About Us

Mission

Our mission is to investigate processes that utilize algae and bacteria for waste remediation, water quality, plant production, and high-value product synthesis. We seek to understand underlying mechanisms that contribute to system performance, with a particular focus on organism interaction. We are always on the look-out for highly motivated students to join our group.

Capabilities:

We use a variety of methods and analytical techniques in our work. If you are interested in contract analytical work, please contact Brendan Higgins at bth0023@auburn.edu

1. Algae and bacteria cell culture in (photo)bioreactors

2. Sterile culture handling (BSL2 certification)

3. Liquid chromatography for analysis of metabolites by HPLC, LCMS, and GCMS (we can do analysis of sugars, organic acids, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids among others)

4. Ion chromatography for analysis of nutrients (including ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and a range of metals)

5. Quantitative PCR for gene abundance, can be used to quantify viable and total cell populations (including pathogens and toxic algae)

6. Assays for metabolite groups (lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids)

7. Microbial community analysis workflow via 16S and 18S sequencing

8. Controlled environment plant production