Licor Odyssey Infared Imaging System



Introduction:
As part of the broader proteomic expertise in cardiovascular research at the University of Virginia, the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center in conjunction with the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine has purchased an Odyssey Infared Imaging System

The Licor Odyssey scans immunoblots in the 700 nm and 800 nm wavelengths, providing 1) superb and unmatched quantitation due to the lack of saturation of pixels as seen with filter based systems and chemiluminescence, 2) better sensitivity than chemiluminescence and 3) excellent signal-to-noise.

In addition, our Licor system has an optional mouse attachment mouse pod enabling in vivo imaging of up to three mice at one time with built in gas chamber.

Protocols:
There are minor adjustments that are required to develop your blot on a Licor system as compared to a standard film developer. The most important being the use of secondary antibody conjugated to a fluorophore (excited at 700 or 800) and the possible use of nitrocellulose rather than PVDF. There is no need for autoradiography film or ECL reagents with the Licor as the blot is scanned directly. For a full list of potential protocols, see here.

Use:
The use of this system is available free of charge to all 1) resident faculty of the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center and 2) faculty associated with the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Users must be certified and/or trained for use on the Licor system. Unauthorized users will not be allowed on the system. Sign-up is for a maximum of 1 hour. The Licor is available to be used M-F, 8 AM-4 PM. Users must be given authorization and sign up for times on the Licor--the sign up sheet is on the door of the Licor in MR4 6062. An advanced sign up of 24-hours in advance is required. Please do not assume the Licor will be available for use if you have not signed up; you will be asked to stop scanning if an individual has signed up for the time in which you are present. The Isakson Lab will not recieve phone calls requesting to be signed up on the Licor. An online sign-up system will be forthcoming.

Location:
The Licor is found in MR4 6062, directly across the hall from the Isakson Lab.

Questions:
Please feel free to contact Brant Isakson at bei6n@virginia.edu or 4-2093.