Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre Facilities
Our research facilities support cutting-edge science and real-world collaboration helping us work with industry, government and community partners to turn lab-based research into real health outcomes.
Super Resolution Microscopes
The Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre is home to two bespoke single molecule microscopes capable of visualizing biology at the nanoscale and with single protein sensitivity. A third custom microscope is in the final stages of development which has been designed for fast, super-resolved live-cell imaging. Combined with novel assays to manipulate and control sub-cellular events, these microscopes have revealed key new insights into how diseases begin.
Exercise Physiology & Clinical Trials Suite
The Exercise Physiology and Clinical Trials Suite is a state-of-the-art research facility within the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre consisting of three separate spaces. It is used to support physiological, functional and performance testing and is the hub where our clinical trials are imagined and conducted.
The Exercise Physiology and Clinical Trials Suite incorporates metabolic analysis capabilities (Parvo TrueOne and Cosmed), a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner, blood analysis equipment, SphygmoCor system for pulse wave velocity and arterial stiffness and clinical grade cardiac assessment equipment. It also includes exercise training (both cardiorespiratory and muscular) facilities, along with physical movement (3D motion capture) and control analysis capability and a functional kitchen.
PC2 Laboratory
Our well-equipped PC2 laboratory enables modern molecular cell biology and microbiology procedures in a safe and controlled environment. The tissue culture facility includes:
- Two Class II biosafety cabinets for sterile work
- Multiple CO₂ incubators for precise cell growth conditions
- Cytoflex flow cytometer for cell analysis
- Olympus CKX53 fluorescence and phase-contrast microscopes
- Countess automated cell counter
These resources allow us to grow and analyze cells effectively, including routine monitoring with fluorescent stains (e.g., Mitotracker) and advanced imaging of gene-edited or transfected cells expressing fluorescent proteins or halo tags.
Analytical Suite
Our analytical suite provides comprehensive tools for molecular and cellular analysis, including:
- Gel electrophoresis systems
- AKTA Start for protein purification
- End-point and quantitative PCR systems, including Qiagen 5-Plex qPCR
- BMG Clariostar plate reader with atmospheric control for live-cell measurements
- Confocal microscope for high-resolution imaging
These instruments enable workflows such as cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, recombinant protein production, and assay development. The suite supports nucleic acid and protein analysis, making it ideal for both routine and advanced experimental designs.
Microbiology Facility
Our microbiology facility is equipped for both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial research, featuring:
- Class II biosafety cabinet
- Bacterial and cell culture incubators
- Anaerobic incubator for specialized microbial growth
This setup allows isolation and production of bacteriophages from diverse bacterial cultures, as well as the establishment of bacterial biofilms and bacterial-cell co-cultures. Downstream analyses of nucleic acids, proteins, and biofilms are seamlessly integrated with the analytical suite.