About the Core
The Core has the capabilities to assist researchers in moving their project from protein expression to biophysical characterization to protein crystallization. The core assists in cell culture, protein production and purification, and macromolecular characterization through a number of techniques. Nanobodies are produced in alpacas through the core. Researchers can make use of core instrumentation on a regular basis unassisted by core personnel after initial training. Core personnel offer training on all instruments and equipment, as well as a higher-level of assistance when projects warrant. Additionally, service projects are undertaken, including protein production, using heterologous expression in bacteria, insect, or mammalian cells, and protein purification.
Current charges for the services provided by the Cores are listed below.
To apply to use the Protein Core, or for further information, click here:

SnapGene®
The Genetic Technologies and Protein Cores are now offering a service called SnapGene. SnapGene is a program which allows researchers to plan, visualize, and document their molecular biology procedures. To learn more about the program, go to:
Important: This service is only available to University of Kentucky researchers.
For access to SnapGene, please contact Dr. Michael Mendenhall.
Services
Protein Expression and Affinity Purification from E Coli (1 liter)
Internal Rate: $1,150
External Rate: $1,750
Protein Expression and Affinity Purification in Insect Cells (Baculovirus 200 ml)
Internal Rate: $2,400
External Rate: $3,600
Protein Expression and Affinity Purification in Mammalian Cells (100 ml)
Internal Rate: $2,500
External Rate: $3,250
Each additional Purification Step (E. Coli. Baculovirus, or Mammalian Cells)
Internal Rate: $500
External Rate: $750
Gene Synthesis Including Mutagenesis (Codon Optimized)
Internal Rate: Quote
External Rate: Quote
Characterization of Macromolecule by Dynamic Light Scattering
Internal Rate: $250
External Rate: $375
Circular Dichroism Spectrum
Internal Rate: $250
External Rate: $375
Thermal Melt Curve
Internal Rate: $300
External Rate: $450
Characterization of Binding by Isothermal Titration-Calorimetry
Internal Rate: $550
External Rate: $825
Ligand Screening by Differential Scanning Fluorometry
Internal Rate: $400
External Rate: $600
SDS-PAGE
Internal Rate: $175
External Rate: $265
Nanobody Production (1 mg Purified Nanobody, Sequence, and Clone)
Internal Rate: $6,000
External Rate: $9,000
Additional Purified Nanobody (Per mg)
Internal Rate: $400
External Rate: $600
Additional Validated Nanobody Clones*
Internal Rate: $400
External Rate: $600
*From clones previously identified as positive clones
Additional Validated Nanobody Clones*
Internal Rate: $600
External Rate: $900
* From clones previously sequenced but not validated
Phagemid Librray From Which Nanobody was Isolated
Internal Rate: $750
External Rate: $975
Expression Clone Fused to Reporter
Internal Rate: $400
External Rate: $600
Nanobody Library in Phage Display Vector From Alpacas Immunized With Supplied Antigen
Internal Rate: $2,500
External Rate: $3,500
Internal Rate: $4,000 External Rate: $6,000
Internal Rate: quote
External Rate: quote
Western Blot with User Supplied or Common Antibody
Internal Rate: $200
External Rate: $300
Hourly Rates
Special Projects
Internal Rate: $82.50/hr
External Rate: $124/hr
Training and Consulting
Internal Rate: $82.50/hr
External Rate: $125/hr
Instruments Available in the Protein Core
Cell Culture
- New Brunswick BioFlow 3000 10 Liter Fermenters
- Tissue Culture Facility for Mammalian and Insect Cells
- Wheaton Roller Bottle Apparatus for Adherent Culture
- Wheaton Microstir 4PL and Spinner Flasks for Suspension Culture
Protein Purification
- Microfluidics 110Y High-Volume Cell Cracking Device
- GE Healthcare AKTA Chromatography Systems With Associated Columns and Resins
Analytical Instrumentation
- Waters Breeze High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Apparatus
- Jasco J-810 Spectropolarimeter
- Perkin-Elmer LS55 Spectrofluorometer
- Molecular Devices Spectra Max Fluorescent Plate Readers
- MicroCal VP-ITC Isothermal Titration Calorimeter
- Wyatt NanoStar Dynamic Light Scattering Instrument
Structural Biology
- TTP Labtech Mosquito Crystallization Screening Robot
- Rigaku Minstrel DT UV Automated Imager
- SER-CAT Macromolecular Data Collection Facility at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Lab