Üsküdar University Advanced Protein Analysis Laboratory is an advanced research and application center established to examine, map (proteomics), and purify proteins in biological systems through biotechnological methods, focusing on their structural, functional, and microscopic properties.
- Main Objective: To enable students and researchers studying molecular biology, genetics, bioengineering, and related disciplines to acquire practical competencies in line with industrial standards during the processes of protein expression, isolation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and characterization.
- Academic Contribution: The laboratory allows for the verification of protein mechanisms, enzyme kinetics, and protein-drug interactions at the cellular and molecular levels using biophysical and biochemical methods. By modeling the analytical processes of complex biological samples, it academically supports students' skills in conducting evidence-based proteomics research.
Devices and Technical Equipment Available in the Laboratory
The laboratory infrastructure is optimized to perform high-precision separation, measurement, and imaging while preserving the integrity of amino acid and protein chains. Under Highlighted Features, the technical devices located in the laboratory include:
- Liquid Chromatography (HPLC / FPLC) Systems: Chromatographic systems that enable the high-resolution and high-precision separation, purification, and analysis of protein mixtures, peptides, and biomolecules based on principles of ion exchange, size exclusion, or affinity.
- UV-Vis Spectrophotometers and Microplate Readers (ELISA): Optical devices that determine protein concentration by measuring light absorption at specific wavelengths, and perform enzyme kinetics analyses and micro-volume nucleic acid/protein quantification.
- Vertical and Horizontal Electrophoresis Systems (SDS-PAGE / Western Blotting): Analysis units that enable proteins to be separated by running them on a gel in an electric field according to their molecular weights and to be immunologically identified via specific antibodies.
- Refrigerated Ultra and High-Speed Centrifuges: Systems that enable protein extracts, organelles, and macromolecular structures to be pelleted after cell disruption procedures at desired low-temperature and high-speed (RPM/RCF) parameters to preserve the protein nature (without the risk of denaturation).
- Lyophilizers (Freeze-Driers): Drying units that remove water from purified protein and enzyme solutions under low temperature and vacuum to convert them into powder without disrupting their structural integrity and biological activities.
- Precision Analytical Balances and pH Meters: Calibrated measuring tools that ensure the error-free preparation at the milligram level of buffers and reagents, which are critical for protein stability.
- Precision Heated Magnetic Stirrers and Vortices: Laboratory equipment that ensures the homogeneous mixing of chemical solutions and biological samples.
Research Areas and Fields of Application
The applied course curricula, R&D projects, and academic studies carried out in the laboratory cover the most critical areas of protein science:
- Protein Isolation and Purification: Protocols for obtaining recombinant proteins or naturally derived biomolecules with high purity using chromatographic and precipitation methods.
- Quantitative Protein Analyses: Quantitative determination of total concentrations of protein samples using spectrophotometric methods such as Bradford, BCA, and Lowry.
- Proteomics and Characterization: Kinetic examination of the molecular weights, isoelectric points, band profiles on gels, and enzyme-substrate affinities of proteins.
- Biosimilar and Biotherapeutic Product Development: Simulation of preclinical analysis processes for enzymes and protein-based drug candidates of medical, industrial, or pharmaceutical importance.
Contributions to Students and the Industry
The Advanced Protein Analysis Laboratory prepares students for the global biotechnology market by elevating their analytical chemistry and biotechnology reflexes to the industrial R&D level.
- Analytical Reasoning and Calibration Discipline: While working with sensitive and fragile biomolecules such as proteins, students learn firsthand how temperature optimization, correct pH balance, and device calibrations directly affect measurement results.
- Sectoral Employment Power: Graduates who master the advanced devices, chromatographic and spectrophotometric analysis methods in this laboratory are rapidly employed as "Biologists", "Bioengineers", "R&D Researchers", or "Quality Control Specialists" in biotechnological drug production facilities, vaccine and biosimilar product development laboratories, food and agriculture R&D centers, clinical analysis laboratories, and proteomics research institutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which departments use this laboratory?
This laboratory is actively used primarily by students and researchers in the undergraduate and graduate programs of Molecular Biology and Genetics (English/Turkish) and Bioengineering under the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Additionally, other interdisciplinary science and health sciences programs focusing on chemistry, pharmacy, and biotechnology can also benefit from the laboratory.
What tests and analyses are performed in the laboratory?
Chromatographic protein separation and purification analyses, spectrophotometric protein quantification (Bradford, BCA, etc.), molecular weight determination via SDS-PAGE, specific protein identifications via Western Blotting, and enzyme activity/kinetics analyses are performed in the laboratory.
Is the laboratory open to external sectoral collaborations?
Yes, the laboratory has an infrastructure open to sectoral collaborations within the scope of protein purification, enzyme optimization, biotechnological raw material analyses, and academic consultancy projects to be conducted jointly with pharmaceutical industry organizations, biotechnology start-ups, food and agriculture industry representatives.
What precautions are taken to ensure accuracy in protein analyses?
To prevent proteins from losing their native structures (denaturation), all extraction and centrifugation processes are carried out in refrigerated systems (4 °C). Furthermore, standard curve calibrations and buffer pH verifications of spectrophotometric and chromatographic devices are meticulously performed before each analysis.
Can students use the laboratory for their own projects outside of class hours?
Yes, within the scope of undergraduate graduation projects, TÜBİTAK student research projects, or graduate thesis studies, students can benefit individually or in groups from the analytical devices and infrastructure in the laboratory outside of class hours, subject to the approval of laboratory coordinators, the work schedule, and direct expert supervision.
