Structural Biology Facility (SBF)
    Who we are
We support research in the field of structural biology, including the structure of proteins and other biological macromolecules such as RNA and DNA. We enable researchers to use X-ray crystallography, process electron cryo-microscopy data, a range of biophysical methods and computational methods including Alphafold and related deep learning methods.
Funding partners:
Capabilities
Instruments
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Circular dichroism (CD) measures the difference in the absorbance of left-handed circularly polarised light (L-CPL) and right-handed circularly polarised light (R-CPL), occurring in molecules with chiral chromophores (light-absorbing groups). it is primarily used to analyse the secondary structure or conformation of macromolecules, particularly proteins. Since secondary structure is sensitive to its environment, e.g. temperature or pH, CD can be used to observe how these structures change under different environmental conditions or when interacting with other molecules.
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The Two MP mass photometer allows for simple and accurate mass measurements of single molecules in their native state in solution. It has a wide mass detection range suitable for studying proteins, DNA, RNA and large macromolecular complexes.
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The Nanotemper Prometheus is used to test protein stability and protein aggregation by either chemical or thermal denaturation. The instrument monitors the intrinsic fluorescence signal of a protein sample as a measure of its folding state. A ratio metric measurement of the fluorescent signal is plotted against either increasing concentration of a chemical denaturant or increasing temperature, to determine the Tm of a protein. Results are available within minutes.
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The Constant Systems CF1 Cell Disrupter is used for breaking biological samples physically to allow for further sample processing. The unit is typically used for breaking cells during the protein purification process. The instrument can operate in continuous flow mode allowing up to 6L of sample to be lysed within an hour. The instrument enables samples to be lysed at a maximum processing pressure of 40 kpsi (2700 bar). The unit has an integrated cooling jacket and an auto shutdown feature for when process is complete.
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The Formulatrix Rock Imager 54 is an advanced automated imaging system designed for protein crystallography. It features a temperature-controlled, automated hotel that securely stores protein crystallisation plates. The unit is able to automatically capture high-resolution images of each crystal-tray using visible light and cross-polarised imaging methods,all programmable using the Formulatrix software. Users can also log-in remotely to view the results of their crystallisation experiments and direct the imager to re-image individual plates as needed.
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The Bruker D8 Venture X-ray diffractometer is a state-of-the-art instrument suitable for protein crystal diffraction. It is fitted with the following features: Photon III detector, Automatic ‘2 click’ AGH Kappa goniometer, Diamond IµS copper source, Oxford Cryo-stream, optional use of the ISX plate goniometer.
 
Our people
Fees
Access to our facilities is structured to support a range of research needs, with flexible billing options that vary by equipment type and user category. Below is an outline of our billing practices, subscription options, cancellation policies, and user eligibility:
- Access fees are billed hourly or by subscription depending on the instrument.ÌýÌý
 - Some fees are capped at a maximum per year.
 - Rates are billed by booked time and by real-time usage in excess of booked time.
 - Users from universities that are part of the LIEF grant that funded in part the X-ray robotics and diffractometer are entitled to the same rates for this instrumentation as ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç users (ie $1000 per user subscription per year, or the relevant hourly rate and training fee).
 - Computing resources are for internal users only. Some ‘for service’ computation can be arranged for externals. Please contact the facility directly to discuss.
 - Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by email to avoid booking fees. Please emailÌýsbf@unsw.edu.auÌýwith Cancellation in the subject to advise of a booking cancellation.
 - All fees are subject to DPI increase.
 
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Instrument Other Australian universities & affiliated institutes (ex.GST) Training per instrument (internal ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç users excluded from fee) $50 Nanotemper Prometheus *$100 subscription per year (with Mass photometer and Cell disruptor)
Refeyn MP2 Mass Photometer *$100 per year (with Mass photometer and Cell disruptor)
Chirascan CD Spectropolarimeter $28/hr
Constant Systems Cell Disruptor *$100 per year (with Mass photometer and Cell disruptor)
Ìý- External users have a small $50 training fee per instrument.
 
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Robotics Suite Access fees (2024) subject to increase annually Subscription to crystallography suite including Formulatrix Rock Imager and NT8, Hamilton Starlet and Art Robbins Phoenix, Bruker D8 Venture
$1000 per user/Annual Fee for subscription Bruker D8 Venture $15/hr
Formulatrix NT8
$20/hr Hamilton Starlet $20/hr Art Robbins Crystal Phoenix $20/hr - Group rates are available for X-ray crystallography.
 
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Consumables Access fees (2024) subject to increase annually 3D printed slide box for Refeyn
$30 each Mitegen in-situ crystal tray + screen $30 each $35 each MRC crystal tray +screen
$35 each Basic 3D printed protein structure $50 160 L liquid nitrogen fill $40 Electro spray intact mass spec with ziptip Ìý(BMSF) $60 Capillary for Prometheus $2 High sensitivity capillary for Prometheus $5 - Consumables are billable (e.g. crystallography plates).
 
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Computational structural biology services are currently only routinely available to internal users. We invite you to contact us regarding your project so that we may assess how best to support your needs.
 
How to access
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Register your details with the SBF. Log on to AC Lab System and select New User, then Structural Biology Facility.
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Email: to request access to your required instrument and attach completed new user form and new sample form.
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Users must complete the occupational health and safety induction program before commencing work of any type in the SBF.
After completion of paperwork and relevant inductions, training will be arranged and access will be granted after a Risk Management and Safe Work Procedure is signed.
 
ÌýÌýÌýÌýºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç users can visit the page to access additional software and educational resources.
Contact us
Structural Biology Facility
Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre
Office 320D, Level 3 West,Ìý
Biosciences North D26
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Kensington NSW 2033Ìý
Phone:Ìý02Ìý9385 4587Ìý
Email:Ìýsbf@unsw.edu.au
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
Resources
Get in touch about your project
We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.