Equipment

Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometry (MS) measures and sorts ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. In our lab, we use this technique for global and targeted proteomics using a Q Exactive HF Orbitrap and a Sciex 6500 Q-trap, respectively. Mass spectrometry can also be used to quantify small molecules, such as drug metabolites, transporter substrates, and more. We routinely perform this on our Waters Xevo TQ MS and Waters Xevo TQ-S micro.

Liquid Handling Robots

The liquid handling robot systems available in our lab are a Hamilton STAR and a Tecan EVO200. These robots are primarily used for investigating the in vitro properties of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) of leading drug molecules and drug candidates within the UDOPP infrastructure, but are also available for academic research projects. These robot systems enable medium to high throughput liquid handling and increase the precision and accuracy of the analyses.

Spark multimode plate reader

Cell culture facility

To handle primary cells, tissues, and cell lines, our laboratory is well-equipped with the following instruments:

• LAF benches, CO2 incubators, liquid N2 tanks, and ultra-low temperature freezers;
• Cell imaging with phase-contrast microscopy;
• Rapid determination of cell count and viability using: NucleoCounter® (based on fluorescent DNA staining), Cellometer® Vision (based on image cytometry combined with brightfield and fluorescence detectors), and Countess® automated cell counter;
• TEER measurements (Trans Epithelial Electrical Resistance).

Our cleanroom is specifically designed and built for cell culture and cell handling. In operation, it meets the requirements of class B for a cleanroom. The air inside is continuously recirculated through HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air) to remove particles from the cleanroom. Additionally, our implemented rules and policies, along with high-standard instruments, enable us to maintain cell culture in antibiotic-free medium. To maintain high-quality research and minimal contamination impact, we regularly monitor our cell lines to ensure their function and authenticity.

Ussing Chamber

In Ussing chambers, a sample of human intestine is mounted between two connected chambers, allowing studies of permeability and transport across intestinal barriers. In these chambers, we study the permeability of small molecule drugs, metabolites, peptides, biologics, and various formulations across the human intestinal mucosa. Using human intestinal tissue enables an in vivo-like assessment of interactions with various aspects of the intestinal barrier, such as mucus, metabolizing enzymes, and tight junctions, which is not possible in other in vitro systems. Additionally, the tissue's toxic and inflammatory responses to drugs and formulations can be monitored. Through collaborations with gastroenterologists at Uppsala University Hospital, we have access to human intestinal samples from the duodenum, jejunum, and colon, enabling regional studies of intestinal permeability. Changes in intestinal barrier function in health and disease in different patient populations are investigated.