DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND ANIMAL SCIENCES
Equipment
VARIAN STAR HIGH‐PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY HPLC is a form of column chromatography used to separate, identify, and quantify individual components of a complex sample usually in an aqueous mixture. It consists of a tertiary pump, an autosampler, a UV‐VIS detector, a diode array detector, a fraction collector and a chemstation/integrator. TEXTURE ANALYZER/PRESS (FOOD TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION)
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The texture analyzer/press is used to evaluate the textural parameters (compression, shear, extrusion, puncture, hardness forces etc) of a wide range of foods. It can perform rapid, general food testing and provide detailed texture analysis on a diverse range of foods.
BÜCHI B‐290 MINI SPRAY DRYER This unit is a bench‐top system for quick and easy drying of aqueous solutions and suspensions. It can also be used for the gentle and safe drying of products from water or organic solvent based feeds. It utilizes a vortex stream of inert gas such as nitrogen and is capable of producing a uniform powder from a 50ml sample solution in minutes.
VIRTIS FREEZE‐DRYER Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization or cryodesiccation, is a dehydration process typically used to preserve a perishable material or make the material more convenient for transport
BIOTEK SYNERGY HT MICROPLATE READER
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This equipment provides an effective, reliable and convenient way for reading samples using fluorescence, absorbance and luminescence measurements. It adapts to 6‐384 plate formats including PCR plates.
BUCHI ROTARY EVAPORATOR
This equipment is used for the removal of solvents from samples by evaporation. It consists of a water bath to heat the sample and a vacuum system for reducing pressure accumulated in the evaporator.
SOXTEC™ 2043-FAT EXTRACTION SYSTEM
Soxtec™ 2043 is a six‐place solvent extraction system used for fast and safe determinations of soluble material in food, feed, soil, polymers, paper pulp, textiles, etc. NEW BRUNSWICK BIOFLO 110 WITH
RECIRCULATING CHILLER
It is used for controlled atmosphere fermentation with the ability to monitor oxygen, pH, temperature and time. The recirculating chiller is a compact, portable, refrigerated recirculator with a powerful cooling capacity. It cools and controls the temperature of a liquid by providing a stable temperature, flow and pressure once it has been programmed. VARIAN GC‐MS CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM
It allows an unknown compound to be separated into its component
parts by the gas chromatograph and then each of those component parts can then be positively identified based on their unique mass spectra which are generated by the mass spectrophotometer.
MISONIX S3000 SONICATOR®
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The Misonix S3000 Sonicator® is a probe programmable 15KH sonicator. It uses sound cavitations to disseminate and extract sample components. It can be used to lyse cells, create emulsions/suspensions, degas solutions and increase solubility of solutions. SORVALL ULTRACENTRIFUGE (Discovery 100SE)
• This ultracentrifuge can achieve from 80,000 to 100,000 rpm, with centrifugation forces of up to 802,400g. Speed control accuracy is +/‐ 20 rpm of set point. PFGE: PULSED FIELD GEL ELECTRPHORESIS
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Separation of DNA, identification of fragment length polymorphisms, detection of in vivo chromosome breakage and degradation, and determination of number and size of chromosomes.
CELL CULTURE INCUBATOR
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This incubator is used to grow and maintain cell cultures. The incubator keeps cultures at an optimal temperature and humidity. Professional cell culture CO2 incubator with contamination control technology and Air™ temperature control. HIGH‐SPEED, MICROCENTRIFUGE AND TABLE TOP CENTRIFUGE
Common ultracentrifuge applications include the separation of particles; DNA, protein, or RNA fractionation; as well as lipoprotein flotation. Density and size gradient separations are also regularly performed in ultra‐centrifuges and, more recently, a number of new nanotechnology applications.
VARIAN 3800 GAS CHROMATOGRAPH An automated system for separating and detecting basic components of a complex sample.
μ TRAC 4200 MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYZER
Compact microbiological analyzer for disposable measuring cells based on the impedance principle, direct and indirect measurement options. Applications: Food & Drinking Water (environmental monitoring (swabs, cleaning water incl. Index‐ and Indicator‐
organisms, shelf life investigations); Packaging Machines & Sterilizing Systems (evaluation of sterilization techniques).
SPIRAL PLATE READER (BACTERIAL ENUMERATION)
It is a microprocessor controlled dispenser that deposits a liquid sample in a spiral pattern onto the surface of a rotating agar plate. The dispensing stylus deposits decreasing amounts of sample as it moves from the center of the plate outwards. Because of this unique plating action, microbial suspensions (~ 400 to 400,000 cfu/ml on 100 mm plates) that may normally require several serial dilutions prior to plating can be plated directly. THERMOCYCLER
Also known as a Thermocycler, this PCR Machine or DNA Amplifier is an apparatus used to amplify segments of DNA via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process. The device has a thermal block with holes where tubes holding the PCR reaction mixtures can be inserted. The cycler then raises and lowers the temperature of the block in discrete, pre‐
programmed steps.
HUNTER LAB COLORFLEX AND GENESIS 5 SPECTROPHOTOMETER
ColorFlex® can be used in production or in the laboratory for inspecting raw materials and evaluating finished product. It is able to tackle a variety of color measurement problems from the basic to the sophisticated. With its port‐up or port‐forward measurement orientations, ColorFlex is ideal for measuring powders, granules, pastes, liquids and opaque or translucent solid materials. EPPENDORF REALPLEX REAL TIME PCR
Real‐Time PCR is one of the most advanced molecular analysis tool for gene identification or studying gene expression. Eppendorf Realplex is one of the most sensitive and fast RT‐PCR machine available in market today. Mastercycler
Realplex is the highest quality real time qPCR system on the market! The Realplex has gradient capability, blazing fast ramp rates, a superbly engineered 96‐well LCD array with no moving parts aside from the filter wheel, fiber optic relays and ultra sensitive photomultiplier tube detectors that allow even single molecule detection or reduced sample sizes for reagent cost savings, and a user friendly but very powerful software portfolio for analysis. KONICA MINOLTA CHROMA METER CR400
The CR400 Chroma Meter has an 8mm measuring area and measures reflected color and color differences. Measurements allow comparison of shelf‐life, processing parameters and other characteristics of concern to consumers. It is portable, has a small printer and multifunction software (SpectraMagic NX). BROOKFIELD DVII+ Pro VISCOMETER
The DV‐II+ PRO Digital Viscometer is very reliable and versatile with continuous sensing and temperature measurement. The viscometer can be controlled by a PC to act as Rheometer with speeds from 0.01 to 200 rpm. Data is measured as Viscosity (cP or mPa∙s), Temperature (°C or °F), Shear Rate, Shear Stress and % Torque. Attachments include RV/HA/HB1‐7 spindles and guard leg. The software includes DV Loader software and Rheocalc® software;
BROOKFIELD TC‐502D WATER BATH
This water bath is most valued as a means to control temperature and thus measure viscosity, rheology, and texture differences in products due to temperature changes. Capabilities include heating and chilling with data output to PC to coordinate changes with other instruments. BROOKFIELD CT3 50K TEXTURE ANALYZER
This universal testing machine allows the measurement of compression and tensile values. Texture Profile Analysis can be conducted with the TexturePro CT software and graphical representation presented during testing on a PC screen. Multiple test modes and recipe recording allow quick measurements. Accessories include the standard probe kit, gelatin Bloom kit, knife kit and extension table. BIO‐RAD MYCYCLER THERMAL CYCLER, MINI INCUBATOR AND ROCKING PLATFORM
These instruments are part of the Bio‐Rad Life Sciences Education line. They are utilized by students to better understand the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process and how DNA can be used as a diagnostic tool for contaminator or adulteration of food products.
KITCHEN AID FOOD PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
This equipment is instrumental for the development of new food products and conducting research when ingredients or processing parameters require modification. The attachments include ice‐cream, ravioli, pasta, juicing, grinding, mixing and stuffing.
AGILENT 1050 HIGH PRESSURE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM
This Agilent 1050 HPLC system contains a quaternary pump, variable wavelength detector, column heater, autosampler
and a dedicated Acer Desktop PC. The system is equipped with ChemStation software. To attach other detectors the system is connected to an Agilent 35900e dual channel interface A/D converter.
VARIOUS HPLC DETECTORS
The Beckman refractive index (RI) detector allows universal detection by working as a pure differential instrument.
The Shimadzu Fluorescence detector as a type, allows for possibly the most sensitive measurements among the HPLC detectors.
The Varex Evaporative Light Scattering Detector allows nebulization of the sample to an aerosol and vaporization so that the sample scatters the light for measurement.
JEOL 6390 LV SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
The JEOL 6390 LV Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) allows for nanostructure evalauation. The SEM’s
capabilities are increased as it is coupled to a Thermo Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector. The EDS detector is used for elemental analysis and chemical characterization of samples. The SEM also has a Gatan Cold Stage to allow sample analysis over a range of temperatures, thus the sample may not require lyophilization.
KD2‐Pro‐Thermal Conductivity Meter The KD2 Pro is a portable laboratory thermal properties analyzer. It uses transient line heat source method to measure thermal conductivity, resistivity, diffusivity, and specific heat. Applications: It is used to measure thermal conductivity, resistivity, diffusivity of in solid and liquid foods. Agilent Data Logger Switch Unit The Agilent 34970A Data Acquisition / Data Logger Switch Unit consist of a three‐slot mainframe with a built‐in 6.5 digit digital multimeter. A module multiplexer screw‐terminal connections provide a unique built‐in thermocouple reference and 20‐two‐wire channels for temperature sensing.
Applications: It is used for accurate measurement and recording of temperature data. DV‐III Ultra Rheometer
The DV‐III Brookfield Rheometer is a computer controlled and automatic data gathering viscometer with a built‐in mathematical model (Casson, Bingham, Power Law) capability .
Applications: It is use for measuring viscosity of liquid food with limited capacity for semi‐solid foods. Themo Scientific Vacuum Oven The vacuum oven consist of temperature ((≤ 200°C) and vacuum ‐
20 in Hg (‐100 kPa)) controlled capabilities. Applications: It is used for the drying heat sensitive products at low temperature. ADM‐Oxidative Stability Instrument Oxidative Stability Instrument is used to determine the oxidative stability index (OSI) of material at elevated temperatures (100 to 130°C) while exposing the sample to a stream of air. The system monitors the change in conductivity which is correlated to oxidative stability index. Applications: Oxidative stability of the following food products are determined: Fats and Oils, Fat Substitutes, Cocoa Butter, Snack Foods, Shortening, Bakery Products, Butter and Margarine, Peanut Butter, Potato Chips, Pet Foods, Lard, Candy Oil‐Containing Food Products, Cookies, Crackers, Dehydrated Meats, Seeds and etc. Research Microwave System with Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors Applications: Computer controlled research microwave system consist of fiber optic temperature sensors used for pasteurization and sterilization of liquid and solid food products.
Pulsed Electric Field: OSU‐4J PEF System Pulse Electric Field (PEF) is system that generates high voltages (12 kV) which is discharged through a treatment chamber in a burst of short pulsed frequency wavelength. Application: The system is used to pasteurize liquid foods such as liquid eggs, fruit juices and etc. SteriPulse®‐XL 3000 Xenon Pulsed Ultraviolet UV System The RS‐3000 system consist of pulse generator which produces short pulses (360 µs width) and sterilization chamber which houses the 16”
Quartz Flashlamp. The system functions within 200 to 300 nm wavelength. Applications: The system is used for pasteurization of liquid and solid foods. Cabinet Dryer Cabinet dryers as the name implies is a cabinet which consist of series of shelves where solids or semi‐solid food products are placed for drying. Controlled heated air passes through the shelves to remove water from the food products. Applications: It is used to control high moisture products to intermediate or low moisture food products. Insta‐Pro 600 JR Extruder Single screw pilot scale extruder which combines different unit processes such mixing, kneading, cooking, shaping, and forming. It also provides High Temperature Short Time process.
Applications: It is used for the manufacturing of the following food products: Confectionery, Cereals, Protein‐based foods and etc. The Poultry Science Building is located on the hill and overlooks the campus. The facility is equipped with a state‐of‐the‐art learning and laboratory spaces. Within the facility, a research and teaching laboratory (1,300 sq feet) is equipped with instrumentation and software necessary to conduct research in the area of endocrinology, and to give students the opportunity to work in experiments that involve poultry species. Gamma Counter
A WIZARD2 2‐detector, 550 samples instrument designed for applications requiring gamma radiation analysis. This instrument is used (among other applications) in radioimmunoassays (RIA). A (RIA) is a very sensitive in vitro assay technique used to measure concentrations of various hormones in blood.
Plate reader with Computer/Software
Multiskan FC Photometer for a wide variety of research and routine applications. Built‐in Incubation up to 50 C, and Shaker. Filters: 405, 450, 620nm. Auto‐
calibration is performed during each measurement. Routinely used for ELISAs. Autoclave
Tabletop; Autoclave Heidolph/Tuttnauer; Model 2540E. Self‐
contained design with refillable reservoir controls water purity for sterilization. With electronic controls
Refrigerated Centrifuge
Benchtop Centrifuge. Thermo Scientific; Sorvall Legend XTR (Refrigerated), 3L Capacity; Max. Speed/RCF 15,200rpm/25,314 x g; CFC‐free cooling ‐10C to +40C.
pH meter
Fisher Scientific pH meter. Includes meter, electrode support arm and bracket, 110/220V power supply.
Biological Safety Cabinet
Thermo Scientific Herasafe KS Class II, Type A2 Biological Safety Cabinet. HEPA Filter Efficiency 99.995% at 0.3µm particle size. 1.8m wide.
Analytical Balance
OHAUS Adventurer Pro Analytical Balance. Readability 0.1 mg.
Weighing Range 0‐65 g
Digital calibration without external weight.
Large stainless‐steel weighing platform.
Water Bath
Fisher Scientific Isotemp
Digital Controled Water Bath.
5L capacity.
Aambient temperature to 100°C, ±0.24°C.
Digital Geiger Counter
Halogen‐quenched, stainless‐steel Geiger Mueller tube.
Digital instrument for field or lab radiation measurement.
Ice Maker
Scotsman Floor Model Flake Ice Maker.
36 in. Wide Stainless‐
Steel Model.
Stores up to 140 lb
ROTARY EVAPORATOR
W/MULTIVAPOR ATTACHMENT.
This unit is used for the removal of
solvents from samples by evaporation. It
consists of a water bath to heat the
sample and a vacuum system for reducing
pressure accumulated in the evaporator.
VARIAN CARY 3 UV-VIS
SPECTROPHOTOMETER
Used to analyze biological or highly absorbing
laboratory samples, It features a dual position cell
carrier and comes with the temperature control
module.
SYNERGY™ HT MULTI-MODE
MICROPLATE READER.
This plate reader for fluorescence,
absorbance and luminescence measurements
is designed with an emphasis on superior
performance in all detection methods. Unlike
many multi-mode microplate readers, the
Synergy HT utilizes a unique dual-optics
design.
THERMOSCIENTIFIC EVOLUTION 201
This unit provide enhanced superior
usability and performance. It consists of
INSIGHT Software which enables easy
navigation and convenience and ensures
accurate results with workbook tools.
Precision measurements are achieved by
double-beam geometry with 1 nm spectral
bandwidth which is provides enhances
performance for microcells, solid samples, and
fiber optic probes applications with
Application Focused Beam Geometry (AFBG)
technology.
CELL CULTURE INCUBATOR
An incubator used to grow and maintain
cell cultures. The incubator keeps
cultures at an optimal temperature and
humidity. Professional cell culture CO2
incubator with contamination control
technology and Air™ temperature
control.
THERMOSCIENTIFIC SORVALL LEGEND
XTR CENTRIFUGE
This 3-liter high-performance centrifuges provide
industry-leading capacity, easy change rotor system,
and improved safety features.
It allows the change of rotors without tools due to
AUTO-LOCK® III rotor system, increased capacity
reduces processing time. Provides instant read-out
of actual and set parameters at the same time.
Refrigerated version allows one to set temperature
from -10°C to +40°C and pre-cool the chamber and
rotor for samples that are temperature sensitive.
MICROPLATE READER (MULTISKAN FC )
Reliable and robust microplate photometer for a
wide variety of research and routine applications.
The Multiskan FC combines the world-renowned
quality of the Multiskan product line with a large
color screen, visual internal software and multiple
language versions to ensure excellent usability.
EPPENDORF CENTRIFUGE 5702 R
The equipment maintains a constant
temperature when in use. Precise
centrifugation is made possible through the
“at set rpm” function, time is counted down
once the set rpm is reached. As a result,
different centrifugal runs can be more easily
reproduced.
Enconaire Chamber
Plant growth chamber and seed germinators with control of light, temperature, humidity and CO2.
Bio‐Rad Gene Pulser
Electroporator
This unit is for the electroporation of bacteria and fungi, as well as other applications where high‐
voltage pulses are applied to samples of small volume. Electroporation is a mechanical method used to introduce polar molecules into a host cell through the cell membrane. An electric pulse temporarily disturbs the phospholipid bilayer, allowing molecules like DNA to pass into the cell. NanoDrop 2000
Micro‐Volume UV‐Vis Spectrophotometer for Nucleic Acid and Protein Quantitation. Samples for analysis can be as small as 0.5 µL. Main characteristics:
Measurement in less than 5 seconds Pipette & wipe
Measures DNA, RNA (A260) and Protein (A280)
Microarray, Proteins & Labels,
Bradford, BCA, Lowry and Pierce 660nm Data export to Excel file for analysis
No plates or other consumables
Bio‐Tek uQuant
Microplate Reader
This equipment reads most micrplate formats including 6‐, 12‐, 24‐, 48‐, 96‐, and 384 plates. Also performs as a spectrophotometer for quantification of nucleic acids. Gel Logic 112
The Gel Logic 112 is used for documenting electrophoresis gel and blot images. Ideal for gel imaging e.g. Ethidium
Bromide, Coomassie and silver stain gels, as well as a range of plates and assays. Konica Minolta SRX 101A Film Processor
This equipment allows fast development of all X‐ray films.
Buchi Rotavapor R‐205 with Vacuum controller module V‐
800. Used for evaporating solvents and concentrating solutes. Model B‐490 4 liter oil or water heating Bath with a temperature range of 20 to 180C Laboratory hot air oven. Model:Precision; Company: Thelco
Fisher Econotemp Oven Reciprocal Water Bath Shaker. Model: R76 VWR Multiposition stirrer: Stir up to Nine Vessels at Once. Microprocessor Speed Control. Synchronized, Uniform Mixing. Low‐Profile Design. Powerful magnetic stirrers with precise speed control offer repeatable performance. Synchronized operation ensures uniform mixing at each position. Ramping feature slowly brings sample to set speed to avoid splashing, improve magnetic coupling, and provide excellent low‐speed stirring Sorvall RT 6000D centrifuge. Max speed: 6000rpm Temp. range: ‐20°C to 40°C
Sorvall Discovery 100‐SE Centrifuge Varian 3800 Gas Chromatograph Hewlett Packard 5890 Series II Gas Chromatograph New Brunswick Bio‐Flo‐110 Fermentor/Bio‐Reactor BioFlo‐110 modular benchtop fermentors from New Brunswick are available for growth of yeast and bacteria cultures for experimental production lines or biological studies. Temperature, pH, and O2 control are available to maintain optimum growth conditions. Revco Ultima PLUS HD Ultra‐
Low Temperature Upright Freezer. Thermo Scientific* Revco Ultima PLUS HD freezers use HD technology to deliver high efficiency storage.Freezers
feature a highly‐efficient, innovative thin‐wall insulation technology that allows for expanded interior storage capacity without increasing the exterior cabinet footprint Virtis Automatic Freeze Drier Model 10‐1010 Buchi Multi Vapor The Multivapor is a compact 12 postion parallel vortex evaproator that is designed to optimize existing personal process workflows. When used in combination with the Rotavapor a unique increase in functionality is observed, as is an expansion of synergy with an impressively small footprint. Fisher Scientific Vacuum Oven Fisher Scientific* Isotemp* Model 282A Vacuum Oven. Designed to operate with reduced pressures and/or inert atmospheres, oven is equipped with separate vacuum and gas ports, each with its own control valve. Soxtec 2043 Fat Extraction System Soxtec 2043 Fat Extraction System. The Soxtec 2043 is designed for rapid, safe and economic extraction of solid and semisolid materials. It consists of an Extraction Unit and a Control Unit. Hunters Color Lab HunterLab instruments duplicate how our eyes see color. They measure your product color and give numerical values that correlate to what you see.. HunterLab expertise and experience ensure that you have the right instrument for your application. Varian GC‐MS Varian Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry system —
with Ion Trap Mass Spectrometers coupled to Varian CP‐3800 Gas Chromatograph. Brinkmann PT3000 Homogenizer: used to rapidly break down plant and animal tissue for chemical analysis, prepare emulsions and samples for titrations, and extract pesticides in soil samples. Provide fast, reproducible homogenization, emulsion, dispersion, and mixing, with consistent sample‐to‐sample uniformity. Fisher Isotemp 630F Hot Air Oven: • Digital Temperature Display • Temp. Range: 30° C to 200° C • Temp. Accuracy: ± 3° C • Forced Air Flow Model • 1 Internal Adjustable Shelf Scienceware Micromill: Stainless‐steel or hard‐faced blade rotates up to 12,000rpm to grind wide range of samples, including rocks, minerals, bone, muscle tissue, plant matter, ceramics, glass, grain, kaolinites, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and seeds. Accumet Basic AB‐15 pH meter: •Large display for easy‐to‐see setup and operation •Up to five‐point calibration to ensure accuracy •Automatic recognition of three buffer sets •Selectable resolution to choose faster or more precise readings Accumet Excel XL‐50 pH meter: •Conductivity mode accepts two‐
cell and four‐cell probes •Automatic temperature correction: ATC probe in two channels •ISE mode offers direct and indirect measurements •pH mode accepts standard or accuFet* nonglass electrodes •Provides two pH/mV/ISE inputs, two ATC inputs, an input for the accuFet nonglass electrode, plus inputs for two‐ and four‐cell conductivity probes Thermo Genesys 6 UV‐Vis spectrophotometer Built‐in applications software for concentration, standard curve, absorbance ratio, absorbance difference, scanning, kinetics, multi‐wavelength analysis and three‐point net absorbance Thermo Evolution‐201 UV‐
visible spectrophotometer: The Evolution 201 is a double beam, fixed bandwidth (1 nm) UV‐Visible spectrophotometer. It is available as a stand‐alone instrument with an integrated colour touch screen, or as a PC controlled instrument. Multiskan FC Photometer for a wide variety of research and routine applications. Built‐in Incubation up to 50 C, and Shaker. Filters: 405, 450, 620nm. Auto‐calibration is performed during each measurement. Routinely used for ELISA. Varian Prostar HPLC with autosampler and diode array detector If you desire to collaborate on a research project, have samples you desire to be analyzed or have any questions regarding research or the equipment displayed here please contact any of the faculty listed on the main page (http://www.aamu.edu/academics/alns/foodandanimalsciences/faculty/pages/def
ault.aspx) or the Department Chair, Dr. Martha Verghese
Thank you for your considering Alabama A&M University’s Department of Food and Animal Science for your educational and research needs.