Biofilm consists of bacterial colonies that excrete a sticky organic texture. The colonies form when a thin layer of microorganisms and proteins adhere to a surface. They may appear as a slimy film on poorly maintained poolsides, river rocks, dishes, and countertops or, in smaller forms, may be invisible to the eye. Biofilm Formation Specifically, biofilms form when groups of...

Solid Phase Reversible Immobilization (SPRI) is a technique applied in high-performance isolation, purification, and cleanup procedures. The process uses SPRI magnetic beads by selectively binding nucleic acids (involving RNA and DNA) found in all organisms. Researchers discovered SPRI in 1995 at the Whitehouse Institute for the isolation of PCR products. Specifically, the experiment focused on purifying PCR amplified colonies in...

AG Scientific, Inc. Announces Agreement of Acquisition by RPI San Diego, CA - March 1, 2021 - For Immediate Release Dear Valued Partner, We are thrilled to announce RPI’s recent acquisition of AG Scientific, Inc. For over a quarter century, Chip Lindgren and the team at AG Scientific have been dedicated to providing an unrivaled customer-centric experience within the life...

Digitonin (C56H92O29) is a steroidal, monodesmosidic saponin (a toxic chemical with a plant-based origin) derived from the foxglove plant species, Lady’s Glove; Digitalis pupurea. The compound appears as a white or off-white powder under room temperature, and scientists often apply it as a biological detergent due to its capacity to water-solubilize lipids.  The compound naturally occurs as a non-ionic surfactant...

Boric acid (H3BO3), also known as hydrogen borate or boracic acid, is a weak monobasic Lewis acid of boron. Researchers may increase the acidity of boric acid through complexation reactions with polyols like sorbitol or lactitol. The compound has multiple purposes, such as applications for molecular biology in buffer preparations. German chemist Wilhelm Homberg discovered man-made boric acid crystals in...

Fidaxomicin (C52H74Cl2O18) is a member of the class of narrow spectrum macrocyclic antibiotics known as tiacumicins. The drug derives from the fermentation of tiacumicin metabolites from a soil isolate of the actinomycete Dactylosporangium aurantiacum, a Gram-positive bacterium. Scientists discovered fidaxomicin (known as lipiarmycin) in 1975, isolating the compound in pure form from Actinoplanes deccanensis. Researchers noted the antibiotic’s effectiveness in...

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was discovered in China in December 2019. Since then, more than two million people have died from COVID, including over 400,000 in the U.S. alone. COVID-19 rapid testing has become crucial because even in the absence of symptoms, people need to know if they're at risk of spreading the virus. People who test positive via a COVID-19 rapid test...

Mitomycin C (C15H18N4O5) is a chemical product derived from Streptomyces caespitosus, an actinobacteria species. It appears as a blue-violet crystal or powder at room temperature. The product is soluble in water and rapidly degrades in acidic preparations. Healthcare researchers and scientists have studied and applied mitomycin C in cancer treatment for its antitumor properties. Mitomycin has become a popular chemotherapeutic...

Although enzyme immobilization began over 100 years ago, it remains one of the most essential industrial technologies today. This is because immobilized enzymes are highly versatile and have a wide variety of potential applications. Also, the enzyme immobilization process has been slowly perfected over the years, making it much simpler, quicker, and efficient than ever before. This has served as...

Antibiotic resistant infections arise when bacteria and other microbes develop immunity against the drugs administered against them. Infections involving antibiotic-resistant strains grow stronger over time and become increasingly difficult to treat. According to CDC reports, over 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the US every year and have lead to a large number of fatalities. Bacteria naturally develop immunities over...