Laboratories and Instrumentation

Each laboratory within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology is well equipped with current technology for research in microbiology, virology and immunology.  Additionally common equipment is available  for use by all investigators including molecular imaging systems for documentation and quantitation of gels, real-time PCR thermocyclers, chromatography systems for biomolecule purification, spectrophotometers for quantitation and biophysical analysis of biomolecules, epifluorescence microscopes, high speed and ultra-centrifuges, scintillation counters, a dark room  and a environmental rooms.

Additionally, numerous core facilities are available on campus for use by investigators. Two of these Core facilities, the DNA Core and Transgenic Core Facility, are located within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Additional details of these Facilities are provided in the links below.

DNA Core Facility
The DNA Core Facility provides friendly service and timely DNA sequencing in an efficient manner by experienced molecular biologists. Sequencing is performed on an ABI^® Prism 3100 4-capillary automated genetic analyzer with a capacity of about 35 samples in 24 hours. Sequencing is performed from single or double stranded DNA from plasmids and PCR products. Standard primers can be provided if necessary.

Transgenic Core Facility
The transgenic core facility provides services for a fee related to the production of transgenic mice using standard microinjection protocols. Additionally, custom animal surgeries can be performed and surgical training to research personnel can be provided as well. These services are available to the Loyola community and are provided in accordance with the IACUC policies and regulations.

Core Imaging Facility
The Core Imaging Facility is committed to excellence in research and education by providing expert technical assistance and instrumentation to support investigators requiring confocal and electron microscopy. This facility is equipped with both transmission (Hatachi^® H-600 TEM) and scanning electron (JEOL^® 840 A SEM) microscopes, four automatic ultramicrotomes, knifebreakers, and all of the general equipment and facilities needed for tissue processing and darkroom work. The facility also maintains a Zeiss^® LSM-510 laser scanning microscope interfaced to a Zeiss^® Axiovert inverted microscope equipped with a variety of lens for high resolution work. Multiple channels allow simultaneous collection of images using the AR^® 458/488 and HENE^®543 lasers as well as bright-field DIC. Software for image acquisition and analysis is available with the instrument.In addition, there are two workstations with video input from either the SEM or fluorescent light microscope (Leitz^® Orthoplan) for computerized image processing and analysis.

Flow Cyometry Facility.
The Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter Facility (FACS Facility) at Loyola is a user-supported research core laboratory that provides flow cytometric and sorting services. The FACS is equipped with FACStar^® Plus cell sorter, a FACS 420 cell sorter and a FACS Analyzer flow cytometer. The FACStar^® Plus is equipped with an automatic cell deposition device that allows automated single cell cloning of any cell population based on user-defined parameters.

Molecular Core Facility. 
The Molecular Core Facility houses state-of-the-art instrumentation related to protein peptide microsequencing, solid phase peptide synthesis, amino acid analysis and high performance liquid chromatography and oligonucleotide synthesis and purification.

 

Libraries

The library of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology holds major journals in microbiology, immunology, and virology. In addition, Loyola University has three libraries, containing more than 900,000 book, 2,000 journals and 1,500 online journals. The Medical Center, has a full service library in addition to the Lake Shore Campus and Water Tower Campuses. Our interconnected library system give you access to the resources of all of Loyola's Libraries

The Medical Center Library offers you a full range of information and educational services. In addition to extensive book, journal, electronic resource, and medical collections, the Library and the Learning Resources Center provides services such as in-house and electronic reference services, interlibrary loans, information management education seminars and consults, medial support, and outreach programs.

Computer Facilities and Biostatistics Resources

Multiple computers are available within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, including a central computer lab as well as computers within each laboratory. The Medical Center uses a multi-platform environment to integrate technology with teaching and learning. In addition to the basic tools, e-mail and the Internet, there are a number of web-based tools and online services designed to streamline research. The Medical Center provides short courses and workshops to acquaint students with the resources and their use.