What we do :

We use the latest techniques in microbiology and molecular biology.

Cultivation: The organisms that we are studying are strict anaerobes, so we use an anaerobic glove box and an anaerobic gassing station (Hungate apparatus) to prepare media and set up new cultures.

PCB Analysis: We use gas chromatography to monitor PCB dechlorination. We use an automated Hewlett Packard gas chromatograph with and electron capture detector and a Perkin Elmer data station to monitor PCB dechlorination. We also use an automated Hewlett Packard gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer for some analyses.

Molecular techniques: We do PCR, DNA cloning, DNA sequencing, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis.

Functional genomics: We will be using functional genomics including Microarray Analysis, Phylogenetic Analysis of Reductive Dehalogenase Genes to analyze and compare our data with that from other Dehalococcoides strains.

Laboratory Resources :

Eppendorf Mastercycler Gradient PCR
FastPrep bead beating apparatus (for DNA extractions)
BioDoc-It Gel Imaging Station with uv illuminator
Isotemp heating block
Microfuges (2)
Hitachi U-200 uv-vis scanning spectrophotometer
Horizontal gel electrophoresis equipment (mini-gels to prep scale) with power supplies for DNA/RNA visualization.
BioRad DGGE Apparatus (Denaturaing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis)

Phase contrast microscope and dissecting microscope
A confocal microscope is available next door
Constant temperature water baths
Staionary and shaking incubators
Coy anaerobic glove box
Anaerobic gassing station

Hewlett Packard 5890A GC/ECD with autosampler and data workstation
Hewlett Packard 5890A GC with 5970 MS with autosampler and ChemStation

Computers with internet connections and printers

Refrigerators, -20C freezer, -80C freezer, digital balance, pH meter, stir/hot plates, benchtop centrifuges, horizontal shaker, vortex mixers, etc.

High speed centrifuges, ultracentrifuges, an autocalve, an ice maker, a dark room and much other equipment is available nearby in this building.

Additional equipment is available to us in the new Biotech Center.