Kit in the Cook Lab
Gel Permeation Chromatography
We run an Agilent Infinity 1260 GPC with a refractive index detector. We typically run in DMF w/ 0.1% LiBr using an Agilent Mixed-D column, calibrating with PMMA standards.
The GPC is called Geleanor
Liquid-handling robots
We operate two Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robots in collaboration with the Shorthouse group. We have a wide range of accessories and custom hardware (grippers, cameras).
The robots are called Tonton and Lenny.
Rheology
We have access to a TA instruments Discovery HR20 rheometer with parallel plate and cone-plate geometries. We have accessories for powder handling and UV curing ca 350-500 nm.
The rheometer is called Raj.
Other stuff we play with
NMR
The School of Pharmacy has some Bruker NMR kit – 400 MHz and 600MHz instruments, the latter of the two has a samplejet for running ca 500 samples at a time, supported by a Tecan liquid handler. It also has an 19F probe which I understand is uncommon and useful.
We use NMR for DOSY determination of absolute molecular weight using methods developed by Thomas Swift at the University of Bradford and Tanja Junkers at Monash (check it out). Big props to Chris Waudby at UCL for helping us get this to working.
Small-Angle Scattering
We’re regular users of neutron sources at ISIS and the ILL. We conduct SANS/SAXS and sometimes reflectivity. Mike is a member of the ILL’s Subcommittee 9 on Soft Matter.
The Cook Lab 