sorter CytoFLEX SRT
- Stunner
- Uncle