MRI: Acquisition of Multiplexed Absorbance Capillary Electrophoresis and Related Equipment for Biomedical and Environmental Research and Education

California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks CA

Investigators

Abstract

With this award from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) program, the Departments of Chemistry and Biology at California Lutheran University will acquire a multiplexed capillary electrophoresis system and an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer for chemical, environmental and biological research activities of the faculty and their undergraduate student researchers. A variety of research needs will be met by the acquisition of this instrument including: 1) the high-throughput separation and quantification of metallothionein isoforms, 2) the high-efficiency metal speciation and quantification in agriculturally-relevant samples containing selenium, and 3) the measurement of viral nucleic acid concentrations. Capillary electrophoresis is used to separate the chemical components of a typically complex sample mixture. This is a widely used analytical technique to identify and quantify the chemical composition of small quantities of samples. It is important for undergraduate students to be trained in the technique using modern instrumentation. In addition to applications in their research projects, students will use the instrumentation in interdisciplinary undergraduate courses in chemistry, biology and environmental science.