LC/MS
Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry |
This technique combines the physical separation capabilities of liquid chromatography with mass analysis. This highly sensitive analytical technique is useful for identifying specific chemicals in a complex mixture. Our lab uses LC/MS to detect the presense of domoic acid. |
ELISA
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay |
A biomedical technique, ELISA is commonly used as a diagnostic tool for detecting antibodies or antigens in medical samples. ELISA is used by the Kudela lab as an additional method for detecting domoic acid. |
SPATT
Solid phase adsorption toxin tracking |
SPATT is a phycotoxin tracking method in which artificial resins are used to passively adsorb toxins in seawater. The Kudela lab is experimenting with the effectiveness of SPATT monitoring for domoic acid in Monterey Bay, and mesh bags containing SPATT resins are suspended in the water beneath the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. |
FCM
Flow cytometry |
Originally developed for medicine, flow cytometry can be used to sort and examine phytoplankton cells. Flow cytometers can also be modified to physically sort and separate cells based on certain characteristics, in order to isolate individual populations. |
| FlowCAM |
The FlowCAM combines the features of flow cytometry with microscopy, to analyze particles in a fluid. The FlowCAM can continuously count, image and analyze a large volume of cells, and can produce a spreadsheet with cell data. |
| Spectrophotometer |
Spectrophotometry employs a photometer that can measure light intensity as a function of color, or wavelength. A spectrophotometer is commonly used to measure light absorption. The Kudela lab uses a spectrophotometer to analyze a*, or absorption spectra, and urea samples. |
| Fluorometer |
The Kudela lab uses several different kinds of fluorometers, both to aid in analytical chemistry and to study phytoplankton. Benchtop fluorometers are used to analyze extracted chlorphyll sampes and measure NH4 samples, and submersible fluorometers are used to monitor the in situ phytoplankton communities during oceanographic sampling. |
| Lachat Analyzer |
The Lachat is an automated analyzer that uses standardized reagents to determine concentrations of nitrate, phosphate and silicic acid in seawater samples. |
HPLC
High performance liquid chromatography |
HPLC is used to separate, identify and quantify chemical compunds. The Kudela lab uses HPLC on filtered seawater samples to identify the various photosynthetic pigments present in a sample. |
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