The Advanced Microscopy Core at the ADA Forsyth Institute offers microscopy imaging services to both internal and external users in the greater Boston area. The facility is equipped for live cell imaging, laser scanning confocal and super-resolution microscopy. Some common sample types imaged in the facility are live and fixed bacteria, biofilms, embedded soft tissue, cleared tissue, and mineralized tissue and samples can be labelled or label-free. One area of expertise is imaging many fluorophores simultaneously using spectral imaging and linear unmixing.
In addition to instrument training, we can also provide advice for sample preparation and image analysis. In some cases, we are able to provide full-service imaging for customers.

The Forsyth Multiplex Core provides researchers access to multiplex analysis of any sample type using commercially available or in-house developed assays. This includes simultaneous measurement of multiple biomarkers in a single small sample volume. Multiplex technologies provide researchers with an economical and efficient approach to biomarker detection, saving time, funds, and precious sample volume. Our goal is to offer this service to researchers, globally, providing them with the expertise in sample preparation and handling and knowledge that comes with our extensive experience.

Forsyth is now offering Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and comprehensive data analyses and interpretation for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences and other big data sequence applications through the new Forsyth Oral Microbiome Core (FOMC).

Analyses of previously obtained sequences are also offered. Many investigators are familiar with the Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next Generation Sequencing (HOMINGS) as well as its predecessor the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM) for rapid 16S rDNA analyses of oral clinical samples. We continue in that tradition using state-of-the-art bioinformatic methodology, which will provide the best possible taxa identification.

The Histology Core offers consulting and support services for both soft tissue and precise hard tissue analysis. Services include: tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and guidance on protocols. The core can embed samples in standard molds or custom molds in paraffin, resin, or as frozen tissue for routine histology. The core can also provide special stains and immunohistological studies performed either by the investigator or core staff.

The Forsyth Bioinformatics Core specializes in oral microbial genomics, taxonomy, phylogenetics and the next generation sequence (NGS) data analysis with both in-house and cloud high-performance computational resource. In addition to supporting funded bioinformatics projects, the Bioinformatics Core will also provide computational support to Forsyth and other researchers for processing, analyzing, and interpreting biological data.

The Forsyth Flow Cytometry Core offers consulting and support services for the detection of up to 14 different fluorescent parameters simultaneously, RBC contaminated samples, and high-throughput analysis using 96 or 384-well plates. The cell sorter allows for collecting cells/particulates of interest, after-screening for positively selected markers, downstream applications, and is capable of sorting four separate cell populations simultaneously.

The Forsyth Micro Computed Tomography (microCT) Core offers micro 3D X-ray imaging of small samples in high resolution and will provide images and quantitative analyses of internal structures of ex vivo samples without any destructive procedures. The Scanco μCT40 system allows for visualization, measurement, and quantification of the structure of mineralized specimens. Contrast reagents permit visualization of soft tissue structures such as blood vessels. This system creates a three-dimensional model from a stack of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation. The high-resolution scanner can capture detail at a resolution of 6 to 32 microns. The non- destructive nature of this technology allows investigators to carry out complementary analyses of the same sample. There are two dedicated workstations for analyzing microCT data, the SCANCO analysis software or the Amira software package with XImagePAQ extension.