Rapid Multi-Locus Sequence Typing Using Microfluidic Biochips

sequencing of 6–8 housekeeping loci to assign unique sequence types. In this work we adapted MLST to a rapid microfluidics platform in order to enhance speed and reduce laboratory labor time. isolated in this study from one location in Rockville, Maryland (0.04 substitutions per site) was found to be as great as the global collection of isolates.Biogeographical investigation of pathogens is only one of a panoply of possible applications of microfluidics based MLST; others include microbiologic forensics, biothreat identification, and rapid characterization of human clinical samples

A comparison of the acid mine drainage (AMD) neutralization potential of low grade nickel laterite and other alkaline-generating materials

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a serious environmental problem caused by the weathering of sulfur-rich minerals found in mine sites, typically pyrite. Passive treatment methods have been extensively studied exploring various materials and treatment systems. Limestone is typically used as neutralizing media through open channels or anoxic limestone drains. However, the armouring that occurs when heavy metals precipitate on the surface restricts the lifespan of limestone treatment systems to 15-20 years. Goethite has been characterized to be a good adsorbent of heavy metals found in wastewater. It is abundant in a layer of nickel laterite deposit which are considered mine wastes due to the low amount of nickel present. This study investigates the performance of locally available nickel laterite ore rock, limestone, fly ash, and cement waste as media for AMD neutralization. The treatment efficiency are evaluated based on the physiochemical properties of the AMD, namely: pH, redox potential (ORP), conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen (DO). © 2020 IOP Publishing Ltd

Performance evaluation of moringa oleifera functionalized rice husk ash as a biofilter for drinking water treatment

This study evaluated the performance of portable moringa oleifera cationic protein (MOCP) functionalized rice husk ash biofilters drinking water treatment in terms of E. coli, turbidity, and hardness removal. MOCP was extracted from moringa oleifera seeds, adsorbed on the surface of rice husk ash (RHA), and used as a biofilter. After a series of laboratory tests, and field tests, it was found that the biofilter was capable of achieving coliform removals up to 98% and lowering turbidity levels down to \u3c 1 NTU. The experiments on the effect of the MOCP biofilter on water hardness did not show consistent results, so further experimentation is recommended. Also, future studies may be conducted to increase the breakthrough volume of the filter which stands at 8 L

Rapid Multi-Locus Sequence Typing Using Microfluidic

Background: Multiple locus sequence typing (MLST) has become a central genotyping strategy for analysis of bacterial populations. The scheme involves de novo sequencing of 6–8 housekeeping loci to assign unique sequence types. In this work we adapted MLST to a rapid microfluidics platform in order to enhance speed and reduce laboratory labor time. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using two integrated microfluidic devices, DNA was purified from 100 Bacillus cereus soil isolates, used as a template for multiplex amplification of 7 loci and sequenced on forward and reverse strands. The time on instrument from loading genomic DNA to generation of electropherograms was only 1.5 hours. We obtained full-length sequence of all seven MLST alleles from 84 representing 46 different Sequence Types. At least one allele could be sequenced from a further 15 strains. The nucleotide diversity of B. cereus isolated in this study from one location in Rockville, Maryland (0.04 substitutions per site) was found to be as great as the global collection of isolates. Conclusions/Significance: Biogeographical investigation of pathogens is only one of a panoply of possible applications of microfluidics based MLST; others include microbiologic forensics, biothreat identification, and rapid characterization of human clinical samples