Microbiology Laboratory Services

Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) offers advanced research capabilities in biological science, combining chemical expertise with biological strategies for innovative problem solving. Using the latest technologies in state-of-the-art laboratories, SwRI scientists provide multidisciplinary, integrated approaches to meet client requirements.

Microbiology

The Southwest Research Institute Micro-biology Laboratory functions at Biological Safety Level 2 and is equipped with a Class II, Type A2 biological safety cabinet. SwRI scientists and technicians have expertise in the following applications:

• Bacterial growth analysis
• Quantification and identification
• Biological dye studies
• Microbial limits
• Toxicity and susceptibility studies
• Enzyme utilization and deployment studies
• Biocide agent validation

Preparation of cervical cancer, single-cell suspensions

SwRI scientists are exploring new developments in microbial drug delivery, sustainability of decontamination methods, controlled-release biocides for food and textile extended shelf life, alternative fuel sources such as microbial fuel cells, spore-detecting biosensors, and biodegradable studies using enzymes and microorganisms.

Technical staff members have significant experience with the following materials: Bacillus thuringiensis (spore-formers) and other related Bacillus species, Enterobacter, E. coli and Staphylococcus species. Other laboratory evaluations include growth analysis (various media, concentrations and environmental parameters), biological dye and enzyme utilization studies.

Imaging equipment used to capture fluorescently bio-tagged cell lines

The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art bright-field and stereo microscopy for imaging bacterial cells as well as material characterization analysis. For microbiology purposes, other resources at SwRI include fluorescence microscopy, Raman imaging and environmental scanning electron microscopy.

Isolated gram-positive and -negative species from a bread sample

Cell/Tissue Imaging

The SwRI Cell/Tissue Imaging Laboratory offers the following test services:

• Cell culture and maintenance
• Biomarker probing
• Nano-particles and nano-probes
• Immunoassays
• Multi-color fluorescence microscopy
• Flow cytometry
• Automated live cell imaging and analysis

Controlled Biological System (CBS) Programs

SwRI has several programs for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), including:

• Entomology-related technology areas such as a training and testing facility for European honeybees in detection of dinitrotoluene (DNT)
• Collection of local insect species to investigate biohazards in the South Central Texas area
• Studies of Manduca sexta to test moth flying patterns in response to detection of synthetic pheromones

Environmental scanning electron microscopy used to image microbes subjected to lysis procedures (shown: control sample for Micrococcus luteus)