Getting started
What services does VVC provide?
The VVC currently offers custom Lentivirus and AAV production services (Adenovirus coming soon), delivering high-quality, ready-to-use viral vectors. Available services include plasmid propagation & purification; virus production & purification; and measurement of viral titre. If you are interested additional QC or a service that is not on our list, please contact us.
Which viral vector is right for me?
Choosing the right viral vector is critical to addressing your specific research question or need. Visit our Project design page to help you understand which viral vector may be right for you. Alternatively, book a consultation and we will contact you shortly to discuss.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of viral vector, scale of production and level of service desired. Please visit our pricing pages for UQ or external customer pricing. Please note, prices do not include plasmids containing genes of interest, as this will vary between projects.
Do I need biosafety approval?
Yes, you must have biosafety approval prior to production and use of viral vectors. Please contact us immediately to help expedite this process and minimise delays. View meeting dates and submission deadlines for UQ's Institutional Biosafety Committee.
I am external to UQ - can I still use this service?
Yes, the Viral Vector Core’s services are now available Australia-wide!
Viral vector services
What quality control services do you offer?
We have developed a production QC checklist to ensure high-quality standards are maintained at multiple steps throughout plasmid preparation and viral vector production/purification. Validated assays are used to determine the number of genome copies (AAV) or transducing units (lentivirus) via qPCR, ddPCR or flow cytometry.
I only need a small amount of virus to use on cultured cells - do you have different scale options?
Yes, we can perform different scale preps to suit your needs. We also have small test aliquots available for common AAVs. Please complete the booking form or contact us for more information.
I need large amounts amounts of virus for in vivo studies - what are your maximum titres?
Our largest in vivo AAV preps have average titres of approximately 5x1012-1013 vgc.
General questions
How should I store my viral vectors?
Viral vectors can be stored short-term at -20C or +4C but should be stored at -80C long-term. We recommend aliquoting into single-use portions wherever possible to avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
Are recombinant viral vectors safe to use?
All work with viral vectors should be carried out in an appropriately certified facility (generally at least PC2) and be approved under an OGTR dealing. All viruses are replication-incompetent and cannot produce viral particles (except in the presence of packaging and envelope plasmids). However, viral vectors may be capable of transducing human cells and therefore appropriate safety precautions must be followed.