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Dr. Pradip Chaudhari
Officer In Charge: Dr. Pradip Chaudhari

This facility focusses on preclinical animal imaging and research on radiopharmaceuticals. The diagnostic radionuclides - technetium-99m and fluorine-18 complexes are being evaluated for their utility in imaging and monitoring cancer xenografts in mouse models. In 2017, the facility supported 17 preclinical PET, SPECT and CT imaging studies on rodents for basic and translational research projects from ACTREC, other DAE units, academic institutes and pharmaceutical industries.

A majority of the studies were proof-of-concept studies, normal tracer uptake studies and in vivo tumor uptake studies - some involving validation of liver and brain xenograft and orthotopic models. The facility also designs imaging protocols for ex vivo bone imaging and analysis utilizing high resolution microCT, development of animal models, data quantitation, and analysis. During 2017, the facility conducted a major imaging study for the pharmaceutical industry. The facility also runs a complete cancer care program for the diagnosis and treatment of pet animals suffering from spontaneous cancer through its animal oncology clinic. During 2017, 122 referral cases underwent major/ minor surgeries, single or combination drug chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these, based on clinical requirement.

The animal cancer biorepository maintains biological material (blood, fresh-frozen/ formalin-fixed/ FFPE tissues) obtained during diagnosis and treatment, and utilizes them for research on comparative aspects of animal and human cancers. The senior faculty organized a CME on ‘Preclinical imaging and drug discovery’ at ACTREC from 20th to 22nd September 2017. The facility accepted six trainees during the year – one for Bachelor’s and four for Master’s dissertation, one for research experience, and one observer. Orientation tours of the facility were conducted during the year for visiting students and other visitors.

Dr Rajiv Sarin
Dr Rajiv Sarin

The Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) facility at ACTREC has a HiSeq 1500 from Illumina and an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine from Thermofisher. The machines were used by in house scientists as well as those from BARC and IISER, Pune during 2017.

Transcriptome analysis was carried out on the Hiseq 1500 to understand the expression of genes in oral cancer cell lines, in human samples exposed to low dose radiation, and in medullary thyroid cancer.

Exome sequencing was carried out to profile mutations in individuals exposed to radiation, for de novo sequencing of an insect exome, and to find differences in the penetrance and disease aggression of germline mutations in inherited cancers. After DNA/ RNA sample quality checks, exome and transcriptome libraries for 55 samples were prepared in house and sequenced on the HiSeq 1500. Good quality data was obtained and downstream bioinformatics analysis was done with open resource tools by the users.

Ion Torrent PGM libraries for targeted resequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were prepared in 108 cases of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Pathogenic mutations were identified in 45 families.

MSF
Facility In Charge: Mr. Shashadhar Dolas

Overview

The Mass Spectrometry facility at ACTREC houses four state-of-the-art mass spectrometry platforms connected to high performance liquid chromatography systems – (1) Orbitrap Exploris 480, Thermo, (2) ESI/MALDI Q-TOF Model Synapt XS (3) Triple Quadrupole Model Xevo TQ Absolute and (4) The Nano-LC (ABSCIEX, Eksigent)-ESI-Q-TOF Model Triple TOF 5600 plus SCIEX.

Mass spectrometry is a technique which measures mass-to-charge ratios of ions. This can be used to identify and quantify the molecules of interest in the given sample. Since the advent of soft ionization methods, large biomolecules like proteins are increasingly being analyzed by mass spectrometry for studying various aspects of their structure. Mass spectrometry based Proteomics, i.e., large scale identification and quantification of proteins from a complex mixture of biological origin; and variations thereof, has become an important workflow in biological research. High resolution mass spectrometry is primarily applied for large scale discovery studies while low resolution mass spectrometry is more suited for targeted proteomics. At ACTREC, we have three high resolution mass spectrometers (MS) and one low resolution MS dedicated for omics applications.

Instruments
Cell
Cell

Orbitrap Exploris 480, Thermo

This high resolution MS system has an ESI ion source and a nanoFlex ion source and the mass analyzer is an Orbitrap. This system is coupled with a Vanquish nanoLC. The high resolution and high sensitivity provided by this system is useful in shotgun proteomics applications of discovery nature. There are specialized data analysis software suits for analysis of the raw data, namely Proteome Discoverer and Spectranaut. This system is well known for in-depth proteomic profiling of the sample, label and label-free quantification of the proteins in a complex mixture. This is well suited for comparative proteomics studies leading to biomarker identification for various disease conditions etc.

Cell
Cell

Synapt XS, Waters

This is a high resolution MS with an interesting option of changing the ion sources from ESI, nanoESI and MALDI (matrix assisted laser desorption ionization). For ESI and nanoESI application, it can be coupled with the M-Class UPLC from Waters and can be used for various shotgun proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics applications. The main mass analyzer is TOF and the system is equipped with Ion Mobility Separation of the ions, providing separation between molecules of same molecular weight but different conformations. Since this system also has an option of Electron Transfer Dissociation (ETD), this is suitable for identification and characterization of the post-translational modifications (PTMs). With MALDI as an ion source, this system can be utilized for tissue MALDI imaging. The data analysis software available is Progenesis QIP and MassLynx.

Cell
Cell

Xevo TQ Absolute, Waters

This is a low resolution MS system with three quadrupole mass analyzers in series. It is coupled with an H-Class UPLC and has an ESI ion source. This system is best suited for targeted proteomics studies, where absolute or relative quantification of the protein/peptide/small molecule of interest can be done using single or multiple reactions monitoring technique (SRM/ MRM) and its variations. The unparalleled sensitivity provided by the MRM assay can be used to track extremely low amounts of compounds of interest in the given sample. The analysis software MassLynx software helps in analyzing the data of targeted quantification experiments

Cell
Cell

TripleTOF 5600 plus, SCIEX

This is a high resolution MS with nanoESI (electrospray ionization) source and nanoLC coupled with it. The main mass analyzer is Time-of-Flight (TOF). This system is useful for shotgun proteomic experiments of qualitative and quantitative nature. The patented SWATH technology of Sciex helps in increasing the depth of the proteomic identification as well as label-free quantification, and thereby able to identify the proteins with very low expression. Along with that, the system can also be used for label-based quantification of proteins. The analysis software ProteinPilot is useful for qualitative and quantitative proteomics studies.

Applications
Sr. No.Applications
1Enriched Proteins (IP / In-gel digested samples)
2Global Protein Profiling (Complex Mixture)
3Label Free Quantification
4Labelled Quantification (i-TRAQ / TMT)
5Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM)
6PTMs
7Metabolomics
8Lipidomics
9MALDI MS
10MALDI MS-MS
11Targeted Proteomics Studies
12SRM / MRM studies
Publications

2025

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2009

Staff
Sr. No.NameDesignationEmail ID/Phone/Extension
1Mr. Shashadhar DolasScientific Officer ‘E’ OIC-Mass Spectrometry FacilitySdolas[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
5475/5320
2Dr. Heramb KulkarniScientific Officer ‘D’Heramb.kulkarni[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
5475/5320/5394
3Mrs. Poonam KawleScientific Assistant ‘F’mass.spec[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
5475/5320
4Mr. Prince Ragul V.Technician ’A’mass.spec[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
5475/5320
Contact Details

Mass Spectrometry

KS-08 & KS-19, Khanolkar Shodhika,
Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC),
Tata Memorial Centre,
Sector-22, Kharghar,
Navi Mumbai – 410210,
Maharashtra, India.

Email : mass.spec[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
Phone No: +91 (022) 27405000 / 68735000
Extension 5475/5320

Media Gallery
MS
MS
MS
MS

LAF Group
Officer In Charge: Dr. Rahul Thorat

The Laboratory Animal Facility (LAF) is located in an exclusive and specially designed building with over 15,000 sq. ft. area spread over two floors. The first floor houses the rooms for rodents, which are maintained under dark & light cycles and controlled conditions for temperature, humidity, air pressure as per the regulatory requirements with the help of HVAC system. The ground floor houses the service areas (washing, autoclaving and animal feed) and also various laboratories (biochemistry, microbiology, genetic monitoring and histology) and quarantine room.

The Laboratory Animal Facility maintains 10 different basic strains of mice, 1 hybrid strain (B6D2F1) of mice, 10 transgenic mice, 11 knockout mice, and 29 crosses of Tg and knockout mice, one each Nude & SCID mice; one each rat and hamster. Listing of the strains of these animals can be viewed by clicking here- "Strains". Majority of the rodent strains are bred under strictly inbred conditions. The main activity of the Laboratory Animal Facility is to breed, maintain and supply quality rodents to in-house researchers, as per the sanction from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC). The Laboratory Animal Facility is registered with the 'Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals' (CPCSEA) for breeding, trade and conducting experiment on small laboratory animals vide registration no. 65/GO/ReiBiBt/S/1999/CPCSEA dt. March 11, 1999. The registration is renewed by the CCSEA till March 2027.

All activities of the Animal Facility are carried out as per standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Animal Facility maintains the records of day to day activities as well as breeding, maintenance and experimentation records of the animals as per the statutory requirement of CPCSEA and keeping in mind the future requirement of the NABL accreditation. Only authorized persons are allowed entry in the animal rooms. Prior approved visitors who have not entered any other outside Animal Facility rooms for last 48 hours, are permitted, if it warrants.

QUALITY CONTROL (QC)

A stringent program for clinico-pathology, microbiology, genetic monitoring of the laboratory rodents and animal feed ensures quality control of the animals. Reporting of the QC tests is done in standard formats and QC reports are maintained in the Animal Facility.

  1. Clinico-Pathology

    For clinico-pathology surveillance, skin/ hair are checked for presence of ecto-parasites. Faecal samples are randomly checked for the presence of endo-parasites by sedimentation method. In addition to sedimentation method, specifically for checking of pinworms infestation, we undertake 'tape test' method on randomly selected mice in all modules of the mice. The weekly sampling schedule is devised such a way that every 12 weeks, representative samples from all the modules are covered under the clinico-pathology. However, the sedimentation and tape tests schedule are maintained a week apart.

  2. Routine/ Conventional Microbiology

    Microbiological examination of animal room air, animal feed, water, bedding material, stool samples and animal organs from moribund animals is also carried out whenever required. The weekly sampling schedule is devised such a way that every 12 weeks representative animal from all the strains are covered under the conventional microbiology testing.

  3. ELISA based Microbiology

    Once in every six months i.e. in February and August every year, randomly selected serum samples are screened for rodent pathogens such as E. cuniculi (EC), Hantan Virus (HV), Lactate Dehydrogenase Elevating virus (LDHV), Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV), Minute Virus of Mice (MVM), Mycoplasma pulmonis (MP), Pneumonia Virus of Mice (PVM) and Mouse Hepatitis Viurs (MHV) using ELISA-based ready to use kits. In order to include few new rodent pathogens, the list of the rodent pathogens tested by ELISA methods changes every year.

  4. PCR based Microbiology

    Once in every six months, i.e. in March and September every year, DNA/ RNA samples from randomly selected appropriate tissue samples are screened for fourteen rodent pathogens namely CAR bacilli, Helicobacter bilis, Helicobacter hepaticus, Kilham rat virus, MHV, Murine norovirus, Mycoplasma pulmonis, Pasturella pneumotropica, Pneumocystis carinii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Sendai virus, Lactate Dehydrgenase Elevating Virus (LDHV), Sendai and Tyzzers organism using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)techniques.

  5. Conventional Genetic Monitoring

    Under the genetic monitoring program, skin grafting and study of biochemical markers for Akp1, Es-1, Es-3, Gpd-1, Gpi-1, Hbb, Idh-1, and Mod- 1 markers are routinely undertaken using cellulose acetate electrophoresis method. Skin grafting tests are conducted in April and October every year. Whereas biochemical markers from randomly selected tissue samples are checked once every six months i.e. in February and August every year.

  6. PCR based Genetic Monitoring

    We also undertake PCR based technique using one each Simple Sequence Length Polymorphism (SSLP) markers from every chromosome as D1Mit21, D2Mit15, D3Mit54, D4Mit53, D5Mit52, D6Mit274, D7Mit77, D8Mit4, D9Mit129, D10Mit10, D11Mit14, D12Mit158, D13Mit3, D14Mit7, D15Mit13, D16Mit4, D17Mit34, D18Mit40 and D19Mit41 for confirmation of the genetic purity of the mice strains. SSLP markers from randomly selected mouse DNA samples are checked once every six months i.e. in May and November every year.

  7. T- and B-cell Profile of Nude, SCID and NSG Mice

    The purity of Nude/SCID/NSG mice breeder as well as experimental animals is routinely checked on the basis of their T- and B- cell profiles using a CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD19 markers by flow cytometry method. Besides, in order to ascertain the immuno-compromised nature of these animals, Animal Facility also randomly checks and track the tumor acceptance in experimental animals of these strains.

  8. Animal Nutrition

    All the species of animals are provided with balanced commercially procured animal feed pellets as per the nutritional requirement of each species/ strain. Microbiological quality of the food is routinely checked in-house whereas nutritional quality of the animal feed is checked by sending the samples to outside testing laboratories.

QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES
ACTREC can provide quality control services of biochemical markers and microsatellite marker tests of genetic monitoring by cellulose electrophoresis and PCR method, respectively as well as ELISA and PCR based tests for the available rodent pathogens to other Animal Facilities in the country on payment basis.
EMBRYO CRYO-PRESERVATION PROGRAM
The LAF has also initiated a program for cryo-preservation of rodent embryos of the available strains of animals in ACTREC. As a part of this programme, embryos from few strains have already been cryo-preserved and revived back to check the efficiency of the cryo-preserved embryos to develop into live animals. This data is also published in reputed international journals.
ICLAS RECOGNITION
Since 2004 the Animal Facility at ACTREC is an Institutional Member of the 'International Council for Laboratory Animal Science' (ICLAS) (http://iclas.org/members/member-list ). Based on efforts of ACTREC in education and training in the field of Laboratory Animal Science, ICLAS have recognized ACTREC Animal Facility as one of the centers in “Training and Education”. This link can be viewed on ICLAS website at http://iclas.org/committees/education-and-training-committee/education. Being institutional member, ICLAS has officially permitted ACTREC Animal Facility to use the ICLAS logo on all certificates issued to the participants attending workshop, certificate courses etc. organized in ACTREC.
NIAW RECOGNISED CERTIFICATE COURSES
ACTREC have conducted two certificate courses on "Laboratory Animal Science" under the MoU with National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW), Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India. The first batch of 10 participants completed the six-month duration certificate course in Feb. 2013. Second batch of 9 participants completed the 4-week duration certificate course in Dec. 2013. The participants of both the courses received the certificates of participation duly signed by ACTREC and NIAW with official logo of the ICLAS on their certificates.
ORGANISATION OF CONFERENCES/ WORKSHOPS

The Laboratory Animal Facility (LAF) of the centre regularly organizes educational programs and workshops to keep professionals in the region up-to-date on the latest scientific advancements, evolving regulations, and best practices while facilitating the exposure of technical expertise under various training programs. Since 2005, LAF has organized several workshops focusing on various aspects of quality control. It has also successfully hosted two international conferences of the Laboratory Animal Science Association (LASA) at ACTREC, in the years 2015 and 2024.

LASACON 2024
LASACON 2024
LASACON 2015
LASACON 2015

SUMMER / SHORT TERM TRAINING
Laboratory Animal Facility can also induct summer/ short term trainees under the ongoing quality control program of the Animal Facility for the M.Sc. or M.V.Sc. (Part I/II) students whose college requires project work. Interested students may contact Dr. Rahul Thorat, Officer-in-Charge, Laboratory Animal Facility.
ANIMALS FOR RESEARCH
The LAF can provide surplus animals of selected strains to other CPCSEA registered Animal Facilities in India. Request for animals must come from the Officer-in-Charge of the concerned Animal Facility and must contain details of number of animals required, species, strain, age, sex, date on which required, full contact details including e-mail, a copy of the valid/ renewed CPCSEA registration, IAEC approval from the host organization for use of the requested animals, and undertaking that the basic infrastructure for maintaining the required animals is available.

Request for animals, quality control services as well as for summer/ short-term trainings may be addressed to:

Dr. Rahul Thorat, BVSc & AH, MVSc, CCLAS, DICLAM
Officer-in-Charge, Laboratory Animal Facility
Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer
Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai - 410 210.
Tel: 022 - 27405047
Email: rthorat[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in

Arvind Ingle group
Dr. Arvind Ingle

The Histology facility provides the following services to the Centre: (a) slides of unstained/ haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histology sections of animal tissues including bone/ tumour samples, (b) logistic support for frozen sectioning of human/ animal tissues, and (c) blocks of multiple tissues by pecking method using a microarray machine. During 2017, the facility received 3471 tissue samples in fixative and 1231 human tissue paraffin blocks and, after processing, supplied 6869 stained and 17681 unstained slides to 20 research labs. In addition, 3397 tissues were processed for cryo-sectioning, and 1318 H&E stained and 1318 unstained slides were supplied to 12 research labs.

Dr. Sanjeev Waghmare
Facility In Charge: Ms. Shamal Vetale
About Us

The Flow Cytometry (FCM) facility is a centralized facility used by scientists/ clinicians from ACTREC for a wide range of research applications including Immunophenotyping, Multicolor analysis, DNA content and cell cycle analysis, Apoptosis and Proliferation studies, Detection of mitochondrial membrane potential, Stem cell analysis, Detection of circulating tumor cells, Functional assays like Intracellular calcium influx, Oxidative burst analysis, Intracellular cytokine analysis, Cytometric bead array assay for the detection of cytokines, and 4-way live cell sorting.

The facility provides technical expertise in experiment design and data interpretation to researchers whenever required, and also provides training in data analysis.

The facility has four flow cytometers: FACSAria III, FACSAria I, Attune NxT and FACSCalibur. FACSAria III is equipped with 5 lasers (UV: 355 nm, Violet: 405 nm, Blue: 488 nm, Yellow green: 561 nm and Red: 633 nm) and can perform 18 color analysis. FACSAria-I is equipped with 3 lasers (Violet: 405 nm, Blue: 488 nm and Red: 633 nm) and can analyse up to 11-color. Both the Cell sorter can perform 4-way cell sorting as well as single cell sorting into 96-well plates using the Automated Cell Deposition System. Attune NxT is equipped with 4 lasers (Violet: 405 nm, Blue: 488 nm, Yellow green: 561 nm and Red: 633 nm) and can analyse up to14 color. FACSCalibur is equipped with one laser (Blue: 488 nm) and can perform 3-color analysis.

The software used for data analysis include FlowJo, FACSDiva, CellQuest Pro, Attune NxT, FCAP Array and Modfit.

The facility also offers its services to outside investigators on payment basis. Demonstrations and training were provided to staff and students on request.

Services

Flow cytometry facility is a centralised facility provides technical resources and professional expertise for multicolour flow cytometry analysis and cell sorting.

The following services has been provided by Facility:

  • Multicolor analysis can be done efficiently up to 18 colors by FACSAria III (BD Biosciences) and 14 colors by using Attune NxT (Life Technologies).
  • Cell sorting can be done by FACSAria I (up to 11 Colors and FACSAria III (up to 18 Colors). Both the cell sorters can sort 4 different populations at a time and also perform plate sorting for clonal analysis.
  • Software Flow Jo, FACSDiva, ModFit (Cell cycle analysis), Attune NxT, Cell Quest Pro, FCAP Array (Cytometric Bead Array Assay analysis) can be used for analysis purpose.
  • The technical support is extended to design the flow cytometry based experiments, to optimise the reagents (e.g. antibodies concentration), Florochrome selection and further assistance in data analysis.

For External User

The Flow cytometry facility at ACTREC is open to external user with certain conditions as follows:

  • Booking has to be done at least one week prior in advance and depending upon the availability of the slot, booking will be available to external user.
  • User should prepare the sample in their own Institute/ Lab and bring it in sterile condition.
  • It is recommended to pass the sample through strainer to avoid clogging of sample line.
  • The user should bear the cost of analysis of data separately.
  • The data should be collected immediately after acquisition. Users are requested to carry CD to copy the data.

Charge for Outside Users

Government Institutes/ University   - Rs. 600/ Tube (for acquisition)
Corporate                  - Rs. 2000/ Tube (for acquisition)

The user should contact of any query to Flow Cytometry facility on following:

Dr. Sanjeev Waghmare
Email: swaghmare@actrec.gov.in
      flowcytometry@actrec.gov.in
Contact: 022-27405000 Ext. 5316/5122

Protocol

DNA Cell Cycle using Propidium iodide

Reagents and Instruments

  • Cell lines or primary cell cultures
  • Phosphate buffered saline (0.01 M PBS pH 7.4)
  • 70% ethanol
  • Propidium iodide (PI)- Stock 400 μg/ml
  • RNase- Stock 1mg/ml
  • Triton X-100
  • Polystyrene round bottom 12 x 75 mm Falcon tubes (Flow Tubes)
  • 1 ml syringes with 26 G (Guage) needle
  • Flow cytometer- FACSCalibur, Attune Nxt
  • Softwares – CellQuest Pro, ModFit

Sample fixation

  1. Dispense 1 x 106 cells per ml of PBS in 5ml polystyrene tubes.
  2. Wash the cells with 1 ml of PBS by centrifuging at 1000 rpm for 10 mins.
  3. Fix the cells by adding 70% chilled ethanol drop wise to the cell pellet while vortexing. This should ensure fixation of all cells and minimize clumping.
  4. Keep cells on ice for 1 hr or overnight at 4℃. (Fixed cells can be stored at 4℃ for 15-20 days)

Sample Staining

Procedure – I
  1. Take 1 x 106 fixed cells in 5ml polystyrene tubes and centrifuge at 1000 rpm for 10 mins.
  2. Discard supernatant, wash the cells with 1 ml of PBS by centrifuging at 1000 rpm for 10 mins.
  3. Add 500 μl of PBS to the cell pellet, vortex gently, add 100 μl of Propidium Iodide and 100 μl of RNase. Cover the tubes with aluminum foil to prevent its exposure to light. Incubate at 37ºC for 30 mins.
  4. Pass the sample through 26 G needle to prepare single cell suspension.
  5. Acquire the sample on FACSCalibur / Attune NxT.
Procedure- II
  1. Take 1 x 106 fixed cells in 5ml polystyrene tubes and centrifuge at 1000 rpm for 10 mins.
  2. Discard the supernatant and wash the cells with 1 ml of PBS by centrifuging at 1000 rpm for 10 mins
  3. Re-suspend the pellet in 500 μl of PBS containing 0.1% Triton X-100 and 100 μg/ml of RNaseA for permeabilization and RNase inactivation respectively. Incubate at 37ºC for 15 mins.
  4. After incubation, add 25 μg/ml of propidium iodide to the cell suspension, mix properly and further incubate at 37°C for 15 minutes.
  5. Pass the cell suspension through 26 G needle to avoid clumping of sample.
  6. Acquire the sample on FACSCalibur / Attune NxT.

Preparation of reagents

1. Phosphate buffer saline (0.01 M PBS pH 7.4)

NaCl8.0 g
KCl0.2 g
Na2HPO41.44 g
KH2PO40.24 g

Dissolve in 800 ml distilled water (dH2O)
Adjust the pH to 7.4 with HCl
Finally, make up the volume to 1 L with dH2O.
Store at 4°C.

2. 70 % ethanol

Ethanol70 ml
Distilled water (dH2O)30 ml

Store at 4°C.

3. Propidium iodide (PI): Stock – 400 μg /ml

Propidium iodide (Sigma)4 mg
PBS (0.01 M, pH 7.4)10 ml

Dissolve and Aliquots in 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes
Store at -20°C.
(Precaution: Cover the 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes with Aluminum foil as PI is light sensitive.

4. RNase: Stock – 1 mg/ml

RNase (Sigma)1 mg
PBS (0.01 M, pH 7.4)1 ml

Dissolve and aliquot in Eppendorf tubes.
Store at -20°C.

Point to remember:

  1. The quality of sample should be maintained for better result.
  2. Try to make single cell suspension before fixation of the sample to avoid clumping (to prevent the doublets).
  3. Handle the tubes with care and wear gloves to avoid contact with skin as PI is mutagenic.

Immunophenotyping

There are three general staining protocols based on type of antigen to be evaluate, nature of Fluorochrome and sample type.

  1. Direct Staining:

    This technique involves incubation of cells with fluorochrome conjugated antibody, which recognize and bind to various cell surface antigens. The antibodies are mostly monoclonal antibodies (MAb) and they may be added either single or in multiple combinations depending upon the analysis.

  2. Indirect staining:

    In indirect staining technique, the cells are incubated with an unconjugated primary antibody. The primary antibody recognizes and binds to cell surface antigens then the cells are subsequently incubated with a fluorochrome conjugated secondary antibody.

  3. Intracellular staining:

    This technique involves detection of intracellular antigens; it done by direct staining method using conjugated antibodies. Cells are initially subjected to a fixation step with paraformaldehyde in order to minimize leakage of proteins out of the cell, following permeabilization by mild detergents such as saponin or Tween 20. The permeabilization allows access of conjugated antibodies to proteins within the cell. The conjugated antibody penetrates and binds to its target within the cell. Intracellular staining technique is very useful in monitoring immune responses and tracking signalling molecules.

Reagents and Instruments

  • Cell line or primary cells
  • Phosphate buffered saline (PBS, 0.01M pH 7.4)
  • FACS Buffer I (for surface staining)
  • FACS Buffer II (for intracellular staining)
  • 1% Paraformaldehyde
  • Refrigerated centrifuge
  • Polystyrene round bottom 12 x 75 mm Falcon tubes
  • Micropipettes of capacity- 1 ml, 200 μl, 10 μl
  • Flow cytometer – FACSCalibur, Attune NxT or FACSAria
  • Software - CellQuest Pro (FACSCalibur), Attune NxT (Attune NxT), FACSDiva (FACSAria)
Antibodies

Direct staining:
1. Fluorochrome labelled antibody
2. Isotype matched fluorochrome labelled antibody
Indirect staining:
1. Unlabelled primary antibody
2. Fluorochrome labelled secondary antibody

Procedure

  1. Direct Staining
    1. Dispense 1 x 106 Cells in 5ml polystyrene tubes.
    2. Add 1 ml of FACS buffer I and centrifuge the tubes at 1000 rpm for 10 mins at 4°C. Discard the supernatant. (washing)
    3. Resuspend the cells in 100 μl of FACS buffer I.
    4. Add appropriate amount of antibody (the amount of antibody can be decided as per manufacturer’s recommendation and titration)
    5. As negative control, incubate the cells with isotype matched antibody conjugated with same fluorochrome used for the test.
    6. Incubate the cells on ice at 4°C for 45 mins. in dark.
    7. Wash the cells 2 times and finally resuspend in 500 μl of FACS buffer I.
    8. Acquire the sample on flow cytometer as soon as possible.
    9. If the acquisition is not possible on the same day, fix the cells in 500 μl of 1% paraformaldehyde to preserve the cells for several days (this will stabilize the light scatter, prevent quenching and inactivate most biohazardous agents).
  2. Indirect Staining
    1. Dispense 1 x 106 Cells in 5ml polystyrene tubes.
    2. Add 1 ml of FACS buffer I and centrifuge the tubes at 1000 rpm for 10 min at 4°C. Discard the supernatant (washing).
    3. Resuspend the cells in 100 μl of FACS buffer I.
    4. Add appropriate amount of unconjugated purified monoclonal antibody specific for antigen to be detected. (the amount of antibody can be change based on manufacturer’s recommendation and titration)
    5. Incubate on ice at 4 0 C for 45 mins.
    6. Wash the cells 2 times with FACS buffer I as described before to remove excess antibody.
    7. Dilute the fluorochrome- labelled secondary antibody as per manufacturer’s instruction in FACS buffer I.
    8. Incubate the cells with diluted secondary antibody (specific for primary antibodies) conjugated with fluorochrome on ice at 40 C for 45 min.
    9. As negative controls, incubate the cells with isotype matched controls conjugated with same fluorochrome used for the test.
    10. Wash the cells 2 times and finally resuspend in 500 μl of FACS buffer I.
    11. Acquire the sample on flow cytometer as soon as possible.
    12. If the acquisition is not possible on the same day, fix the cells in 500 μl of 1% paraformaldehyde to preserve the cells for several days (this will stabilize the light scatter, prevent quenching and inactivate most biohazardous agents).
  3. Intracellular staining
    1. Dispense cells in 5ml tubes.
    2. Add 1 ml of FACS buffer I and centrifuge the tubes at 1000 rpm for 10 mins at 40C. Discard the supernatant (washing).
    3. Add 500 μl of 1 % paraformaldehyde to fix the cells.
    4. Incubate on ice at 40C for 15 mins. with intermediate mixing of the tubes.
    5. Wash the cells with FACS buffer I by centrifuging tubes at 1000 rpm for 10 mins. at 40C twice.
    6. After second wash, Add 100 μl FACS buffer II to the cell pellet to permeabilize the cells.
    7. Gently vortex the tubes.
    8. Incubate at room temperature for 5 min.
    9. Add recommended amount of fluorochrome labelled antibody specific for antigen to be detected.
    10. As negative control, incubate the cells with isotype matched controls conjugated with same fluorochrome used for the test.
    11. Incubate on ice at 4°C for 45 mins. in dark.
    12. Wash the cells 2 times and resuspend in 500 μl of FACS buffer I.
    13. Acquire the sample on flow cytometer.

Preparation of reagents:

1. Phosphate buffer saline (0.01 M PBS pH 7.4)

NaCl8.0 g
KCl0.2 g
Na2HPO41.44 g
KH2PO40.24 g

Dissolve in 800 ml distilled water (dH2O)
Adjust the pH to 7.4 with HCl
Finally, make up the volume to 1 L with dH2O.
Store at 4°C.

2. FACS buffer I

PBS (0.01 M, pH 7.4)99 ml
Fetal Bovine Serum (Invitrogen)1.0 ml
Sodium Azide (NaN3)0.02 g

Store at 4°C.

3. FACS buffer II

PBS (0.01 M, pH 7.4)99 ml
Fetal Bovine Serum1.0 ml
Sodium Azide (NaN3)0.02 g

Store at 4°C.

4. 1 % paraformaldehyde

Paraformaldehyde1.0 g
PBS (0.01 M, pH 7.4)100 ml

Prepare solution in a glass bottle. Heat in microwave oven until the powder dissolves completely. Allow it to cool. Cover the bottle with Aluminium foil to prevent exposure to light. Store at 4°C.
(Precaution: Do not inhale the fumes)

Point to remember:

  1. Before starting the experiment, the titration of antibodies should be done according to manufacturer’s instruction for optimum concentration.
  2. The recommended controls should be run with every experiment for better analysis e.g. Iso control
  3. In case of multicolour analysis use compatible compensation controls.

Annexin V / Propidium iodide staining (For Apoptosis)

Reagents and Instruments:

  • Phosphate buffered saline (0.01 M PBS pH 7.4)
  • Annexin-V FITC
  • Propidium iodide (PI) – stock- 400 μg/ml
  • Annexin Binding buffer- 10X
  • Refrigerated centrifuge
  • Polystyrene round bottom 12 x 75 mm Falcon tubes
  • Micropipettes of capacity- 1 ml, 200 μl, 10 μl
  • Flow cytometer- FACSCalibur, Attune Nxt
  • Softwares – CellQuest Pro, Attune NxT, Flow Jo

Procedure:

  1. Wash the cells twice with 1X PBS and then resuspend in 1X Annexin Binding Buffer at a concentration of 1 X 106 cells/ml.
  2. Transfer 100 μl of the cell suspension (1 X 105 cells) in another polystyrene tube.
  3. Add 2-5 μl of Annexin V FITC.
  4. Add 40-50 μg of Propidium Iodide.
  5. Gently vortex the cells and incubate for 15 min at room temperature in the dark.
  6. Add 300 μl of 1X Annexin Binding Buffer to each tube. Analyze by flow cytometry within 1 hr.
The following controls are used to set up compensation
  1. Unstained cells.
  2. Cells stained with only Annexin V FITC
  3. Cells stained with only Propidium Iodide

Preparation of Reagents:

1. Phosphate buffer saline (0.01 M PBS pH 7.4)

NaCl8.0 g
KCl0.2 g
Na2HPO41.44 g
KH2PO40.24 g

Dissolve the following in 80ml MilliQ Water:

2. Annexin binding buffer 10X

HEPES (0.1 M)2.603 g
KCl0.2 g
cacl20.368 g
NaCl (1.4 M)8.182 g

Adjust the pH to 7.4. Make up the volume to 100 ml with MilliQ water. Store at 2-8°C

3. Propidium iodide (PI): Stock – 400 μμg /ml

Propidium iodide (Sigma)4 mg
PBS (0.01 M, pH 7.4)10 ml

Dissolve and aliquot in 1.5 ml capacity tubes.
Store at -20°C.
(Precaution: Cover the tube with aluminium foil as PI is photo-sensitive.)

Point to remember:

  1. Before starting the experiment, the titration of Annexin V should be done to decide optimal concentration.
  2. The pH of Annexin binding buffer should be maintained for better results.
  3. Handle with tubes with care and wear gloves to avoid contact with skin as PI is mutagenic.
User Guidelines

SOP for Flow Cytometry Facility User

New Flow Cytometry facility users are required to fill up the Project details form before starting the experiment. A hard copy of the same should be submitted with signatures of Principal Investigator/Officer-in-charge/ Scientific officers. The format will be available at the Facility.

Booking for Acquisition and Analysis of samples

  1. Booking has to be done in Booking register that is available in the Facility.
  2. Booking can be done one-week prior to the date of sample acquisition.
  3. Booking slots are available for both acquisition and sorting. In a given day, only one booking slot of 2 hrs is allowed. Additional time will be entertained based on the nature of the experiments and number samples depending on the availability of the slots.
  4. Cancellation of booking if any should be informed at least one-day prior of date of acquisition.
  5. If any queries, please contact Facility staff.

Sample Preparation for Flow Cytometry

  1. Try to prepare single cells suspension and avoid clumping. Users are Recommended to pass the cells through filters or strainers or insulin syringe.
  2. Sample concentration should be maintained for better results. (e.g. 1 X106 Cells / 300-500 μl for acquisition depending upon the cell type)
  3. For sorting carry sufficient number of collection tubes with appropriate quantity of media or buffer.
  4. User can use 15 ml tubes, 5 ml FALCON tubes, Eppendorf 1.5 /2 ml, and 96 well plates for collection of cells.

General Guidelines

  • Suitable Controls should be carry at the time of acquisition and if any queries please contact Facility Staff.
  • Data can be collected in FCS format in the CD immediately after the sample acquisition.
  • Users can use softwares Flowjo, FACS DIVA, Attune NxT, Modfit LT 5.0, Cells Quest Pro, for analysis with prior booking.
Contact Us

Dr. Sanjeev K Waghmare
Principal Investigator
Scientific Officer’ F’
Officer In-Charge
Email: swaghmare[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
Phone:022-27405122

Flow Cytometry Facility, ACTREC
Email: flowcytometry[at]actrec[dot]gov[dot]in
Phone: 022-27405000 Ext. 5316

EM gp
Facility In Charge: Siddhi A. Redkar

The Electron Microscope Facility at ACTREC is equipped with JEM 1400 PLUS, a Transmission electron microscope (JEOL, Japan) functioning at 120kV with magnification up to 12,00,000 X and 0.2nm resolution. TEM analysis provides a detail ultra- structural information of resin embedded or negatively stained biological samples. The facility extends its services for research and analysis of biological samples, nanoparticles and other applications to the external researchers along with the in-house researchers. The facility is also equipped with instruments such as ultra-microtome, glass knife-maker, auto-trimmer and glow discharge unit.

Equipments

TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE Make: JEOL Model: JEM 1400 PLUS

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JEM 1400 PLUS is a Transmission electron microscope (JEOL, Japan) functioning at 120kV with magnification up to 12,00,000 X and 0.2nm resolution.

Specifications

Accelerating voltage 120 kV
Electron SourceTungsten filament
ResolutionHC pole piece
Point image0.38 nm
Lattice image0.2 nm
Magnificationx200 to x1200000
CameraBottom Mounted Olympus TENGRA 5.3 MP CCD Camera
Tilt range±70°

Applications

  • Imaging of resin embedded cells and tissues.
  • Imaging of negatively stained small particles (<100nm) like bacteriophages, exosomes, nanoparticles, proteins and DNA.
  • Acquisition of immunogold labelled macromolecules to detect specific localization.
  • Elemental detection by Bruker EDS system.

EQUIPMENT: ULTRAMICROTOME Make: Leica Model: UC7

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Ultramicrotome provides high-quality preparation of ultra-thin or semi-thin sections for transmission electron microscopy. The desired thickness of the section can be selected with touchscreen control unit and sections can be cut using glass or diamond knives with motorized knife stage. Majorly, 70nm ultra-thin sections are cut for electron microscopy.

Application

  • Ultra-thin and semi-thin sectioning of resin embedded cells and tissues.

Additional equipment’s

equippedLeica EM TRIM2 auto-trimmer – for trimming the resin blocks,
equippedLeica EM KMR3 – Glass knife maker – for making glass knives.
equippedLeica EM MP Hotplate – for heating the resin sections.

GLOW DISCHARGE UNIT Make: Ted Pella Model: PELCO easiGlow

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The PELCO easiGlow uses an automated and quick cycle with fully selectable parameters for one of the most common glow discharge applications, making TEM support films or grids hydrophilic using air.

Applications

  • To make TEM support films or grids hydrophilic using air
  • Cleaning TEM grids
  • Adhesion and orientation of proteins, nucleic acids and extra cellular vesicles.
  • TEM grid preparation for nanoparticle studies
Current Applications
  • The facility carries out sample preparation for routine electron microscopy, including resin block making (solid tissues, monolayer cell cultures, and cell suspensions) followed by ultrathin sectioning using Leica UC-7 ultramicrotome, contrasting, and acquisition.
  • The facility also carries out negative staining for small particles (<100nm) like bacteriophages, exosomes, nanoparticles, proteins and DNA.
  • The facility provides acquisition of immunogold labelled macromolecules to detect specific localization.
  • The facility provides elemental detection by Bruker EDS system

The major areas of electron microscopy analysis are,

  • Ultrastructure study of cell and tissue,
  • Studying the details at organelle level like mitochondrial changes, ER - mitochondrial interactions, mitochondrial cristae, cell membrane, nuclear architecture, golgi complexes etc.,
  • To check events of autophagy, apoptosis or necroptosis,
  • Characterization of exosomes, bacteriophages and nanoparticles,
  • Uptake and effect of nanoparticles / drugs / radiation on cells or tissue,
  • EDS analysis of nanoparticles
Electron Microscopy ATLAS
Sample Submission

External users: Please write to the facility regarding your requirement for electron microscopy. The facility will provide the details as per the analysis requirement. The users are requested to discuss over email regarding their study and sample submission followed by booking a slot accordingly. The samples need to be submitted along with a duly filled requisition form. For quotation, a duly filled requisition form can be mailed to the facility email address (tem.facility@actrec.gov.in). For requisition form, please click the link below,

Internal users (ACTREC):

  • For routine EM, please check with the facility regarding the sample submission requirements as per the study.
  • For negative staining, please book a slot after discussing with the facility for sample submission. Only three samples will be accepted per slot.
  • Samples should be accompanied by a duly filled requisition form and online requisition.

    Requisition form

Charges
ACTREC & DAEOther than ACTREC institutionsCorporate
Routine EM1000500010000
Routine EM + Immunogold labeling1500600012000
Negative staining80040008000

18% GST to be included in addition to the following charges.

Mode of Payment

External users: The users should pay the charges against the quotation or invoice to the following account within a week of the invoice. The users should share the transaction details with the facility once the payment is done. The acquisition will be carried out after the receipt of the payment is confirmed. For e-payment details please click the link below.

Epayment details

Contact

Facility-in-charge:
Siddhi A. Redkar
Technical Officer ‘D’
Electron Microscope Facility
(Khanolkar Shodhika - 68)
ACTREC, TMC
Plot No.1 & 2, Sector 22
Kharghar, Navi Mumbai - 410 210.
022-27405000 / 022-68735000
Extension : 5545
Email : tem.facility@actrec.gov.in

EM Staff:
Ms. Arpana Kadam, Scientific Assistant ‘C’
Mr. Shridhar Nadkar, Technician ‘F’

Media Gallery
CellCell
Cell to cell ContactCell
CellCell
ExosomesMitochondria
CellCell
NanoparticlesGolgi Complex
Publications

2026


Dr. Pradnya Kowtal
Officer In Charge: Dr. Pradnya Kowtal

The DNA sequencing facility has two automated DNA sequencers: an eight capillary Genetic Analyzer 3500 and a 48 capillary Genetic Analyzer 3730 from Applied Biosystems/ Thermofisher, both of which are used for DNA sequencing and fragment analysis. The average turnaround time to give out data is one working day after receiving samples. During the year 2017, the facility carried out a total of 25,459 reactions of which 13,718 were for sequencing and 11,741 were for fragment analysis. The facility also provided demonstration of Sanger sequencing to students and other visitors.

Digital Imaging
Facility In Charge: Mrs. Vaishalii kailaje

The Digital Imaging Facility is a centralized core facility that provides advanced microscopy and image analysis services to students and researchers across the institute. By integrating state-of-the-art imaging technologies with powerful image analysis tools, the facility enables researchers to visualize, quantify, and gain deeper insights into complex biological structures and processes.

The facility offers a comprehensive range of imaging platforms, including five widefield microscopes, three confocal microscopes all with dedicated live-cell imaging capabilities, and the Incucyte Live-Cell Imaging and Analysis System for long-term monitoring of living cells. Complementing these systems are dedicated high-performance image analysis workstations equipped with software such as Imaris and Arivis, enabling sophisticated 3D reconstruction, visualization, deconvolution, quantitative analysis, and interpretation of multidimensional imaging datasets.

The facility serves more than 18 research laboratories and over 50 active users, with the confocal systems operating at near full capacity. Extended operating hours and weekend access for certified users provides greater flexibility. Beyond our institution, we also welcome researchers from external organizations to utilize the facility for imaging their samples.

Our imaging platforms support a wide range of biological samples, from cultured cells and tissues to whole organisms, enabling diverse research applications. These include protein localization and colocalization, live-cell imaging, drug uptake and response studies, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, tumour biology, and many other areas of biomedical research. The facility also offers expertise in advanced imaging applications such as FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) and FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching), allowing researchers to study protein interactions, molecular mobility, and cellular dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution.

The Digital Imaging Facility is more than a collection of instruments; it is a center for learning. We provide user training and certification programs, guidance on sample preparation and experimental design, and technical support throughout the imaging process. Our team works closely with our facility users to recommend the most appropriate microscopy techniques and instruments based on their specific research needs, helping them achieve the best possible imaging results.

Facility Team

    Facility Team:

  • Mrs. Vaishali Kailaje, Scientific Assistant,’F’ , Facility In charge
  • Mrs. Tanuja Durve, Scientific Assistant, ‘E’
  • Ms. Rajashree Sawant, Scientific Assistant, ‘B’

    Facility Board Members:

  • Dr. Sorab Dalal, Scientific Officer, ‘G’, Deputy Director, CRI
  • Dr. Rohan Khadilkar, Scientific Officer, ‘E’

    Facility Reporting Officer:

  • Mr. Uday Dandekar. Engineer, ‘H’

    Student’s representatives:

  • Ms. Shivali Mishra
  • Mr. Sourav Chakraborty
Facility Tour

ZEISS LSM 980 AS2 Confocal

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The ZEISS LSM 980 with Airyscan 2 is a next-generation laser scanning confocal microscope designed for high-sensitivity, and super-resolution fluorescence imaging. Featuring the innovative Airyscan 2 detector, the system captures significantly more light and spatial information than conventional confocal microscopes, delivering enhanced resolution, superior signal-to-noise ratio, and improved imaging speed with minimal phototoxicity. Integrated with automated stage control, Definite Focus technology, spectral detection, and live-cell imaging capabilities, the LSM 980 is an ideal platform for advanced biological research.

equipped  equipped  equipped 

Objectives10x/0.3NA, 20x/0.7NA DIC, 40x/1.25NA, 63x/1.4NA Oil, 100x/1.4NA Oil
Lasers405nm, 488nm, 514nm, 561nm, 594nm, 639nm (all solid-state lasers)
DetectorsFour-channel GaAsP PMTs, Two-channel Multi-Alkali PMTs (6 spectral channels), Airyscan 2 detector, and Transmitted Light PMT
SoftwareZEISS ZEN Blue (Version 3.x)
Detection ModesSpectral imaging, Airyscan Super-Resolution, Multiplex imaging, Transmitted light imaging

CONFOCAL SYSTEMS Nikon AX Confocal

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The Nikon AX Confocal Microscope is a state-of-the-art laser scanning confocal imaging system engineered for high-speed, high-resolution, and large field-of-view imaging. Built on the Nikon Ti2-Eclipse fully motorized inverted microscope, with 25 mm ultra-large field-of-view galvo scanner, up to 8192 × 8192-pixel image acquisition, imaging speeds up to 10 fps, 360° scan field rotation, Perfect Focus System (PFS) for long-term live-cell imaging, environmental incubator for 35 mm dishes and multiwell plates.

equipped  equipped  equipped 

Objectives10X/0.3NA, 20X/0.7NA DIC, 40X/1.25NA Si (silicon oil),60X/1.4NA Oil, 100X/1.4NA Oil
Lasers405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm (all solid-state lasers)
Detectors4 GASP detectors, one Transmitted Light Detector. Both Channel mode (filter based) and Spectral mode imaging possible
SoftwareNIS Elements AR (Ver.5.4.2) is used both as acquisition and analysis software. Acquisition with XY Overview enables selection of region of interest from a large field of view. Workstation PC includes AI based software innovations like, Auto signal.ai and Denoise.ai and deconvolution to improve resolution.
Imaging ModesBrightfield, Phase contrast, DIC, Fluorescence

LSM780 Confocal

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FeaturesAxioObserver Z.1 Inverted microscope attached to confocal scan head, Definite Focus - Autofocus System, Motorized XY Stage, Excite Metal Halide Light Source, RGB filter sets for Epi-fluorescence visualization. The scanning field size can go up to 6144 x 6144 pixels. Rotation of the scan field over 360º is possible. A stage mount incubation chamber (maintained at temperature 37ºC and 5% CO2) can be attached for live cell imaging.
Objectives10x/0.45NA Air (PH1), 20x/0.8NA Air (PH2), 40x/1.3NA Oil, 63x/1.4NA Oil, 100x/1.4NA Oil.
Lasers405nm Diode, Multiline Argon laser 458nm, 488nmn, 514nm lines, DPSS 561nm, HeNe 594m, HeNe 633nm.
DetectorsThe system consists of 3 detectors, 2PMTs and a 34 Channel Spectral Array, all of them can be used for fluorescence and reflection imaging. An additional PMT for transmitted light allows for simultaneous detection of fluorescence and bright field/DIC images.
SoftwareThe system is controlled under LSM Software, ZEN 2.3 (Black) Ver. 14.1. A Workstation PC for analysis with the same software is available, it enables in quantitating length / area / mean fluorescence intensity, colocalization coefficients, assigning different LUTs etc. and exporting of images. Additionally, it helps in FRAP analysis.
Applications of Confocal Microscopy:
  • High-resolution fluorescence imaging of cells and tissues
  • Optical sectioning and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of cells, tissues, organoids spheroids etc.
  • Live-cell and short and long-term time-lapse imaging to study migration, division, autophagy and dynamics of organelles and proteins.
  • Multi-color fluorescence imaging
  • Protein localization and intracellular trafficking studies
  • Colocalization and interaction analysis of biomolecules (FRET)
  • Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) to study mobility and diffusion of proteins.
  • Cell morphology and cytoskeletal organization studies
  • Organelle imaging (mitochondria, nucleus, lysosomes, Golgi, ER, etc.)
  • Cancer biology and tumor microenvironment research
  • Drug screening and pharmacological studies
  • Large-area tissue imaging using tile scanning
  • Quantitative fluorescence intensity measurements
  • Biomaterial and scaffold imaging
  • Reflection imaging of non-fluorescent specimens

WIDEFIELD SYSTEMS - Axio Imager Z.1 Upright Microscope, Carl Zeiss

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The AxioImager Z.1 is an upright fluorescence microscope used for imaging of cells, tissues, and diverse biological specimens. Partially motorized components, equipped with ZEISS optics - 6 position emission filter wheel and objective turret.

equipped  equipped  equipped 

Objectives5X/0.12NA Air, 10X/0.45NA Air (PH1), 20X/0.8NA Air (PH2), 40X/1.3NA Oil, 40X/0.95NA Air, 63X/1.4NA Oil, 100X/1.4NA Oil.
DetectorsEquipped with a colored camera Axiocam ERc 5s, Carl Zeiss.
SoftwareZen3 PRO (Blue Edition) Ver.3.0
Imaging ModesBrightfield, Phase Contrast and Fluorescence
ApplicationsH&E-stained tissues, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Fluorescence imaging of cells and tissue sections.

BX63, Upright Microscope, Olympus

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The Olympus BX63 is a partially motorized upright microscope used for imaging of biological specimens - cells, tissues, organism etc. with 8 position emission filter wheel, LED as illumination sources for fluorescence light.

equipped  equipped  equipped 

Objectives10X/0.3NA Air (PH1), 20X/0.7NA Air (PH2), 40X/0.9NA Air, 60X/1.4NA Oil, 100X/1.4NA Oil.
DetectorsMonochrome (Moments, Teledyne Photometrics) Colored camera (DP23, Olympus)
SoftwareCell Sens Dimension Software (Ver. 3.2)
Imaging ModesBrightfield, Fluorescence, Polarization microscopy
ApplicationsH&E stained histopathology tissues, Immunohistochemistry, fluorescently labelled cells and tissue, cells and tissues under polarized light

IX73 Inverted Microscope, Olympus

equipped

The Olympus IX73 is a compact inverted fluorescence microscope designed for routine cell culture observation and basic fluorescence imaging. Equipped with phase contrast, fluorescence illumination, and a color digital camera

equipped  equipped 

Objectives10X/0.30 Air, 20X/0.70 Air, 40X/0.65 Air
DetectorsColored camera DP28, Olympus
SoftwareCell Sens Dimension Software (Ver. 3.2)
Imaging ModesBrightfield, Phase contrast, Fluorescence
ApplicationsCell culture observation, Fluorescence microscopy, Phase contrast imaging, Cell morphology analysis, Cell motility and invasion assays Transfection efficiency assessment

Axio Observer Inverted Microscope, Carl Zeiss

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The Carl Zeiss Axio Observer is a fully motorized inverted fluorescence microscope used for advanced live-cell and fluorescence imaging. Featuring an environmental chamber, Colibri LED illumination and Definite focus for z-drift compensation.

equipped  equipped  equipped 

Objectives10X.45 Air (PH1), 20X0.80 Air (PH2), 40X0.95 Air (DIC)
DetectorsHigh-sensitivity AxioCam 802 monochrome camera
SoftwareZEN Pro 2.0 (Blue Edition) software
Imaging ModesBrightfield, Phase Contrast, DIC, Fluorescence, Tile Scan, Time-lapse and Multidimensional imaging
ApplicationsTime-lapse imaging, Tile scan imaging, Transfection efficiency assessment, Multidimensional imaging (XYZCT), Cell migration and proliferation studies

Nikon Eclipse Ti Inverted Microscope

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Nikon Eclipse Ti Inverted Microscope is a Live-cell and fluorescence imaging system. Equipped with an environmental chamber that maintains physiological conditions (37°C and 5% CO₂), the system enables long-term imaging of living cells. It has the Perfect Focus for Z drift compensation.

equipped 

Objectives10X0.30 Air (PH1), 20X0.70 DIC, 20X0.70 Air (PH2)
Detectors2 Monochrome camera - ORCA-Flash4.0 and Andor Clara
SoftwareNIS Elements AR software (Ver.4.2)
Imaging Modes Brightfield, Phase Contrast, DIC, Fluorescence, Tile Scan, Time-lapse
ApplicationsTime-lapse imaging, Wound healing assays, Fluorescence microscopy Cell viability and proliferation , Transfection efficiency studies, Phase Contrast and DIC imaging, Cell motility and invasion assays.

Incucyte

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This is a widefield inverted live cell system engineered with long term high throughput imaging in mind. Housed inside a tissue culture incubator, the imaging module maintains the most stable imaging conditions possible (37ºC temperature, humidity and 5% CO2). The system comes with a selection of inserts allowing you to image your cells in a range of vessels (ranging from 35mm dishes to 384 well plates). It automatically captures and analyses images of living cells in real time for days, weeks, or months. It has a optical design wherein the cells remain stationary while optics move. Multiple imaging modes – HD phase plus red and green fluorescence. It can accommodate multiple users at a time with different experiment set ups and configurations



equipped  equipped  equipped  equipped  equipped  equipped 

Objectives4X, 10X, 20X
DetectorsCMOS camera
Imaging ModesPhase contrast, fluorescence (Red and Green only)
ApplicationsThe acquisition software comes with automated analysis tools to aid with high throughput analysis, such as object counting, scratch wound closure, and confluence measurements. Results are also displayed as plate maps making it easy to see instantly how parameters change between different wells/treatments. You can visualize and validate results by exporting them in the form of images / movies/ data tables. Analysis modules (Essen Incucyte 2020A) available with the system are, Basic Analyzer, Scratch Wound, Chemotaxis, etc.

Dedicated analysis workstations equipped with Imaris, Arivis Pro

Imaris for advanced 3D visualization, segmentation, cell tracking, and quantitative image analysis.

Arivis Pro for AI-assisted segmentation, analysis of large image datasets, multidimensional visualization, and automated workflows.

equipped  equipped 

Scenes Beyond the Seen - Understanding Cell Biology through Pixels
CellCell
Services Provided

Advanced Microscopy

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and improved-resolution imaging of subcellular structures with Airy Scan hardware. Multi-channel fluorescence imaging, Spectral imaging and spectral unmixing

Widefield fluorescence microscopy - Brightfield, phase-contrast, and DIC imaging, Tile scan - large-area imaging.
Time-lapse imaging - long-term live-cell imaging under controlled temperature and CO₂ conditions with automated multilocation and multichannel imaging.

Image Processing

Image deconvolution, noise reduction and AI-assisted denoising, spectral unmixing,3D reconstruction and rendering, image stitching, movie generation and image annotation

Quantitative Image Analysis

2D, 3D, and 4D image visualization, cell segmentation and object detection, colocalization analysis, fluorescence intensity measurements, surface, volume, and morphology quantification, AI-assisted image segmentation and analysis.

Functional Imaging

  • Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) / FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer)
  • Cell migration and wound-healing assays
  • Chemotaxis and proliferation studies
  • Confluence and viability analysis using Incucyte

User Training and Technical Support

  • Instrument operation training
  • Experimental planning and consultation
  • Assistance in optimizing imaging protocols for diverse biological samples
  • Selection of appropriate imaging techniques
  • Assistance with image acquisition and optimization
  • Image analysis guidance
  • Troubleshooting and technical support

Data Management

  • Secure storage of microscopy data during acquisition
  • Image export in multiple formats
  • Data organization and archiving support
  • Guidance on image processing workflows and data handling
  • Facility Access & User Support

    We are happy to assist you with your microscopy and image analysis requirements. Feel free to contact us by email or phone for any queries related to the facility or our services.

    In-house Certified Users

    Certified in-house users can access the facility independently after regular working hours, as well as on weekends and public holidays, subject to facility guidelines and instrument availability.

    External Users

    Researchers from external institutes are welcome to use the facility. Please email us with a brief description of your project, your imaging requirements, and the microscope(s) you wish to use. Our team will guide you in selecting the most suitable system and assist with scheduling your experiments.

    Media Gallery

    INAUGURATION OF DIGITAL IMAGING FACILITY (REIMAGINED AND RENOVATED)

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    SCIENCE DAY

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    Workshop & Visits

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    Publications

    2026

    2025

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    2023

    2022

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    Acknowledging the Facility

    YOUR RESEARCH OUR SUPPORT

    Your acknowledgement is more than a mention; it is a small gesture of appreciation that encourages and motivates our team to continually improve the quality of our services and support for the researchers.

    If your research has benefited from the support and assistance provided by the Digital Imaging Facility, we kindly request you to acknowledge the Facility in your publications, presentations, theses, and posters.

    Connect with our facility

    Facility Email:adif@actrec.gov.in
    Mrs. Vaishali Kailaje: vaishali.kailaje@actrec.gov.in
    Mrs. Tanuja Durve: tanuja_d29@gmail.com
    Phone no. (+91-22) 2740 5000 or 6873 5000 – Extension 5317/5538

    CIR
    Officer In charge: Mr. Uday Dandekar

    The ‘Instrumentation and Technical Support Department’ serves as a centralised facility for Advanced Scientific Instrumentation and analytical services, designed to support multidisciplinary research in cancer biology. The department provides access to state-of-the-art equipment for characterization, analysis, and testing, enabling students and research scholars to carry out high-quality experimental work efficiently.

    The department aims to promote a culture of shared resources and optimal utilization of equipment by offering sophisticated instruments to in-house departments and external institutions. By integrating cutting-edge technology with expert technical support, the facility enhances research capabilities across diverse labs. In addition to routine analytical services, it facilitates hands-on training to help users gain technical expertise and ensure the optimal use of resources. The department operates on a transparent, user-friendly booking system to maximize accessibility and efficiency.

    All major equipment installed in the department have been covered under an annual maintenance contract in order to provide safe, sustainable, efficient and reliable facilities. The department has a dedicated team of technical experts, who provide necessary technical support to all the equipment installed at other research labs and facilities of the CRI to maintain the equipment in working condition and to reduce downtime of the equipment. Dedicated team of technicians also perform in-house testing, periodic preventive maintenance and calibration, spare part inventory management of the equipment.

    The department also provides technical support in the procurement, installation, and commissioning of the equipment by preparing technical specifications, technical evaluation of the tenders, installation site preparation, warranty claims, asset management, Repair work orders.

    Overall, the ‘Instrumentation and Technical Support Department’ plays a vital role in fostering scientific excellence through the effective utilization of shared research infrastructure.

    Microplate Readers

    MULTIMODE MICROPLATE READER - BIOTEK CYTATION 5

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    A multimode microplate reader is a versatile laboratory instrument that analyzes multiple samples simultaneously in a microplate using multiple detection methods. These complex optical instruments are essential for high throughput screening in the life sciences and pharmaceutical research enabling researchers to quantify biological and chemical reactions and properties in various assays, including drug discovery, cell proliferation, and gene expression

    Technical Features:

    Automation Fully Automatic
    Detection MethodAbsorbance, Luminescence and Fluorescence detection
    Multiple ReadingYes
    Read methodsEndpoint, kinetic, spectral scanning, well area scanning
    Temperature control4-Zone incubation to 65°C with Condensation Control; +0.2°C at 37°C
    Wave length Range230 nm to 999 nm.

    MULTIMODE MICROPLATE READER - BMG LABTECH CLARIOSTAR PLUS

    faculty

    A wide range of life science applications, including cell based assays, metabolic analysis (oxygen consumption, pH, ROS), enzymatic assays, quantification (RNA, protein), and reporter gene assays. It offers flexibility through high performance monochromator and tunable dichroic mirrors, a dedicated spectrometer for high resolution spectral scanning and atmospheric control to simulate physiological conditions.

    Technical Features:

    Automation Fully Automatic
    Detection MethodAbsorbance, Luminescence and Fluorescence detection
    Multiple ReadingYes
    Read methodsEndpoint, kinetic, spectral scanning, well area scanning
    Temperature control4 Zone incubation to 65°C with Condensation Control; +0.2°C at +37°C
    Wave length Range230 nm to 999 nm.

    MICROPLATE READER - BIOTEK EPOCH 2

    faculty

    A microplate reader is a laboratory instrument that quantifies chemical, biological, or physical changes within the wells of a microplate, a multi-well plate used for high-throughput screening. It detects and measures optical signals like absorbance to analyze multiple samples simultaneously, saving time and costs for researchers in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries.

    Technical Features:

    Automation Automatic
    Multiple ReadingYes
    Read methodsEndpoint, kinetic, spectral scanning, well area scanning
    Wave length Range200 nm to 999 nm.
    Spectrophotometers

    MICROLITER SPECTROMETER - DENOVIX DS11+

    faculty

    A microliter spectrophotometer is used to quickly measure the concentration and purity of biological samples, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, by analysing their light absorbance in just 1-2 microliters of liquid. It works by placing a small sample onto a measurement pedestal, where surface tension forms a liquid column between two fibre optics that passes light through it. The instrument then measures the light absorbed at various wavelengths, which indicates the sample's concentration and the presence of contaminants, allowing researchers to assess sample quality for experiments.

    Technical Features :
    Fluorescence UV / Blue, Red, Green
    Absorbance Range190 – 840 nm
    Wavelength accuracy ( Absorbance )0.5 nm
    Micro volume path length0.5 to 0.02 nm
    Centrifuges and Vacuum Concentrators
    faculty
    Gel Documentation Systems

    CHEMIDOC IMAGING SYSTEMS - BIO RAD MP

    faculty

    The ChemiDoc imaging system from Bio Rad is used to image and document gels and western blots. The ChemiDoc imaging system is compatible with a wide range of gel stains, including Ethidium bromide, SYPRO Ruby, Coomassie, and Silver stains. The ChemiDoc Imaging System provides fast, reliable, and sensitive imaging and documentation of gels and Chemiluminescence western blots. This system is compatible with stain free technology.

    Technical Features:

    Smart Tray Technology™ Automatic recognition of application specific tray and adjustment of imaging .
    AutofocusRecalibrated focus for any zoom setting or sample height
    Auto exposureTwo user defined modes (rapid or optimal auto exposure) for all blot and gel imaging applications

    GELDOC IMAGING SYSTEMS - BIO RAD GO IMAGING

    faculty

    The GelDoc Go Imaging System gives you a benchtop imaging solution in a compact and evolved package Acquire high resolution, publication quality images of both nucleic acid and protein gels

    Technical Features:

    Smart Tray Technology™ Automatic recognition of application specific tray and adjustment of imaging .
    AutofocusRecalibrated focus for any zoom setting or sample height
    Auto exposureTwo user defined modes (rapid or optimal auto exposure) for all blot and gel imaging applications
    Shakers and Incubators

    SHAKER INCUBATOR - LAB COMPANION ISS 3075R

    faculty

    Best space efficient model with double stacking Up to 80°C, 500 rpm enables setting of various experimental conditions. Utilized as an incubator using the shelves Three operating modes Temperature Shaking, Temperature, or Shaking Includes internal power outlet Shaking structure with minimized vibration.

    Technical Features:

    Temperature Range +5°C to +80°C
    Rotation Range (RPM)10 RPM to 180 RPM MAX.

    SHAKER INCUBATOR - INNOVA 44R

    faculty

    A Lab Companion incubator shaker is a laboratory instrument that controls temperature and provides mechanical agitation for incubating samples like microorganisms, cells, or enzymes. These devices are used in fields such as biotechnology and microbiology to facilitate growth and cultivation by providing a controlled environment for heating and shaking at user set speeds and temperatures.

    Technical Features:

    Temperature Range Ambient -10°C to +80°C
    Door openingGlide up
    Speed Range25-400 rpm with 2.5 cm orbit;
    25-300 rpm with 5.1 cm orbit or 2 stacked units;
    25-250 rpm for 2 stacked units
    PCR Machine

    PCR MACHINE (THERMAL CYCLER) - HIMEDIA AND PROFLEX

    faculty

    A PCR machine amplifies specific DNA or RNA segments from samples, which is essential for applications like detecting genetic diseases, identifying pathogens (e.g. viruses), forensic DNA analysis, paternity testing, and gene cloning. It achieves this by rapidly cycling through controlled temperature changes to replicate target genetic material, a process known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

    Technical Features:

    TYPE Multi block Gradient Thermal Cycler
    Block3 x 32 well block
    GUIGraphical touch screen

    REAL TIME PCR SYSTEM - QUANT STUDIO 5

    faculty

    The Applied Bio systems Quant Studio 5 Real Time PCR System is designed for Proven OptiPlex technology (six decoupled channels/ 21 filter combinations with white LED) yield optimum results.

    Technical Features:

    Display type touchscreen
    Format384 well plate
    Volume100 µL
    Sonicators and Bioruptors

    PROBE SONICATOR - BRANSON 450 DIGITAL

    faculty

    A probe Sonicator is a laboratory instrument that uses high frequency ultrasonic energy to process liquid samples, commonly for disruption, dispersion, and mixing. It works by converting electrical energy into intense vibrations transmitted through a metal probe directly into the liquid, creating cavitation bubbles that cause intense shearing and mixing. This allows for applications like breaking open cells, preparing nanomaterials, and creating emulsions.

    Technical Features:

    Frequency 25KHz
    Pulse ModeAllows for ON and OFF cycles, adjustable from 1 second to 59 seconds, to prevent overheating.
    Power100-1500W

    DIAGENODE SONICATION SYSTEM - BIORUPTOR PICO

    faculty

    A Bioruptor is a laboratory device that uses focused ultrasound and controlled cavitation to create mechanical stress, primarily for shearing biomolecules like DNA and chromatin, but also for disrupting cells, homogenizing tissue, dispersing chemical components, and reducing the size of liposomes.

    Technical Features:

    FREQUENCY 20 KHz-60 KHz
    POWER 1000 watts
    TEMPERATURE +4°C to +20°C
    Educational Video Gallery
    Other Equipment
    faculty
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