CCC Advantage Biology Students Learn with BioSpherix Xvivo Ed
Last year, APW science students put BioSpherix Xvivo Ed® to use in Bio 103, designed to enhance classroom experiments and offer an ideal entry point into real-world lab practices. This year, Mrs. Campbell’s CCC Advantage students have put APW’s Xvivo Ed® to use.
Recently, students used this equipment for an experiment to make bacteria glow in the dark. Students were able to insert a small circle of DNA (also known as plasmid) into E. coli bacteria. The plasmid had two genes – one which allowed it to glow in the dark, and another gene for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin. From there, bacteria were spread onto petri dishes. \
Those that received the glowing gene were selected and then transferred to a plate with ampicillin in the agar. Bacteria that did not receive the gene did not survive. Students were able to learn specific techniques and methods for bacterial growth and transformation. The Xvivo Ed’s® chamber worked as an incubator to keep the dishes undisturbed as the bacterial colonies grew.
To reinforce best practices and continue familiarizing students with the Xvivo Ed®, students completed another project that allowed them to get creative. After sketching a design on paper, students used tools to recreate the design in the chamber by injecting various food coloring into plates. In addition to best practices and proper safety use, students are also taught how to properly clean and disinfect the Xvivo Ed®. The system acts as a glovebox incubator system which is designed to immerse students in the world of biotechnology research. Tailored for advanced lessons in biology and microbiology, it offers a hands-on experience for practicing sterile technique and other essential skills that prepare students for a career in science.