Services
Research Cultures:
Please see the list of cultures for those strains currently available. It is very helpful if you let us know the purpose for which the cultures will be used so that we can advise on the best strain for the project. Also, please let us know of any research that you publish using our cultures and send us an electronic copy or link, if possible. By doing so, you provide us with information regarding the types of research being conducted with CPCC cultures and the publications that ensue from the use of these cultures. This information is valuable to the funding agency, NSERC, and also helps us to broaden our knowledge of the algae in our collection.
Algae and Aquatic Macrophytes for Ecotoxicity Testing:
The CPCC maintains a number of species commonly used in bioassays for toxicity testing or as food for Ceriodaphnia, Daphnia and zebra mussels, e.g., Chlorella emersonii CPCC 86, C. fusca CPCC 89, C. kesslerii (formerly C. vulgaris) CPCC 266, Lemna gibba CPCC 310, Lemna minor CPCC 490 & 492, Scenedesmus acutus CPCC 10, and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata CPCC 37 (formerly known as Selenastrum capricornutum). These cultures are axenic and can be provided on agar slants and/or as liquid starter cultures of various volumes. Cultures are normally shipped on Mondays or Tuesdays. Technical help is available by phone, fax or email.
Science Fair Projects:
The CPCC provides cultures, media and advice for students who are conducting Science Fair projects. Some of the typical genera used in these experiments are Eremosphaera, Chlorella and Mougeotia. Please contact the Curator for specific information on the costs.
Specialized Media Preparation:
If you do not have the facilities to prepare sterile media or require only a small amount it may be most efficient to purchase it ready for use. CPCC can provide you with a variety of specialized media in volumes of up to 5 litres at a cost of $50 per litre for non-profit users and $65 for commercial use. For a quote on prepared agar plates please contact the Curator.
Routine Deposit of Cultures:
Researchers who have isolated strains from areas of interest to the CPCC are invited to deposit these strains provided the following conditions are met: a) the strain must be either axenic or at least unialgal/unicyanobacterial; b) it should be identified to species if possible; c) the depositor agrees that the strain be made available to the research community without restriction. Requests for limited restriction will be considered. Prior to sending cultures to CPCC please contact the Curator for relevant forms. These strains would be available without charge to their depositors (one culture per strain on an annual basis).
Safe-Deposit of Cultures:
The CPCC will maintain cultures on a confidential basis for a fee which varies according to the strain. The minimum charge is $200 per year; this may increase if the culture requires frequent subculturing and/or media not currently used by the CPCC.
Before sending any material for deposit please contact the Curator for further information.
Training in Isolation and Culture Methods:
Custom-designed workshops of 1-3 days providing basic training in culturing algae and cyanobacteria are offered on demand throughout the year. The length of the workshop depends on your needs and previous experience. Typically the workshop will cover sterile technique, media preparation, culture procedures, isolation and purification techniques but this can be modified according to your specific requirements. Fees for non-profit users are $400 per day and for commercial users the charges are $700/day. An extra person can be included for an additional charge of 50%. See Introduction to Culturing Algae and Cyanobacteria for more details.
Custom-isolation of Algae and Cyanobacteria:
If you require an isolation of a species from a particular location, CPCC may be able to provide this service. Fresh field samples would be sent by the researcher to the facility with details of the collection. Charges are for materials and time at $75 per hour. A typical fee would be as little as $400 for an organism which is relatively easy to culture. Axenic cultures would incur additional charges. Please contact the Curator for more information.
Taxonomic Identification of Algae and Cyanobacteria:
Where time and expertise permits, taxonomic analysis may be performed on samples of algae and cyanobacteria. This can include microscopic examination of live or preserved material and subsequent culturing where appropriate. Further information may be obtained from the Curator.
Consultation Fees:
Due to the frequency of telephone and email requests for detailed information we are implementing a consultation fee for this service. There will now be a charge for time spent on these consultations in excess of 15 minutes at a rate of $48/hour billed in 15 minute increments. Thank you for your understanding and for using CPCC services.