Infrastructure

Compared to "classic" microbial model systems, research on obligate anaerobes is more demanding, both in terms of equipment and routine methodology. In order to study the biology of strictly anaerobic microorganisms oxygen has to be excluded from all procedures. Our group is well equipped for this purpose, for example:

Glove boxes

We employ a total of four flexible vinyl glove boxes (from COY) for doing anaerobic bench work. Two of them we use for the genetic procedures (transformations, plating, etc.), one for cell harvest, and one for anaerobic protein purification. For the latter purpose, an FPLC unit is operated in the glove box under anaerobic conditions.

Pressure jars

For incubation of agar plates under non-ambient anaerobic conditions, we use custom-built jars (retrofitted from old fire extinguishers). They can bear overpressures of several atmospheres, which is particularly helpful when cultivating hydrogenotrophs or carboxidotrophs.

Culture tubes

Our "standard" cultivation of anaerobes is carried out in Balch tubes. They are rather expensive, but bear considerable overpressure, which is crucial for cultivating anaerobes utilizing gaseous substrates. For larger cultivation scale, we use serum flasks, infusion bottles, or carboys.

Gas/vacuum station

For removing oxygen from solutions, for exchanging gas phases in closed systems, and for pressurizing culture vessels, we use a custom-built 10-outlet-valve gassing station with a vacuum pump attached.

Continuous centrifuge

For harvesting large culture volumes of anaerobes, we employ a continuous centrifuge, which can be purged with oxygen-free gas, thus allowing to obtain biomass (e.g., for biochemical work) without exposing it to air - outside of the glove box.