The research laboratories described below comprise over 20,000 square feet of facilities in five buildings that contain more than $2 Million of state-of-the-art equipment and instrumentation related to Biological Engineering projects that are funded by federal and state agencies, and the private sector. Research addresses fundamental and applied aspects of integrating the science of biology with the problem solving tools and strategies of engineering. Research areas, as described by the various laboratories, include biomedical, bioenergy, bioenvironmental, and public health sectors. The goal of research conducted in the laboratories described below is the production of new bio-based products, technologies, and services that support current bio-based industries, as well as the creation of new industries and jobs in Utah and nationally.
Algae Processing and Products Facility
The Algae Processing and Products Facility (APP) was developed to promote ongoing research on algae processing and utilization to produce bioproducts, as well as other bioproduct based research.
Algae Test and Evaluation Pilot Facility
The Algae Test and Evaluation (AT&E) pilot facility is under the direction of Dr. Ronald Sims and is located at the site of the City of Logan Water Reclamation Plant (WRP). Research and testing conducted at the AT&E facility addresses algae-based engineered systems for water quality improvement and production of biofuels for power for transportation vehicles, heat, and electricity that can be used by the City of Logan.
Algae Small-Scale Engineering Laboratory
Research conducted at the Algae Small-Scale Engineering Laboratory addresses a variety of algae engineering strategies ranging from algae cultivation, algae hydrolysis, and the anaerobic fermentation of algae biomass.
AFM Lab
Bioinstrumentation
Biomaterials and Biosurfaces Laboratory
Research conducted in the Biomaterials and Biosurfaces Laboratory applies molecular self-assembly and advanced analytical techniques to detect and direct interfacial phenomenon, with specific projects in molecular imprinting, microcantilever biosensors, lactose-derived surfactants and gels, materials biocompatibility, nanoparticles and bacteria, and biofilms.
Bionanotechnology: Bioinspired Materials Lab
Bionanotechnology: Bionanoelectronics Lab
Bionanotechnology Laboratory: Class 1000 Clean Room
Our research in bionanotechnology encompasses tailored solutions from across the biotechnology and nanotechnology spectrum, which intricately combines biological recognition, nanofabrication/nanoassembly, micro/nanofluidics, materials characterization and electrical measurements.
Cellular Engineering Laboratory
Research in the Cellular Engineering Laboratory focuses on cellular engineering, synthetic biological engineering, biosensors and bioremediation. Recent projects include using synthetic biological engineering techniques to improve bioplastic production, developing molecular tools in mycobacteria to create biosensors for use in bioremediation, using natural products as antimicrobials, and monitoring microbial diversity of bioreactors using metagenomic approaches.
iGEM Research Laboratory
USU's iGEM team meet in this room to design, test, and build the iGEM project.
Metabolic Analysis Laboratory
Metabolic Engineering Lab
Research areas include the discovery and identification of bioactive natural products, biosynthetic mechanisms of pharmaceutically important compounds, characterization and development of biocatalysts for structural modification, as well as improvement of useful enzymes using protein engineering approaches.
Molecular and Cellular Sensing and Imaging Laboratory
Laboratory research is mainly focused on the integration of state-of-the-art instrumentation methods and new chemo/bio-sensing technologies for biomolecular surface engineering applications.
Synthetic Biophotonics Laboratory
Research conducted at the Synthetic Biophotonics Laboratory addresses the design, construction, testing, and simulation of natural and biosynthetic biphotonics systems using phototrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms.
Thermochemical Biomass Research Laboratory