Cell Biology
Modern Methods
In an era of increasing automation and digitalization, we integrate state-of-the-art robotics into our research. By combining traditional experimental approaches with cutting-edge technology, we provide our students and doctoral researchers with hands-on experience using the latest equipment, ensuring they can incorporate these tools into their own work.
This exposure also strengthens their understanding of industry-standard technologies. Our robotic systems enhance data accuracy, streamline complex workflows, eliminate pipetting errors, and significantly reduce the time required for intricate assays.
Previously, we successfully cloned CRISPR plasmids in-house [1], but we now utilize RNP-based CRISPR for higher efficiency, faster onset, and reduced off-target effects as a way to constantly update our methods. We also work together with different core facilities to expand possibilities in our research. Furthermore, we actively explore new research directions - for example, we currently investigate metabolites of our newly isolated bacterial strain Sanguibacter biliveldensis for potential interesting biological effects in human cellular models. Fun Fact: this is the first bacterium named after the city of Bielefeld [2]. Additionally, we translate project ideas in synthetic biology and data-driven research into patents where applicable.
For further details, please visit our project pages.
Robots
- Mantis® Liquid Dispenser
Fig. 1: Mantis® Liquid Dispenser can work with several substances simultaneously. The Mantis® Liquid Dispenser by Formulatrix® is a precise and easy-to-use liquid dispenser for a wide range of applications. It enables the dispensing of volumes from 0.1 µl up to several milliliters and helps to significantly reduce errors compared to manual pipetting. With customizable dispensing patterns, broad vessel compatibility and the ability to self-calibrate viscosity-dependent settings, the system is also reliably suitable for sensitive samples such as living cells.
In our lab, we routinely use the Mantis® under sterile conditions to distribute cells for various applications, e.g. survival and proliferation assays. Its ability to execute complex liquid-handling protocols with speed and accuracy makes it an essential tool for modern experimental design.
- Microlab Prep automated Liquid Handler
Fig. 2: Hamilton Robot. Our newest robotic system, the automated Microlab Prep Liquid Handler by Hamilton, enables fast and precise pipetting of small volumes with functions for both aspiration and dispensing. It is compatible with various plate formats and is particularly suitable for efficient set-up of multiple qPCR reactions in 384-well plates. Automation helps to speed up the workflow and reduce errors in sensitive applications.
- Northern Lights™ Full Spectrum Cytometer
Flow cytometry is a powerful technique for analyzing cells in detail, allowing us to examine the expression of various markers, as well as cell size, shape, and composition of a variable cell suspension. This is particularly valuable for our research, as we work with primary immune cells isolated from blood—and suspension cells are much harder to analyze microscopically. Unlike immunostaining, flow cytometry enables fast quantitative measurements, providing deeper insights into our experiments.
Traditional flow cytometers detect fluorescence emissions within specific spectral windows, which can lead to impaired measurements in case of signal overlap and thus loss of valuable information. In contrast, the Northern Lights™ full spectrum cytometer by Cytek® captures fluorescence across the entire visible spectrum, allowing for a more detailed and nuanced analysis of multiple fluorophores. This enhanced spectral resolution enables us to extract more precise data from our experiments.
The acquisition of this cutting-edge cytometer was generously sponsored by the Marlies und Herbert REPKOW Stiftung.
- STELLARIS 8 CLSM
Fig. 4: The Stellaris CLSM can be used from simple imaging of fixed cells up to complex live cell imaging and fluoresecence life time measurements in a fast and precise manner. Researchers from the Faculty of Biology have successfully raised 1.1 million euros for the acquisition of a confocal laser scanning microscope. This large device, financed by the state, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the university, will strengthen the planned Core Facility Microscopy and Imaging in the future.
We utilize the state-of-the-art Stellaris 8 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope by Leica, which offers advanced capabilities for high-resolution imaging and rapid detection through its comprehensive navigator function. This cutting-edge system supports live imaging as well as specialized techniques such as FRET, FRAP, and FLIM measurements. Additionally, its AI-powered analysis software enhances data processing, making analysis more efficient, precise, and reliable.
The new equipment is supplemented by a fully automated fluorescence microscope, which was financed by the university and is used for the preparation of specimens and for the basic characterization of samples.
The application was largely led by Prof. Dr. Christian Kaltschmidt and Dr. Thorsten Seidel. The co-applicants include Prof. Dr. Andrea Bräutigam, Prof. Dr. Karl-Josef Dietz, Prof. Dr. Volker Dürr, Prof. Dr. Jacob Engelmann, PD Dr. Marion Eisenhut, Prof. Dr. Armin Hallmann, Prof. Dr. Oliver Krüger, Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus and Prof. Dr. Romy Schmidt-Schippers.
References
[1] Slotta C, Schlüter T, Ruiz-Perera LM, Kadhim HM, Tertel T, Henkel E, Hübner W, Greiner JFW, Huser T, Kaltschmidt B, Kaltschmidt C. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of c-REL in HeLa cells results in profound defects of the cell cycle. PLoS One. 2017 Aug 2;12(8):e0182373. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182373. PMID: 28767691; PMCID: PMC5540532.
[2] Kiel A, Helweg LP, Kaltschmidt BP, Wohllebe MP, Hitz F, Hütten A, Knabbe C, Niehaus K, Staiger D, Rückert-Reed C, Busche T, Kaltschmidt B, Kaltschmidt C. Sanguibacter biliveldensis sp. nov., a Gram-positive mesophilic bacterium isolated from plant lesions. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2024 Dec;74(12). doi: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006560. PMID: 39625746.