Acquisition of a refrigerated ultracentrifuge for the Department of Biochemistry of the Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Institute of Biology

• Grant number: 09/54209-2
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: October 01, 2010
• End date: September 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Eneida de Paula
• Grantee: Eneida de Paula
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• EMU web page: Página do Equipamento Multiusuário não informada
• Type of equipment: Tipo de Equipamento Multiusuário não informado
• Manufacturer: Fabricante não informado
• Model: Modelo não informado

Abstract

Analytical ultracentrifuges and refrigerated centrifuges are both of great utility in biochemical preparations and analyses. For example, they can be employed in the separation of cell organelles, in the preparation of plasma membranes or its detergent-resistant fractions, liposomes, in the determination of partition coefficients, for enzyme purification... Therefore, devices that use centrifugal force for separation have become indispensable in biochemistry laboratories. In 1984, the researchers of the Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology /UNICAMP acquired an ultracentrifuge (model L8-80M; Beckman) and a refrigerated centrifuge (model J2-21; Beckman) for shared use among its various research groups, benefiting a large number of researchers, graduate and undergraduate students. After more than 25 years of use such equipments are obsolete and some replacement parts are no longer available. Therefore, the acquisition of these multi-user equipments (analytical ultracentrifuge and refrigerated centrifuge) provides continuity to the research projects currently underway in the Department of Biochemistry laboratories, as well as those conducted by other research groups at the Institute of Biology / UNICAMP. The direct benefits of the acquisition of the ultracentrifuge and centrifuge include the maintenance/ expansion of the scientific productivity of the researchers in the Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology/UNICAMP, support for scientific collaborations with research groups abroad, as well as making the Institute a reference for multi-user facilities in the field of biochemistry. (AU)