Instrumentation Systems for Microbial "Omics": Discovery and Quantitation of Biomolecules and Natural Substrates

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This award provides support for the purchase of: (1) real-time PCR instrumentation, (2) a micro-array spotter and scanner system, (3) lab-scale fermentation equipment, (4) capillary electrophoresis equipment and, (5) high-pressure biomolecule separation equipment. The goals of the research programs that will utilize the instrumentation are to characterize biomolecules (proteins, plasmids), natural substrates (metal oxides), and microbial populations from diverse aquatic and terrestrial environments. The researchers will also investigate the role of chemical speciation on microbial processes by detecting substrates (i.e., metal complexes, organic metabolites) that may regulate the mechanisms of substrate utilization, biomolecule production, and bacterial growth. The users of the instrumentation represent faculty from two different Georgia Institute of Technology colleges (College of Science and the College of Engineering) from the School of Biology, and Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. The anticipated interactions between the various user groups will provide the basis for a new generation of scientists with the ability to communicate effectively across research disciplines. In addition, this award will allow the PIs to train and mentor a diverse group of students and researchers including those traditionally underrepresented in science.