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Research Tools & Reagents

Latest Innovations
Detection of Neurotransmitters via Interfacial pH Modulated Assisted Ion Transfer Dr. Shen from University of IL has developed an electrochemical method to directly detect neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate without... Read More Dr. Shen from University of IL has developed an electrochemical method to directly detect neurotransmitters gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate without modification. In the detection, neurotransmitters are protonated thereby forming complexes with ionophores. This method is convenient and is able to monitor dynamic information of neurotransmitters. This method is compatible with both large instruments and benchtop unit.
Queen Monitoring Cage with “Polycomb” Plates Dr. Robinson from the University of IL has developed the Queen Monitoring Cage and Egg Laying Plate designs. These translucent form factors made with plastics work in... Read More Dr. Robinson from the University of IL has developed the Queen Monitoring Cage and Egg Laying Plate designs. These translucent form factors made with plastics work in tandem to provide a laboratory-controlled assay for observing factors that affect queen bee and brood productivity. These particular design allows for experimental control by implementing nutrient delivery ports, and ventilation holes on the QMC, and the polystyrene design of the ELG which mimic dimensions of formed wax honeycombs in natural beehives. Dr. Robinson’s invention facilitates enhanced observation and variable-control to current open-system field-based experimental designs that are compromised by variability in genetics, nutrition, environment and risks such as CCD.
CRISPR-SKIP System to Modulate Expression of Exons & Improve Cellular Delivery of DNA Editing Systems Dr. Perez-Pinera has developed a new way to edit genes using CRISPR technology that promises to be safer and more efficient that existing technologies. His method uses... Read More Dr. Perez-Pinera has developed a new way to edit genes using CRISPR technology that promises to be safer and more efficient that existing technologies. His method uses single base editing, to avoid double-stranded breaks in DNA and induce a mutation that causes exon skipping to occur which can silence, knockdown or ameliorate the effects of downstream gene products. Avoiding double stranded breaks eliminates the possibility of malignant mutations which can result from improper non-homologous end joining. He also demonstrates a novel delivery method for the CRISPR-cas9 system using a split base editor inserted into an adeno-associated virus to realize greater, more efficacious delivery into the cell. This method can be used to treat diseases such as Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy with more permanence than current treatments as well as Huntington’s and cardiovascular diseases.
Cooperative Chemoenzymatic Process for Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Alkanes Dr. Huimin Zhao from the University of IL has developed a new method for dynamic kinetic resolution of alkene reduction products. It involves a photocatalyst that... Read More Dr. Huimin Zhao from the University of IL has developed a new method for dynamic kinetic resolution of alkene reduction products. It involves a photocatalyst that induces isomerization of the alkene between both E and Z forms. This chemical catalyst operates cooperatively with an enzyme that selectively reduces one of the isomers into a chiral product. Through the continual isomerization followed by reduction process, theoretical yields of 100% with 100% enantiomeric excess can be achieved in this kinetic resolution compared to 50% before. This is the first and only example of a cooperative chemoenzymatic process beyond formation of alcohols and amines. This invention will be useful in creating large amounts of enantiopure compounds by simplifying syntheses, and also in increasing the diversity of structures that can be explored especially in the preparation of potential drug libraries.
End-Modified Double-Strand DNA Donors for Clone-Free & Selection-Free Gene Knock-In in Mammalian Cells Lines Dr. Zhao from the University of IL has developed a rapid, cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 based gene knock-in (KI) method that utilizes Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein( Cas9 RNP)... Read More Dr. Zhao from the University of IL has developed a rapid, cloning-free CRISPR/Cas9 based gene knock-in (KI) method that utilizes Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein( Cas9 RNP) and end-modified double-strand DNA (dsDNA) generated by PCR. This method allows large gene (up to 1.1kb) knock-in with at least 5% KI efficiency in various mammalian cell lines. With high KI efficiency and short preparation time, this method can be applied in mammalian genome editing and engineering.
NitroxylFluor: A Thiol-Based Fluorescent Probe for Detection of HNO in Living Cells Dr. Chan has developed a novel fluorescent probe, NitroxylFluor, for the detection of HNO in living cells. This fluorescent probe is highly selective for HNO, is less... Read More Dr. Chan has developed a novel fluorescent probe, NitroxylFluor, for the detection of HNO in living cells. This fluorescent probe is highly selective for HNO, is less toxic for use in living cells, and is capable of outcompeting biologic thiols, resulting in better fluorescent detection than existing probes. NitroxylFluor: A Thiol-Based Fluorescent Probe for Live-Cell Imaging of Nitroxyl, Journal of the American Chemical Society Volume139 Issue 51- Published December 27, 2017
A Highly Selective Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Cancer Stem Cells via Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 Activity Dr. Chan from the University of IL has developed a highly selective fluorescent probe for cancer stem cells (CSCs) detection. This cell-permeable fluorescent probe is... Read More Dr. Chan from the University of IL has developed a highly selective fluorescent probe for cancer stem cells (CSCs) detection. This cell-permeable fluorescent probe is the first to allow direct detection of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1, a SCS biomarker, in cell lines and in vivo with high selectivity, low off-target effect and low background. Publication: ACS Cent Sci. 2018 Aug 22;4(8):1045-1055. Epub 2018 Jul 25.
Chemoselective Methylene Hydroxylation in Aromatic Molecules Dr. White from the University of IL has developed a small molecule catalyst which enables the chemoselective methylene hydroxylation in aromatic systems. This... Read More Dr. White from the University of IL has developed a small molecule catalyst which enables the chemoselective methylene hydroxylation in aromatic systems. This modification is highly desired in small molecule therapeutics, natural product and natural product derivatives synthesis.
[ti_description] Dr. Cheng from the University of IL has developed a method which enables the polypeptide synthesis using non-purified N-carboxyanhydrides (... Read More Dr. Cheng from the University of IL has developed a method which enables the polypeptide synthesis using non-purified N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) in open air conditions. This method eliminates time-consuming purification and harsh condition for polypeptide synthesis using NCAs, which enables large scale production at low cost.
Extrapolative Prediction of Enantioselectivity Enabled by Computer-Driven Workflow, New Molecule Representations and Machine Learning Dr. Denmark from the University of IL has developed a computer-assisted workflow for catalyst design and reaction outcome prediction. This... Read More Dr. Denmark from the University of IL has developed a computer-assisted workflow for catalyst design and reaction outcome prediction. This workflow significantly shortened screening process for organic synthesis and has great potential in pharmaceutical research and development. Publications – Zahrt et al., Science, 363, eaau5631, 2019.

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