Biotech Futures at Bridgewater State University
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Lab Descriptions
Each student will get to participate in two labs
1. Chemical Analysis of Sports Drinks
During this lab exercise, students will be introduced to visible spectroscopy, a technique based on the
absorption of visible light by colored substances, such as food dye. Chemists oftentimes are faced with
the task of determining the amount of certain chemical species in a complex mixture. Colored substances
are able to interact with visible light; some of the light will be absorbed and some will be transmitted. The
amount of transmitted light is can be mathematically related to the amount of the colored substance in the
original mixture. In this experiment, students will determine the amount of FD&C blue dye #1 in
commercial drinks like Gatorade and Powerade using Perkin-Elmer Lambda XLS+ UV/vis
spectrophotometers.
2. Chromatography Challenge: Separating Molecules by Their Size
Chromatography is a common laboratory technique that allows for the analysis and separation of both
small molecules and macromolecules. Two of the most common biochemical chromatography methods
involve separating macromolecules based on their size and molecular charge. Students will be introduced
to the basic concepts of size exclusion and ion exchange chromatography. Then, students will be
challenged using a hands-on activity to separate a mixture of multi-sized/charged macromolecules.
3. Use of Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Sciences
Fluorescence has been a powerful tool in every avenue of science and engineering. It is an extremely
sensitive detection technique and can characterize a sample specimen and its environment. In this
project, students are introduced to the basic concept and simple fluorescence observation, then to handson sample preparation and to the use of fluorescence spectrometer. The uses of fluorescence method
are presented from criminal investigation, medicine, mineralogy, and monitoring of chemical reactions to
name a few.
4. Making Algae Balls to Investigate Photosynthesis (3 sections)
Algae are widely considered the most promising source for the next generation of biofuel. Both the
government and private companies are heavily invested in research to understand these intricate,
microscopic organisms that one day may help solve our energy crisis. Students will watch a short
presentation on algae and its potential uses and then will create “algae balls” which can be used to
monitor photosynthesis.
5. BSU Crime Lab
DNA evidence assists in criminal, missing persons, mass disaster, and paternity cases. It can be used to
identify a perpetrator or exonerate the innocent. Using DNA as evidence, students will play the role of
crime scene investigator to figure out "Who’s done it?" Forensic DNA samples will be analyzed using
restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis to determine if any of the suspects DNA match that of the
DNA collected at a crime scene.
6. More information coming soon