Microbiology Tool Kit
John Hasyn, Professor of Microbiology, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) Blue Bell, PA
Margaret Bryans Ph.D., Principal Investigator NBC2, Instructor of Biotechnology, MCCC
Sheila Byrne, Grant Manager, Department of Biotechnology, MCCC
Linda Rehfuss Ph.D., Professor of Biotechnology, Bucks County Community College, Doylestown, PA
Microbiological control is a key issue in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This workshop is designed to introduce you to experiments and techniques used in the industry to prevent microbial contamination of products. In this hands-on workshop you will perform three microbiology experiments. Using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) gel clot assay you will measure endotoxin levels in cell culture samples. In addition, you will perform a Gram stain to identify Gram positive and negative bacteria and finally perform an API assay; a colorimetric assay for identifying bacterial strains. You will also learn how to conduct microbial air monitoring using equipment commonly used in Microbiological Control laboratories such as an Air Sampler and Particle Counter.