Agilent Center of Excellence in Cellular Intelligence (ACoE)

​​​​​​​​​​"​​​​​​​Measure across scales"

Our Vision: 

Quantitative biology uses mathematics, statistics, and or computer science to study life and living organisms. In creating predictive models based on fundamental principles governing living systems, quantitative biology has the power of unlocking some of the most compelling secrets that are of foundational importance. Examples include, asking and answering challenging questions, e.g., what makes each tiny cell in our body intelligent living systems that seamlessly learn and adapt under uncertain conditions and what might be the architecture and emergent properties of the network within cells that enables such adaptability?  

​​The Agilent Center of Excellence (CoE) in Cellular Intelligence represents a partnership that aligns the strategic visions of Agilent Technologies and the UC San Diego Institute for Network Medicine to enhance and modernize quantitative biology. As embraced by their tagline “Unlocking measurement insights for 75 years", Agilent technologies is known for their leadership in innovating technologies that can quantify with precision. This partnership will enable UC San Diego's scientists to conduct biological measurements across scales using a complete and modern suite of cell analyses platforms that reveal cell fate, state and trait through measurable insights across scales. Through pre- and post-doctoral fellowships, this Center also supports the training and education of future generations of scientists. 

In short, the Agilent Center challenges basic and translational scientists to reimagine possibilities, and infuse rigor while extracting more insights (quantifiable dynamics) into biological processes without the hassle of "how" so that the focus can be on "why not?".  ​​


Our Corporate Partner

 

Embarking on a journey of collaborative excellence, Agilent Technologies proudly stands at the forefront of precision measurement for over 75 years. Guided by the powerful mantra, "Unlocking measurement insights," Agilent has forged a distinguished path in innovating technologies that meticulously quantify and reduce or eliminate pain points in the quantifying biological processes .

In this groundbreaking partnership with the UC San Diego Institute for Network Medicine, Agilent has seamlessly woven its strategic vision with the aspirations of researchers at this Institute and its collaborative network, spanning academic and industry partners within and outside UC San Diego. Through this partnership, Agilent shows that its commitment extends beyond innovation – it is a dedication to empowering scientists and fostering the next generation of researchers. Agilent's investment in this Center, through a complete suite of high-end equipment that feature the latest technology that facilitate meticulous measurements and scholarship funds to support pre- and postdoctoral training, empower scientists to push the boundaries of quantitative biology. In doing so, this partnership not only advances scientific discovery but also champions the training and education of future researchers.

​Thus, this Center celebrates a synergy of strategic interests, where Agilent's legacy meets the academic prowess of the Institute for Network Medicine. As we pave the way for transformative discoveries, our shared commitment to precision, innovation, and education creates a powerful force driving the evolution of quantitative biology


​​Services:

The Agilent CoE is packed with high-end equipment that serves as a shared resource which can allow anyone to dabble in quantitative biology, asking and answering questions from bioenergetics to cellular impedence, and from multi-omics to immunophenotyping, and everything in between. Listed below are the various equipment pieces and their distinguishing features. 

XFPro Seahorse system

Detect discrete changes in cellular bioenergetics (all mitochondrial readouts) in real-time which provides a clear window into the critical functions driving cell signaling, proliferation, activation, toxicity, and biosynthesis.

  • Click here to learn more [visit the Agilent site] or download the brochure.
  • Click here to schedule a time for training or use 

xCELLigence RTCA eSight system

Cells constantly undergo changes in cell state (division, detachment, adhesion, migration); this instrument can help you keep your hand on the pulse of all of this and more and assess their health by combining Imaging (morphology) & Impedance (adhesion). This enables comprehensive insight into cell health, behavior, and function (e.g., strength of adhesion, changes in morphology, proliferation, and cytolysis) and cell biology processes using live, simultaneous, and real time biosensor impedance-based and image-based measurements.  


  • Click here to learn more [visit the Agilent site] or download the brochure or to simply check out all that is possible using multiparametric real-time automated readouts using simultaneous cellular impedance and live cell imaging.
  • Click here to schedule a time for training or use ​

 

1290 Infinity II Bio LC System

The new 6495D triple quadrupole LC/MS system is an ultrahigh-performance system built for research and testing labs investigating large batches of samples. Equipped with the latest, innovative iFunnel technology, this LC/MS/MS achieves ppq-level detection limits for the most challenging analytes in heavy matrix, for example in ‘omics, food, and environmental analysis, while providing high precision at sub-millisecond dwell times. You can now accomplish 3 powerful goals: (i) Population Analysis of the Plasma Lipidome; (ii) End-to-End Targeted Metabolomics; (iii) Quantitative Proteomics Using Standard- or Nanoflow HPLC.​


  • Click here to learn more [visit the Agilent site] or download the brochure.
  • Click here to schedule a time for training or use ​


BioTek Cytation 10 Confocal Imaging Reader:

BioTek Cytation C10 confocal imaging reader combines automated confocal and widefield microscopy with conventional multimode microplate reading. The patented confocal design gives exquisite resolution and optical sectioning capabilities for many sample types. A Hamamatsu scientific CMOS camera, Olympus objectives, and laser-based illumination deliver high-quality images.Cytation C10 also includes widefield fluorescence,​​ brightfield and phase contrast optics. The variable bandwidth monochromator-based multimode plate reading is based on the proven design of the Agilent BioTek Synergy products. Environmental controls, 3D viewer, and Gen5 software enable high-quality results for many applications.​

 

  • Click here to learn more [visit the Agilent site] or download the brochure.
  • Click here to schedule a time for training or use ​


NovoCyte Penteon Flow Cytometer

The NovoCyte Penteon flow cytometer provides an expanded set of capabilities that accommodate today's high-end and increasingly sophisticated multi-color flow cytometry assays. You now have the flexibility to choose from up to 30 fluorescence channels utilizing up to 5 lasers with up to 30 independent detectors. The NovoSampler Q can be integrated into different laboratory automation platforms and efficiently processes both FACS tubes (using a 40-tube rack) and 24-, 48-, 96-, and 384-well plates. The intuitive and industry leading NovoExpress software has been further advanced, providing an exceptional user experience in data acquisition, analysis and reporting.


  • Click here to learn more [visit the Agilent site] or download the brochure.
  • Click here to schedule a time for training or use ​

Dako Autostainer Link 48

With a streamlined profile and smaller footprint, Autostainer Link 48 allows you to standardize and improve throughput in the processing and staining of histopathology slides while minimizing the impact to valuable laboratory bench space.


  •  Click here to learn more [visit the​ Agilent site] or download the brochure.
  • Click here to schedule a time for training or use ​


Rates:

The services at ​the Agilent CoE can be accessed both on- and off-campus, during the work hours and at off-peak hours at recharge rates (currently undergoing approval by the Vice Chancellor's office). Please circle back soon. 


Facilities: 

Located in the George Palade Laboratories for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, the Agilent CoE occupies a ~650 sq feet space that is easily accessible to all members of the community. It is fully staffed and supported with logistics that are designed to enhance user experience, reduce pain points, and accelerate discoveries.​ (currently undergoing renovation). Please circle back soon to see images, or visiit us after the launch. 


Personnel & Contacts:

Kevin Perry, B.S

​​Center Operations Manager: 

Kevin is a Staff Research Associate who joined UC San Diego in August 2021. Before joining us, he worked as a scientist at a Clinical Laboratory [Sequenom] and taught at California State University at San Marcos as an Instruction Leader. 

Kevin obtained his Bachelor's degree in Biology and General Biological Sciences from the California State University at San Marcos and a degree in Kinesiology from the Palomar College. Kevin graduated his Bachelor's degree with Magna Cum Laude and secured a spot on the Dean's List. 

Please contact Kevin for all matters, including but not limited to access, scheduling (either training or for use), and or any questions regarding logistics, feasibility, EH&S clearance, and recharge rates