Combined Technical Research Core Mission & Capabilities

The Combined Technical Research Core (CTRC) provides state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary biotechnology instrumentation and methodologies crucial for modern biomedical research to all scientists at NIDCR. Our mission aligns with the broader mission of the NIDCR Division of Intramural Research (DIR): to advance the understanding of biological processes relevant to dental, oral, and craniofacial health through basic, translational, and clinical research.

CTRC is staffed by a highly technical staff that offers specialized research services, scientific expertise, consultations, and training. By developing cutting-edge technologies and project-specific applications, CTRC serves as a major resource for investigators wishing to diversify their research and enhance the quality of scientific inquiry.

Deep Immunoprofiling & Advanced Cytometry
As a flagship service, the CTRC provides a comprehensive ecosystem for deep immunoprofiling and high-parameter single-cell analysis. While supporting NIDCR, the CTRC offers its specialized fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and cytometry analysis to NIDCR/DIR scientists and collaborates across the NIH intramural community.

  • High-Speed FACS Sorting: State-of-the-art FACS and analysis, supporting up to 27-color sorting, isolating six populations simultaneously. Our sorting operations are maintained at Biosafety Level 2+ (BSL-2+) to support a wide range of basic and clinical research projects.
  • Precision Immunophenotyping: Offering high-parameter flow cytometry analysis supporting up to 25+ color panels, enabling the deep characterization of complex immune populations and cellular subsets with high resolution and sensitivity.
  • Spectral Cytometry: Full-spectrum profiling (40+-color analysis) capabilities that provide high-resolution characterization of complex cellular populations and spatial relationships.
  • Precision Single-Cell Methodologies: Expert support for single-cell cloning, index sorting, and multiplex bead array assays to evaluate specific biological properties and purified subpopulations.
  • Scientific Rigor and Reproducibility: We prioritize rigor and reproducibility as core tenets of our practice. From experimental design and instrument calibration to high-dimensional data analysis, we ensure that all datasets are robust, transparent, and meet the highest standards of the scientific method.

Specialized Core Services
Beyond our advanced cytometry suite, the CTRC provides high-level technical support for specialized research and sample processing requirements:

  • Digital Scanning: High-resolution digital scanning of slides utilizing platforms such as ScanScope and S6 Nanozoomer, providing investigators with high-fidelity digital records for quantitative analysis and collaborative review.
  • Cell Elutriation: Specialized preparative separation of purified cell populations including monocytes, PBMCs, and T-cells, based on physical parameters such as size and density.

The CTRC remains dedicated to scientific excellence, ensuring that investigators have the technical mastery and cutting-edge tools required to lead high-impact biomedical discovery.

Staff

Last Reviewed
February 2026