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ABSTRACTS
LSU | URC
(Listed alphabetically)
VARUN AMIN Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Mentor: Dr. Jason Anderson
“Analysis of Gene Expression Data from Primary B Cells Infected with Epstein Barr Virus During the Transformation
Process”
Varun Amin, Dr. Jason Anderson, Dr. Micah Luftig, Joshua Messinge
ABSTRACTS
Epstein-Barr Virus is one of the most prevalent viruses within the human population, infecting approximately 95% of humans.
Interestingly, this virus has been associated with various human malignancies, such as Burkitts Lymphoma, and can transforms cell
in vitro and in vivo.The lab I worked in focuses on how EBV causes the host B-cell, to proliferate and form tumors. My project
analyzed microarray data from the three stages of EBV infection: resting B-Cell, an early proliferating cell and lymphoblastoid cell
lines. Genes of interest were selected by statistical significance and lack of annotation.These genes were then further validated by
RT-qPCR to validate the microarray and to understand their role in the transformation process.
PAULA DATRI Southern University at New Orleans, Mentor: Dr. Christian Clement
“Clean Surfaces (Sanitary surface 3-D Imprints) as Antimicrobial Strategy for Common-Use surfaces Exposed to
Human Contact and Microbial Transfer”
Paula Datri, Christian Clement, Rachid Belmasrour, Pamela Marshall, Illya Tietzel, Heon Kim, Yi Zhen, Mostafa Elaasar
Clean surfaces generated by “reverse engineering” using 3-D printing with polymeric surface materials of micro-topological
surfaces that misalign to diminish the surface area of human contact could inhibit microbial adherence/attachment on commonuse surfaces such as cellphone/computer touchscreens, keyboards, doorknobs, elevator buttons etc. Virus, bacteria and
contaminating microbes attachment/adherence, growth and biofilm formation on common-use or shared surfaces exposed to
direct human contact (touch/grasp and exposed body surfaces) pose a major public health risk because of emergent infectious
diseases and widespread exposure to human materials (microflora, infectious DNA, skin, blood, tears, sweat, saliva, urine and fecal
matter). Our research investigations focused on 3-D printing of micro-topological imprints as potential antimicrobial surfaces for
reduction/elimination of pathogenic microbes transfer between human individuals through common-use surfaces. Common
pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were cultured in media. Aliquots of bacteria cultures were
evenly spread on simulated common-use surfaces. Subsequently, the bacteria on common-use surfaces were transferred using 3D imprints onto agar plates for overnight growth. Colony numbers estimation as well as colony characteristics were documented
and analyzed. It was observed that microbial adherence/attachment was greater at higher culture concentrations and the 3-D
imprints significantly lowered microbial transfer. Further research will help to eliminate these contaminating surfaces and identify
involvement of infection proteins because of specific families of genes that migrate within colonies of pathogens and
contaminating microbes on these surfaces.
ABSTRACTS
LSU | URC
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APRIL HARDING Southern University at New Orleans, Mentor: Dr. Illya Tietzel
“Microfluidic Device to Study the Survival of Caenorhabditis Elegans in Different Solutions”
April Harding* (Biology & Forensic Science, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA) Illya Tietzel
(Biology, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA), Niel Crews (Institute for Micromanufacturing,
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston,
ABSTRACTS
In the past, Caenorhabditis elegans were used to study the effectiveness of sanitizers in killing pathogenic Escherichia coli strains
ingested by free-living nematodes. Adult worms had fed on six pathogenic E. coli were testes with three chemicals. C. elegans
using microfluidic devices have advantages to handling and manipulating spatial positioning, and control of physical and biological
environment while controlling its environment. It is hypothesized that C. elegans survival differs in different solutions. It is
predicted that the survival of viable worms on a nematode growth agars differs after treatment with distilled water, phosphate
buffered saline, NaCl solution and 1% sodium Hypochlorite. Worms were collected from NGA (nematode growth agar) into 1.5 ml
test tube filled with 1ml of nutrient broth. An aliquot of 0.250 ml of worms were transferred into 1.5 ml test tubes filled with 0.500
ml of 1x PBS, 10x PBS, 85% NaCl, 1% or Sodium Hypochlorite solution. The worms were transferred liquid on NGA plates. After 1
day survival of worms was measured. A microfluidic device to inject worms and solutions was designed. Results showed survival
of the worms in the different solutions and it is concluded that C. elegans can survive the different solutions. Funded by LaSPACE
and NASA EPSCoR to I. Tietzel at SUNO and NSF awards to N. Crews at Louisiana Tech University.
BRIANNE JONES Baton Rouge Community College, Mentor: Dr. Squire Booker
“Optimizing the Protein Yield of TsrM, a Class B Radical SAM Methylase”
Brianne Jones, Anthony Blaszczyk, Squire Booker
A subclass of enzymes, known as class B radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) methylases, requires metallocofactors, cobalamin
and a [4Fe-4S] cluster, to catalyze the methylation of unactivated carbon or phosphorus centers. Many class B radical SAM
methylases are involved in biosynthetic pathways that generate naturally occurring antibiotics. TsrM is a class B radical SAM
methylase that inserts a methyl group on the sp2-hybridized carbon atom on the 2 position of the indole ring of tryptophan to
generate 2-methyltryptophan, which is the first step in generating the quinaldic acid moiety in the antibiotic Thiostrepton A. This
natural product exhibits high potency against Gram positive organisms of clinical relevance, and has also been shown to inhibit
the growth of breast cancer cells. Although there exists a great desire to elucidate the mechanism by which these enzymes perform
their reactions, studies of class B radical SAM methylases have been hampered by their apparent insolubility. In recent studies by
the Booker lab, TsrM has been solubilized and purified to near homogeneity, but only meager amounts of protein are obtained
(~15 mg/32 L). Additionally, the protein is only soluble when overproduced in M9-ethanolamine media supplemented with
hydroxocobalamin, which has previously been shown to enhance cobalamin uptake in E. coli. However, The Booker lab recently
designed a plasmid, pBAD42-Lanz that enhances cobalamin uptake in E. coli even more. Our data show that the new plasmid
increases protein yield and that M9-ethanolamine media is optimal for overproduction of TsrM, as compared to M9-minimal
media, autoinduction media, and LB media.
ABSTRACTS
LSU | URC
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AKIRA LUMPKIN Southern University at New Orleans, Mentor: Dr. Illya Tietzel
“Utilization of Magnetic Nanoparticles for the Detection and Capture of Prokaryotic Cells in a Microfluidic Device in
Spacecraft”
Akira Lumpkin, Illya Tietzel, Niel Crews
ABSTRACTS
Magnetic nanoparticles may be used in microfluidic devices to capture and detect microbes. In previous experiments,
superparamagnetic nanoparticles where used for the capture of Staphylococcus aureus. Microfluidic devices have
been used for detection of sexually transmitted disease. The glutaraldehyde method for covalent bonding antibodies
to nanoparticles and the implementation of a bovine serum albumin (BSA) to determine the concentration of
antibodies bound to nanoparticles was used. Different concentrations of BSA served to establish a standard for protein
concentrations that could be compared to the protein concentrations of bound antibody. The use of microfluidic
devices to capture and detect microbes with the help of nanoparticles on spacecraft is innovative. Several microfluidic
devices with different channel and mixing chamber geometries were manufactured using xurography. Results for
different BSA concentrations did not show a correlating increase in measured protein concentration. The microfluidic
devices are scheduled to be tested with the nanoparticles. The results for the antibodies covalently linked to
nanoparticles may have been inconclusive due the following experimental errors: a pipetting error, dirty plate,
improperly positioned plate. In conclusion, the number of antibodies bound could not be measured. Funded by
LaSPACE and NASA EPSCoR to I. Tietzel at SUNO and NSF awards to N. Crews at Louisiana Tech University.
SHANNON MATZKE Louisiana State University, Mentor: Dr. Doug Capone
“Fixing to Invade: How nitrogen fixation rates vary between two species of Sargassum and different anatomical
features”
Shannon Matzke, Yubin Raut, Camille Vieira, Douglas Capone
Sargassum horneri is a macroalgal species that is invasive to the waters surrounding Catalina Island, California. Previous
studies have shown nitrogen fixation by heterotrophic microorganisms associated with the alga to be present. Using
the acetylene reduction assay (ARA) N2 fixation rates associated with the stipe of S. horneri were shown to be
significantly higher (up to 308 nmol g-1 h-1) than with the fronds of the alga (up to 23 nmol g-1 h-1) which may be the
cause of discrepancies among N2 fixation rates of replicates in other experiments involving S. horneri. Fronds showed
significantly higher rates under dark anaerobic conditions than under light aerobic conditions suggesting a robust
heterotrophic diazotrophic community while rates for the stipe showed no significant difference between treatments
which suggests a diversified diazotrophic community of heterotrophs and phototrophs. S. horneri was shown to have
similar associated N2 fixation rates to its native counterpart Sargassum palmeri (up to 80 nmol g-1 h-1) supporting the
hypothesis that the competitive advantage of S. horneri is not dependent on N2 fixation rates.
ABSTRACTS
LSU | URC
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ROSHAUN MITCHELL-CLEVELAND Southern University at New Orleans, Mentor: Dr. Mostafa Elaasar
“Measuring the Effects of Radiation and Changes in DNA in Caenorhabditis Elegans”
Roshaun Mitchell-Cleveland (Biology & Mathematics), Mostafa Elaasar (Physics) ,Illya Tietzel (Biology)
ABSTRACTS
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is used for research due to its similarity to the human genes such as genes
involved in neurological disorders. Therefore, this worm is useful in studying the effects of direct radiation, and rate of
survival from a nuclear event. The effects of direct exposure to radiation can be measured by observation of changes
in the locomotory behavior, and by changes, or mutations in its DNA sequence. Wild type C. elegans was exposed to
three radiation sources. Low activity exposure from 0.21 micro Curie (Ci) Cobalt 60, 2.03 micro Ci Strontium 90, and
1.05 micro Ci Cesium 137 inside of a protected petri dish. To test the hypothesis that direct exposure to radiation will
decrease the viability of Caenorhabditis elegans, locomotory behavior, and cause mutations in its DNA sequences, C.
elegans was exposed to radiation for three different observation periods: 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Control
measures were taken by observation before radiation treatment taking videos of worm petri dishes, divided by
quadrants, and observed after treatment. Locomotory behavior was measured by number of head movements before
and after radiation treatment. The viability of C. elegans decreased by amount of radiation exposure. Less head
movements were detected after treatment. The results support the hypothesis, a decrease in the viability of
Caenorhabditis elegans and locomotory behavior. Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) detected the (Zinc Finger putative
Transcription Factor) ZTF8 gene. Future research will include analysis of the DNA sequences for any mutations in the
ZTF8 gene. This work is supported by ROSES grant Funded by U.S. Department of the Energy/NNSA under Prime
Agreement No. DE-NA0002683.
DIAMANIKA MOSS Southern University at New Orleans, Mentor: Dr. Illya Tietzel
“Developmental Studies of Caenorhabditis elegans Using Microfluidic Device”
Diamanika Moss * (Biology & Forensic Science, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA) Illya Tietzel
(Biology, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA), Niel Crews (Institute for Micromanufacturing,
Louisiana Tech University)
Caenorhabditis elegans has been used to conduct many different types of basic research in various fields of study
including development of eukaryotes. C. elegans is a non-parasitic organism and feeds primarily on bacteria.
Developmental studies on spacecraft are desired but astronauts don’t have the space needed to study large eukaryotes
in big space compartments. Through research into microfluidics, glass slides are used to create a mini lab on a chip
environment. This important research is to test the hypothesis whether or not C-elegans eggs can be cultured using a
microfluidics model. C. elegans was grown on nematode growth agar plates with E. coli as a food source. Eggs were
isolated using different hypochlorite solutions. Isolation of C. elegans using 10ml 10% bleach and 7ml 0.5M NaCl under
5, 6, 8, & 10 minute conditions showed that more eggs were isolated during the 5 minute interval with 18 eggs, 8
minute with 12 eggs, and 10 minute with 11 eggs. Results were confirmed when worms hatched on the second day.
The 6 minute interval only showed 1 egg. A microfluidic device with donut shape chambers was build. Injection of
differently colored dyes showed some mixing. Eggs and fluids will be mixed in this device in the future to observe
development of the worm. Funded by LaSPACE and NASA EPSCoR to I. Tietzel at SUNO and NSF awards to N. Crews at
Louisiana Tech University.
ABSTRACTS
LSU | URC
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ALTONEISHA ROSE Southern University at New Orleans, Mentor: Dr. Illya Tietzel
“Using Non-magnetic Nanoparticles in Microfluidic Device to Capture And Detect Microbes”
Altoneisha Rose*, (biology, Southern University at New Orleans, New Orleans, La). Dr. Illya Tietzel (Biology, Southern
University at New Orleans, New Orleans, La). Dr. Niel Crews, (Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, La)
ABSTRACTS
Harmful microbes have been found on the spacecraft and can cause various problems to equipment and astronauts in
space. Because of this hazard there is a need for a more cost efficient and time efficient way to capture and analyze
bacteria in the confined spaces. A promising way to achieve this, is through microfluidics. Microfluidics is the science
and technology of manipulating and controlling fluids in an experiment through networks of channels with low
dimensions. Microfluidic devices have been shown to be a rapid detection tool for microbial DNA analysis. Also,
magnetic nanoparticles have been shown to capture eukaryotic cells out of fluids. Therefore, it is hypothesized that
the concentration of nanoparticles can be me measured using a protein standard. Also that non-magnetic
nanoparticles can be used in microfluidic device to capture & detect microbes. To test the hypothesis anti Escherichia
coli antibodies were coated to amino nanoparticles using the glutaraldehyde method. Next a protein standard using
bovine serum albumin was created as a control to compare against the antibody coated nanoparticles. Protein
determination was done using a spectrophotometer. Prospective microfluidic devices were designed using adobe
illustrator and then created and tested. The results showed that antibody concentration of bound nanoparticles can
be measured and the microfluidic devices were functional. Future research will be done to test the devices with
bacteria and the antibody coated nanoparticles. Funded by LaSPACE and NASA EPSCoR to A. Rose & I. Tietzel at SUNO
and NSF awards to N. Crews at Louisiana Tech University.
COVEN-LI SANTA CRUZ Langston Hughes Academy, New Orleans, LA, Mentor: Dr. Illya Tietzel
“Isolation of Eggs from Caenorhabditis elegans”
Coven-Li Santa Cruz* (Langston Hughes Academy, New Orleans, LA) Illya Tietzel (Biology, Southern University at New
Orleans, New Orleans, LA), Niel Crews (Institute for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA)
Caenorhabditis elegans, or C. elegans, is a small roundworm (nematode) usually found in the soil in temperate climates
all around the world. It feeds on microorganisms like bacteria and can be most easily isolated from rotten fruit. A
publication used a method to isolate eggs from C. elegans. Therefore, it is hypothesized that eggs can be isolated from
C. elegans. Culture of C. elegans required preparation of Nematode Growth Agar Plates. E. coli OP50 were spread
evenly over petri dishes using a glass rod and 95% Ethanol. C. elegans was mixed with different solutions of bleach and
NaOH. Worm count and exposure time was recorded. It appears, that the higher the bleach concentration the higher
the numbers of eggs. It is most likely that the less Sodium Hydroxide used in the solution brings a better isolation
outcome. Overall, the data were inconclusive. Funded by LaSPACE and NASA EPSCoR to I. Tietzel at SUNO and NSF
awards to N. Crews at Louisiana Tech University.
ABSTRACTS
LSU | URC
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PHOENIX WILLIAMS Spelman College, Mentor: Dr. Yassin Jeilini
“Stepwise Free Radical Reaction Pathways for the Formation of Canonical Nucleosides”
Phoenix Williams, Yassin Jeilani
ABSTRACTS
Extensive effort has been made towards finding prebiotic reactions that led to the formation of the canonical
nucleosides. Recent experimental attempts to form glycosidic bond in an efficient way led to reactions with low yields,
however there is currently no known mechanism that shows the formation of nucleosides. Several scenarios have been
proposed for the prebiotic formation of the glycosidic bond. Currently, it is assumed that a nucleobase and a sugar are
preformed and subsequently react. With this in mind we have developed a potential free radical mechanism that
describes the formation of adenosine. The pathways for adenosine were studied using theoretical computational
methods using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3Lyp/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The results show several
pathways allowing the identification of potential intermediates and precursors to the nucleosides. These pathways for
the formation of adenosine are unified through the identification of these potential intermediates. Also, the DFT results
demonstrate that there is a need for a catalyst for these reactions to proceed. Using the mechanism for adenosine we
plan to develop free radical mechanism that also describe the formation of other RNA canonical nucleosides.