Research

Capabilities and Protocol Assistance

We understand that short tissue preservation time lines are crucial for the success of certain research protocols. If your project requires the preservation of RNA and protein with quick turn-over rates, or you need to begin your tissue culture process within hours of tissue recovery, we can help with that.

Tissue related processing

VG’s laboratory is fully equipped to perform dissections and preservation of ocular tissue including, but not limited to, the cornea, trabecular meshwork, iris, lens, choroid, retina (peripheral and macula), and optic nerve. The lab is also equipped with laminar flow hoods and tissue incubators (CO2 capable) for protocols requiring cell culture or tissue incubation.

Preservation methods§


Fixatives

  • Formalin / formaldehyde
  • Para-Formaldehyde*
  • Davidson’s fixative
  • Hartmann’s fixative

Media

  • Optisol-GS
  • DMEM
  • Custom culture media+

Other

  • Moist chamber
  • Flash freezing (LN2)
  • Freezing in OCT compound
  • Paraffin and plastic embedding

If your protocol requires a preservation method that is not listed here, please contact us for details.
* Also available: Ultrapure PFA for applications such as Electron Microscopy or Mass Spectrometry
+ Researchers can provide their own media or VG’s team of Research Scientists can assemble ‘fresh’ media according to the researcher’s protocol.

Data acquisition and analysis

VG also maintains basic molecular biology equipment to perform procedures such as PCR and Western blotting. The lab is equipped with multiple light and fluorescent microscopes capable of acquiring publication quality images. Our full-time, dedicated research staff possess the skills and knowledge to successfully execute your specified protocol and collect the data you need to advance and publish your work. We can even help with data analysis, statistics, and manuscript preparation (see our recent publications here). Reach out to one of our researchers and let us know how we can help you with your project!