New Eppendorf Microinjection Suite at the Hadyn Ellis Building of Cardiff University Supports Pioneering Work in Cancer Research and Neuroscience

As part of Eppendorf’s commitment to UK Science and to delivering the highest quality instruments and consumables to the life science community, the company has provided Cardiff University’s flagship Hadyn Ellis building, newly opened in November 2013, with a complete microinjection facility. The new Eppendorf Microinjection Suite will support pioneering work in critically important areas such as how recently identified ‘cancer stem cells’ drive the growth of the most common types of cancer, as well as bringing about a better understanding of a range of neurodegenerative disorders.

“We’re very excited to welcome the Eppendorf Microinjection Suite to Cardiff University,” said Professor Alan Clarke, Director of the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute. “Our team is dedicated to furthering knowledge and understanding in fields which have a dramatic impact on many people’s lives. With Eppendorf’s support in ensuring we have the latest, cutting edge equipment and technologies at our disposal, we are confident of making real progress.”

The Hadyn Ellis building was officially opened on Thursday 7th November by Edwina Hart, Welsh Minister for Science, in the company of over 200 specially invited guests.

“Eppendorf is committed to supporting the ingenuity and dedication of UK science,” commented Willie Burns, Managing Director at Eppendorf UK. “As a leading provider of premium products, our belief in scientific research underpins everything we do. We are therefore delighted to play a small role in the pioneering work taking place at the Hadyn Ellis building.”

The specialist and highly innovative range of Eppendorf microinjection products ensures that researchers in this rapidly growing and evolving field, which includes focuses such as IVF and cell biology, can access the most effective tools for their work. Eppendorf has more than 20 years’ experience in the development of microinjection and micromanipulation equipment, delivering products that enable researchers to reproducibly inject defined amounts of foreign substances into individual targeted cells or subcellular structures.

The Hadyn Ellis microinjection suite is fully equipped with Eppendorf’s premium quality products, including two Eppendorf TransferMan® NK2 micromanipulators. These pioneering systems combine simplicity and innovation to create a user-friendly system that satisfies even the most sophisticated user requirements. In fact, the most complex micromanipulation techniques can be carried out precisely, rapidly and easily through the implementation of smart functions, such as storage and recall of positions. TransferMan® NK2 micromanipulators are therefore ideal for applications including the micromanipulation of suspension cells, production of transgenic animals, ES cell transfer, nuclear transfer and pronuclear injection.

Also installed in the suite are two CellTram® manual microinjectors, for applications including the gentle holding of suspension cells and the manual microinjection and dispensing of aqueous solutions. CellTram® manual microinjectors have been designed with special emphasis on optimal ergonomics, operational comfort and high precision.

As part of the on-going collaboration between Eppendorf and Cardiff University’s Hadyn Ellis building, the equipment provided in the microinjection suite can be updated as new Eppendorf products are introduced. In this way, researchers can always be sure of accessing the most up-to-date systems, as well as having opportunities to beta test new innovations and be the first to use the very latest Eppendorf instruments.

Importantly, the Eppendorf Microinjection Suite will also provide Eppendorf with access to a permanent microinjection facility in the South West of the UK. The new suite will also allow for demonstrations and training on Eppendorf equipment, while at the same time offering visitors an insight into the pioneering research programmes of the resident Hadyn Ellis building scientists.