Plant Transformation

The PBL, directed by Dr. Albert Kausch, combines state-of-the-art plant transformation technologies, plant cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, and genomics to support research in transgenic biology, functional genomics, crop improvement, and trait development. PBL serves as a hub for innovation in agricultural biotechnology, bringing together researchers, students, and collaborators to address challenges in crop productivity, sustainability, and agricultural resilience. The laboratory maintains active research programs spanning basic and applied plant science, while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with academic institutions, government agencies, industry partners, and nonprofit organizations. The facility is fully equipped for plant transformation, genome editing, tissue culture, and molecular analysis of transgenic plants. Dedicated greenhouse space supports the growth, evaluation, and characterization of genetically engineered and genome-edited plants, providing a comprehensive environment for biotechnology research from concept to greenhouse validation.

We operate platforms for stable integrative transformation, CRISPR-based genome editing, and regeneration of engineered events across diverse plant species. Capabilities include method and technology development for customized collaborative projects; i.e. exploratory projects, new species or cultivar, new protocols, vector preparation, delivery optimization, and molecular validation. Greenhouse and growth chambers support full lifecycle evaluation.

Capabilities

  • Agrobacterium transformation (dicots & monocots)
  • Biolistic transformation (including chloroplast targets)
  • Protoplast transfection and transient expression
  • CRISPR (Cas9/Cas12a), multiplex editing, base/prime editing workflows
  • PCR/qPCR/RT-PCR, genotyping, Sanger/amplicon validation
  • GFP and brightfield imaging; phenotype assessment
  • Access to genomics & DNA sequencing capabilities via URI core

Collaborations

Traditional Breeding (Non-GMO)

How We Work: We partner and collaborate with academic groups, industry, and government to co-develop transformations, edits, and trait validation. We invite collaborative grant proposals. Engagements typically include scope definition, species/protocol selection, milestones, and deliverables. We partner with startup companies with plant transformation and genome editing needs.

Typical Collaboration Models:

  • Co-development research (shared design and execution)
  • Method transfer and protocol optimization
  • Pilot-to-scale transformation for specific lines or traits

What to Prepare:

  • Species and genotype(s)
  • Trait or target locus (if applicable)
  • Preferred delivery/editing strategy (if known)
  • Timeline and biosafety considerations

Contracts

PBL offers collaborative contracts, fee-for-service and sponsored research options for transformation, genome editing, and molecular analysis. We support MTAs, MOUs, and institutional IP guidelines.

Process:

  • Inquiry & Scoping → Goals, species, timelines
  • Compliance → Biosafety approvals as required
  • Agreement → Quote, SOW, and terms (IP/Publication)
  • Execution → Milestones with periodic updates
  • Delivery → Data package and, when applicable, plant materials

Compliance Note: No animal or clinical work is conducted in PBL. Transgenic/gene-edited plant handling follows URI biosafety policies.

Facilities & Equipment

The PBL comprises > 4,900 sq ft of laboratory space with a 1,200 sq ft centralized transgenics core and a 400 sq ft media lab, plus access to greenhouses, field sites, and a university genomics facility. Spaces support plant tissue culture, transformation, genome editing, molecular analysis, and imaging.

Tissue Culture & Core Spaces

  • Twenty laminar flow hoods for plant tissue culture
  • Eight student six-foot laminar flow hoods (teaching/demo)
  • Media preparation lab (400 sq ft) with sterilization and prep equipment
  • Incubators (various sizes), orbital shakers, water baths
  • Autoclaves (on-site and nearby), fume hoods
  • Growth rooms and controlled plant growth chambers
  • URI greenhouse and field space access for grow-out and analysis
  • Molecular Biology & Analysis
  • Super-speed and ultracentrifuge, microfuges, benchtop centrifuges
  • Vertical & horizontal electrophoresis units; power supplies
  • Multiple thermocyclers for PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR
  • DNA/RNA extraction; pH meters, speed-vac, vacuum ovens
  • Spectrophotometers; fluorometer for DNA quantitation
  • Scintillation counter; lyophilizer
  • Refrigerators/freezers (including two −80 °C freezers); 4 °C reach-in cooler
  • Gene Transfer Platforms
  • Biolistics: PDS-1000/He
  • Particle Delivery System (Bio-Rad)
  • Agrobacterium-mediated transformation systems
  • Electroporation: GenePulser II (Bio-Rad) Microinjection and other delivery methods
  • Imaging & Documentation Zeiss Discovery V2 GFP fluorescence microscope (assorted lenses)
  • Light microscopy: two Olympus dissecting scopes with CCD cameras
  • Kodak EDAS Gel Documentation System, UV transilluminator, light box
  • Slab gel dryer; phosphorimager with analysis software
  • Photography: two Nikon high-definition digital cameras (wide-angle & macro lenses), light tables, tripods
  • High-definition digital video camera with blue screen Image analysis workstation (Dell; scanner/video inputs)
  • Computing & Networking
  • Mixed Windows and macOS workstations; iPads (Mac)
  • Networked laser printers (color & B/W) and a Xerox document center
  • Direct connection to university compute resources and campus networking
  • Video conferencing support (e.g., Teams/Zoom/Skype); wireless networking

Additional Access

  • URI Genomics & DNA Sequencing capabilities (university facility)
  • Photographic darkroom access
  • Ice machines; autoclaves (nearby)
  • Conference room; teaching laboratory space
  • Administrative and purchasing support via CBLS and on-site offices