Launched in January 2025, BioShare is a state-of-the-art shared facility established by the Department of Biomedical Engineering in collaboration with other departments across Carnegie Mellon University. Located on the 3rd and 6th floors of Scott Hall, BioShare provides access to cutting-edge instruments that support a wide range of biomedical research, including advanced imaging, biomolecular analysis, and biological sample processing.
BioShare includes three equipment suites:
- Analytical Suite — equipment for applications including gel imaging, PCR, plate reading, and nanoparticle analysis
- Support Suite — essential laboratory equipment including autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, water purification systems, and more
- Microscopy Suite — advanced imaging equipment for visualizing cellular and subcellular events in biological specimens
Beyond equipment access, BioShare offers individualized training and expert-assisted imaging sessions to support research and foster collaboration.
Analytical Suite
The Analytical Suite provides sophisticated equipment for generating experimental data needed for scientific analysis, from gel imaging and PCR to nanoparticle quantification.
Equipment
- BioRad ChemiDoc MP Gel Imaging System
- BioRad Digital Droplet PCR Machine
- BioRad CFX Touch Real-Time PCR Machine
- Thermo Fisher Varioskan LUX Plate Reader
- Thorlabs Ganymede Optical Coherence Tomographer
- ZetaView Nanoparticle Tracking Analyzer
For questions regarding the capabilities or specifications of Analytical Suite instruments, contact Garrett Struble or Misti West.
Subscriptions and assisted rates
BioShare offers subscription-based access to the Analytical Suite. Each subscription grants all members of a participating laboratory unlimited access to the equipment included in the suite for an annual fee billed as twelve monthly installments. Non-subscribers can also access equipment at the assisted hourly rate.
| Equipment user | Annual subscription | Assisted rate |
|---|---|---|
| Internal lab groups (CMU) | $3,825 | $55/hr |
| Institutional partners and faculty companies | $8,606 | $124/hr |
| External user groups (must have a visitor agreement) | $17,213 | $248/hr |
Support Suite
The Support Suite provides essential instruments that facilitate laboratory operations, including autoclaves, biosafety cabinets, a laboratory glassware washer, water purification systems, and more.
Equipment
- Ames Cryotome
- BioRad T100 Thermal Cycler
- Branson Ultrasonic Lab Bath
- Buchi Rotary Evaporator
- Consolidated Autoclave
- Eppendorf Vacufuge Centrifuge Concentrator
- Evolution 260 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
- Fisher Nanodrop 2000 Spectrophotometer
- Labstrong Fistreem III Water Distiller
- Labconco Lyophilizer
- Leica VT1000S Vibratome
- Synergy UV-R Millipore Water System
- Sorvall Evolution RC Centrifuge
- Sorvall RC28S Superspeed Centrifuge
- Steelco Glassware Washer
- Stratagene UV Stratalinker 2400 UV Crosslinker
- Thermo Scientific 1300 Series A2 Biosafety Cabinet
For questions regarding the capabilities or specifications of Support Suite instruments, contact Garrett Struble or Misti West.
Subscriptions and assisted rates
Each Support Suite subscription grants all members of a participating laboratory unlimited access to the equipment included in the suite for an annual fee billed as twelve monthly installments. Equipment is also available at the assisted hourly rate for non-subscribers.
| Equipment user | Annual subscription | Assisted rate |
|---|---|---|
| Internal lab groups (CMU) | $2,285 | $55/hr |
| Institutional partners and faculty companies | $5,141 | $124/hr |
| External user groups (must have a visitor agreement) | $10,283 | $248/hr |
Microscopy Suite
The Microscopy Suite includes two equipment categories: the Advanced Imaging Suite and the Imaging Suite.
Multiphoton microscopy is a powerful tool for visualizing cellular and subcellular events and offers distinct advantages over confocal imaging for thick samples. Its optical sectioning capability allows deeper penetration with minimal phototoxicity and photobleaching due to the capture of 2-photon events. Multiphoton microscopy is well suited for live-cell imaging of tissues, embryos, organoids, 3D-bioprints, and entire organisms.
Other microscopy techniques available through BioShare include confocal microscopy, PALM (Photoactivated Localization Microscopy), STORM (Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy), and widefield microscopy. These techniques provide unique insights into biological specimens, from imaging within a narrow plane of focus to resolving the precise positions of individual fluorophores and viewing dynamic and topographical information.
Advanced Imaging Suite
Equipment & specifications
- Nikon A1rMP 2-Photon Microscope
- Laser lines: 405, 488, 561, 640
- Objectives:
- Nikon Plan Apo λ 20x NA=0.75 OFN25 DIC N2 (WD 1.0)
- Nikon APO LWD 25x NA=1.10w DIC N2 (WD 2.0)
- Nikon LWD 16x NA=0.80w DIC N2 (WD 3.0)
- Nikon Plan Apo 10x NA=0.50 Glycerin Immersion OFN22 (WD 5.5)
- Nikon Plan Apo λ 4x NA=0.20 (WD 20)
Rates
| Equipment user | Peak rate | Off-peak rate | Training rate* | Assisted rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty labs which have not budgeted grants (through 6/30/26) | $16/hr | $11/hr | $23/hr | $30/hr |
| Internal lab groups (CMU) | $47/hr | $31/hr | $58/hr | $98/hr |
| Institutional partners and faculty companies | $106/hr | $70/hr | $132/hr | $200/hr |
| External user groups (must have a visitor agreement) | $212/hr | $142/hr | $401/hr | $401/hr |
*Training rate is based on a two-hour session
Peak rate: Weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Off-peak rate: Weekdays 5 p.m. - 8 a.m.; all day on weekends & holidays
Imaging Suite
Equipment & specifications
- Nikon AXR Inverted Confocal Microscope
- Laser lines: 405, 488, 561, 638
- Objectives:
- Nikon Plan Apo λD 2x/0.10 OFN25 (WD 8.5)
- Nikon Plan Apo λD 4x/0.20 OFN25 (WD 20)
- Nikon Plan Apo λD 10x/0.45 OFN25 DIC N1 (WD 4.0)
- Nikon Plan Apo λD 20x/0.80 OFN25 DIC N2 (WD 0.80)
- Nikon Plan Apo λD 40x/0.95 OFN25 DIC N2 (WD 0.25)
- Nikon Plan Apo VC 60xA/1.20 Water Immersion DIC N2 (WD 0.31)
- Nikon PALM/STORM Imaging System
- Laser lines: 405, 488, 561, 647
- Objectives:
- Nikon APO TIRF 100x NA=1.49 Oil DIC N2 (WD 0.12)
- Nikon Plan Fluor 4x NA=0.13 OFN25 PhL DL (WD 16.5)
- Nikon Widefield Microscope
- Light sources: halogen light source and filter cubes (405, 488, 561, 640); no lasers
- Objectives:
- Nikon Plan Apo VC 100x NA=1.40 Oil Immersion DIC N2 (WD 0.13)
- Nikon S Plan Fluor ELWD 20x NA=0.45 Ph1 ADM (WD 8.2–6.9)
- Nikon Plan Fluor 10x NA=0.30 Ph1 DL (WD 15.2)
- Nikon Plan Fluor 10x NA=0.30 OFN25 DIC L/N1 (WD 16)
- Nikon Plan Apo λ 60x NA=1.40 Oil Immersion OFN25 DIC N2 (WD 0.13)
- Nikon Plan Apo 20x NA=0.75 Ph2 DM (WD 1.0)
Rates
| Equipment user | Peak rate | Off-peak rate | Training rate* | Assisted rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty labs which have not budgeted grants (through 6/30/26) | $13/hr | $10/hr | $27/hr | $27/hr |
| Internal lab groups (CMU) | $36/hr | $23/hr | $79/hr | $79/hr |
| Institutional partners and faculty companies | $81/hr | $52/hr | $178/hr | $178/hr |
| External user groups (must have a visitor agreement) | $162/hr | $104/hr | $356/hr | $356/hr |
*Training rate is based on a two-hour session
Peak rate: Weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 a.m.
Off-peak rate: Weekdays 5 p.m. - 8 a.m.; all day on weekends & holidays
Access, training, and booking
Users must receive training and permission to use BioShare facilities and instruments. To gain independent access to an instrument, users must demonstrate competency on that instrument.
Facility access
After receiving training and permission to use BioShare facilities, swipe access must be requested before entering BioShare independently. Swipe access requests must be sent from the associated PI(s) via email to Misti West.
Before requesting swipe access, users must:
- Complete and maintain the following trainings in BioRAFT:
- Lab safety
- Hazardous waste
- BioSafety
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Have a completed and approved work alone form
- If relevant, have approved Particularly Hazardous Substance (PHS) forms
- Demonstrate competency on the instrument(s) they plan to use and receive training and permission to use the instrument(s) independently
Undergraduate students may never work alone with any hazardous substance or process, including BSL-2, without the direct supervision of a sponsor, even with a completed Work Alone Form.
Undergraduates and non-BME laboratory guests are granted business-hours swipe access (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) unless otherwise requested. PI(s) may request weekend or after-hours swipe access for a given period, but it is not granted indefinitely.
Laboratory guests may also access the lab under the BME Escort Rule when accompanied by a BME sponsor at all times. Training and permission are still required before using any BioShare equipment independently.
Individuals who already have swipe access to the facilities still need training and permission to use individual BioShare instruments.
Training and booking
Training sessions are scheduled upon request.
For microscopy equipment, contact Garrett Struble to schedule training. All microscopy users must have a Facilities Online Manager FOM account with permission to book BioShare microscopy equipment. Access and booking for microscopy equipment are managed through FOM.
For non-microscopy equipment, training or assistance is available upon request by contacting Misti West or Garrett Struble. Access and booking for non-microscopy equipment are managed through Google Calendars.
Training length depends on the equipment's complexity, usage needs, and user experience.
All internal users are charged at the same rate, and the PI's department subsidizes the difference between the internal and subsidized rate for their personnel through 6/30/26 to allow for planning and budgeting.
BME supply room: Consumables recharge center
In addition to BioShare, the 3rd floor of Scott Hall contains a consumables recharge center (BME supply room) for purchasing common laboratory consumables, as well as 200-proof ethanol and liquid nitrogen.
The BME Supply Room streamlines procurement by providing researchers with convenient access to a stocked inventory of commonly used laboratory consumables.
Purchasing consumables
Consumables may be purchased using the computer kiosk in Scott Hall 3100 or via the consumables recharge center list and request form.
Users can submit both recharge requests (in-stock consumables) and order requests (sent to BME procurement).
When completing the Cognito form:
- Select recharge request under request category
- If your PI does not appear in the group purchasing email field, choose Keith Cook and type your PI's name in order notes
- If your account string is missing from faculty award, choose other and type your account string and PI name in order notes
Liquid nitrogen
Users may fill liquid nitrogen dewars using the available tanks in Scott Hall 3112A.
All users who handle liquid nitrogen must follow the Safe Handling Procedures for Cryogenic Materials (section 5b) and liquid nitrogen transfer (section 5c) outlined in CMU Environmental Health and Safety Cryogens Guidelines. Required PPE, dispensing hoses, and cryogenic buckets are available in Scott Hall 3112.
200-proof ethanol
For 200-proof ethanol refills, contact Garrett Struble or Misti West. Users must provide an account string and empty plastic bottles (HDPE) with an ethanol label.
Lead time on ethanol refills varies depending on the quantity requested and available supply.
Consumable price list
| Item description | Price | Unit | Product ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acro 37 TF Vent Device, 0.2 um PTFE membrane | $15.13 | /filter | 28143-514 |
| Aerosol Barrier Pipette Tips, 0.1 to 10µL | $6.08 | /box of 96 | 76322-528 |
| Aerosol Barrier Pipette Tips, 20 to 200µL | $6.18 | /box of 96 | 76322-150 |
| Aerosol Barrier Pipette Tips, 100 to 1000µL | $6.66 | /box of 96 | 76322-154 |
| Aluminum Foil, 1' X 200' | $36.13 | /roll | 89107-728 |
| Autoclave Tape , 1" | $27.61 | /roll | 10147-800 |
| 40um Cell Strainer | $2.78 | /strainer | 10054-462 |
| T25 Tissue Culture Flask | $39.24 | /pack of 20 | 29186-010 |
| T75 Tissue Culture Flask | $20.19 | /pack of 5 | 10144-832 |
| T150 Corning vented Tissue Flask | $21.94 | /pack of 5 | 29186-106 |
| 6-Well Tissue Culture Plate with Lid, Sterile | $19.37 | /pack of 5 | 22250-140 |
| 12-Well Tissue Culture Plate with Lid, Sterile | $22.92 | /pack of 5 | 22250-142 |
| 24-Well Tissue Culture Plate with Lid, Sterile | $24.30 | /pack of 5 | 22250-144 |
| 96-Well Tissue Culture Plate with lid, Sterile | $11.58 | /pack of 1 | 29442-056 |
| Circular Cover Glass, No. 1 - 25mm | $49.73 | /box of 100 | 16004-310 |
| Square Cover Glass, No. 1.5 - 22mm | $14.94 | /box of 100 | 16004-094 |
| Rectangular Cover Glass, No. 1.5 - 24 x 40 mm | $18.48 | /1 oz. box | 16004-306 |
| Rectangular Cover Glass, No. 2 - 50 x 45mm | $31.75 | /1 oz. box | NPN |
| Centrifuge tubes - 50 mL racked | $20.91 | /rack of 25 | 21008-178 |
| Centrifuge tubes - 50 mL bagged | $16.91 | /bag of 50 | 21008-242 |
| Centrifuge tubes - 15 mL racked | $30.11 | /bag of 50 | 21008-103 |
| Centrifuge tubes - 15 mL bagged | $25.01 | /bag of 50 | 21008-216 |
| 500 mL Nalgene Filter Units, 0.1uM PES Membrane | $12.31 | /filter | 97014-834 |
| 250 mL NalgeneFilter Units, 0.1 uM PES Membrane | $7.66 | /filter | 97014-832 |
| Glass pasteur pipets, 14.6cm | $28.14 | /box of 200 | 14672-410 |
| Kimwipes | $3.08 | /box | 470224-038 |
| Laboratory Labeling Tape | $6.62 | /roll | 89098-062 |
| Lens Cleaning Tissue | $1.75 | /booklet of 50 | 52846-001 |
| Microcentrifuge tubes - 0.6 mL | $21.67 | /bag of 1000 | 87003-290 |
| Microcentrifuge tubes - 1.5 mL | $12.47 | /box of 500 | 89000-028 |
| Microscope slides - 75 x 25 mm, unfrosted | $33.14 | /box of 72 | 12-550-A3 |
| Microscope slides - 75 x 25 mm - frosted end | $24.24 | /box of 72 | 12-544-2 |
| Disposable Pasteur Pipet 9", no plug | $12.40 | /box of 200 | 14672-380 |
| Microscope slide storage box | $36.17 | /box | 470104-374 |
| Nitrile Gloves XL | $9.55 | /box | 17-441-003 |
| Nitrile Gloves L | $9.55 | /box | 17-441-002 |
| Nitrile Gloves M | $9.55 | /box | 17-441-001 |
| Nitrile Gloves S | $9.55 | /box | 17-441-000 |
| Nitrile Gloves XS | $9.55 | /box | 17-000-749 |
| Paper Towels C-Folded Scott® | $3.24 | /stack | 89002-984 |
| Parafilm 4" x 125' | $42.01 | /roll | 52858-000 |
| Petri dish - 35 x 10 mm | $6.87 | /stack of 20 | 10799-092 |
| Petri dish - 60 x 15 mm | $4.60 | /stack of 20 | 25384-092 |
| Petri dish - 100 x 15 mm | $4.72 | /stack of 20 | 25384-342 |
| Petri dish - 145x20 mm | $12.78 | /stack of 15 | 82050-600 |
| 1 ml serological pipets | $9.09 | /bag | 13-678-11B |
| 5 ml serological pipets | $7.53 | /bag | 13-678-11D |
| 10 ml serological pipets | $7.48 | /bag | 13-678-11E |
| 25 ml serological pipets | $8.76 | /bag | 13-678-11 |
| 50 ml serological pipets | $51.75 | /bag | 13-678-11F |
| Syringes - 5 mL | $0.20 | /syringe | BD309646 |
| Syringes-10mL | $0.39 | /syringe | BD309604 |
| Syringe - 3 mL | $0.48 | /syringe | BD309657 |
| Syringe Needle, 18 Gauge | $16.74 | /box of 100 | 37695-024 |
| Transfer Pipets - 7.5 mL | $27.00 | /box of 500 | 16001-188 |
| Weigh Boats, Antistatic Polystyrene - 7 ml size | $20.75 | /stack of 100 | 10770-442 |
| Weigh Boats, Antistatic Polystyrene - 100 ml size | $44.85 | /stack of 100 | 10803-148 |
| 200-proof ethanol | $9.48 | /gallon | MCS |
| Liquid nitrogen | $0.49 | /liter | MCS |
| Cryovial, 2.00 ml Round bottom, self-standing | $27.57 | /bag of 50 | 66021-974 |
| Bleach | $7.98 | /gallon | NPN |
Acknowledging BioShare
Please use the following statement to acknowledge the BioShare facility in any published research papers, articles, or posters that used BioShare equipment:
“The authors would like to acknowledge use of BioShare facilities (1f3eb03) and its staff support.”
Please include the (1f3eb03) code. This code allows BioShare to identify acknowledgments through a simple web search. Acknowledging BioShare helps demonstrate research impact and supports future funding from the College and University.