The Health Technology Hub laboratories offer an interdisciplinary capability covering key areas required to create and to support the development of novel health technology from microbiology to electronic engineering in well-equipped Cat 2 laboratories.
Biosensor system development
Equipment for development of biosensors, ranging from electrochemical devices to fluorescent based sensors. Equipment includes technologies for sensor fabrication, e.g. a high precision nanolitre dispensing system and for characterisation and reference methods e.g. high-performance liquid chromatography.
Material and surface analysis
The laboratory includes a range of technologies for characterisation and quality control, including an Atomic Force Microscope, a Raman microscope and spectrometer. In addition, we have comprehensive chemical and biochemical analysis capability.
Molecular biology and biochemistry
The labs are equipped with state-of-the-art DNA sequencers based on nanopore technology, plus multiple qPCR and PCR instruments. Technologies for separation and characterisation include electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and affinity chromatography.
Cell culture
A well-equipped cell culture laboratory supports a broad range of experiments using and monitoring cells such as cytotoxicity studies and assessment of cell health and viability. We also run a small-scale bioreactor. There is access to a wide range of cell lines for experiments such as CHO, Melanoma, astrocytes.
Microbiology
We have facilities to grow micro-organisms such as bacteria, algae, fungi on plates or in small bioreactors and are able to support a range of associated experiments. We also conduct virus viability studies using viral plaque assays.
Electronics
The electronics laboratory contains equipment for designing, fabricating and testing circuits and systems. Particular expertise includes smart sensor systems, hardware prototype development, embedded systems, IC design and circuit/system testing.
Prototyping
The facilities include CAD design suite for design and simulation, together with 3D printing facilities and other relevant equipment, e.g. laser cutters, heat press and spin coaters, for fabrication of bespoke prototypes.
Living lab test bed
The living lab test bed is in effect a single bedroom apartment, with a fitted kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. This facility is used to test products and devices in a controlled domestic environment. The facility is complete with cameras (including IR) and a variety of commercial monitoring sensors.