Imaging and Biomechanics
The Imaging and Biomechanics Platform offers services, training and consultation in a wide variety of techniques for evaluating mineralized tissue and biomaterials.
Micro Computed Tomography
Advanced instrumentation for non-invasive, high resolution imaging of the 3D architecture of radio-opaque specimens.
Bone Densitometry
Rapid evaluation of bone mineral content, density and body fat composition in live rodents or inanimate objects.
Radiography
High resolution radiographs (up to x5 magnification) of live rodents or inanimate objects.
Biomechanical Testing
Determinations of bone strength and stiffness by advanced 3-point bending tester.
Histology
The Histology Platform offers routine histopathology and custom services, training and consultation on projects involving the processing and analysis of hard and soft tissues.
Paraffin processing
Embedding, sectioning, staining and digital imaging of soft and decalcified hard tissues.
Plastic processing
Embedding, sectioning, staining and digital imaging of undecalcified hard tissues.
Cryomicrotomy
Sectioning, staining and digital imaging of soft and decalcified hard tissues.
Diamond Saw Cutting
Precision cutting of hard tissues and biomaterials.
Histomorphometry
Computer-assisted analysis of light and fluorescent images.
Biochemistry
The Biochemistry Platform meets the needs of investigators wishing to monitor bone and cartilage biomarkers, including hormones, growth factors and cytokines, in human and rodent body fluids and in cell culture media.
Immunochemical and Radiochemical Assays
(Majority available for human/mouse/rat samples)
- 1,25(OH)2 Vitamin D
- PTH
- PTHrP
- Osteocalcin
- Bone-spec. Alkaline Phosphatase
- C-telopeptides, N-telopeptides
- PINP, PICP
- sRANKL
- TRAP
- Osteoprotegerin
- Matrix Gla Protein
- FGF-23
- IL-6
- IL-1 beta
- TNF alpha
- TGF beta, PDGF, EGF, VEGF, VEGF-D
- IGF-1
In Vitro Bioluminescence (under development)
Protocols are under development to use the Optima microplate reader for kinetic cell-based assays that use Aquorin and Fura-2 to measure intracellular calcium transients.
Technologies 
BMG FLUOstar OPTIMA
Combination microplate reader with high-performance luminescence capabilities for measuring fluorescence intensity, time-resolved fluorescence, high-performance luminescence (flash and glow) and absorbance (low UV to visible).
