High Throughput algal sample identification and analysis for NGS

by UGent - Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology​

Description

  1. epMotion 5073m EasyCon: 2 systems in one. First, a system for automated nucleic acid purification of 1 to 24 samples with special MagSep reagents. The Eppendorf EasyCon tablet or MultiCon PC and Prep Assistant software provide simple operation with step-by-step guidance through the process. Secondly, it is a flexible system for automating time-consuming and complex pipetting procedures with the epBlue software, making routine Liquid Handling tasks easier than ever. The pipetting procedure is more precise, reproducible and fully standardized, thus enabling high troughput.
  2. Magnum FLX Enhanced Universal Magnet Plate: The Magnum FLX contains proprietary, solid-core ring magnets that enable the fastest separation of sample volumes up to 2mL as well as low volume nucleic acid elution in as little as 10µl. These plates are universally compatible with all commonly used 96-well microplates and robotic platforms.
  3. Thermostat Control Cabinet (TC175 S). The main function of the cabinet serves the temperature-controlled preservation of algal strains destined for high throughput genetic profiling.

UGent - Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology​

Our research group studies marine and freshwater ecosystems, with an emphasis on coastal systems and polar-alpine and temperate lakes. We have a strong focus on the biodiversity, ecological roles and evolutionary history of unicellular eukaryotes in these systems as well as from other natural or man-made environments. The lab has a long-standing history of research on diatoms, which are the focus of a long-term integrative research line, including cell biology of new model diatom species, population genomics and macroecological and biogeographical studies. In an applied context, we focus among others on harmful algal bloom monitoring and control, transmission of pathogens via bacteria-protozoa interactions in animal farming, and algal biotechnology. The lab hosts an ISO9001 certified Diatom Culture Collection.