Technology Expertise

The COMET platform is a fully automated instrument for high-throughput analysis of frozen and FFPE tissue samples, capable of performing sequential immunofluorescence staining and imaging of up to 40 markers.

We offer our collaborators a range of in-house optimised antibodies and the option of assay development and validation using off-the-shelf primary antibodies, to create custom panels. Post-staining, tissue morphology and epitope stability are fully preserved allowing for downstream applications on the same sample.

The OME-TIFF image generated by the COMET is supported by most image analysis tools giving researchers the flexibility to choose their preferred platform.

The Cosmx Spatial Molecular Imager (SMI) from NanoString/Bruker offers unparalleled single-cell resolution for high-precision spatial transcriptomics, making it an essential tool for both discovery research and clinical trials. It enables the mapping of gene expression within formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) or fresh frozen tissues at single-cell resolution, providing detailed insights into molecular interactions and cellular heterogeneity. The Cosmx SMI supports a range of gene panels to suit diverse research needs. It features a 1,000-gene panel, an expanded 6,000-gene panel, and a forthcoming 18,000-gene panel—allowing for flexible and in-depth exploration of gene expression across various biological contexts. These panels enable comprehensive analysis, from targeted studies to broader gene expression profiling, ideal for uncovering new therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and understanding complex biological processes.

In discovery research, the Cosmx SMI allows scientists to explore fields like oncology and immunology with unprecedented resolution. In clinical settings, it offers a powerful platform for monitoring tissue responses to treatments, assessing therapeutic efficacy, and investigating mechanisms of pathology by tracking molecular changes at the single-cell level. With the Cosmx SMI, researchers gain access to transformative spatially resolved molecular data, bridging the gap between single-cell insights and tissue-level context, advancing both basic research and clinical breakthroughs.

Find out more via the nanoString website.

The GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP) platform from NanoString/Bruker is a powerful, high-throughput tool designed to revolutionise medical and biological research.

By providing spatially resolved, quantitative analysis of proteins and RNA at the tissue level, GeoMx enables researchers to unlock new insights into complex biological systems and disease mechanisms.

This advanced platform offers unparalleled versatility, allowing users to leverage a range of specialized protein and RNA panels up to full transcriptome to explore molecular pathways, tissue architecture, and cellular interactions with a level of detail previously unattainable.

Whether investigating cancer, immunology, or neuroscience, GeoMx empowers researchers to conduct spatially aware molecular profiling with exceptional sensitivity and accuracy.

By integrating tissue context with molecular data, the GeoMx platform opens the door to a deeper understanding of disease biology and therapeutic development. The BTA facility is a Certified Service Provider for Nanostring GeoMx Protein and RNA.

Find out more via the nanoString website.

The RASTRUM platform for 3D cell model creation provides researchers with physiologically relevant cell models for next generation drug discovery and phenotypic research. The platform offers tenable stiffness, protein, and peptide contents, combines with functional architectures, empowering researchers to recreate their in vivo tissue microenvironment in wats not possible with conventional culture models. Printing on the RASTRUM is fully automated, allowing for highly reproducible models for reliable modelling of complex biology as well as discovery of new therapeutic targets and drug screening.

The Leica Aperio AT2 is an advanced brightfield whole-slide scanner designed to deliver high-resolution images with magnifications of up to 40x. Its robust imaging capabilities ensure exceptional clarity and detail. Digitised scans can be accessed through Leica’s secure web-based platform, enabling seamless sharing and collaboration with colleagues and partners worldwide. 

We utilise Leica Bond RX automated staining platforms for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Our capabilities encompass up to 9-colour multiplex or single-color, fluorescent or chromogenic staining, as well as standard H&E. The platform is compatible with conventional protein staining, as well as RNAscope, Ultivue panels and Navinci ligation assays. The Leica Bond RX systems are optimised for reliable, high-throughput whole-slide staining and can be customised for the specific requirements of our collaborators and their projects. 

Find out more via the Leica Biosystems website.

The Menarini DEPArray Plus is an image-based cell sorter ideal for isolating rare cell populations with single cell precision, with 9 fluorescent channels available to fully characterise complex heterogenous samples.

This unique platform combines microelectronics and microfluidics to isolate rare cells from mixed cellular samples, allowing researchers to obtain the desire target cells with a 100% purity level.

The built-in software leads to a rapid selection of cells with a high level of accuracy, reproducibility, and quality images thanks to its fluorescent microscope resolution. The system is compatible with a variety of rare cell suspensions, including live and fixed cells, small cell loads, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues and liquid biopsies.

The nCounter Pro Analysis System delivers highly reproducible expression data on 800+ RNA or DNA targets with zero enzymatic or amplification steps using a simple automated workflow that requires only 15 minutes of hands-on time and gives reproducible results within 24 hours.

Used for standalone gene expression panels or as a readout method for the GeoMx DSP.

For further information, please visit the Nanostring website.

The Akoya Phenocycler-Fusion 2.0 is an automated platform for rapid whole slide phenotyping, enabling comprehensive analysis of FFPE and fresh frozen tissues across 30+ tissue types. It combines rapid fluidics, proprietary barcoding, and whole slide imaging to detect 100+ markers, support multi-slide runs, and dual panel staining.

The system offers customisable and ready-to-use panels, with a database of 350+ validated antibodies and flexibility for third-party antibody conjugation. It generates high-resolution QPTIFF images compatible with major analysis software and supports downstream staining, including H&E and IHC. 

For further information, please visit the Akoya Biosciences website. 

The PhenoImager HT is a cutting-edge multispectral imaging system tailored for spatial phenotyping and spatial signature development. It stands out as one of the fastest systems of its kind as its design allows for high-throughput, whole-slide imaging and thus enables the analysis of entire tissue slides at multiple wavelengths. This makes it particularly useful for applications in high-throughput workflows, where large volumes of samples need to be processed efficiently and at scale, making it suitable to be used in research as well as clinical trials.

Key Features:

1. High-Speed Imaging and High Throughput: The PhenoImager HT can capture high-resolution images (10x-40x) in brightfield and fluorescence making it suitable for large-scale studies. Designed for scalability, it can easily be integrated into laboratory making it ideal for various high-throughput applications such as drug screening, biomarker discovery, and clinical research.
2. Multispectral Capabilities: The PhenoImager HT can capture images at multiple wavelengths, providing a broad range of information about tissue samples. This helps researchers identify different biomarkers or tissue components in a single scan. State-of-the-art multispectral imaging with onboard spectral unmixing enables the simultaneous identification and quantification of up to 6 overlapping biomarkers, eliminating any interference from autofluorescence and signal cross-talk.
3. Ease of Integration: The system is engineered to seamlessly fit into existing laboratory and research workflows, providing flexibility and minimizing any setup time.
4. Versatility: It supports various applications, including digital pathology, drug discovery, biomarker research, and clinical diagnostics.

The Xenium Platform by 10x Genomics is a state-of-the-art single cell spatial imaging platform enabling high-resolution spatial gene expression analysis, offering deep insights into tissue organization and cellular interactions. Ideal for both research and clinical applications, Xenium helps uncover the complexities of disease biology and accelerates drug discovery.

With Xenium, users can the expression of up to 5000 genes within tissue architecture, gaining a better understanding of disease mechanisms, immune responses, and tissue microenvironments. The platform is versatile, supporting academic research and pharmaceutical development. It aids in biomarker discovery and treatment efficacy studies.

Xenium also provides comprehensive gene panels focused on key areas such as cancer, immunology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular health, with the option to include custom probes. By mapping gene expression at the tissue level, Xenium enhances precision diagnostics and supports the development of personalized treatment plans, ultimately advancing both research and clinical outcomes.

For further information, please visit the 10x Genomics website.