Dr. Russell Vreeland
Ancient Biomaterials Institute
and Department of Biology
West Chester University
West Chester PA, 19383-2112
Phone: 610-436-2479
Fax: 610-436-2183 rvreeland@wcupa.edu
Current Capabilities
Clean room for sampling
Microscopic sampler/drill
Full molecular facility
(sequencing, RFLP and microsatelite
analyses, DGGE comparison of
populations and more)
Biological Analysis
Conduct genetic analysis to differentiate populations of organisms, species.
Analyze bone, other tissues for DNA or pollutants. ABI can sample one ring of the ear bones (otoliths) from an
11 yr old halibut and analyze it for you.
Expertise with Small Samples
Identify unknown bones using only tiny samples that are barely visible.
ABI procedures allow us to take nearly invisible samples from valuable materials, analyze them and return the rest of the material.
Drill used under sterile conditions by ABI staff to collect samples. The drill bit is only 0.025 mm in diameter.
Analytical chemistry of tissue, water and other fluids (@ ppt levels)
What laboratory facilities are needed to fully study
ancient biomaterials?
Secure sample at site; ship to lab
X-ray/CT image analysis of entire specimen prior to further study
Clean room retrieval of sample
Separation and quantitative chemistry of material to be dated
Radiometric dating of matrix or sample
DNA or macromolecular analysis of sample
These labs either currently exist or are being built at ABI
Drill used under sterile conditions by ABI staff to collect samples. The drill bit is only 0.025 mm in diameter.
