In this presentation, we describe how we introduced MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) to the instrumental analysis laboratory curriculum at Boston University and outline how our approach can be adapted to a biochemistry or bioanalytical laboratory course. Based on the detection of a temperature-induced change in fluorescence, MST is a biophysical method for the quantitation of interactions between biomolecules in solution. MST experiments are very well-suited for the undergraduate lab because they can be performed quickly and with minimal sample consumption.  Importantly, MST data analysis offers an effective, hands-on opportunity for students to learn how to analyze binding affinities. As with many instrumental laboratories, a significant hurdle is a practical one:  limited student access to a single instrument which has the appropriate software for data exploration and data analysis. Through the use of cloud-based virtual machines (VM), we increased students’ access to software by removing the need to be physically present at the instrument to become familiar with the software, to view the data, and to perform data analysis. Our students were able to remotely analyze the MST data they collected using NanoTemper’s MO.Control software from their own computers or other software such as OriginLab, while other students were running MST experiments on the instrument, a Monolith NT.115. By utilizing VMs, we were able to instruct a lab section of up to 12 students on MST and the corresponding data analysis in a single laboratory period. Without the VM, this type of individualized instruction would not have been practical in a single lab. Each group had about 1.5 hours hands-on time in the lab plus ~30 minutes for data analysis using the VM. This laboratory experience was generally positive and well-received by students in part because of a guided classroom experience consisting of a pre-lab “lecture” period where the students used VMs to explore and familiarize themselves with the software in advance of the lab session.<br/>

Learning new bioanalytical laboratory skills with new tools

2019 Spring National Meeting

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