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CNSI TECHNOLOGY CENTERS

People powered, tool enabled, data driven

The California NanoSystems Institute’s Technology Centers provide researchers, companies, and start-ups with open access to powerful, state-of-the-art capabilities—from high-throughput molecular screening for drug discovery and cryo-electron imaging that reveals atomic-level structures, to super-resolution light microscopy and nanofabrication for probing and engineering matter at the nanoscale. More than shared facilities, the Technology Centers are engines of innovation that continually invent and advance the tools they offer, giving users a true competitive edge. Operating under a fully open-access model for nearly two decades, CNSI serves and trains researchers from academia and industry alike—including both startups and established companies.

SIGNATURE FACILITIES

Advanced Light Microscopy and Spectroscopy Laboratory
The Advanced Light Microscopy and Spectroscopy (ALMS) laboratories provide a unique collection of high-end, customized fluorescence microscopes, small-animal imaging devices, and fluorescent probes to perform fluorescence-based measurements at various spatial (nm to cm), temporal (ns to days) and spectral (UV-NIR ) ranges. Our laboratory provides consultative services and offers support for the application of novel spectroscopic methods and advanced microscopy techniques to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution from whole in vivo animal imaging down to sub-70 nm imaging using super-resolution nanoscopy techniques.

For a comprehensive list of services, please visit the ALMS Website here .

  • Fluorescence imaging at all length scales: from single-molecule detection to in vivo small animal imaging.The field of optical microscopy imaging is experiencing major technical advances which are allowing cell biologists and physicians to visualize a new, dynamic, sub-cellular world where genes and gene products interact in space and time, in health and disease with nanometer-accuracy.
  • Micro- and nano-scale imaging.Located on the lowest floor of the CNSI building, ALMS is an optical suite of 1,800 square feet specifically designed to house light microscopes with the required environment control (low vibration, air-filtered, air-conditioned to ±1°C and light-tight) and services. The facility currently provides: wide-field fluorescence imaging microscopy, stereo microscopy, iterative deconvolution and computationally derived optical sectioning, confocal one-photon and two-photon laser scanning confocal microscopy imaging, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET ), Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM), time-correlated-single-photon-counting (TCSPC), near-infrared (NIR) imaging, and a super-resolution Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) confocal microscope for probing biological and artificial molecular systems at the nanoscale offering ~70 nm spatial resolution.
  • Macro-scale small animal imaging.Located on the second floor of the CNSI building, a second optical suite of 1,800 square feet houses light microscopes and other optical instruments to image small live animals (rodents, zebrafish, drosophila, and C. elegans). We have assembled a comprehensive collection of commercial and custom built systems for deep tissue, multi-spectral imaging in small animals. This instrumentation is based on visible and NIR fluorescence, lifetime and spectral imaging modalities, laser capture micro-dissection, and spinning disk fast confocal microscopy. An adjacent dedicated vivarium is available for rodents undergoing longitudinal imaging studies.
Electron Imaging Center For NanoSystems
The Electron Imaging Center for Nanosystems (EICN) provides unparalleled equipment for cutting-edge imaging at nano scale levels for all biological and non-biological samples. More specifically, EICN leverages novel electron microscopy (EM) technology – a technique which utilizes short-wavelength electrons to create reconstructions of microscopic structures at Å level resolutions. Thus, EM has become an indispensable catalyst for scientific discovery and innovation, providing fundamental insights into structural biology, medicine, virology, and materials science. The EICN’s staff provides strong expertise in all areas of electron microscopy techniques. Here are 4 examples of cutting-edge imaging capabilities of the EICN.

For a comprehensive list of services, please visit the EICN Website here .

  • 3D TEM microscopy for life sciences:
    EICN hosts two Krios microscopes that are equipped with best-in-class direct electron cameras and energy filters for achieving high-resolution images of vitrified samples. Moreover, our new Titan Krios G4 has CryoFlow software which seamlessly connects microscope imaging and data processing. This integration allows for real-time results, generating 2D class averages and 3D reconstructions in just minutes. Automated data collection on both microscopes is driven by the latest versions of EPU and SerialEM software which provide intuitive and smooth operation for all levels of expertise.
  • CryoEM characterization services for lipid nanoparticles:
    Since 2012, EICN has been at the forefront of providing cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) characterization services for lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). With established workflows and a dedicated professional team, we consistently deliver results within five business days, ensuring that research projects can progress efficiently. We can also provide reports on size distribution analysis and morphological assessments upon user request. At the same time, our services are reasonably priced and accessible, making EICN a trusted partner for both academic and industrial collaborators.
  • Materials Science Imaging:
    FEI Titan 80-300 at EICN can operate in both TEM and STEM modes to visualize materials at the atomic level (1.3 Å resolution). It offers a flexible range of accelerating voltages from 80 kV (for more efficient spectroscopy and minimal damage to light-element specimens) to 300 kV high-resolution. In TEM mode, the Ultrascan 2k x 2k camera offers high dynamic range for daily imaging. A Direct Electron DE-64 camera and SerialEM software are integrated to provide efficient low dose imaging for dose sensitive specimens like lithium-ion batteries. The DE-64 camera is an 8k x 8k counting camera with a full-frame read-out speed of 42 fps (unbinned) and 141 fps (binning 2). In STEM mode, four detectors (BF, 2x ADF, HAADF) with various collection angles, offer information easy to interpret. 4D STEM with over 2,000 fps can be achieved with DE-64 (4096 x 256 pixel subframe read-out in integrating mode). Equipped with Oxford X-MaxN 100TLE EDS detector, the Titan 80-300 S/TEM is also capable of elemental mapping with up to 200 kcps count rate.
  • SEM Imaging:
    Teneo and Quanta 650 are two state-of-the-art scanning electron microscopes at EICN capable of high-resolution imaging at nanometer scale. Both SEMs are equipped with an SE detector for topographic imaging and an LVD detector for low vacuum imaging. Teneo is also equipped with additional detectors: a multi-segment BSE detector for Z-contrast imaging, in-lens detectors for high-res imaging (~1 nm at 30 kV), and an Oxford Ultim Max 100 mm² EDS detector for elemental mapping – Teneo also has a beam deceleration mode for improving spatial resolution at lower accelerating voltages.
    BioPACIFIC Materials Innovation Platform Living BioFoundry
    TThe BioPACIFIC MIP Living Biofoundry Facility (LBF) works with users to accelerate discovery and scale-up production of bio-derived building blocks and biopolymers through automated synthetic biology and microbial engineering. The facility is developing high-throughput methods for gene assembly, amplification, transformation, strain growth, and metabolite analysis as well as preparing to support mineable data library of biosynthetic pathways for the production of unique bio-derived monomers.

    For a comprehensive list of services, please visit the BioPACIFIC MIP Website here .

    • High Throughput Cloning:
      Including DNA construction,  transformation, colony picking and glycerol stock preparation, the Living Biofoundry can automate each step of the cloning and strain production process.
    • 96 well DNA and Protein purification:
      With have protocols for several DNA and protein purification methods available in 96 well formats using either vacuum or centrifuge-based kits.
    • Enzyme reaction monitoring:
      Starting with automated systems to prepare enzymatic reactions, the Living Biofoundry provides optical plate readers and liquid chromatography / mass spectroscopy systems to monitor or quantify enzymatic reactions compatible with 96 well formats.
      BioPACIFIC Materials Innovation Platform Micro Electron Diffraction
      The BioPACIFIC MIP facility for High-Throughput Transmission Electron Microscopy (HTTEM) endeavors to further develop the nascent technology of polymer (along with small molecule and protein) characterization using low-dose imaging, electron diffraction, diffraction tomography, and 4 dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4DSTEM). The facility includes associated processes for sample preparation, data acquisition, and image analysis. The facility provides access to a state-of-the-art electron microscopy platform that enables fast and reliable structure determination of a variety of structures using microED, along with cutting edge phase imaging and 4DSTEM strain mapping.

      For a comprehensive list of services, please visit the BioPACIFIC MIP Website here .


      The BioPACIFIC MIP facility for High-Throughput Transmission Electron Microscopy (HTTEM) endeavors to further develop the nascent technology of polymer (along with small molecule and protein) characterization using low-dose imaging, electron diffraction, diffraction tomography, and 4 dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4DSTEM).

      The cornerstone technology for this facility, the ThermoFisher Scientific (TFS) Spectra 300 C-TWIN X-CFEG (Spectra 300C), is a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscope (TEM) specially designed for optimized electron diffraction. This first of its kind instrument takes the best tools from the cryogenic electron microscopy workflow and combines them with the array of tools developed for materials science imaging. This blend produces a microscope that can operate in many roles, focusing on diffraction and imaging of dose sensitive materials. The Spectra 300C’s electron source is an X-CFEG (cold field emission gun) that makes the beam of electrons more wave-like (at synchrotron levels of brightness). In addition, the microscope is equipped with a three-condenser lens system, and a side entry stage for cryo-transfer double tilt operation during microED and cryo-4DSTEM experiments.

      The Spectra 300C is equipped with a suite of detectors for both TEM and STEM. TEM mode, where a parallel beam of electrons illuminates the sample, uses the Ceta-D CMOS speed upgraded camera for high-resolution (sub-1Å) continuous rotation microED and scanning nanobeam electron-diffraction tomography (nanoEDT) data on dose-sensitive samples. A Falcon 3 camera is installed to provide single particle analysis imaging of non-crystalline samples. STEM mode, where a focused electron beam rasters across the sample, uses a Panther STEM detector system with differential phase contrast (DPC), integrated DPC for phase detector (iDPC), and OptiSTEM+ for automated STEM alignments.

      The microscope also offers semi-automated high-resolution STEM imaging performance at ultra-low fluences of beta radiation (1-100 electrons per angstrom squared) and energies from 30-300kV (alignments at 30, 60, 80, 120, 150, 200, and 300 kV). The X-CFEG allows for two Angstrom direct imaging resolution. The cryogenic capabilities of the Spectra 300C (cryobox and CTWIN pole piece) provide a reduction of ice buildup on the sample. This enables long working times at cryogenic conditions; conditions that are needed to provide protection to the most dose-sensitive samples.

        Molecular Screening Shared Resource
        The services provided include the use of high throughput screening (HTS) technology, a total of over 300,000 compounds in various libraries, arrayed genome wide sets for CRISPR, cDNA, shRNA and siRNA for mouse and/or human. We also perform data analysis and cheminformatics taking advantage of deep learning approaches using AI and neuronal networks. The MSSR has automated equipment and data collection that make it possible to test > 100,000 compounds on a system of interest per day. Any readout is addressable: From simple plate reader based luminescent reporter gene readouts all the way to highly multiplexed high content screening applications in 3D that rely on our high throughput confocal capabilities.

        For a comprehensive list of services, please visit the MSSR Website here .

        • Small Molecule Screening:
          Whether you require a particular expertise or a complete, experienced integrated small molecule discovery team, the MSSR can provide a high-performance solution to help turn your vision into reality. From discovery to development and commercial manufacturing, we seamlessly integrate broad capabilities to provide an accelerated path to drug discovery.
        • CRISPR:
          CRISPR knockout libraries are designed to create insertions or deletions in targeted genes across the genome. Our libraries are designed for targets throughout the genome. CRISPR activation libraries use gRNAs to guide dCas9 bound to a transcriptional activator to target genes and thereby activate their expression. CRISPR repression libraries use gRNAs to guide dCas9 bound to a transcriptional repressor to target genes, block transcription initiation, and thereby repress, or knockdown, their expression.

          We can also design gRNAs specific to your gene of interest. Our gRNAs are designed and validated to work with our genome editing tools to provide consistent high efficiency editing. We use high performance oligo manufacturing to design our guides. Whether you need an economical solution for routine editing tasks or you want to drive maximum editing efficiency, particularly in primary or stem cells, we have the tools required to introduce your specific edit in your cell line.

        • Full Genome cDNA Screening:
        UCLA NanoLab
        The UCLA NanoLab provides open-access to advanced research infrastructure for fabrication and characterization of nanoscale materials, systems and devices. With over 15,000 square feet of class 10, 100 and 1000 cleanroom space, the NanoLab integrates modern semiconductor tools, processes and analysis using substrates ranging in size from small pieces to 150mm wafers with emerging classes of biomedically relevant materials and devices. By providing access to a professional staff with deep knowledge of fabrication techniques and process development, the UCLA NanoLab enables a broad range of academic and industrial R&D projects.

        For a comprehensive list of services, please visit the UCLA NanoLab here .

        The services provided include the use of high throughput screening (HTS) technology, a total of over 300,000 compounds in various libraries, arrayed genome wide sets for CRISPR, cDNA, shRNA and siRNA for mouse and/or human. We also perform data analysis and cheminformatics taking advantage of deep learning approaches using AI and neuronal networks. The MSSR has automated equipment and data collection that make it possible to test > 100,000 compounds on a system of interest per day. Any readout is addressable: From simple plate reader based luminescent reporter gene readouts all the way to highly multiplexed high content screening applications in 3D that rely on our high throughput confocal capabilities.

        • Mask Shop:
          The UCLA NanoLab offers photo-mask shop services to both academic and industry users. The masks provided are suitable for direct-contact photolithography using a Mask Aligner, such as the Karl Suss MA6. The photomasks are exposed with a Heidelberg DW66 laseer writer and eveloped, etched and packaged in our own facility.

          Photomasks are commonly used in photolithography to allow light to shine through a defined pattern.

        • Focused Ion Beam:
          The Nova 600 is a state-of-the-art nanofabrication tool used for TEM sample preparation, failure analysis applications and providing top-rate SEM imaging. Assisted usage by a skilled Nanolab engineer as well as training for self usage is available for both academic and industry clients.
        • Electron Beam Lithography:
          The UCLA NanoLab offers E-beam lithography services to both academic and industry users. The Raith EBPG5000+ES Electron Beam Lithography system is a high performance nanolithography system with automation and throughput. It provides 100kV high resolution patterning over 6” substrate.
        Nano & Pico Characterization Laboratory
        The NPC Technology Center offers a curated collection of high-end scientific instrumentation to enable the physicochemical characterization of nanoscale materials, devices, and systems under a wide range of experimental conditions. Our technical capabilities and expertise include surface analysis by Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM); hydrodynamic size and surface charge analysis by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta Potential (ZP) measurements; elemental and chemical analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

        For a comprehensive list of services, please visit the NPC Website here .

        • BioAFM for Biological Interfaces Analysis:
          Our BioAFM (NanoWizard), integrated with a Zeiss confocal microscope, enables simultaneous AFM, optical, and confocal imaging, all while maintaining the sample’s position. This seamless setup is ideal for biological studies, such as analyzing tendon-bone interactions.
          1. Visualize nanoscale surface topography
          2. Measure mechanical properties like tissue stiffness
          3. Distinguish soft vs. hard tissues interactions beyond traditional microscopy
        • DLS & NTA for Nanocarrier Characterization:
          Effective drug delivery relies on optimizing the size, distribution, and surface charge of nanocarriers, especially for chemo-immunogenic therapies. Our DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) and NTA (Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis) platforms offer high-precision measurements for formulation development.
          1. Nanocarrier Optimization: Precise size, distribution, and surface charge analysis
          2. Advanced Materials Analysis: Comprehensive characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes, and nanobubbles using NT
        • ICP-MS and ICP-OES for Elemental and Drug Release Analysis:
          We utilize ICP-MS (Mass Spectrometry) and ICP-OES (Optical Emission Spectrometry) to track drug release kinetics, biodistribution, and environmental contamination.
          1. Drug Release Studies: Monitor release profiles over time and varying conditions
          2. Pharmacokinetics: Tissue sample analysis for drug distribution profiles
          3. Environmental Monitoring: Detect heavy metals in soil, dust, water which is critical for assessing wildfire impact

        EICN provides advanced electron imaging tools operating at scales ranging from micrometers to angstroms and delivers valuable structural information for biomolecular, molecular, and materials sciences as well as cell biology and microbiology.

        ALMS supports the application of optical microscopic and spectroscopic methods to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution from whole in vivo animal imaging to sub-70 nm imaging using super-resolution nanoscopy techniques.

        NPC offers microscopic techniques to characterize surfaces, adsorbates, nanostructures, materials and devices at the atomic and molecular scales under a wide range of experimental conditions.

        MSSR provides industrial strength HTS capabilities at a capacity of >60,000 wells per assay per diem. A full suite of services leverages a curated ~200,000 small molecule library, arrayed genome wide shRNA, cDNA and siRNA libraries as well as CRISPR sets.

        The NSF BioPACIFIC MIP operates a one of a kind user facility dedicated to creating a nexus for synthetic biology and materials to revolutionize high-performance polymers.

        NanoLab provides access to a 20,000 square foot clean room in two locations on the UCLA campus for nanofabrication and characterization that integrates classic semiconductor tools and processes with biological, chemical, and medical substrates.

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