The Histopathology Core Laboratory operates at Biosafety Level 2 and supports a wide range of tissue-based and cellular workflows in accordance with institutional biosafety policies and Institutional Biosafety Committee guidelines, where applicable.

The core supports integrated workflows from sample preparation through data acquisition and analysis, helping researchers produce high-quality, reproducible results within an access-controlled laboratory environment.

Services Provided

• Tissue fixation, processing, cryopreservation and paraffin embedding
• Microtomy and cryosectioning for high-quality tissue sections
• Histological and immunological staining of slides
• Laser capture microdissection for spatially resolved sample isolation
• Multiparametric flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting
• Vendor-supported panel design and optimization for flow cytometry applications
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
• Cell culture, maintenance and imaging
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Whole-slide scanning and high-resolution imaging

Key Instrumentation

• Leica Spectra Autostainer
• Laser Dissection Microscope (LMD7)
• CytPix Flow Cytometer
• CellRaft Air
• Micro Ht.ai Confocal
• BD FACSMelody Cell Sorter
• SpectraMax and AquaMax
• QuantStudio 7
• CP100NX Ultracentrifuge
• Pegasus Tissue Processor
• Arcadia Paraffin Embedder
• Microtome: Biocut and Autocut
• EasyScan One
• Cryostats

The Clean Room Core provides infrastructure and technical support for advanced micro- and nanoscale research across the TTU community, with an emphasis on device fabrication, process development and materials characterization within a controlled laboratory environment.

The core supports end-to-end microfabrication workflows for the design, prototyping and characterization of devices for electronics, photonics and nanotechnology applications.

Services Provided

• Photolithography and pattern transfer for micro- and nanoscale device fabrication
• Additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping through 3D printing
• Thin-film deposition and coating processes, including spin coating
• Nanostructure fabrication for micro-optics, microfluidics and bio-integrated devices
• Surface metrology and topographical analysis using optical profilometry
• Chemical and molecular characterization through Fourier-transform infrared microscopy
• Surface preparation, activation and contamination control through plasma cleaning

Key Instrumentation

• EVG Mask Alignment System
• Keyence Digital Microscope System
• MicroWriter ML3 Pro
• Laser-Based Elemental Analyzer
• ContourX-500
• Spin Coaters
• Profluidics 285D 3D Printer
• uMLA PhotoMask Writer
• UniAxial Mechanical Tester
• Tergeo-Pro Plasma Cleaner
• LUMOS II Spectrometer
• PROJET 2500 PLUS 3D Printer

The Human Sampling Core supports clinical and translational research across the TTU community by providing access to specialized infrastructure, controlled environments and technical expertise in accordance with institutional and federal regulatory standards.

Human subjects research conducted within the facility is performed in compliance with Institutional Review Board protocols and HIPAA regulations to protect participant privacy and confidentiality.

The facility also includes a separate, access-controlled wet laboratory for downstream sample processing and analysis, including ELISA, centrifugation and general wet laboratory procedures.

Services Provided

• Polysomnography and related sleep studies in a private, secure, access-controlled environment
• Collection and processing of human biospecimens, including venous blood and urine samples
• Clinical research support through a dedicated physical examination room and patient observation area
• Downstream wet laboratory processing and analysis

Key Instrumentation

• Sleep Study Room
• 3-Position Phlebotomy Chairs
• Observation Room
• PMR9600-T Microplate Reader
• pH Meter
• ALPS Microplate Heat Sealer
• Avanti J15 Centrifuge
• Microfuge 20R
• Biosafety Cabinet
• Chambers for Storage and Growth
• Microplate Washer
• MultiTherm Shaker
• Ultrasonic Processor

The High-Resolution Nano-printing Lab provides advanced tools for micro- and nanoscale fabrication and imaging. The lab supports interdisciplinary research across biology, materials science and engineering, enabling users to design, fabricate and visualize structures with exceptional precision.

The lab features state-of-the-art instrumentation for high-resolution 3D nano-printing and advanced fluorescence imaging, allowing workflows from fabrication through analysis.

Services Provided

• High-resolution 3D nano-printing using two-photon polymerization
• Confocal imaging and analysis with high-sensitivity, multi-channel fluorescence imaging
• Design and prototyping support, including CAD design, print optimization and experimental setup
• Training and instrument access for independent system use
• Collaborative research support and project development for interdisciplinary applications

Key Instrumentation

• Nanoscribe QuantumX bio
• Evident FLUOVIEW FV4000