Laboratory skills

Some techniques that I have learned:1. free radical polymerization – this allows me to get hydrogels with different morphologies and study their effect while crystallizing lysozyme by counter-diffusion2. dialysis – introducing the hydrogels in membranes helps me to incorporate the precipitating solution to it and then crystallize the protein in capillaries by the diffusion of the precipitant (NaCl)3.  blanketing – this technique is very important for polymerization using free radicals; I use argon and nitrogen to take out the oxygen of the pre-polymeric solution to prevent it from reacting due to free radicals4.  counter-diffusion – this method is the basis of my investigation because I use it to crystallize lysozyme; to achieve counter-diffusion I suppress convection and sedimentation using hydrogels to permit the precipitant to diffuse in the capillaries and cause lysozyme to crystallize.

By other way, I have visited three bioblogs. It was interesting knowing a little of what other students are working on. Nevertheless, I would rather prefer to read and share information with someone which is working with something similar to my research. Below, are the blogs which I visited.

http://ilianemiranda.wordpress.com/ - selecting microorganisms that modify chemical complexes

http://biocam.wordpress.com/ - wireless endoscopy, optimization of the process

http://jctec.wordpress.com/ - creating an artificial nutrient reservoir for orchid embryos because they lack nutrients to survive