Core B: Biorepository and Biospecimen Resource Facility Core

Dartmouth College, Hanover NH

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The Biorepository and Biospecimen Resource Facility Core provides centralized, high-quality biospecimen services that are foundational to the mission of the COBRE Center for Molecular Epidemiology. This Core encompasses state-of-the-art robotic, informatic, and specimen management systems for molecular epidemiologic research through the efficient collection, processing, storage, and distribution of human biospecimens linked to subject data. The Core has handled over 400,000 samples, created over 270,000 aliquots, and assembled and distributed over 50,000 specimen sets to specialized laboratories. Reflecting the high value of the Core, the Biospecimen Resource Facility – containing over 615,000 samples – expanded into a larger, on-site, and newly renovated space with modernized security and back-up systems for long-term biospecimen storage. An advanced laboratory information management and biospecimen tracking system has been implemented, and our automated equipment has been upgraded for even higher throughput sample processing with flexible configuration to incorporate future technological advancements. The wealth of experience, optimized protocols, and efficient systems management approaches in the Biorepository Core allow the contribute a broad range of downstream analyses including novel chemical assays, genome wide analyses, metabolomics, and metagenomics. The Core has continued to expand its ability to handle multiple specimen types and applications including processing, archiving, and isolations for single cell genomics applications. In Phase III, we will: expand our biorepository services (Aim 1); grow our user base by creating and disseminating materials about our offerings (Aim 2); extend and adapt our array of services for the wider research community, while continuously evaluating our performance and repertoire of services and developing a strategic plan to achieve long-term goals (Aim 3). By providing a centralized and coordinated biorepository resource, including study design consultation, we will continue to i) enable efficient, appropriate, and safe collection and storage of biomaterials, ii) utilize quality-controlled sample processing, archiving, and extraction procedures, iii) offer decades of experience in human sample storage and use, and iv) facilitate collaboration across projects and investigators. In Phase III, we will refine our marketing and financial plans, and train investigators on ways to expedite research translation and commercialization. Thus, we will continue this vital and successful Core to further new initiatives seeded by the Pilot Project Program, along with regional and national efforts to optimize human health.