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CIR
Officer In charge: Mr. Uday Dandekar

The Common Instrument Room (CIR) Department serves as a centralised facility for advanced scientific instrumentation and analytical services, designed to support multidisciplinary research in cancer biology. The department provides access to state-of-the-art equipment for characterization, analysis, and testing, enabling students and research scholars to carry out high-quality experimental work efficiently.

The department aims to promote a culture of shared resources and optimal utilization of instruments by offering sophisticated instruments to in-house departments or external institutions. By integrating cutting-edge technology with expert technical support, the facility enhances research capabilities across diverse labs.

In addition to routine analytical services, it facilitates hands-on training to help users gain technical expertise and ensure the optimal use of resources. The department operates on a transparent, user-friendly booking system to maximize accessibility and efficiency.

All major equipment installed in the department have been covered under an annual maintenance contract in order to provide safe, sustainable, efficient and reliable facilities. The department has a dedicated team of technical experts, who provide necessary technical support to all the equipment installed at other research labs and facilities of the CRI to maintain the equipment in working condition and to reduce downtime of the equipment.

Overall, the Common Instrument Room Department plays a vital role in fostering scientific excellence through the effective utilization of shared research infrastructure.

Microplate Readers

MULTIMODE MICROPLATE READER - BIOTEK CYTATION 5

faculty

A multimode microplate reader is a versatile laboratory instrument that analyzes multiple samples simultaneously in a microplate using multiple detection methods. These complex optical instruments are essential for high throughput screening in the life sciences and pharmaceutical research enabling researchers to quantify biological and chemical reactions and properties in various assays, including drug discovery, cell proliferation, and gene expression

Technical Features:

Automation Fully Automatic
Detection MethodAbsorbance, Luminescence and Fluorescence detection
Multiple ReadingYes
Read methodsEndpoint, kinetic, spectral scanning, well area scanning
Temperature control4-Zone incubation to 65°C with Condensation Control; +0.2°C at 37°C
Wave length Range230 nm to 999 nm.

MULTIMODE MICROPLATE READER - BMG LABTECH CLARIOSTAR PLUS

faculty

A wide range of life science applications, including cell based assays, metabolic analysis (oxygen consumption, pH, ROS), enzymatic assays, quantification (RNA, protein), and reporter gene assays. It offers flexibility through high performance monochromator and tunable dichroic mirrors, a dedicated spectrometer for high resolution spectral scanning and atmospheric control to simulate physiological conditions.

Technical Features:

Automation Fully Automatic
Detection MethodAbsorbance, Luminescence and Fluorescence detection
Multiple ReadingYes
Read methodsEndpoint, kinetic, spectral scanning, well area scanning
Temperature control4 Zone incubation to 65°C with Condensation Control; +0.2°C at +37°C
Wave length Range230 nm to 999 nm.

MICROPLATE READER - BIOTEK EPOCH 2

faculty

A microplate reader is a laboratory instrument that quantifies chemical, biological, or physical changes within the wells of a microplate, a multi-well plate used for high-throughput screening. It detects and measures optical signals like absorbance to analyze multiple samples simultaneously, saving time and costs for researchers in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.

Technical Features:

Automation Automatic
Multiple ReadingYes
Read methodsEndpoint, kinetic, spectral scanning, well area scanning
Wave length Range200 nm to 999 nm.
Spectrophotometers

MICROLITER SPECTROMETER - DENOVIX DS11+

faculty

A microliter spectrophotometer is used to quickly measure the concentration and purity of biological samples, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, by analysing their light absorbance in just 1-2 microliters of liquid. It works by placing a small sample onto a measurement pedestal, where surface tension forms a liquid column between two fibre optics that passes light through it. The instrument then measures the light absorbed at various wavelengths, which indicates the sample's concentration and the presence of contaminants, allowing researchers to assess sample quality for experiments.

Technical Features :
Fluorescence UV / Blue, Red, Green
Absorbance Range190 – 840 nm
Wavelength accuracy ( Absorbance )0.5 nm
Micro volume path length0.5 to 0.02 nm
Centrifuges and Vacuum Concentrators
faculty
Gel Documentation Systems

CHEMIDOC IMAGING SYSTEMS - BIO RAD MP

faculty

The ChemiDoc imaging system from Bio Rad is used to image and document gels and western blots. The ChemiDoc imaging system is compatible with a wide range of gel stains, including Ethidium bromide, SYPRO Ruby, Coomassie, and Silver stains. The ChemiDoc Imaging System provides fast, reliable, and sensitive imaging and documentation of gels and Chemiluminescence western blots. This system is compatible with stain free technology.

Technical Features:

Smart Tray Technology™ Automatic recognition of application specific tray and adjustment of imaging .
AutofocusRecalibrated focus for any zoom setting or sample height
Auto exposureTwo user defined modes (rapid or optimal auto exposure) for all blot and gel imaging applications

GELDOC IMAGING SYSTEMS - BIO RAD GO IMAGING

faculty

The GelDoc Go Imaging System gives you a benchtop imaging solution in a compact and evolved package Acquire high resolution, publication quality images of both nucleic acid and protein gels

Technical Features:

Smart Tray Technology™ Automatic recognition of application specific tray and adjustment of imaging .
AutofocusRecalibrated focus for any zoom setting or sample height
Auto exposureTwo user defined modes (rapid or optimal auto exposure) for all blot and gel imaging applications
Shakers and Incubators

SHAKER INCUBATOR - LAB COMPANION ISS 3075R

faculty

Best space efficient model with double stacking Up to 80°C, 500 rpm enables setting of various experimental conditions. Utilized as an incubator using the shelves Three operating modes Temperature Shaking, Temperature, or Shaking Includes internal power outlet Shaking structure with minimized vibration.

Technical Features:

Temperature Range +5°C to +80°C
Rotation Range (RPM)10 RPM to 180 RPM MAX.

SHAKER INCUBATOR - INNOVA 44R

faculty

A Lab Companion incubator shaker is a laboratory instrument that controls temperature and provides mechanical agitation for incubating samples like microorganisms, cells, or enzymes. These devices are used in fields such as biotechnology and microbiology to facilitate growth and cultivation by providing a controlled environment for heating and shaking at user set speeds and temperatures.

Technical Features:

Temperature Range Ambient -10°C to +80°C
Door openingGlide up
Speed Range25-400 rpm with 2.5 cm orbit;
25-300 rpm with 5.1 cm orbit or 2 stacked units;
25-250 rpm for 2 stacked units
PCR Machine

PCR MACHINE (THERMAL CYCLER) - HIMEDIA AND PROFLEX

faculty

A PCR machine amplifies specific DNA or RNA segments from samples, which is essential for applications like detecting genetic diseases, identifying pathogens (e.g. viruses), forensic DNA analysis, paternity testing, and gene cloning. It achieves this by rapidly cycling through controlled temperature changes to replicate target genetic material, a process known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Technical Features:

TYPE Multi block Gradient Thermal Cycler
Block3 x 32 well block
GUIGraphical touch screen

REAL TIME PCR SYSTEM - QUANT STUDIO 5

faculty

The Applied Bio systems Quant Studio 5 Real Time PCR System is designed for Proven OptiPlex technology (six decoupled channels/ 21 filter combinations with white LED) yield optimum results.

Technical Features:

Display type touchscreen
Format96 well plate
Volume100 µL
Sonicators and Bioruptors

PROBE SONICATOR - BRANSON 450 DIGITAL

faculty

A probe Sonicator is a laboratory instrument that uses high frequency ultrasonic energy to process liquid samples, commonly for disruption, dispersion, and mixing. It works by converting electrical energy into intense vibrations transmitted through a metal probe directly into the liquid, creating cavitation bubbles that cause intense shearing and mixing. This allows for applications like breaking open cells, preparing nanomaterials, and creating emulsions.

Technical Features:

Frequency 25KHz
Pulse ModeAllows for ON and OFF cycles, adjustable from 1 second to 59 seconds, to prevent overheating.
Power100-1500W

DIAGENODE SONICATION SYSTEM - BIORUPTOR PICO

faculty

A Bioruptor is a laboratory device that uses focused ultrasound and controlled cavitation to create mechanical stress, primarily for shearing biomolecules like DNA and chromatin, but also for disrupting cells, homogenizing tissue, dispersing chemical components, and reducing the size of liposomes.

Technical Features:

FREQUENCY 20 KHz-60 KHz
POWER 1000 watts
TEMPERATURE +4°C to +20°C
Other Equipment
faculty

Dr. Abhijit De
Facility In Charge: Ms. Snehal Valvi

Considering the growing importance of detecting cancer in a whole-body context of preclinical model organisms that the researchers use in experimental settings, the Molecular Imaging Facility (MIF) was envisioned by Dr. Abhijit De. The MIF facility started its operation in 2013, offering advanced imaging capacity for both live cell population and preclinical in vivo imaging services to researchers. This core facility supports imaging based on three forms of photonic signatures, i.e. Bioluminescence, Cerenkov luminescence and Near InfraRed Fluorescent (NIRF), providing valuable molecular and functional information from whole body context. Current equipment provide ability to scan live cells and small animals to support longitudinal monitoring of disease progression, tracking therapy response and tracking biodistribution of labelled cells and materials. Fast scanning process allows rapid generation of high-quality imaging data for visualization and quantitative analysis. This facility has established track record of supporting imaging work for in-house researchers as well as external research collaborations with institutions and industries.

Facility Equipment and Imaging Support

The facility is currently equipped with three In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) platforms along with supporting gadgets like gas anaesthesia and dedicated computing resources for image acquisition and analysis:

  1. IVIS Lumina II (PerkinElmer, USA)
  2. IVIS Spectrum (PerkinElmer, USA)
  3. IVIS Spectrum CT (Revvity, USA formerly PerkinElmer, USA)

IVIS Lumina II

  • Both live cell and live animal imaging in luminescence mode.
  • Allows scanning of upto 3 mice at a time.
  • Equipped with four standard fluorescence emission filters GFP, Cy5.5, DsRed and ICG.

IVIS Spectrum

  • Both live cell and live animal imaging in bioluminescence, Cerenkov luminescence and NIR fluorescence mode.
  • Allow upto 5 mice per scan in 2D planar mode and 1 mouse for 3D tomographic imaging mode
  • Wide range of filter set to support spectral unmixing (10 Excitation filters in the range of 430-745 nm, 35 nm bandwidth and 18 Emission filters covering 500-840 nm, 20 nm bandwidth). Spectral unmixing imaging capacity provides scope of using multiple probes emitting non-overlapping photonic signatures.

IVIS Spectrum CT

  • Both live cell and live animal imaging in bioluminescence, Cerenkov luminescence and NIR fluorescence mode.
  • Allow upto 5 mice in 2D planar scanning mode and upto 2 mouse for 3D scanning mode
  • This system provides full 3D tomographic imaging support with coregistered optical signals with precise anatomical (CT) images for volumetric reconstruction of molecular signals.
  • Wide range of filter set to support spectral unmixing (10 Excitation filters in the range of 430-745 nm, 35 nm bandwidth and 18 Emission filters covering 500-840 nm, 20 nm bandwidth). Spectral unmixing imaging capacity provides scope of using multiple probes emitting non-overlapping photonic signatures.
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Applications
  1. Non-invasive, real-time in vivo imaging allowing longitudinal monitoring of disease progression.
  2. Primarily used for oncology research applications using rodent models (Xenografts, Syngeneic Tumor Models, Orthotopic and Metastasis models); can be extended to other areas like inflammatory, infectious and neuronal disease models.
  3. Efficacy measurement of various forms of therapy interventions and biodistribution and uptake studies to understand material cellular distribution in whole animal context.
  4. Imaging stem cell graft differentiation, testing cell / medical implants in vivo using suitable phantom or model system.
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User Guidelines
  • Users are required to submit signed End User Form before starting new experiments. Email the End User at Form to - Email id mifacility[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
  • An online booking software is created to book imaging slots. Users can book slots via URL http://10.100.36.253/FacilityEquipBooking by entering last 6 digits of their CC number and password.
  • Booking slots open a week before; no more than 2 consecutive time slots can be booked by any user.
  • External service users can contact MIF facility directly and discuss requirements.
Management

Committee Members -

Student Members:
Ms. Priti Shenoy
Mr. Jinesh Maniar

Facility In-charge: Ms. Snehal Valvi
Email: snehal.valvi[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in

Facility Staff: Mr. Amandeep Jast
Email: jastaman[dot]actrec[at]gmail[dot]com

Contact Us

Molecular Imaging Facility
AH-105 and 107, First Floor, Laboratory Animal Facility, ACTREC, TMC
Plot No.1 & 2, Sector 22
Kharghar, Navi Mumbai - 410 210.
Contact: 022-27405000 / 022-68735000 and ask for extension 5682
Email: mifacility[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in

Dr. Poonam Gera
Dr. Poonam Gera

The ACTREC Biorepository is the custodian of stored biological samples that can be shared, under a tightly regulated and strictly monitored mechanism, with researchers having approved projects that aim to study the biology of cancer, find biomarkers for a more refined molecular classification, or for targeted therapy. In all, tissue samples from 630 cases were accrued in the Biorepository during 2017. As always the majority were head and neck tumors, followed by breast tumors. Other tumor types included neurological, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecological, etc.

This year, the collection of bio specimens was extended to the Breast OPD wherein core biopsies are now being cryo preserved for future research; this is in addition to collection from the OTs, Frozen room and Surgical Pathology. Cryopreserved tissue samples (470) were provided to eight Principal Investigators with approved projects under various protocols at the Tata Memorial Centre. In the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) project, gingivo buccal mucosa tumour and blood samples were collected from 30 patients accrued this year, and their extracted genomic DNA samples were sent to NIBMG, Kalyani for whole genome scan and sequence capture-based flow cell sequencing.

The Biorepository itself initiated a project on quality monitoring of in-house cryo preserved tissues. The OIC contributed her Pathology expertise involving the evaluation of Hematoxylin & Eosin as well as immunohistochemistry slides to eight ACTREC projects.

Dr. Ashok Varma
Dr. Ashok Varma

The Bioinformatics facility of ACTREC provides infrastructural and technical support to scientists, clinicians and research scholars of the Centre to fulfil the bioinformatics requirements of their on-going research projects. Scientists of the Centre also use the facility’s infrastructure to explore microarray, next generation sequence data analysis, database development, molecular modelling and data mining for their on-going projects.

This facility receives strong funding support from DBT and is established as a BTIS-net centre of this region. It is well equipped with one nVIDIA Tesla GPU workstation, 5 workstations, 1 webserver and seven PCs. The facility also focuses on database development such as Histome: the human infobase; this database is presently being updated. In the domain of gene expression studies, projects related to TGCA database mining and analysis are under progress. In silico molecular modelling, dynamics and protein-protein interactions have been performed using BARC’s supercomputing facility.

The facility hosted a national 28th BTISnet Coordinators Meeting on 3rd and 4th February 2017. The facility also organized its annual 2-day Workshop on ‘Basics of Bioinformatics’ targeting college teachers and research scholars of institutions in the Mumbai and neighboring areas on 2nd and 3rd March 2017. The facility staff also provided training to six trainees during the year, three for Bachelor’s/ Master’s dissertation and three for experience.

Dr K Nirmal Kumar
Officer In Charge: Dr K Nirmal Kumar

The Anti-Cancer Drug Screening Facility (ACDSF) at ACTREC supports the efforts of anti-cancer drug development in India, with in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer drug screening assays that have been developed in-house. ACDSF has 53 human tumor cell lines, 10 murine tumor models and 38 xenograft models for carrying out drug screening. During 2017, 1345 compounds were received from 161 clients including eight corporate R&D organizations from 13 states across India. In all, 1287 compounds were tested for their in vitro activity and 58 compounds were examined for MTD (n=14) and in vivo efficacy assays (n=44).

Two new xenografts namely KG-1 (leukemia) and HCC1954 (breast cancer) were developed during the report year. The facility has successfully completed XII-plan CSIR funded project ‘Affordable cancer therapeutics’ in collaboration with IICT, Hyderabad (2012-17). Of the second set of 300 compounds, 11 compounds were found to be active against four cancer cell lines (Hep-G2, HT-29, SCC-29B and PLC-Prf-5).

Temporary Suspension of Testing Services

Three of these compounds that were most active against oral cancer spheroids (CSC) were further tested for their in vivo efficacy against oral cancer xenograft AW13516. Only one of these (AKL-JA) was found to be strongly active against the AW13516 xenograft. Corroborative evidence was obtained through PET-CT imaging of tumor bearing animals and histopathology of tumor sections.

Contact Us

For sample submission and enquiry: Please write to the facility in charge for further information on service provided, sample submission and requisition form will be provided by the facility. Users are requested to discuss over email/telephone regarding the study and other information.

Contact:
Facility in charge: Dr K Nirmal Kumar,
Scientific Officer ‘D’
Anti-Cancer Drug Screening,
Room No. KS-324,
Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC),
Tata Memorial Centre,
Kharghar, Navi Mumbai - 410 210.
Email: acdsf@actrec.gov.in
Tel: 022-27405000 / 022-68735000
Ext: 5431

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