Capabilities

• Algae cultivation

  • We maintain a culture collection of >50 strains across a diversity of microalgae and filamentous algae.
  • We have lab-scale algae growth facilities including an autoclave and aseptic handling capabilities for axenic cultivation.
  • Monitoring of cultures is supported by dedicated inverted and fluorescence microscopes, and routine access to SEM, TEM and confocal microscopy facilities.
• Protein and lipid analytics

  • Detailed proteomic and lipidomic analysis is performed in collaboration with Metabolomics Australia.
  • We routinely perform lipid extraction and basic quantification and characterisation including solid phase extraction and fatty acid profiling via GC-MS.
  • Routine protein quantification is available via LECO TruMac.
• Biomass processing equipment

  • Dedicated cell rupture equipment is available including a benchtop high-pressure homogeniser and ultrasonic horn.
  • Biomass concentration is performed using benchtop and disc stack centrifuges, a cross-flow filtration system, and freeze dryer.
• Particulate fluid characterisation

  • The APG utilises analytical equipment available in the Department of Chemical Engineering including:
    • Particle characterisation: Mastersizer, zeta-sizer, flow cytometry
    • Suspension characterisation: rheometers, LumiFuge