AMINCO French Press User Guidelines & Standard Operating Procedure for the
Transcription
AMINCO French Press User Guidelines & Standard Operating Procedure for the
User Guidelines & Standard Operating Procedure for the AMINCO French Press French Press Standard Operating Procedure ii TABLE OF CONTENTS DISCLAIMER ................................................................................iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................... iv 1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................1 1.1 Purpose of the Standard Operating Procedure .............................1 1.2 Theoretical Background ........................................................1 1.3 Instrumentation .................................................................2 2. POTENTIAL HAZARDS.................................................................6 3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT ...............................................6 4. SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES ................................................7 4.1 Accidents .........................................................................7 4.2 Spills ..............................................................................7 5. WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES .....................................................9 6. PROTOCOL........................................................................... 10 6.1 Caring for the French Press and Pressure Cells........................... 10 6.2 Preparing Your Sample ....................................................... 10 6.3 Filling the Pressure Cell...................................................... 12 6.4 Pressurizing the Cell.......................................................... 13 6.5 Cleaning the Cell.............................................................. 15 7. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE .................................................... 16 7.1 French press ................................................................... 16 7.2 40K French pressure cell..................................................... 16 7.3 Long term storage ............................................................ 16 8. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE.......................................................... 17 9. REFERENCES ......................................................................... 19 9.1 Methodology References ..................................................... 20 APPENDIX 1: FRENCH PRESS USER LOG ............................................... 21 French Press Standard Operating Procedure iii DISCLAIMER The materials contained in this document have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best opinions on the subject. This document is intended to serve only as a starting point for good practices and does not purport to specify minimal legal standards. No warranty, guarantee, or representation is made by Laurier as to the accuracy or sufficiency of information contained herein, and Laurier assumes no responsibility in connection therewith. French Press Standard Operating Procedure iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The following individuals of Laurier contributed to the writing, editing, and production of this manual: Gena Braun (Instrumentation Technician); Stephanie Kibbee (Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Office). This manual was prepared for Laurier. Any corrections, additions or comments should be brought to the attention of the Instrumentation Technician at 519-884-0710 ext. 2361. Issued: November 2007 Revision: 0 French Press Standard Operating Procedure 1 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of the Standard Operating Procedure This standard operating procedure (SOP) is NOT a substitute for training and/or reading the appropriate manuals before use. All principle investigators and supervisors must document that training has been received by students and staff who will be using the French Press. This SOP is intended to promote consistent and safe use of the AMINCO French press within the Faculty of Science. This SOP covers the potential hazards, personal protection requirements, spill and accident procedures, waste disposal considerations, and instrument operation for the AMINCO French press [henceforth referred to simply as the French press]. 1.2 Theoretical Background The French pressure cell was first developed by C.S. French and H.W. Milner in 1955 (French and Milner, 1955). It has since become a commonly used method for cell disruption or subcellular fractionation, enzyme preparation, bacterial and plant tissue degradation, and recovery of intercellular proteins and nucleic acid. The pressure-induced process results in a more uniform and complete disruption than usually obtained with other mechanical and ultrasonic methods. The French press operates at pressures up to 40,000 psi (with the pressure cell currently available). Samples placed into the cell are pressurized and then slowly released through a small orifice or outlet valve. As the sample passes thought the outlet valve, cells and organelles are subjected to a sudden drop in pressure and the resulting shear stress causes the cells to burst. Following pressure treatment, the resulting solution is usually centrifuged to separate the cell components and membrane fragments. 2 French Press Standard Operating Procedure 1.3 Instrumentation The French press system is composed of a hydraulic press and a 40K pressure cell. The various components of the press and pressure cell are outlined in Figures 1-1 and 1-2, and described in Tables 1-1 and 1-2. Upper platen Cell clamp Aligning pins Cell clamp support rods Lower platen Pressure gauge Hydraulic reservoir access door Pressure increase control Pump switch Ratio selector Figure 1-1: French press components 3 French Press Standard Operating Procedure Piston Handle Flow valve assembly Handle O-ring Cup PT setscrew 35 ml/Max fill line Back-up ring Cell body Invert ring Valve stem O-ring Back-up ring Sample outlet tube Closure plug Figure 1-2: Pressure cell components French Press Standard Operating Procedure Table 1-1: French press components Components Description Upper platen Provides a mechanical stop for the top of the pressure cell piston. Used also in conjunction with the spacer and piston retainer (not supplied) for positioning and housing these components when the rapid-fill pressure cells are used in the press. Cell clamp with thumb screws Locks top of pressure cell in position to ensure proper cell alignment during pressurization. Aligning pins Centers the cell in the press. Cell clamp support rods Provides support for the cell clamp. Remove rods, install rod extensions, replace rods for use with the 40K Cell. Lower platen Moves up or down to permit cell installation and subsequent pressurization to selected psi value. Three alignment pins on lower platen are used to position lower section of cell body in press. Pressure gauge Indicates pressure value at RATIO SELECTOR valve. The actual pressure value applied to lower platen depends upon the position of RATIO SELECTOR lever (HIGH, MED or DOWN). Pressure increase control Used in conjunction with RATIO SELECTOR control lever to regulate amount of pressure applied to lower platen (item 7). Clockwise rotation increases pressure, while counterclockwise rotation decreases pressure. Pump switch Controls application of AC power to pump motor inside unit. Ratio selector MED or HIGH position is used in conjunction with PRESSURE INCREASE CONTROL to control pressure against lower platen (item 7). DOWN position permits lower platen to descend for pressure cell installation or removal. Hydraulic reservoir access door Opens to gain access to hydraulic fluid reservoir inside the press. 4 French Press Standard Operating Procedure Table 1-2: 40K Pressure cell components Components Description Flow valve assembly Controls the rate of sample release when the cell is under pressure. Handle Turns clockwise or counterclockwise to decrease or increase sample flow respectively. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Valve stem Fits into the closure plug base to control sample flow rate. Cell body Contains the sample to be processed, up to a volume of 35 ml. Closure plug Fits into the bottom of the cell body. O-ring and back-up ring Insures a tight seal between the cell body and the closure plug. Sample outlet tube Processed sample flows out of this tube when the cell is under pressure or when the cell is inverted after filling. Piston Transfers pressure from the upper platen of the press to the pressure cell. Handle Used to insert the piston into the cell. 35 mL/Max fill line The maximum point to which the piston can be withdrawn from the cell. O-ring and back-up ring Insures a tight seal between the cell body and the piston. Invert ring Holds the o-ring and back-up ring in place. 5 French Press Standard Operating Procedure 6 2. POTENTIAL HAZARDS Do not over-pressurize the cells: Before applying pressure to the cell, determine the gauge pressure required to produce the desired pressure in the cell. The maximum working pressure with the cell currently available is 40,000 psi. This corresponds to a maximum gauge reading on HIGH of 2,520 psi. DO NOT EXCEDE THIS VALUE FOR ANY REASON. If the maximum working pressure is exceeded, the seals and/or cell itself could rupture causing serious injury to the operator. The French press and pressure cells are to be used with samples of plant or animal cells only. DO NOT put inappropriate materials (e.g., sand, glass, dirt, etc.) in the cell as this could result in an explosion, causing bodily injury. The pressure cell must be seated firmly between the aligning pins and flat on the lower platen before pressure is applied. If the cell is not seated properly it can be seriously damaged under pressure or potentially ejected from the press, again presenting a serious hazard to the operator. Check the condition of all o-rings and cell components before beginning a run. Damaged o-rings can cause the piston to bend or jam in the pressure cell or cause leaks during a run. 3. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Material to be processed may contain potentially infectious material, so standard laboratory protective equipment must be worn (latex or nitrile gloves, approved safety glasses or goggles, and a lab coat). See the WLU Laboratory Health and Safety Manual for additional information on personal protective equipment: http://www.wlu.ca/documents/23120/Laboratory_Health_%26_ Safety_Manual__Feb_2007_Final.pdf. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 7 4. SPILL AND ACCIDENT PROCEDURES 4.1 Accidents All incidents must be reported to the Instrumentation Technician and if applicable, a student’s supervisor. The Instrumentation Technician will insure that all accidents, incidents and near misses are reported to the Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety (EOHS) Office via the WLU Employee Accident/Incident/Occupational Disease Report form (www.wlu.ca/eohs/forms). To meet regulatory requirements, these forms must be submitted to EOHS within 24 hours of occurrence, with the exception of critical injuries, which must be reported immediately to the EOHS Office by telephone. Critical injuries include any of the following; place life in jeopardy, produce unconsciousness, result in substantial loss of blood, involve fracture of a leg or arm but not a finger or toe, involve amputation of a leg, arm, hand or foot, but not a finger or toe, consist of burns to a major portion of the body, or cause the loss of sight in an eye. Additional details regarding incident reporting can be found in the WLU Accident Incident Procedure (www.wlu.ca/eohs). 4.2 Spills The WLU Laboratory Health and Safety Manual provides detailed instructions for dealing with major and minor spills. Do not attempt to clean up a spill if you have not been properly trained, or if you are unsure of the proper procedures. Before using ANY hazardous materials, make sure you understand the proper clean-up procedure. The Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Office is also available to provide guidance at ext. 2874. The guidelines below are summarized from the WLU Laboratory Health and Safety Manual. Determine if the spill is a major or minor spill (see Table 4-1). 1. For major spills: a. Evacuate the lab, close the doors, restrict the area, and notify others in the area of spill, including your supervisor and the Instrumentation Technician if possible. b. Call ext 3333 (Community Safety and Security). c. Activate the fire alarm if there is risk to the safety of other people in the building. d. Be available to provide technical information to emergency responders. 2. For minor spills: a. Attend to injured or contaminated personnel. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 8 b. Restrict the area and notify others in the lab of the spill, including your supervisor and the Instrumentation Technician if possible. c. Take action to minimize the extent of the spill. d. If flammable material is involved, turn of ignition sources (power, Bunsen burners). e. It is the responsibility of the user of the hazardous material to clean up the spill if he/she feels it is safe to do so. f. Select and wear all appropriate personal protective equipment. g. Apply spill pillow/pads or other absorbent material, first around the outside of the spill, encircling the material, then absorb to the center of the spill. h. Dispose of all materials used to clean up the spill in a sealed container. i. All personal protective equipment must be disposed of correctly, and must not be worn outside the laboratory. j. Label and dispose of all bags or containers as hazardous waste. 3. For chemical spills on the body: a. Remove all contaminated clothing. b. Flood exposed area with running water form a safety shower for at least 15 minutes. c. Have another individual contact 9-911 and ext 3333 to obtain medical attention. 4. For chemicals splashed in the eye(s): a. Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water continuously for 15 minutes. Forcibly hold eye lid(s) open to ensure effective wash behind eyelids. b. Have another individual contact 9-911 and ext 3333 to obtain medical attention. 5. IN ALL CASES: Report the incident to your supervisor and the Instrumentation Technician. 9 French Press Standard Operating Procedure Table 4-1: Guidelines for classification of a major spill Material Quantity Air and water reactive materials All quantities Flammable liquids Greater than 4L Combustible liquids Greater than 4L Non-flammable organic liquids Greater than 4L Concentrated acids Liquids greater than 1L Solids greater than 1kg Concentrated bases and alkalis Liquids greater than 1L Solids greater than 1kg Mercury Greater than 30 ml Oxidizers Liquids greater than 1L Solids greater than 500g Highly toxic, highly malodorous material Liquids greater than 100 ml Solids greater than 50g Low hazard material At the discretion of laboratory personnel Compressed gas leaks If the leak cannot be stopped by closing the valve on the gas cylinder 5. WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES Any hazardous chemicals or biological materials used for sample analysis or preparation must be disposed of properly, as outlined in the WLU Laboratory Health and Safety Manual and the WLU Biosafety Manual. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 10 6. PROTOCOL 6.1 Caring for the French Press and Pressure Cells 1. Never use any corrosive solutions in the cell. This includes all acidic and mildly acidic solutions, such as acetate. 2. Check the condition of the o-rings on the piston before and after each use. If either o-ring looks worn (nicked, or black material comes off when you touch it) call the Instrumentation Technician to have the o-ring replaced. A broken o-ring can cause the piston to get stuck and render the pressure cell useless. 3. Handle the piston with care to avoid scratching it. Do not put it down on the bench top. Place it on clean kimwipes or a similar soft clean surface when not in use. Store wrapped in a soft clean cloth. 4. Do not use a hard bristle brush on any part of the French press. Clean only with a soft towel or kimwipe. 5. Check the oil level. With the unit off and unplugged, open the side door and remove the reservoir cap. Check the level of hydraulic fluid in the reservoir, and contact the Instrumentation Technician if the level is near or below the minimum line. a. If the press will be operated below 20oC a different type of hydraulic oil must be used; contact the Instrumentation Technician. 6.2 Preparing Your Sample 1. The bacterial suspension should not be too thick. The ideal suspension has 10 g (wet weight) of cells per 100 ml of buffer. The maximum concentration is 15 g cells per 100 ml of buffer. 2. See Table 6-1 for examples of solutions and pressures used to disrupt different cell types in a French pressure cell. 11 French Press Standard Operating Procedure Table 6-1: Solutions and pressures used in French pressure cells. Isolated fraction Neisseria meningitidis transferrin-binding proteins(1) Buffer used 0.1 M acetate buffer, 0.2 M lithium chloride, pH 5.8 (LiCl buffer) Working Pressure (psi) Number of passes through the press 16,000 Three Incubated for 2 hours at 45oC in a shaking water bath Cyanidioschyzon merolae chloroplasts(2) Hypotonic solution: 20mM trisHCl (pH 7.6), 5 mM MgCl2 5mM KCl, 5mM EGTA) containing 180 mM sucrose 1,500 Not stated Rhodobacter sphaeroides chromatophores(3) Not stated. 21,755 (150 mPa) Not stated Acaryochloris marina chlorophyll d(4) Tricine, 20 mM KCl, 0.05% NaN3 10,442 (72 MPa) Not stated Nicotiana glauca guard cell protein(5) 250 mM sucrose, 50 mM TrisHCl (pH 7.5), 5 mM EDTA, 5 mM DTT, 2 mM PMSF with 2% polyvinylpolypyrrolidone 18,000 Two French Press Standard Operating Procedure 12 6.3 Filling the Pressure Cell During the assembly and fill process, do not allow the piston to pick-up granules (e.g., sand, glass, dirt, etc.). A contaminated piston will irreversibly damage the inside of the cell. 1. Make sure that the piston and the closure plug can be inserted and removed smoothly from the cell. If not, a small amount of Dow Corning silicon grease may be applied to the o-rings (this grease can be obtained from the Instrumentation Technician). Do not apply any grease if not required. 2. Slide the piston into the cell to a small volume line (the minimum volume is 5 mL) 3. Invert the cell and piston and place on the cell filling stand (see Figure 6-1). Figure 6-1: Pressure cell inverted in the filling stand 4. Fill the pressure cell with straight buffer first as follows: a. Make sure the buffer is free of any debris or particulate. Small particles, including broken pipette tips, will scratch the inside of the cell. b. With the piston in place and the cell inverted on the filling stand, pour a small volume of buffer into the cell (5-10 mL). Fill to within 1” of the bottom of the cell to minimize any air trapped in the cell. Trapped air will be expelled under high pressure when the cell is pressurized, and can cause splattering and loss of sample. c. Place a waste beaker close to the filling stand to catch any flow out for the outlet tube. Make sure that the outlet valve is open slightly to allow air and excess buffer to escape, and gently push the close plug onto the bottom of the cell. CAUTION: Some liquid will drip out of the cell as the closure plug is put in place. Orient the outlet tube and waste beaker to catch this liquid. 13 French Press Standard Operating Procedure d. Tighten the outlet valve. Make sure that the outlet valve handle is only finger tight; over tightening the valve can damage the seal. 5. With one hand on the closure plug, and one hand on the cell body, carefully lift the filled cell out of the filling stand and invert it. 6. Place a waste beaker underneath the outlet tube, and open the outlet valve. 7. Gently press down on the piston to expel the buffer from the cell, and in doing so, rinse out the cell. 8. Repeat steps 4 and 5 using the desired volume of sample (maximum volume of 35 ml). 6.4 Pressurizing the Cell 1. Place the filled cell onto the lower platen of the French press. Make sure it is properly seated between the aligning pins on the lower platen (Figure 62). Cell clamp Cell clamp support rods Outlet valve Rod extensions Sample outlet tube Figure 6-2: Pressure cell installed on the French press 2. Double check to make sure the closure plug is properly in place and the cell is seated firmly between the aligning pins. If the closure plug slips out and is not completely seated in the cell when you start to apply pressure, you may bend it and possibly, if the cell surfaces are not 100% horizontal, shoot the cell out of the press. This can also occur if the cell is overfilled and the piston is not inserted properly. 3. Secure the cell in place with the cell clamp. 4. Make sure that the piston handle is perpendicular to the cell clamp thumb screws; otherwise the piston handle may hit the thumb screws when under French Press Standard Operating Procedure 14 pressure and deform the handle. Hand tighten the thumb screws to keep the cell from rising up when pressure is applied. 5. Use the table printed on the front of the press to assess the desired working pressure and corresponding gauge pressure. Do not set the working pressure above 40,000 psi. The corresponding maximum gauge pressure with the RATIO set on high is 2,520 psi. If the maximum working pressure of the cell is exceeded, the seals and/or cell itself could rupture causing serious injury to the operator. 6. Plug in the French press. 7. With the pump off: Turn the PRESSURE INCREASE control fully counterclockwise and set the RATIO SELECTOR to DOWN. 8. Set the PUMP switch to on and turn the PRESSURE INCREASE control clockwise until the gauge indicates the pressure selected in step 5. a. Be patient: It may take a few moments for the pump to fill and pressurize the internal hydraulics of the press. 9. Set the RATIO SELECTOR to either MED or HIGH. The position of this level is also determined by the pressure selected in step 5.Check the cell alignment in the press as the lower platen rises. Ensure that the cell piston squarely strikes under the upper platen. a. If the pressure cell needs to be realigned lower the platen by placing the three-position control lever to DOWN. Realign the cell in the press. 10.Recheck the psi reading on the pressure gauge to ensure that it indicates the predetermined pressure value. a. Do not adjust the pressure when the cell itself is under pressure (i.e. the platen is set at MEDIUM or HIGH). If the pressure needs to be readjusted, first set the RATIO SELECTOR to DOWN and wait for the platen to reach its lowest position. 11.Open the flow valve on the cell only slightly so liquid flows from the sample outlet tube at a rate of approximately 15 drops per minute (1 drop every 4 seconds). This is the maximum recommended flow rate. a. The flow valve is extremely sensitive. To achieve the desired flow rate, gently finger tap the valve handle. 12.Some air may be present in the cell; be prepared for a slight "spitting" action at the end of a run. It's best to hold the outlet tubing during the process. After the sample has been processed, lower the platen by placing the RATIO SELECTOR control lever to DOWN. a. There will be some sample loss due to material left in the valve ports and drip tube. Do not try to squeeze out the last drop sample. You will damage the piston, closure plug and cell body. 13. Unless you are doing other tests, when the platen reaches its lowest position, reduce the system pressure to zero by turning the PRESSURE INCREASE control fully counterclockwise. Then set the pump switch to OFF. 14.Open the outlet valve completely to release any pressure remaining in the cell. 15.Remove the cell from the press when all the processing is complete. Clean and store the Pressure Cell as described in section 6.5. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 15 16.Check the exterior of the press. Wipe any hydraulic fluid or sample spills from the press surface using a damp cloth. Do not use solvents. 17. Fill in the log book. 6.5 Cleaning the Cell DO NOT STORE THE PRESSURE CELLS ASSEMBLED. Clean and dry the pressure cells thoroughly after each use. All metal parts are made of 400-series stainless steel (specially heat-treated) and are susceptible to surface corrosion if not properly cleaned and dried. If you sample is a BIOLOGICAL HAZARD, you must COLLECT all of the rinse water from the following steps, and autoclave it along with the cell, piston, and closure plug. Do not autoclave the outlet tube as it may melt (rinse briefly with the dilute bleach found in the French press cupboard, and then thoroughly rinse with water). 1. When you are done, you must carefully rinse out the cell to prevent corrosion. The cell, just like an ultracentrifuge rotor, will corrode if not thoroughly cleaned. 2. Disassemble the cell and rinse all pieces with running water. A small amount of gentle soap can be used, but it must be rinsed thoroughly. 3. Pay particular attention to rinsing water through the outlet stem and through the orifices of the cell itself. Slide the closure plug into the cell and allow water to flow through the valve hole. Cover the valve hole and allow water to flow through the outlet hole. 4. Allow the cell to air dry on paper towels. 5. Check all o-rings and make sure they are in good condition. Contact the Instrumentation Technician if they appear worn or damaged. 6. Store the cell away from salt solutions or corrosive substances. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 16 7. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE Users are not to perform maintenance. These procedures are carried out by the Instrumentation Technician. 7.1 French press - Replace the fuse as required Clean the outside of the press with a damp cloth Check the hydraulic fluid level and replace if necessary 7.2 40K French pressure cell - Change the o-rings when the cell leaks or the o-rings are visibly damaged 7.3 Long term storage - A light coating of mineral oil should be applied to all surfaces to prevent corrosion during periods of non-use. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 17 8. QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Safety glasses or goggles, gloves, and lab coat During the assembly and fill process, do not allow the piston to pick-up granules (e.g., sand, glass, dirt, etc.). A contaminated piston will irreversibly damage the inside of the cell. 1. Make sure all cell components (o-rings, piston) are in good condition before beginning. 2. Check the hydraulic oil level. Refill if needed. 3. Rinse the pressure cell components with a small amount of buffer (use the cell filling stand). 4. Slide the plunger to the desired volume line (max 35 mL) and fill with sample using the filling stand. 5. Tighten the outlet valve on the closure plug to hand tight, lift the cell out of the filling stand and invert the cell using both hands. 6. Place the filled cell onto the lower platen of the French press. Make sure it is properly seated between the aligning pins on the lower platen and the closure plug is firmly in place. 7. Secure the cell in place with the cell clamp and hand tighten the thumb screws. 8. Make sure that the piston handle is perpendicular to the cell clamp thumb screws; otherwise the piston handle may hit the thumb screws when under pressure and deform the handle. 9. Use the table printed on the front of the press to assess the desired working pressure and corresponding gauge pressure. Do not set the working pressure above 40,000 psi. The corresponding maximum gauge pressure with the RATIO set on HIGH is 2,520 psi. 10.With the pump off: Turn the PRESSURE INCREASE control fully counterclockwise and set the RATIO SELECTOR to DOWN. 11.Set the PUMP switch to on and turn the PRESSURE INCREASE control clockwise until the gauge indicates the pressure selected in step 7. 12.Set the RATIO SELECTOR to either MED or HIGH. The position of this level is also determined by the pressure selected in step 7. a. If the pressure cell needs to be realigned lower the platen by placing the three-position control lever to DOWN. Realign the cell in the press. 13.Recheck the psi reading on the pressure gauge to ensure that it indicates the predetermined pressure value. Do not adjust the pressure when the cell itself is under pressure. 14.Open the flow valve on the cell only slightly so liquid flows from the sample outlet tube at a rate of approximately 1 drop every 4 seconds. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 18 15.After the sample has been processed, lower the platen by placing the RATIO SELECTOR control lever to DOWN. Do not try to squeeze out the last drop sample. 16. Reduce the system pressure to zero by turning the PRESSURE INCREASE control fully counterclockwise. Then set the pump switch to OFF. 17.Open the outlet valve completely to release any pressure remaining in the cell. 18.Remove the cell from the press when all the processing is complete. Clean and store the Pressure Cell as described in section 6.5 (do not store it assembled). 19.Check the exterior of the press. Wipe any hydraulic fluid or sample spills from the press surface using a damp cloth. Do not use solvents. 20.Fill in the log book. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 19 9. REFERENCES International Livestock Research Institute. www.ilri.org. Accessed August 15, 2007. The David Bird Laboratory. Plant Nematode Genetics Group. North Carolina State University. www.cals.ncsu.edu. Accessed August 15, 2007. Laboratory Health and Safety Manual. 2007. Wilfrid Laurier University Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Office. Marcus SL. French Press Mini-Cell Protocol. Biological Services, Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta. www.chem.ualberta.ca/~bioservices. Accessed August 15, 2007. Vanderheiden GJ, Fairchild AC, Jago GR. 1970. Construction of a laboratory press from use with the French pressure cell. Applied Microbiology, 19: 875877. French CS, Milner HW. 1955. Disintegration of bacteria and small particles by high-pressure extrusion, p. 64-67. Colowick SP, Kaplan NO (ed.), Methods in enzymology, vol. 1. Academic Press Inc., New York. French Press Standard Operating Procedure 20 9.1 Methodology References (1) Echeverría B, Gómez JA, Hernández E, Criado MT, Ferreirós C. 1988. Optimization of membrane isolation and transferrin-binding proteins solubilization from Neisseria meningitidis cells. Journal of Microbiological Methods 31: 151-157. (2) Miyagishima S, Itoh R, Aita S, Kuroiwa S, Kuroiwa T.1999. Isolation of dividing chloroplasts with intact plastid-dividing rings from a synchronous culture of the unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae. Planta 209: 371-375. (3) Tokaji Z, Tandori J, Maróti P. 2002. Light- and Redox-dependent Thermal Stability of the Reaction Center of the Photosynthetic Bacterium Rhodbacter sphaeroides. Photochemistry and Photobiology 75: 605– 612. (4) Chen M, Zeng H, Larkum AWD, Cai Z. 2004. Raman properties of chlorophyll d, the major pigment of Acaryochloris marina: studies using both Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 60: 527-534. (5) Smart LB, Nall NM, Bennett AB. 1999. Isolation of RNA and Protein from Guard Cells of Nicotiana glauca. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 17: 371-383. French Press Standard Operating Procedure APPENDIX 1: FRENCH PRESS USER LOG 21 22 French Press Standard Operating Procedure DATE NAME EXT # SUPERVISOR SAMPLE TYPE AND CONCENTRATION WORKING/ CELL PRESSURE GAUGE PRESSURE RATIO SETTING PROBLEMS / COMMENTS Page_______