Algal Culture and Microbiology Laboratory

Technician transferring algal cultures.

The algal culture and microbiology laboratory is where cultures of harmful algal blooms, are isolated and grown. This lab processes field samples, which are then analyzed, catalogued, preserved, and in some cases, cultured for research or for detection of Pfiesteria. Nearly 300 Pfiesteria cultures representing a number of geographic regions (the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and others), from various field and clonal sources, are maintained in the culture laboratory. Over 50 other species of protozoa, many of which have been privately isolated, are also maintained in association with other research projects or as feeder species for use in experiments or assays.

The lab also monitors pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio species and fecal coliform bacteria in the Neuse River Estuary. Vibrio species represent a potential fish and human health threat in the estuary, and must be carefully isolated and grown on defined media for identification and enumeration.

The facility features two closet sized controlled-parameter growth chambers, a sterile laminar flow hood, cell line incubators, -80°C full sized freezers, and two walk-in cold rooms for sample storage.