Biopolymers (MF-0058, Activity Lead: Michael Connolly, mdconnolly@lbl.gov): This activity involves the automated and manual synthesis of biopolymers, including peptides and peptoids, on the solid phase. Key instrumentation includes the Symphony X, Overture, Prelude, and Aapptec peptide synthesizers.
Bioassemblies (MF-0059, Activity Lead: Behzad Rad, brad@lbl.gov): This activity uses recombinant DNA and microorganisms to synthesize, purify and analyses protein bioassemblies in vivo or in vitro. Significant efforts are directed towards analysis of electron transfer bioassemblies, which require anaerobic conditions to study their function.
Mammalian Cell Culture (MS-0060, Activity Lead: Bruce Cohen, becohen@lbl.gov): This activity covers work with mammalian cell culture, cellular imaging, molecular biology, and bacterial protein expression. Scientists working in this area should be trained in biosafety and biological waste disposal. If working with human-derived cell lines, additional training and Hepatitis B vaccination is required.
Organic and Inorganic Synthesis (MF-0061, Activity Lead: Bruce Cohen, becohen@lbl.gov): This activity encompasses flask solution-phase synthesis of small organic compounds and polymers, and colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanocrystals.
Advanced Synthesis (MF-0063, Activity Lead: Bruce Cohen, becohen@lbl.gov): This activity covers work with pyrophorics, alkali metals, hydrogen gas, and H2-forming reagents. The work should be performed only by experienced chemists after consultation with the scientist’s supervisor and the 5201 lab manager.
General Bioanalytical Characterization (MF-0064, Activity Lead: Behzad Rad, brad@lbl.gov): This activity covers working with many of the analytical instruments on the Biological Nanostructures floor including the fluorescence microscope.
Advanced Optical Analysis (MF-0067,Activity Lead: Behzad Rad, brad@lbl.gov): This activity involves imaging or collecting fluorescence spectra of samples with an embedded and covered laser system through a microscope.
Routine Nanoparticle Usage (MF-0068, Activity Lead: Bruce Cohen, becohen@lbl.gov): The work in this group involves the use of nanoparticles in bioanalytical applications, including: electrochemistry, imaging, spectroscopy, binding assays, or self-assembly experiments. These are typically commercial nanoparticles (e.g., gold, quantum dots, oxides, carbon nanotubes) or those supplied by a collaborator. This WPC does not cover nanoparticle synthesis, functionalization, or other preparative procedures. For these procedures or work with larger amounts (>10 mg), scientists should use the Organic and Inorganic Synthesis WPC.
Routine Biomolecule Conjugation and Modification (MF-070, Activity Lead: Behzad Rad, brad@lbl.gov): This Activity covers work with labeling, conjugating, and modifying biomolecules and subsequent analysis.