CRAFT Research Facilities
CRAFT's "state-of-the-art" research facility, opened in October of 2010, boasts two large laboratories for biomass analysis and algae research, as well as a smaller lab for algae incubation and microbiology research. The CRAFT Research Building also houses the administrative offices and office space for researchers.
Algae Research Laboratory
Work conducted in CRAFT's Algae Research Laboratory focuses on understanding and optimizing the growth of microscopic strains of algae critical to the development of biofuels. Current research focuses on data collection on heterotrophic algae growth in a reciprocal water bath versus the growth in a bioreactor. Current measurements being made are: optical density, cell counts, pH, and glucose content.
Instrumentation
- 14.5 liter Reciprocal Shaking Bath
- Temperature Controlled Centrifuge
- 3 liter Computerized Bioreactor
- Autoclave
- Ultra Low Freezer
- Constant Temperature Oven
- Laminar Flow Hood
- Fluorescence Microscope
- Analytical Balance
- Fume Hood
- Visible Spectrophotometer
Biomass Analytical Research Laboratory
CRAFT's Biomass Analytical Research Laboratory is able to accomodate up to four full-time research technicians' experimentation efforts. Current research includes assessing the ability of a variety of biomass sources to supply carbohydrates.
Instrumentation
- Temperature Controlled Microcentrifuge
- Vortex mixer
- Ball Mill
- Wiley mill
- Constant temperature oven
- Fume hood
- Vacuum pump
Additional Research Facilities
In addition to the CRAFT Research Building, CRAFT research faculty have access to numerous research facilities throughout Eastern Kentucky University's campus.
Additional Instrumentation
- Thermo Scientific LTQ XL Mass Spectrometer
- Dionex Ultimate 3000 LCÂ
- Perkin Elmer Clarus 560S GC-MS
- Beckman Coulter, High Performance Centrifuge, Avanti J-E
