Equipment

Overview

The Macromolecular Structure Group at the Nucleus Sarafan ChEM-H provides Stanford scientists conducting multidisciplinary research with the modern equipment and expert training they need to succeed. We help scientists explore the world of biomolecules and achieve their project goals. We specialize in protein expression, purification, biophysical analysis, and crystallization.

Visit the Access page for information about gaining access to the facility.

Equipment and Training

The Macromolecular Structure Group at the Sarafan ChEM-H Nucleus offers state-of-the-art instrumentation for a variety of applications. You can use these shared resources to perform experiments in: protein expression, protein purification, protein analysis, and protein crystallization. Training is provided if needed.

All figures below created using Biorender.com.

Biophysical Analysis

Refeyn TwoMP Mass Photometer

Solution based, labelfree mass measurements of biomolecules (30 kDa -5 MDa) in their native state. Low-affinity binding via MassFluidix. 

NanoTemper Prometheus Panta

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF) analysis of stability, oligomerization, and aggregation.

NanoTemper Monolith Pico RED & Labelfree

Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) for binding affinity (Kd) measurements of biomolecular interactions in solution.

Protein Purification

GE Akta Pure FPLC

Preparative separation of biomolecules using SEC, IMAC, and other chromatographic columns. Three wavelengths and sample collector for blocks.

Sorvall Lynx 4000 Centrifuge

Superspeed floor centrifuge for cell culture clarification and spin down. Rotors for 50 ml and 500 ml bottles available.

Tissue Extraction and Cell Lysis

Fisher FB705 Sonicator using three different microtips. Spex Genolyte 1200 bead beating for tissue homogeneization. 

Protein Expression

Tissue Culture Room

Labconco Purifier Class II Cabinet for BSL2 tissue culture work. Fisher Reach-in and PHCbi CellQ CO2-incubators.

Fisher MaxQ 8000 Shakers

Orbital shakers at 3 distinct temperatures: 16, 37C (bacterial) and 27C (baculovirus). Each hold up to 8-2L culture flasks.

Bio-Rad Xcell Electroporator

Gene Pulser electroporator with various wave pulse modes for transfecting all eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell types.

Protein Crystallization

Douglas Oryx8

Crystallization screening robot liquid handler using nanoliter dispensing in 96-well plates. Can dispense up to three conditions per buffer well.

Formulatrix RockImager 360

Automated crystallization hotel. UV-Vis plate imager. Autoscoring crystal classification with the MARCO and Sherlock AI-algorithms.​

Art Robbins Scorpion

Programmable liquid handler dispensing robot for crystallography. Optimization of pH-gradients, precipitant grids, and concentration series.

Collaborations & Funding Opportunities

Open to Collaborations

Lucy Mahoney (Stanford University), Valerie Huang (Stanford University), and Aldo Gonzalez Navarrete (Foothill College), our Macromolecular Structure Group's Student Interns 2025

The Macromolecular Structure Group at the Nucleus, Sarafan ChEM-H, has an excellent track-record fostering collaborations. Regardless of background and career stage, the Nucleus welcomes you to get your hands dirty with protein in a real-world laboratory setting. 

Do not hesitate to contact our team to start your journey in the protein world!    

Can spaghetti be crystallized?

Funding Opportunities

To encourage more Stanford researchers to engage in structural biology and train them to better produce, purify, and characterize proteins, the Macromolecular Structure Group at the Nucleus, Sarafan ChEM-H, has previously accepted proposals from Stanford scientists interested in starting or enhancing protein characterization projects in their labs. 

While this funding opportunity has closed, stay tuned for future announcements.