Flow Cytometry Core Facility supporting the Loyola Health Sciences Campus research community and nearby laboratories. Conventional, full-spectrum, and cell sorting flow cytometry services available.

The Loyola Genomics Facility currently provides next-generation sequencing capabilities using the Illumina MiSeq. We are available to guide your next project through all the necessary steps including experimental design, quality control analysis, library preparation, and data analysis.

The Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging (CAMI) in Evanston, IL provides access to a range of preclinical imaging modalities and support services. These include MRI, nuclear imaging (PET, SPECT, and microCT), in vivo bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging, animal housing and prep spaces, and tissue culture. Image analysis services are available, as are software packages (JIM, Amira, Matlab) and a workstation for users to perform their own data analysis. Imaging services can be provided for investigators‘ own animal models, or animal models can be supplied by the Developmental Therapeutics Core.

The Mouse Histology & Phenotyping Laboratory (MHPL) offers tailored and extensive histopathology and molecular phenotyping services to support research using diverse animal models. MHPL's broad range of services assists researchers in understanding:

Gene function and mutations
Etiology and mechanisms of diseases
Immune responses
Toxicology and drug efficacy
Evaluation of new surgical techniques and implanted devices

Established in 2006 within the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern, this crucial shared resource has significantly expanded its capabilities and now handles samples from more than a dozen animal species.

The Central Laboratory for Materials Mechanical Properties (CLaMMP) is the main mechanical testing facility on the Northwestern Evanston Campus. Instrumentation is available for tensile, compressive, bending and creep testing of a range of material types including polymers, metals, ceramics and composites.

The Magnet, Low Temperature and Optics Facility offers instrumentation for electrical/magnetic/optical characterization of thin film and semi-conductor materials and devices. Temperature range depending on technique is -1.8K to 400K.

The Materials Characterization and Imaging Facility (MatCI, formerly OMM ) offers a broad range of characterization and sample preparation equipment for use by internal as well as external users to Northwestern University.  Characterization techniques include optical microscopy, index of refraction, UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy, thermal imaging, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), hardness testing (Vicker’s, Knoop), rotational rheometry, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis.  Sample and surface preparation capabilities include mounting (castable mounts, hot pressure mounting, vacuum impregnation), cutting, sectioning and wafer dicing, polishing/grinding, ion beam milling and cross-sectional polishing.  Tube and box furnaces are available with temperature range up to 1700C for thermal processing.
 For more information about this facility, click here.

Core offers custom peptide services. Facility provides expertise and instrumentation dedicated to chemical synthesis, purification, and characterization of peptides and peptide materials. Provides standard and catalog peptides, and synthesis of specialty custom peptides modified to fit specific research needs.

Core provides services for dissection of the immune response both phenotypically, functionally and transcriptionally at the single cell or population level. Technologies like single cell RNAseq (10x Genomics Chromium platform), multispectral fluorescent tissue imaging of FFPE tissues (Vectra 3 Imaging System, Akoya Biosciences), high-performance electrochemiluminescence plexing immunoassays (QuickPlex 120, MSD), and automated multiplexed single-cell and bulk protein analysis system (IsoLight, IsoPlexis) are available to investigators, providing immune cell (and beyond) characterization at the highest resolution. Other services also include project consultation, sample preparation, controlled rate freezing and cryopreservation/storage, as well as a comprehensive range of standardized and customizable immunological assays.

Metabolomics Core at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University provides LCMS based metabolomics services including identification, semi-quantification and quantification of metabolites and integrative genomics services related to metabolism.

NUFAB is an advanced microfabrication and nanofabrication research cleanroom facility at Northwestern University. It provides resources for research in MEMs/NEMs, nano-bio, nano/microelectronics, and other related and interdisciplinary areas to Northwestern University community and outside researchers.

Our five facilities, EPIC, SPID, Keck-II, BioCryo, and NUFAB are committed to-
*enhancing education & research by providing a prudent combination of state-of-the-art and core surface science analytical characterization instruments
*assisting users by offering hands-on instrument skills training & up-to-date information on concepts, and to collaborate in classroom instruction and research activities
*developing innovative research programs and cutting-edge techniques for atomic and nanoscale materials characterization

The Behavioral Phenotyping Core (BPC) helps investigators examine their mice and rats for changes in behavior. BPC‘s mission is to make available to funded research projects a facility to determine the behavioral effects of genetic manipulations, potential pharmaceuticals, aging, and other manipulations upon normal behavior, and the learning and memory capacities of rodents used as model systems. We can also work with PIs needing to gather pilot data. 
Individuals wishing to use the BPC are encouraged to contact Dr. Craig Weiss during the design stage of the project. 
The selection of animal strain, age and gender should be considered carefully.  Contact Dr. Weiss to discuss  selections.  For a discussion of gender differences affecting research with humans see: http://www.womenshealth.northwestern.edu/research
On-line reservation calendar: The BPC has multiple assays in the same room and even multiple assays in the same chamber.  This arrangement maximizes flexibility and efficiency within our limited space, but it precludes the use of an on-line reservation calendar.  Scheduling is done by emailing either Jason Zysk (jason.zysk@northwestern.edu or Dr. Weiss (cweiss@northwestern.edu). 

A Northwestern University core facility dedicated to supporting single cell and spatial biology experiments on the Evanston campus. Also the home of flow cytometry operations for the Evanston campus.

Core facility for synthetic biology experimentation including pilot-scale fermentation, high throughput automation, biological sample analysis, and cell-free protein synthesis.

Core provides general purpose x-ray equipment for diffraction and fluorescence studies. Examples of current measurements are: powder diffraction, single-crystal diffraction, thin-film reflectivity, thin-film diffraction, crystal truncation rod scattering, small angle scattering, Laue diffraction, residual stress, pole figures, EDX-ray fluorescence, x-ray standing waves, high-resolution x-ray diffraction, and grazing incidence small angle scattering.

Core Facility provides support for short or long-term projects requiring expertise the analysis of biological datasets. The services provided include the analysis of large-scale datasets (e.g. next-gen sequencing data, microarrays, etc.), the development of customized databases and reusable analysis pipelines, guidance on experimental design, support with technical sections of manuscripts and grants, and training on analysis software packages. All services are charged at our hourly rate.

Core provides equipment to manufacture and test thin-film devices without ever exposing them to air or water, allowing measurements of device performance unaffected by environmental degradation.

Core facility dedicated to advancing research projects requiring cell sorting and/or analysis of cell populations by flow cytometry. The core offers training on and access to shared use instrumentation for analytical flow cytometry, services for fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) as well as technical consultation and support on experimental design, execution, and data analysis.

A portal that provides a province-wide, population-based cancer control program for the residents of British Columbia and the Yukon. The BC Cancer Agency''s mandate covers the spectrum of cancer care, from prevention and screening, to diagnosis, treatment, and through to rehabilitation. The BC Cancer Agency''s mandate is driven by a three-fold mission: 1. To reduce the incidence of cancer; 2. To reduce the mortality rate of people with cancer; 3. To improve the quality of life of people living with cancer. This mission drives everything we do, including providing screening, diagnosis and care, setting treatment standards, and conducting research into causes of, and cures for, cancer. The BC Cancer Agency operates five regional cancer centers, providing assessment and diagnostic services, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. Each of the BC Cancer Agency''s centers delivers cancer treatment based on provincial standards and guidelines established by the Agency. We work in partnership with communities to provide a network of chemotherapy clinics so patients can receive care closer to home. Research is an essential part of the BC Cancer Agency''s mission to not only find the causes of cancer, but to find better treatments for prolonged life and better quality of life. With direct links between the BC Cancer Agency''s physicians and researchers at our five centers, the Deeley Research Centre (located in Victoria) and the BC Cancer Agency''s Research Centre (located in Vancouver), we can quickly translate new discoveries into clinical applications. The BC Cancer Agency''s Research Centre includes eight specialty laboratories including the Genome Sciences Centre, and the Terry Fox Laboratory. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds for cancer research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency.

The GET-IN Core provides services and R&D in cell engineering and gene expression modifications by using retro- and lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, shRNA/MIR and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing methods.

TEST IT² Core will provide service, equipment, protocols, and training to help investigators differentiate healthy skin from skin with abnormal immune responses at the cellular and molecular level, to enable biomarker identification as well as to increasing our knowledge of skin immune responses.

The STEM Core provides services in the human skin tissue procurement, isolation, and culture of human and murine skin-derived primary cells, 3D organotypic skin cultures, tissue processing, and basic histologic stains. The Core trains researchers in the development and use of these various techniques.

The Keck-II Center was established in late 2001 through the support of W. M. Keck Foundation. Keck-II also has received some support from Northwestern's Institute for Nanotechnology's NSF-sponsored Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center (NSEC) as well as from the State of IL and Northwestern. Keck-II facilitates research, collaboration, education and outreach in all science from soft biological matter to hard physical matter, specializing in surface analysis and nano-scale characterization. 
Keck-II hosts Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Confocal Raman System, High Resolution Stylus Profilometer, 3D Optical Microscope, Spectroscopic Ellipsometer, and Zetasizer.
Keck-II is open to all the faculty and students at Northwestern University as well as the researchers at the nearby academic institutions and related industrial companies. The Keck-II Center operates and functions like its sister facilities (SPID and EPIC)-based on the core philosophy of open-access, hand-on training, collaboration and assistance from our able staff. Training is offered on a periodic basis, both as “crash courses” or part of hands-on structured courses, as well as individual ad-hoc training as need arises.

The Electron Probe Instrumentation Center (EPIC- NUANCE) offers a wide range of electron microscopy (both transmission and scanning), accessory instrumentation, and expertise to the scientific and engineering community through education, collaboration, and service. The laboratory provides facilities for the preparation and examination of many types of bulk and thin specimens (foils/films), fine particles, and replicas, including biological materials, by transmission and scanning electron microscopy.

The integrated BioCryo Core Facility provides a comprehensive source for characterization of biological, soft matter, and hybrid samples with TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy) at cryogenic and at ambient temperature. We provide expertise and access to equipment for cryofixation and processing of frozen hydrated samples by high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution, plunge freezing, freeze fracturing/etching/coating, and cryo/ultramicrotomy. We also process samples at ambient temperature with chemical fixation, dehydration, and resin embedment, or critical point drying. We also offer EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) for elemental analysis.

In addition to offering training on instruments and sample preparation techniques, BioCryo staff offers consulting, mentors new users, advises on experimental design, and collaborates with researchers in experiments with challenging and unconventional samples. The BioCryo Facility participates in educational and outreach events, e.g. workshops, seminars, demos, and facility tours.

Core provides equipment to manufacture and test thin-film devices without ever exposing them to air or water, allowing measurements of device performance unaffected by environmental degradation.

Provides imaging and quantification instrumentation for analyzing metal quotas at scales ranging from subcellular level to entire ecosystems shaping global biogeochemical cycles. Instruments are capable of quantitatively imaging biologically essential elements in individual cells. Used for research in co-evolution of microbial and eukaryotic life within broad range of challenging chemical environments. Services including instrument training, sample preparation and analysis, experiment design, and grant proposal assistance.

Core is dedicated to aiding students and investigators in advancement of understanding chemical properties of solid interfaces used for environmental and energy processes. Facility provides range of instrumentation and services for students and industrial researchers interested in catalysis.

The Developmental Therapeutics Core (DTC) provides a range of preclinical testing services that include: in vitro tumor cell assays; in vivo subcutaneous and orthotopic models for studying tumor growth, as well as for studying tumor response to therapy; exploratory pharmacokinetics; and exploratory toxicology. The DTC also assists investigators with drug formulations and initial assessments of drug stability.  A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) repository provides investigators with more than 60 tumor models representing 12 different types of cancer for in vivo testing of therapies against human tumors. The DTC also maintains a repository with more than 200 human tumor cell lines, many of which can also be used for xenograft establishment and therapeutic testing. DTC staff are proficient in all routes of treatment administration and in small animal surgery, provide consulting and training, and accelerate implementation of studies through simple modification of blanket IACUC protocols. Experienced core staff advise faculty on study design, and assist with the interpretation and presentation of results for manuscripts and grant applications.  

The Recombinant Protein Production Core (rPPC) provides quality controlled recombinant proteins for researchers within the Northwestern Community (WCAS, McCormick, Feinberg) and also serves academic and industry researchers outside of Northwestern University. rPPC operates based on the two service models: (1) aTraining model where Northwestern researchers use specialized bioreactor systems and participate in hands-on-training activities and (2) a Production model where staff carry out expression (mg to gm scale) and purification of recombinant or synthetic biologics, including potential therapeutic proteins and peptides, among others. Currently, the main focus of rPPC is to be a user-facility; the facility has parallel bioreactor systems for multiplexed lab-scale cultivation of microbial, insect, and mammalian cells. rPPC also serves as a production facility, providing low-cost recombinant biologics for researchers at Northwestern University.
For more information about this facility, click here.
 

The Analytical bioNanoTechnology Equipment Core (ANTEC) houses research equipment for evaluating materials and biological preparations, and offers 3D printing and 3D scientific illustration services. The core serves Northwestern University researchers, visiting scientists, and local industry researchers.

Sequential monitoring of the human immune system by studying the peripheral blood and even bone marrow and allograft (biopsy) compartments in tissue and organ transplantation had its origins in the 1970s. Ex vivo assays of T, B, NK and APC function have become much more sophisticated today and  include the detection and definition of unique cell subsets and intra- and extra- cellular molecules. Their defined function and inter-relationships in human organ and tissue transplantation requires the use of technology based on in vitro immune cell assays, molecular  immunoassays, proteomics,  genomics and even humanized mouse models, i.e. cellular and molecular immunology that is in continuous evolution. For each of these investigative paths expertise has become more specialized needing dedicated faculty, pre- and post-doctoral fellows and technologists, as well as instrumentation and dedicated work space.

The Transgenic and Targeted Mutagenesis Laboratory (TTML) is a shared resource that provides a broad range of services to NU investigators, including generation of transgenic mice, gene targeting of embryonic stem (ES) cells, ES cell microinjection into blastocysts, mouse germplasm cryopreservation, recovery of cryopreserved mouse lines, and rederivation of pathogen free mouse strains. For more information about this facility, click here.

The BCC’s scope encompasses all non-cancer research at FSM, and it is distinct from the Biostatistics Core Facility in the Cancer Center. It is affiliated with NUCATS and its BERD program (Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design). The core’s 7 faculty biostatisticians and 4 statistical systems analysts are in the Department of Preventive Medicine. They provide expertise in statistical methods, research design and statistical computing necessary for independent and collaborative health science related research. Faculty statistical interests cover a range of areas including bioinformatics, computational biology, clinical trials, survival analysis, causal inference, semi-parametric models, diagnostic testing, and Bayesian methods.  They maintain independent research in statistical methodology and undertake collaborative effort on funded grants, as well as statistical consultation and teaching.

The Center for Advanced Microscopy (CAM) at Northwestern offers state-of-the art instrumentation and services for the study of biological processes at the whole animal, tissue, cellular and subcellular levels. The facility's basic services include electron microscopy, super resolution microscopy (SIM & STORM), fluorescent laser scanning and spinning disk microscopy, fluorescent lifetime imaging, automated high throughput tissue cytometry, atomic force microscopy, laser capture microdissection, mutliphoton imaging, and whole animal bioluminescent and fluorescent imaging. Additionally we provide microinjection equipment, chambers for stable live cell observation, and anesthesia equipment. CAM staff members provide training on numerous different instrument platforms, consultation on experiment design, as well as digital image processing and image analysis. We are a reference site for several companies including TissueGnostics. CAM is one of three Nikon Imaging Centers in the US, allowing us access and excellent support from Nikon to develop innovative solutions for the cutting edge imaging needs of users. This relationship has allowed our users to push super-resolution technologies to permit multi-color, 3D and live-cell applications. Additionally, we have been working together with Nikon to add confocal laser scanning to a low magnification upright dissection microscope, which is particularly useful to researchers interested in visualizing thick samples (such as epidermal raft cultures) at increased cellular resolution. We are also currently expanding our full service electron microscopy offerings. We currently support TEM and SEM sample preparation, immunogold labeling, platinum replicas, and CLEM.

The Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center (IMSERC) facility performs a full range of chemical analyses. Such analyses include qualitative composition determination, quantitative analysis, and molecular structure determination.  The most commonly used techniques are NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, trace metals analysis and single crystal X-Ray crystallography. For more information about this facility, click here.

The Biological Imaging Facility is a branch of the Chemistry for Life Processes Institute at Northwestern University and is closely associated with the Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging.

The mission of the Comprehensive Metabolic Core is to advance research in diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease by establishing validated high-throughput hormone analyses and to create a consolidated reference center for efficient testing for the community. For more information about this core, click here.

The Surface Science Facility provides multiple-technique characterization of a variety of surfaces with regard to atomic structure, surface chemical composition, and chemical bonding characteristics.

This facility provides liquid helium and liquid nitrogen to researchers and laboratories at Northwestern. For more information about this facility, click here

The Outcomes Measurement and Survey Core (OMSC) serves the needs of the cancer researchers within the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. The mission of this core facility is to provide consultation and support for research that involves collecting, analyzing or interpreting self-report data in culturally diverse populations. The OMSC is housed within the Department of Medical Social Sciences, which also provides similar services to any member of the Northwestern community. For more information about this facility click here.

The Keck Biophysics Facility provides researchers with 24-hour access to a collection of advanced instruments for biophysical and biochemical characterization of macromolecules and their interactions. Training, technical expertise and assistance are provided by the facility personnel. Staff service on selected instruments is available. For more information about this facility, click here.

The mission of the Mary Beth Donnelley Clinical Pharmacology Core Facility is to provide state-of-the-art clinical pharmacologic support to Northwestern University investigators as an integral part of bench-to-bedside drug development.  The Clinical Pharmacology Core provides pharmacokinetic support for preclinical and clinical studies of cancer chemotherapeutic agents, analgesics, and other small molecules.  Expertise includes optimizing the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation, and reportage of pharmacokinetic studies.  Small molecule concentrations in plasma and other body fluids are measured using an Agilent HPLC system linked to an Applied Biosystems API 3000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.  Drug concentration histories are fitted to various compartmental pharmacokinetic models using commercially available and specialized software. For more information about this facility, click here.

The  Pathology Core Facility (PCF) of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center (RHLCCC) at Northwestern University is established in 1997.  PCF is functionally divided into three divisions/units, including core lab, biorepository and clinical trials unit.  Core lab includes all related tasks of routine histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular work, and digital pathology (all aspects of a research-based anatomic pathology laboratory including formalin fixation and paraffin embedding, automated and manual immunohistochemistry, tissue microarray design and construction, and automated whole slide scanning for digital pathology applications, including advanced image analysis capabilities). Biorepository division includes tissue and biospecimen procurement (a workflow that complements clinical patient care, the consent procedures which include statement of basic, translational and clinical research and PDX studies for potential therapies), detailed sample annotation (pre-analytic variables such as cold post-surgery time, frozen section evaluation, specimen tracking, and a quality management program); and well-controlled biospecimens and procedures (ensuring that clinically meaningful and reproducible data emerge from investigation). The clinical trials unit (CTU) provides service of institution, regional and national network and prepares trial cases of fast turnaround time and high quality trial materials and patients’ satisfaction. In conjunction with the Cancer Center’s Clinical Trials Office, the clinical trials unit participates in both industry based clinical trials and investigator initiated clinical trials. 

FIRST-Daily Life CCCR (Fostering Innovative Rheumatic Disease Team-Based Research to Improve Daily Life Core Center for Clinical Research) has a mission of promoting research that improves the lives of persons with or at risk for rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.  
The overarching goal of FIRST-DailyLife is to promote cutting-edge clinical research aimed at prevention or control of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions and poor outcomes associated with them.  We seek to drive  a theme of prevention strategy and intervention development to create lifestyle, behavioral, medical, and rehabilitative solutions for these conditions and their consequences. 
Directed by Leena Sharma, MD, FIRST-DailyLife consists of three Cores:
Administrative Core
Methodologic Core
ASSIST-DailyLife (Assessment and Intervention Science & Technology in Daily Life) Resource Core) with three sub-cores:
Person-Centered Outcomes Assessment (PCOAT)
Accelerometer Measurement of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep (AMPASS)
Behavioral Intervention Technology (BIT)

The primary mission of the Structural Biology Facility is to provide state-of-the-art equipment, training, technical support, and maintenance of equipment indispensable for structural biologists and other researchers studying the structures of biological macromolecules and materials. The Facility also provides structure determination and data collection services, both for crystallography and cryoEM.
The Structural Biology Facility is spread across both Chicago and Evanston campuses, as well as Argonne National Lab in Lemont, IL.

Mission
The mission of Northwestern Proteomics is to develop new proteomics technologies, to apply them to timely questions in basic, translational and clinical research, and to educate researchers throughout the Chicagoland area and communicate our research findings to the scientific community at large.
At Northwestern Proteomics, we're committed to providing the best proteomics research on a budget.  We're scientists first, so we will work with you to review each project as it comes in and offer consultation to ensure that everyone's expectations are managed.  That way, the experiment that we perform has the best chance for success.  Proteomics is not a simple technique; so we're both a University Research Center and service-oriented core, handling multiple projects large and small.
Within the Northwestern Proteomics core facility, we offer multiple types of experiments from simple protein identification to protein quantitation (both relative and absolute).  We also perform both traditional bottom-up proteomics, where proteins are digested with an enzyme prior to analysis and intact, top-down proteomics analyses.  The ability to perform top-down proteomics within our core facility distinguishes from many other proteomics cores across the world.
How do you start work with us? 
If it’s your first time performing proteomics, we should sit down and chat about your system and the questions that you want to answer.  The diversity of method for proteomics can be overwhelming and we’re happy to help narrow down the best experiment for you.  The first step is to go to our Northwestern Proteomics website (http://proteomics.northwestern.edu) and submit a Collaboration Request.  Someone will be in touch to schedule an in-person or telephone conference.
If you’ve worked with us before and already know what you want, head over to our Northwestern Proteomics website and fill out a Sample Submission Form.  Once that’s completed, drop off your sample at either of our dropoff locations Monday through Thursday 8:30-5:00pm and Friday 8:30-12:00pm. 
Drop Off Locations
            Chicago: Olson 8305            Evanston: Silverman B550

DuPont, Northwestern, Dow Collaborative Access Team (DND-CAT) has formulated a broad research program which takes advantage of 3rd generation synchrotron radiation sources. Although many fields of materials science and engineering are represented in this research program, the scientific thrust is concentrated in two main areas: study of two dimensional or quasi-two dimensional atomic structures (surfaces, interfaces and thin films), and polymer science and technology. For more information on this facility click here.

The Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) facility provides a means of growing thin film of metals and oxides ranging from a nanometer to a micron thick. The facility contains a state of the art PVD PLD/MBE 2300 with high pressure RHEED capabilities. Samples as large as 2” diameter, deposition temperatures as high as 850°C, and deposition pressures between 2x10-7 and 1 Torr with post deposition annealing as high as 300 Torr can be accommodated. The instrument holds multiple targets which allows the deposition of multilayers and superlattices. PLD also provides a convenient way to make thin films of materials heretofore studied in the bulk by pressing and sintering a target from the bulk material; facilities are available at Northwestern for the pressing and sintering of targets.​
 
 

The Electronics and Laser Systems Core (ELSC) Facility provides instrumentation and electronics support to the Department of Chemistry and the greater Northwestern University community. The ELSC can perform electronics design, systems automation and integration, instrumentation repair and general consulting when evaluating new instrumentation.

The Mathews Center for Cellular Therapy at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is located in downtown Chicago and is a major catalyst for implementing biologic and cellular therapies into clinical use.  

The MCCT consists of regulatory compliant laboratories and services encompassing both minimally manipulated as well as complex biological products.   

Four product manufacturing suites  are operated under good manufacturing practices (GMP) and can be adapted to most biologic and cellular processes for phase I through phase III clinical trials

A large general laboratory that follows good laboratory practices (GLP) is utilized for minimally manipulated products

Access to 24/7 monitored cryopreservation storage facilities for manufactured products; CLIA certified testing for release criteria; experienced laboratory management and staff; and regulatory and process support

The MCCT at NMH provides stem cell products, culture expanded cellular products and isolated cellular subpopulation products to the adult stem cell transplant program, the solid organ transplant program and the division of allergy and immunology programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  In addition, pediatric cellular products are provided for the Robert and Ann Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.  The MCCT collaborates with nation-wide biotechnology companies for cellular and biological therapies. For more information on this facility, click here.

 

The RHLCCC Clinical Research Office (CRO) provides a centralized resource to facilitate the development, conduct, quality assurance monitoring, compliance with regulatory agency requirements, and evaluation of clinical research/trials at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. As such, the office coordinates the majority of clinical research conducted in medical oncology, malignant hematology, gynecologic-oncology, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and chemoprevention. 

The Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) is a single, integrated database of all clinical and research data from all patients receiving treatment through Northwestern healthcare affiliates.Consolidating this wealth of data into a single database maximizes efficiency and centralizes security, making data available yet controlling access to assure consistency with consents and regulatory requirements. The purpose of EDW is to collect, integrate and disseminate data. The EDW serves the role of an honest broker for clinical information to the Northwestern research community. For more information about this facility, click here.

 
The CRU offers investigators physical facilities including inpatient and outpatient space, a core laboratory, as well as research nursing and research dieticians to conduct patient-oriented research.  Facilities are located in both the Feinberg and Galter Pavilions of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH). If you would like to use any of the CRU services, please learn more about the CRU submission process. The CRU services and resources include:

Space: Four inpatient beds in Feinberg; Five outpatient rooms in Feinberg; Three outpatient rooms in Galter


Nursing Services


Core Laboratory 


Bionutrition

Stem Cell Core Facility Lab at Northwestern
The stem cell core facility was founded in 2009 by Dr. Jack Kessler, Ken and Ruth Davee Professor of Stem Cell Biology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. This was immediately after President Obama signed an executive order repealing a policy that limited federal tax dollars for embryonic stem (ES) cell research and the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by Shinya Yamanaka. Being a long-time enthusiast of human stem cell research and one of the pioneers in the field at Northwestern University, Dr. Kessler foresaw the growing interest of basic researchers and medical doctors in this rapidly developing and highly promising research area.
The mission of the stem cell core facility is to engage scientists at Northwestern University and the greater Chicago Biomedical Consortium and enable them to do stem cell-based research. The facility is currently funded by an NIH P30 grant and Feinberg School of Medicine.
The facility is situated on the 10th floor of the Lurie research building (#10-232). It encompasses approximately 800 square feet of lab space that is perfectly equipped to allow for the culture of human ES and iPSCs. It offers technical support in basic culturing techniques of human ES and iPS cells, including focused training sessions; it provides lab space and equipment for researches that want to engage in stem cell-based projects; it generates iPSCs through a range of different techniques; as well as providing general consulting and support for iPSC-based disease modeling projects. 

NUSeq is committed to providing state-of-the-art genomics technologies, including next-generation sequencing, to Northwestern biomedical research.
NUSeq brings together highly sophisticated genomics instrumentation and technical know-how to Northwestern University researchers. NUSeq is the only Northwestern University core facility dedicated to genomics research support. The Core support investigators on the Evanston and Chicago campuses, and Northwestern-affiliated institutions, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Lake Forest Hospital, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, etc. In addition, NUSeq also serves other academic and commercial institutions in the Chicagoland region.
NUSeq accomplishes its mission through 
Providing cost-effective, full service and equipment support to core users, from experimental design, sample preparation, data generation, to data analysis;
Developing new genome research methods, and providing customization/optimization to meet specific needs of individual researchers;
Providing consultation, education, and training to students and researchers on the conduct of genomics experiments and bioinformatics data analysis;
Fostering interaction and collaboration between investigators and research units on endeavors pertaining to genomics research.
NUSeq is supported by Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Northwestern University Office of Research. NUSeq is established from the merging of the previous Genomics Core Facility and Next Generation Sequencing Core.

 
 

 

The High Throughput Analysis Laboratory (HTAL) provides academic, industrial, and private researchers with equipment and expertise for the development and execution of high throughput biological analysis and screening. The facility is fully equipped with state-of-the-art liquid handling, plate detection and automated microbial culture handling capabilities. For more information about this facility, click here.

The Advanced Bioinformatics and Bio-Computation (ABBC) Core, formerly the Bioinformatics Research Collaboratory (BIRC), provides consultative and collaborative services, analysis, support and design for high-throughput “omics” projects, such as next generation sequencing, microarrays, proteomics, etc. and clinical trial informatics. ABBC also offers custom web-based database development for basic science and clinical projects. The goal is to provide in-house bioinformatics expertise and support for the Northwestern University clinical and translational research community, especially for Feinberg researchers, in order to produce studies that ultimately result in publications and grants. For more information on this facility click here.

The Northwestern University's Rodent (Preclinical) Technical Services Unit (RTSU) within the Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) was created to advance the research and medical mission of Northwestern University.  The RTSU is committed to providing the animal biomedical research community with high quality technical expertise to support research projects. This unit serves investigators on the Chicago and Evanston campus. The RTSU professional service group is comprised of CCM team members who have had constant training and retraining under the supervision of the CCM Training and Assurance Unit.  Our goal is to apply GLP-like standards in conducting the research.

This facility maintains various magnet, cryogenic and optical systems operating either separately or together. The systems are designed to be as flexible as possible, and to allow several types of measurements to be performed over a wide range in magnetic field, temperature, and probe frequencies (including both uhf/microwave and optical). The dc and uhf/microwave frequency measurements that are routinely performed include magnetization and magnetic susceptibility, acoustic propagation, microwave absorption, electrical transport (including thermoelectric measurements). Routine optical measurements include optical absorption, photoluminescence, pump-probe studies, and Raman spectroscopy.  For more information on the facility, click here.

The Northwestern University Instrument Shop is a full service machining, fabrication and repair facility capable of meeting the needs of an active research community. We support researchers in the physical and life sciences. The Shop is staffed by four highly talented instrument makers with over 150 years experience. The Shop is a fully equipped machine shop outfitted with manual and CNC (computerized numerical control) machines. For more information about this facility, click here.
For the Research Newsletter featuring the Instrument Shop, click here.

This facility is now a part of IMSERC. Please contact IMSERC to access this instrumentation.

The Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Core Facility is committed to meeting the NGS needs of researchers at Northwestern University and its affiliate institutions by facilitating NGS on diverse platforms as well as providing bioinformatics analysis. The NGS Core strives to deliver the highest quality sequencing data and bioinformatics analysis at reasonable rates. For more information about this facility, click here.

NU's Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC) builds upon the existing strengths of the transplant program at Northwestern and has created highly productive inter-school, multi-departmental, and trans-disciplinary collaborative initiatives. We bring together clinicians, health services and outcomes researchers, and investigators with specific expertise in state-of-the art research methodologies to address pertinent questions in transplantation. Initiated in late 2008, these initiatives have already led to collaborative grant funding through NIH, AHRQ, NSF and HRSA in addition to other funding sources.

The Computation, Modeling & Bioinformatics Center (CMBC) provides state-of-the-art analytical support to science and engineering faculty across multiple schools and departments. This support includes, but is not limited to: (a) assisting faculty in the development of new computational methods for analyzing large data sets, (b) development of methods for interfacing instrumentation with computational models for data visualization, and (c) assisting research programs in the development of rigorous approaches to modeling highly complex systems that include quantum mechanical, statistical mechanics and other molecular modeling techniques. The technical expertise, scientific knowledge, and research experience of the Director and staff provide the level of support required to address the specific needs of the scientific research community.
This facility is used by a wide variety of NIH- and NSF-funded biomedical research groups in areas ranging from molecular modeling of cell membranes and polynucleotides; the analysis and storage of large amount of genomic data and the processing; and modeling and visualization of imaging data. The services provided by the Center have a direct bearing on research ranging from fundamental understanding of biological processes to the early detection of cancer through the modeling of light-tissue interactions.

The Materials Research Center (MRC) cleanroom facility is devoted to materials processing, growth, device fabrication, characterization and electronic & photonic  materials. The MRC cleanroom complex in Cook Hall provides microfabrication and thin film processing capabilities. Facility includes class 100 and 1000 cleanrooms. The facility provides microfabrication tools for general use by the Northwestern community, government and industrial researchers. Various techniques are available for the growth, preparation and processing of a wide range of thin film materials including in-process characterization. Training of equipment and assisted use within the facility is available to provide the necessary expertise.
This provides a centralized resource for the deposition of metal, semiconductor & dielectric thin films, photolithography, and processing. Standardmicrofabricationprocesses have been established. Available techniques include plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, e-beam evaporation, atomic layer deposition, reactive ion etching, photolithography, bonding, rapid thermal processing, Hall Effect Measurement and some characterization instrumentation.
For more information about this facility, click here.

NUgene is a biospecimen repository with longitudinal medical information from participating patients at Northwestern-affiliated outpatient clinics and hospitals. Participants' consent to genetic research on their DNA samples and health data. NUgene is an institutional resource providing investigators with coded DNA samples and data for genomics research, as well as a vehicle for participant recruitment and contact for secondary studies.

The purpose of the facility is to assist investigators with their research histology needs, as well as gross and histological characterization of genetically modified murine models. Studies can be performed on individual organs or involve a systemic overview of all major organ systems. Pathologist consultation will allow the development of strategies to elucidate the phenotype and gain mechanistic insight regarding the biologic actions of the targeted molecule.

The facility provides instrumentation for the optical and spectroscopic characterization of materials with special emphasis on the non-linear optical response.

...The Monoclonal Antibody Facility provides investigators access to the technology for the efficient creation of hybridoma cell lines and the production of monoclonal antibodies from these cell lines. These services include immunization of animals, somatic cell fusion, cloning and screening of hybridomas, subcloning and establishment of antibody producing cell lines, and production of active antibodies from hybridoma cell lines.

The IBNAM Cleanroom Core Facility is specifically designed for interdisciplinary research at the interface of physical and biological sciences. A fully functional photolithography line is located in the class 100 room. This room houses a mask aligner/exposure system, a spin coater, hot plates, and a laminar flow fume hood. The class 10,000 room incorporates a cell culture area, complete with a tissue culture hood, two incubators, a centrifuge, and a cell culture microscope.

...The genomics core at the Center for Genetic Medicine is a shared resource facility that provides a wide range of services to Cancer Center members and the Northwestern University research community. Our goal is to provide services using the state-of-the-art technologies at an affordable price. We provide expression analysis and SNP analysis using both Affymetrix and Illumina platforms, RT-PCR and low density SNP analysis using 7900HT

Atom-probe tomography (APT) is a microanalytical method producing an atom-by-atom three-dimensional reconstruction of the sample studied with sub-nanometer resolution. NUCAPT operates a LEAP3000XSi (Imago Scientific Instruments). Voltage and laser assisted field-evaporation allow the analysis of a broad spectrum of materials. The typical analyzed volume is about 150x150x500 nm^3. APT is particularly suitable to study nano-structured materials. Specimen preparation of almost any material is possible by FIB.

CAMRI is the Department of Radiology¿s MRI research facility that is capable of high-end human and animal MR imaging. CAMRI has the infrastructure and staff to support all types of imaging research studies. See the website for more information.

DND-CAT supports a broad range of scientific and engineering research programs that need the high X-ray brightness of the Advanced Photon Source. The DND-CAT facility, located at APS Sector-5, has hard X-ray capabilities that include; SAXS, WAXS, XRD, EXAFS, XRR, SXRD, and XSW.

The IND-Enabling and Clinical Trials Core plans and conducts pre-clinical studies which lead to the assembly and submission of Investigational New Drug (IND) applications to the FDA seeking permission to start clinical trials in humans.

The platform is equipped with 3 of the high-resolution Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid mass spectrometers( 2 IQX +1-IDX) coupled to – Vanquish Horizon UHPLC systems and dedicated to (1) full-scan metabolomics for polar metabolite profiling using HILIC chromatography and (2) full-scan non-polar lipid profiling using reverse phase chromatography. The platform has established in-house retention time and MS/MS databases of ~900 reference standards and actively sourcing depending on the sample types. We have experience in quantifying diverse groups of metabolites in a wide variety of matrices such as cells, culture medium, bodily fluid, animal tissue, exhaled breath condensate, etc., and performing stable isotope tracing experiments using 13C, 15N, and 2H-labeled substrates. We support hypothesis-generating untargeted and hypothesis-driven targeted metabolomics/lipidomics studies from the experimental design stage through data acquisition, data analysis, and interpretation.

The Cytometry and Antibody Technology (CAT) Facility’s mission is to support the community of researchers at the University of Chicago with (1) cutting-edge technology operated by expertly trained personnel; and (2) expert technical consultation and training of researchers.

The Human Immunologic Monitoring (HIM) facility serves as a specialized laboratory performing correlative assays for cancer-based clinical trials. We participate in project development to assist in assay selection and optimization prior to study initiation. We offer a pick-up service for specimens from patients at the U of C Hospital or outpatient clinics, and process the samples as indicated for the assays being performed. For some studies, isolation and freezing of peripheral blood lymphocytes for analysis at a later date is performed, while for others immediate staining of whole blood for specific cell surface markers of interest is carried out. In addition, our laboratory prepares clinical grade products, such as peptide vaccines, for administration into patients.

Core utilizes dual tube micro X-ray computed tomography scanner for imaging specimens in fields of paleontology, comparative anatomy, evolution and development, basic biomedical studies, and research in geology and material sciences. It is equipped with 180 kV nano-focus and high power 240 kV micro-focus CT tube. This setup allows for scanning of very small specimens with high resolution using nano tube or dense fossils using high power tube.

The mission of the facility is to work in collaboration with groups from UChicago and external organizations or companies to develop and utilize top-notch proteomics techniques to answer both basic and translational scientific questions.

While primarily geared to support faculty-led research projects in the physical sciences, the ETSG serves the entire University of Chicago community. ETSG staff are available to help plan, design, build, test, and install mechanical and electro-mechanical apparatus.

The UChicago Sanger Sequencing Core provides Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis via capillary electrophoresis. Expected turnaround time is within 2 business days of order receipt.

High-end microscopy imaging capabilities, including bright field (color, DIC), fluorescence (multi-dimension; TIRFM; bleaching, ablation, FLIM), high-resolution, highspeed, high-sensitivity, confocal, and physiologic techniques; STED, GSD3D, lightsheet selective plane illumination (SPIM), and lattice lightsheet structured illumination super resolution microscopy

Facility in the Department of the Geophysical Sciences features instruments including TESCAN LYRA3 field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with focused ion beam (FIB). It is equiped to do EDS, WDS, EBSD, etc.

The Single Cell Immunophenotyping Core Facility is a full-user self-service facility that provides access to specialized instrumentation for the phenotyping and genotyping of immune cells. These include single-cell next-generation sequencing and quality control technologies. All instruments are located in the laboratories of four different CIIC investigators (KCBD 10220E and 10220C), and are available for use by the larger UChicago community.

MRI Research Center houses magnetic resonance scanners and highly qualified experienced staff for support of research projects with MR imaging component.

The Cellular Screening Center (CSC) provides high throughput cell and non-cell based screening for researchers. Both small molecules and siRNA libraries are offered for such screens.

Our goal is to assist University of Chicago investigators and research staff with medical imaging exams performed on human subjects for research purposes. This includes the acquisition, analysis, collection, de-identification and distribution of image data for both basic science research and clinical trials. Our services ensure research-related imaging fulfills protocol requirements and allow investigators to obtain HIPAA- and IRB-compliant clinical research data. We provide our services for all types of medical imaging, including x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, PET, and most types of specialty imaging.

Next-Gen (Illumina and Pacific Biosciences Sequencing and Library prep), NovaSEQ-X-Plus, Micro-array (Illumina genotyping and EPIC arrays), Sanger DNA Sequencing, and Bioanalyzer/Fragment-analyzer sample QC services. For Single Cell sequencing project the Facility operates a DROP-SEQ and 10X Genomics instrument

The Pritzker Nanofabrication Facility is an ISO Class 5 cleanroom that specializes in advanced lithographic processing of hard and soft materials.

The goal of the Human Disease & Immune Discovery core facility is to provide expertise, equipment and physical space for researchers to perform cutting edge, high resolution investigations of human immune system. We leverage innovative technologies from field of flow cytometry for data generation and analysis and through close collaboration with Genomics core facility we can provide cellular component solutions to even higher resolution genomic investigations.

Established in 2007, the GRAF is now one of the largest and most successful academic gnotobiotic mouse facilities internationally.  GRAF is a centrally managed gnotobiotic/germ-free mouse facility located within the centrally managed Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery (KCBD) vivarium.  Both are a component of The University of Chicago’s AAALAC International accredited Animal Care and Use Program.  The GRAF currently maintains over 80 flexible film isolators with capacity for greater than a 1045 mouse cages. 

The analysis of data that transforms high-throughput raw data into biologically meaningful information can present a challenge to clinical, translational, and basic researchers alike. The CRI Bioinformatics Core offers services and expertise designed to allow BSD investigators to take full advantage of high-throughput technologies.

The facility houses a Bruker AVANCE IIIHD 600 and a Bruker AVANCE III 500 NMR spectrometer. These are equipped with high sensitivity inverse and broadband probes, single axis gradients, pulse shaping capabilities, variable temperature control(-50˚C to 150 ˚C), and automatic tuning and matching. The Bruker AVANCE IIIHD 600 is also equipped with a robotic sample changer (Bruker SamplExpress) allowing automated acquisition of up to 60 samples. Sample preparation can also be automated with our Gilson sample preparation robot.

The mission of the Organoid and Primary Culture Research (OPCR) Core is to facilitate access, generation, banking, and usage of organoids and primary cells derived from patients and model organisms.

The Facility was established in 1989 and provides transgenic (plasmid and BAC) and CRISPR (also ROSA26 & H11 CRISPR) injections, ES Cell targeting, screening, culture and blastocyst injections, rederivation, breeding and mouse services and consultation on project development. The facility also now offers CRISPR vector design and development, as well as design and development of CRISPR guides.

The mission of the Animal Resources Center is to assist investigators in performing their animal research while ensuring appropriate and humane care of all laboratory animals.

Cleanroom (ISO7/8) environment for manufacturing and preparing human cells, tissues and tissue-based
products for treatment of patients for Phase I, II and III clinical trials. CAP Accredited

A coordinated, centralized, and dedicated program for the procuring, processing, dispersing and assessing all types of biospecimens together with downstream histology services. CAP Accredited

Titan Krios with Gatan K3 detector, Aquilos Cryo-DualBeam system, Apreo Volume Scope Serial Blockface SEM, FEI Talos Cryo-EM

Our goal is to provide University of Chicago investigators and external users with state of the art, quantitative multi-modality imaging technologies to advance in-vivo molecular and physiological research of a broad range of disease and cancer models, and to accelerate pre-clinical development of novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools.

We train labs to use the latest episomal techniques to reprogram, expand and characterize human and mice iPS cells from skin or blood tissues of healthy subjects and diseased patients. We also develop the capability to differentiate the iPS cells into specific somatic cells, such as neutrons, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes.

In the era of genomics-driven biology, one must be able to study not only the sequences of genes, but the structures and functions of the molecules they encode, both the proteins and functional RNAs. Characterizing the structure and dynamics of these molecules is crucial to understanding the basis of nearly every cellular function.

Core empowers researchers from genomic, clinical, and basic sciences disciplines at Rush and beyond with cutting-edge bioinformatics resources. Provides guided data analysis and hypothesis-driven research, large-scale data analysis, analytical plan development and results interpretation, algorithm and script development for custom data processing. Provides innovative infrastructure tools, including the Research Private Cloud and scalable cloud-based solutions. Services include customized analytical solutions, data storage and management workflows, training and support for bioinformatics tools.

Core that provides magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) services and image analysis. Facility contains 3 Tesla Siemens Prisma MRI scanner, variety of head and body receive coils (including 64-channel head coil), and extensive list of pulse sequences and packages providing advanced, accelerated whole-body imaging capabilities. Houses Nordic Neuro Lab hardware and software for functional MRI stimulus delivery, collecting subject feedback, and eye tracking.

The GMCF is a full-service Genomics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility catering to internal and external investigators across a wide range of biological systems. The GMCF has unique expertise in microbial/microbiome sequencing, but also has extensive capabilities for nucleic acid extraction, bulk NGS library prep (DNA and RNAseq), single cell sequencing (10X and Fluent), spatial sequencing (10X Visium), methyl-seq, NGS amplicon sequencing (any target), and quantitative analyses (sequencing, real-time PCR, digital PCR).

Facility for computed tomography (3D) imaging of objects in the Field Museum and part of the Museum’s Core Lab Group. Includes two North Star Imaging (NSI) XCT scanners. The larger of the two scanners is an X5000 with a dual tube setup: one 450kV mini-focus tube, and one 225kV micro-focus tube. This scanner can house samples up to 500lbs and 1.2m in longest dimension, and has excellent penetrating power for imaging dense samples like fossils and meteorites. The smaller scanner is an X25 with a 150kV Hamamatsu tube, which is excellent for imaging smaller and/or less dense samples in extremely high resolution, such as small animal skeletons. In addition to the scanners, the lab is equipped with two high-powered computers for post-scan data processing. Available software includes NSI’s suite of inspection and reconstruction software, VG Studio, ORS Dragonfly, 3DSlicer, Meshlab, and Blender.

Interdepartmental, multiuser core facility dedicated to genetic analysis and preservation of the world's biodiversity. Provides equipment used in molecular biology enabling to pursue study of genetic diversity throughout tree of life and at all taxonomic levels, from populations to classes to phyla of organisms.

An interdepartmental core facility for scanning electron microscope imaging and elemental analysis of objects in the Field Museum‘s collection by Field Museum staff and associates. This lab contains a Hitachi SU7000 field emission scanning electron microscope, an Oxford Ultim Max 170 infinity EDS detector with BEX (backscatter electron and X-ray imaging detector), a Leica EM Ace600 sputter coater and a Hitachi IM4000II ion milling system. The equipment was purchased and installed thanks to the generosity of The Grainger Foundation and The Negaunee Foundation.

Core consists of an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) laboratory, an X-ray Fluorescence laboratory, a Raman laboratory, and an optical mineralogy laboratory. Museum curators and researchers are using this instrumentation extensively to further research programs on early state expansion in the Andes, evolving social networks on the north coast of Papua New Guinea, the social dynamics of early village societies and the emergence of early states, African pre-industrial civilizations and, trade and exchange around the Indian Ocean (Laure Dussubieux). In addition to research conducted by Field Museum staff, the EAF collaborates with scientists from other institutions, bringing researchers and students from all over the country to The Field Museum to learn about compositional analysis of ancient materials to enhance their research on a very wide range of anthropological topics.

Facility dedicated to study of degraded and low DNA yield samples, such as environmental DNA, historical DNA, or ancient DNA. Offers positive pressure lab spaces that follow strict decontamination procedures to prevent human, bacterial, and fungal contamination. It is physically isolated from tissue samples or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products to avoid contamination from samples with higher DNA concentration and quality. The space has dedicated equipment necessary for DNA extraction and PCR-free sample preparation.