The Faculty of Biology Core Facilities provides competent support for your scientific and technical questions. There are four teams with different scientific specialization, as well as two infrastructure competencies. We share our resources through the JGU Open Iris network, where you can reserve equipment.

Our Teams for Scientific Expertise

Our Expertise in Infrastructure

Booking Equipment

A brief initial training is required before using the device for the first time. After that, you can use it independent of assistance.

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Longโ€‘term storage of samples under cryogenic conditions

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Gas-phase storage over liquid nitrogen at -170ยฐC
  • “Carefree” storage: Nitrogen replenishment and maintenance handled by the Core Facilities

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Preparative ultracentrifugation of samples

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Large selection of swing-out and fixed-angle rotors
  • Centrifugation up to 500,000g
  • Temperature control between 4ยฐC and 25ยฐC

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Fully equipped insect cell culture laboratory
  • A small daily fee is charged for use

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Sterile work in a biosafety cabinet (Class 2)
  • Sample incubation at 27ยฐC in a shaker (Kuhner, Infors)
  • Automated cell counter (Denovix)
  • Fluorescence microscope (Leica)

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Identification of lowโ€‘molecularโ€‘weight substances in complex samples

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Agilent gas chromatograph (GCโ€ฏ88990) and mass spectrometer (MSโ€ฏ5977C) with autosampler
  • Quadrupole mass spectrometer
  • Separation of complex mixtures of hydrophobic, lowโ€‘molecularโ€‘weight substances (
  • Identification of substances based on mass spectra

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy for liquid samples

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Highโ€‘precision, lowโ€‘noise absorption spectra
  • Measurement range in UV/Vis (190โ€ฏโ€“โ€ฏ900โ€ฏnm)
  • Temperature control from 4โ€ฏยฐC to 35โ€ฏยฐC, Kinetic measurements

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • UV/Vis Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Liquid Samples

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Highโ€‘precision, lowโ€‘noise fluorescence spectra
  • Measurement range in UV/Vis (200โ€“900โ€ฏnm)
  • Temperature control fromโ€ฏ4โ€ฏยฐC toโ€ฏ35โ€ฏยฐC
  • Kinetic measurements

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Characterization of liquid biological samples using dynamic light scattering

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Measurement of size distributions
  • Measurement of diffusion coefficients
  • Particle size range from 0.3โ€ฏnm to 10โ€ฏยตm
  • Temperature control fromโ€ฏ4โ€ฏยฐC toโ€ฏ35โ€ฏยฐC
  • Kinetic measurements

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Characterization of liquid biological samples using nanoparticle tracking

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Measurement of size distributions
  • Particle size range from 20โ€ฏnm to 1โ€ฏยตm

Characteristics

  • Binding Affinity
  • Binding kinetics
  • Label-free
  • Real time measurements

Further information

Contact

Characteristics

  • Protein stability (temperature, chemical denaturation)
  • Protein aggregation
  • Label-free (intrinsic Trp, Tyr fluorescence)

Further information

Contact

I am available to advise you on your specific needs and the methods used in biomolecular and bioanalytical research. I look forward to working with you!

TEM expertise for research, training, and consulting in the life sciences. We are available to advise you on any questions you may have regarding transmission electron microscopy and look forward to working with you!

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • STED, FLIM, classical Confocal Microscopy

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Inverse Architecture, 20x Immersion, 86x Water, 93x Glycerol and 100x Oil Objectives. 2 x HyDS and 2x HyDX Detectors
  • is available in Room BZ1, 03.157.

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • classical Confocal Microscopy, FRAP

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Upright Architecture, 10x Air, 20x Immersion, 40x Oil and 63x Glycerol as well as 20x, 40x and 63x Water Objectives, 2 x PMT and 1 x HyD Detectors
  • available in Room BZ1, 02.311

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • classical Confocal Microscopy, FRAP, live cell imaging

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Inverse Architecture, 10x and 20x Air, 40x Oil and 63x Glycerol Objectives. 2 x HyD and 2x PMT Detectors
  • is available in Room BZ1, 02.309

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • classical Tansmissions-Fluorescence-Microscopy, live cell imaging

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Inverse Architecture, Sample Finder, Apotom3 (more details coming soon)
    dsDNA

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • LongTime in Vivo Microscopy with very little Phototoxicity

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Inverse Architecture, excellent 40x Water Objective
    (more details coming soon)

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Confocal Microscopy with the option of Airyscan 2

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Inverse Architecture (more details coming soon)

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Confocal Microscopy with the option of Airyscan 2, wide Spectral Range, FLIM, FRAP, FRET possible

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Inverse Architecture (more details coming soon)

Our device offers the following techniques:

  • Fluorescence Stereo Zoom Microscopy with Apotome 3, Color and Monochrome Cameras

And is equipped with the following features:

  • Fluorescence Microscopy for Large Objects, Optical Sections

Do you have a concern or questions about light microscopy? We’re here to assist you.

With our equipment, we offer library preparation for various sequencing applications:

  • Whole Genome Sequencing
    (assembly, SV- and SNV detection, phasing)
  • Whole Transcriptome Sequencing
    (gene expression, splice variation, fusion transcripts, RNA-modification)
  • Epigenetics
  • Metagenomics
  • Targeted Sequencing
  • 16S Analysis
  • Highโ€‘resolution qualitative and quantitative analysis of HMW gDNA up to ~160โ€“165 kb using pulsedโ€‘field capillary electrophoresis
  • Highโ€‘sensitivity sizing and quantification of DNA and RNA samples in the picogram range
  • QC of longโ€‘read sequencing libraries and other DNA fragments, including integrity assessment and fragment size distribution profiles
  • Assessment of RNA integrity and overall RNA quality (RIN/RQNโ€‘like metrics) to approve samples for downstream library preparation

Quality Control of DNA and RNA

  • Sizing and quantification of gDNA and long read sequencing libraries
  • Quality Control of NGS libraries
  • RNA integrity of total RNA

Quality Control of mRNA/ polyA+ RNA

  • Quantification and sizing of small RNA and microRNA

Fluorometric Quantification of…

  • dsDNA
  • ssDNA
  • RNA

Spectrophotometric Quantification of…

  • DNA
  • RNA

Quantification in microvolumes or cuvettes

  • Controlled fragmentation of HMW gDNA for downstream applications (e.g. PacBio, Oxford Nanopore)
  • Generation of narrow and highly reproducible DNA size ranges from ~5 kb up to >100 kb, optimized for specific library requirements
  • Homogenization of highly viscous DNA samples while keeping integrity of DNA
  • Optional QC of sheared DNA on downstream platforms (e.g. Fragment Analyzer or Femto Pulse) on request
  • Chromatin shearing
  • DNA shearing for NGS
  • DNA extraction from FFPE samples
  • RNA shearing
  • 96-well, 5-Farben plus FRET
  • 384-well, 4-Farben plus FRET
  • General Project Consulting
  • Enrichment of HMW DNA (CirculomicsTM)
  • Special gelelectrophoresis for HMW DNA
  • Fragmentation and size selection of DNA
  • Support with Illumina-Sequencing

Please feel free to contact us for assistance with the planning and implementation of your next project.

We support your projects from planning and sample preparation through to analysis, tailored to your specific needs.

We are also here to assist you with in-depth data analysis and support you in the efficient and reproducible evaluation of your sequencing data with the following core competencies:

We can help you create high-quality reference genomes.

  • Using state-of-the-art algorithms, we perform haplotype-resolved de novo genome assemblies, even for complex genomes.
  • Building on this, we perform reliable gene predictions and annotations.
  • In addition, we offer specialized bioinformatics workflows for analyzing DNA modifications (such as 5mC) directly from native Nanopore sequencing data to provide detailed answers to epigenetic questions.

To provide an in-depth understanding of gene expression, we analyze your RNA-Seq data. Our established workflows include

  • robust quantification of differential gene expression
  • as well as the detection of alternative transcript isoforms.
  • In addition, our analysis pipelines enable the identification and mapping of RNA modifications (epitranscriptomics) to fully harness the potential of modern long-read technologies.

We use our dedicated metagenomic workflows to perform bioinformatic characterization of complex microbial communities or specific environmental samples. We offer

  • both the analysis of WGS-based metagenome data for in-depth taxonomic insights
  • as well as the efficient analysis of amplikon-based metabarcoding data for precise species identification and diversity assessment.

Modern and secure research data management is the foundation of reproducible science. As a central IT solution, we manage the electronic lab notebook eLabFTW. Our services include

  • all technical administration and maintenance, as well as
  • a structured orientation and training program for new workgroups.
  • This allows you to digitally map your laboratory processes and
  • document experiments and research data in a legally compliant manner.
  • Liquid and solid S1 wastes
  • Culture media and microbiological byproducts
  • Appropriate autoclave programs
  • Process monitoring and documentation
  • Preparation for disposal in compliance with regulations
  • Glassware (flasks, bottles, beakers, etc.)
  • Autoclavable Plastics
  • Specialized and Large-Scale Laboratory Ware
  • Optimized Dishwashing Programs
  • Adjusted Detergent Dosage
  • Processes that are gentle on materials
  • For temperature-stable materials
  • Heat treatment based on requirements
  • Monitored Sterilization Cycles
  • For temperature-stable materials
  • Heat treatment based on requirements
  • Monitored Sterilization Cycles
  • Glassware and Plastics
  • Efficient, residue-free drying
  • Support for Process Adjustments
  • Technical Support
  • Quality Assurance Documentation

Before we can begin providing our services, we need a service request from you. Please contact us!

To ensure smooth operations and optimal cleaning results, please observe the following acceptance times and guidelines, label the materials correctly, and prepare them for safe transport. Please note that we can only process undamaged materials.

A drop-off is possible:

  • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Note: Subject to availability of drop-off boxes. Acceptance is only possible as long as there are available drop-off boxes.

A drop-off is possible:

  • Monday-Thursday: from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Friday: from 7 a.m. to 12 noon

Please note:

  • Dishwashing containers must be heat-resistant to at least 55 degrees, pre-cleaned, and free of residue!
  • Stickers, labels, and markings (except for identification marks) must be removed.
  • Single-use materials are not cleaned!

A drop-off is possible:

  • Monday-Thursday: from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Friday: from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Delivery and pickup of utensils (laboratoryware/items to be autoclaved) take place in the basement of BZ 2, in the transfer area in front of SML Room No. -1.508. The transport carts for this purpose have already been provided to you. The laboratoryware should be labeled with an identifier (the lab groupโ€™s abbreviation).
  • If you don’t have an ID yet, please contact us. We’ll be happy to take care of it for you.
  • Place the sorted materials on transport carts in the transfer zone in front of the SML in the basement. Once the pickup notification has been sent via email, responsibility is transferred to the work group.
  • Lab coats:
    You can wash and dry your own lab coats in BZ1, Room 00.413
  • Emergency Shower Tester:
    To borrow the emergency shower tester, you must make a reservation in advance using the following link: https://teamweb.uni-mainz.de/fb10/BiologieResources/default.aspx
    Please note the SMLCF’s opening hours regarding borrowing and returning items.

If you have any special requests or other concerns, please let our team know.

We look forward to assisting you with your needs and to a successful collaboration!

  • Metals (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper)
  • Wood
  • Plastics
  • 3D Printing for Complex Geometries and Rapid Prototyping
  • Laser cutting for precise cuts in various materials
  • CNC Machining (Milling, Turning) for High-Precision Manufacturing
  • Traditional Machining (Manual Milling Machine, Lathe, Drilling Machine)
  • PCB Design, Routing, and Assembly (Standard Components, SMD Components, Microcontrollers)
  • 2D and 3D design software for detailed drawings and models
  • Taxidermy of birds and insects, among other things
  • Repair and Maintenance of Scientific Instruments and Equipment
  • Cost and Feasibility Analysis for Repairs and Renovations

Please always use these contact options for orders and inquiries. We look forward to working with you!

Our Team | We’re here to assist you with your inquiries…

… for electronics and 3D printing

… for precision engineering and laser cutters

… for animals/specimens

… for precision engineering

… for precision engineering and CNC

Insights | We’re proud of our โ€œbest work.โ€

Take advantage of our services, take the initiative, and reach out to the contacts who can help you with your request.

At the Faculty of Biology Core Facilies you will receive competent support for your scientific and technical questions. There are four teams with different scientific orientations as well as two competencies for the infrastructure.

Team Lead

Managing Director

Assistance

Team Lead

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Reserving Equipment

Team Lead

Visitors’ address

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Your contact

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Workshop

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Service Lab Kitchen

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