At NUSBF, we are dedicated to advancing the understanding of protein structures by providing researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expert assistance. Our platform offers cutting-edge tools to solve complex protein structures, empowering breakthroughs in structural biology and related fields.
With our advanced X-ray diffraction system and the upcoming addition of a Cryo-Electron Microscope (Cryo-EM), we are equipped to support a wide range of projects, from crystallography to cryo-EM studies. Whether you are a seasoned structural biologist or new to the field, our team is here to help you at every stage of your research
X-Ray
X-ray crystallography allows us to determine the three-dimensional atomic structure of proteins by first purifying and crystallizing them. Once we have protein crystals, we expose them to high-intensity X-rays using advanced diffraction equipment. The way these X-rays are diffracted by the atoms in the crystal provides valuable data, which we can then analyze to reveal the protein’s precise atomic arrangement. At our facility, we have an in-house Bruker MetalJet X-ray source, which provides cutting-edge capabilities for studying these structures with exceptional detail and clarity.
Cryo-EM
For larger proteins Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) can be used, a groundbreaking technique that won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017. Cryo-EM works by rapidly freezing proteins in solution and then firing a beam of electrons through them. The scattered electrons create images that allow us to reconstruct the protein’s structure in its natural state. While we don’t yet have the microscope in-house, we will soon be equipped with a state-of-the-art 100kV Cryo-EM system, expanding our capabilities for structural analysis.
Location
Newcastle University
Structural Biology Facility
Medical School, NUBI
Framlington place
NE2 4HH
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Contact us
+44 (0)191 208 5482