Equipment and Facilities

This instrument is used for isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). ITC is a premier thermodynamic technique that elucidates the intricacies of binding interactions between molecules. The calorimeter, which is accompanied by the Nano Run software, provides sensitivity and flexibility for experiments, which yields optimal thermodynamic results.

The MRC shaking incubator is a refrigerated incubator with heating capacity. The large shaking incubator is used for cell culturing of E. coli and protein expression. It is a forced air circulation system and has a wide temperature range, enabling the growth of many strains of E. coli as well as expression vectors.

This laminar flow fume hood is designed for cell culturing with non-hazardous bio-materials. It possesses a UV light that has a default timer of 15 minutes, for sterilisation purposes. Standard airflow is maintained, and the air is recycled to ensure the filters are preserved.

Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations are powerful computational tools that are widely used in molecular biology and biophysics. These tools enable researchers to simulate interactions between proteins and ligands, thus providing great insights into the nature of protein-ligand interactions. The PSFRU is home to significantly enhanced computing capacity fit for the purposes of Molecular Docking Simulations (MDS) studies. Our MDS computer may be accessed remotely, enabling members and alumni from all over the world to continue with and collaborate on current research.

The stopped-flow spectrophotometer measures the kinetics of a reaction down to the milliseconds-seconds range. This is vital for the work performed at the PSFRU as it facilitates the calculation of rapid kinetics of the interactions between proteins and substrates or inhibitors as well as folding/unfolding reaction of proteins.

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a technique that examines the size distribution of particles in a sample. Particles in Brownian motion are bombarded with non-destructive light, which leads to Rayleigh scattering. The resultant diffracted wavelengths may then relay information about the particle size distribution of the target sample.

The ӒKTA Start Purification System is a derivation of the Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) technology. It is easily accommodated on a bench-top and it is great for most low-scale protein purification. It is accompanied by the UNICORN™ software that streamlines the process of purification and data collection.

The ӒKTAprime plus™ Liquid Chromatography Purification System has been hailed as a staple in the scientific research community. The system accommodates a wide variety of pre-packed columns and maintains its one-step purification efficiency across those columns. It is accompanied by the UNICORN™ software that streamlines the process of purification and data collection.

The BioLogic purification is a low-pressure system that allows for gravity flow purification. It is versatile and reliable for protein purification. It is accompanied by the LP Data View software, which enables user-friendly collection of chromatogram data.

This spectrofluorometer enables a wide range of fluorescence-based experiments to be performed. The spectrofluorometer promises a high quality optical system, system versatility and flexibility, and high sensitivity. Instrument control via PC is enabled through the Spectra Manager™ software suite.

The spectropolarimeter combines a variable wavelength polarimeter and an absorption spectrophotometer. It is primarily used to determine the secondary structure of protein samples. It can also permit one to perform folding and thermodynamic studies, among other experiments. It is accompanied by the Spectra Manager™ software suite.

This Jasco CD spectrophotometer can run a variety of samples ranging from liquids to solids. Thermal melt, conformational, thermodynamic, and folding studies are examples of the possible experiments that are accommodated by the machine. The CD spectrophotometer also has an extensive wavelength range. It is accompanied by the Spectra Manager™ software suite.

This spectrophotometer is suited for standard spectrophotometric analysis of samples. It possesses a host of sampling accessories and it is equipped with high-speed scanning. It is accompanied by the Spectra Manager™ software suite.

The microplate reader is an essential part in the large repertoire of the Unit’s equipment catalogue. One can perform experiments that are based on absorbance, luminescence, polarisation, and fluorescence. It requires relatively small amounts of reagents, thus being suitable for experiments to be performed in triplicate, even if you may not have the largest amounts of sample.

The HPLC system is used primarily as a quantitative tool. Protein samples are run through the system and accurate molecular weight values of the samples may be determined from the data. The system has high resolution, high sensitivity, and quick stabilisation times, ensuring accurate and replicable results.

Situated on the 8^th floor of Gatehouse is the D8 VENTURE Bruker Scientific Instruments Cu/Mo X-ray Diffractometer. It is a dual wavelength diffractometer, and it provides ease of sample visibility and accessibility. With both the PSFRU and School of Chemistry utilising this instrument, it is a great tool for structural determination for proteins and other molecules.

Small Molecular Crystal X-ray Data Collection Service

Formal enquiries and sending samples contact:

Dr. Ramesh Pandian

Room Number 420, 4^th floor, Gate House,

Protein Structure-Function Research Unit,

School of Molecular and Cell Biology,

University of the Witwatersrand,

Johannesburg - 2050, South Africa

Office: +27-117176327

Mobile: +27-815489351

Email: ramesh.pandian@wits.ac.za