Equipments

     The major equipments of Biophysics Research Laboratory are as follows:

    1) Inverted Phase Contrast Fluorescence Microscope
Inverted phase contrast fluorescence microscope (IX 73, Olympus, Japan) is used to investigate the static and dynamic nature of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and cells. The differential interference contrast (DIC) mode is attached to the microscope. The charged coupled camera-CCD (DP22, Olympus, Japan) is also attached to the microscope for recording the images with speed 25 fps.

    2) Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) instrument
IRE instrument is a device that can generate pulsating DC filed with ultra-short electric pulses. For the ablation of tumor/cancer cells along with the rupture of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), the IRE device is potentially used. A high voltage power supply of 100 - 800 V/cm is attached to the IRE device. The microcontroller-based IRE device and the high voltage power supply are designed and fabricated locally.

    3) Fluorescence Spectrometer
Fluorescence Spectrometer (F-7000, Hitachi, Japan) capable of performing many new functions such as sensitivity (S/N 800: RMS) and ultra-high-speed (60,000 nm/min) at the highest level. The wavelength scan speeds are 30, 60, 240, 1,200, 2,400, 12,000, 30,000, 60,000 nm/min. Among various applications, the instrument is used to investigate the leakage of internal fluorescent content from the inside of vesicles to the outside environment.

    4) Refrigerated Centrifuge
Refrigerated centrifuge (NF 1200R, NUVE, Turky) controls a wide range of temperatures from -9 °C to +40 °C. For heat sensitive samples, it can sustain +4 °C even at maximum speed to protect biologically active samples. The maximum speed for Angle Rotor is 14000 rpm.

    5) Diaphragm Vacuum Pump
Diaphragm pump (MVP 015-2, PFEIFFER, Germany) is connected with a desiccator (DURAN, Germany). The lipid sample is kept into the desiccator for its fine dry. Final pressure with gas ballast is 4.5 hPa/3.38 Torr/4.5 mbar.

    6) Mini Extruder
The Avanti Mini-Extruder allows researchers and scientists to prepare large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) by extrusion in an efficient, rapid manner.

    7) Peristaltic Pump
Dual channels compact peristaltic pump (SP-Minipump, Good pump, China) is used to flow the solution with a flow rate 0.0024-190 mL/min. The tubing of 1D 1mm controls the flow rate 0.25 - 15.01 mL/min.

    8) Laboratory Freezer
Tall Freezer (SS), SIEMENS No Frost (GS36NVI30G) is used to preserve the lipids at -26 °C. In addition, refrigerator is used to preserve the chemicals and reagents in the laboratory.

    9) Laboratory Oven
The drying oven Ecocell (MMM Group, Germany) protecting the internal chamber aggressive substances like acids or alkaline liquids. This device ensures an optimal goods temperature equalization. Ideal for acidic and alkaline hydrolysis, extraction of non-flammable substances and heat decomposition. The chamber volume is 111 L and the temperature range is 5 °C - 300 °C. .

    10) Incubator
The incubator controls the temperature at 37 °C precisely. It is used to grow the lipid vesicles and cells in the laboratory.

    11) Analytical Balance
Analytical balance (4 digit, AS 220.R2 Plus, RADWAG, POLAND) with a readability ranging between 0.0001g - 220g is used to measure the sample correctly. It provides the best weighing parameters, intuitive operation and a number of unique functions.

    12) Vortex Mixer
Vortex Mixers both Test Tube and Flat Head (250VM and 260VM, Hwashin Technology Co., South Korea) are general laboratory equipment and intended for applications where vortexing of single or multiple tubes is required. It can adjust speed by a toggle switch.

    13) Magnetic Stirrer with Hot Plate
Motor drive magnetic stirrer (MSH 420, Boeco, Germany) with all-in-one glass-ceramic hot plate for simultaneously stirring and heating of chemical reagents. The glass-ceramic top plate is easy to clean, chemical-resistant, corrosion-resistant and scratch resistant. It provides LED indicators for power, heating and stirring. Ambient temperature to 450 °C.

    14) pH Meter
pH bench top meter (BT-675, Boeco, Germany) is used to control the pH of buffer preciously.

    15) Bath Sonicator
Bath sonicator (POWERSONIC 520, Hwashin Technology Co., South Korea) is used to clean the glass vial precisely. It is also used to mix the samples. It can easy to adjust time and temperature setting with a number key.

    16) Nitrogen Gas Cylinder with Multistage Regulator
Nitrogen gas cylinder with multistage regulator (Linde, Bangladesh) is used to dry the dissolve chloroform from lipid solution.

    17) Fume Hood
Fume hood (FH 1200 E, Biobase, China) is used to protect lab environment and operator during general chemical applications. It actively protects operator from inhaling toxic vapors and dramatically reduces the risk of fire and explosion.

    18) Various Volumes Single Channel Micro-Pipettes
Various volume Single Channel Micro-Pipettes are available in the laboratory which can measure the sample precisely.

♦♦ Laboratory Facilities of Biophysics Research Laboratory ♦♦