Researchers may request strain samples via private online databases. Only Strains may be requested, we do not store stand-alone plasmids in the archive. Strain archiving and retrieving are available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Please place requests by 3:00 PM. Strain requests placed after 3:00 PM are processed the next retrieval day.  Strain requests are placed in the warm room on the north side according to the requested temperature. See SOP for further details. 

Strains and plasmids developed during research must be deposited to the Strain Archive before you publish or depart from ESE. All plasmids must be hosted within a strain to be deposited. Depositing strains requires 3 steps:

1. Create strain and plasmid entries with all required data on the private JBEI, ABF, or Synberc registries, depending on your project funding.

2. Send a plate map of the strain part numbers to the Strain Archivists at jbei-strains@lbl.gov . They will review the entries on the database and email you with corrections for the entries or approval of the deposit.

3. Upon strain entry approval, you may drop a 96-well plate of strain samples off at the Strain Archive bio-safety cabinet located in room 4419. Make sure that there is 1 mL of each strain culture. The Strain Archivists will prepare glycerol stocks and enter the samples into the Archive. 

More instructions about Strain Deposits can be found here. 

Requests by outside institutions for ESE strains are directed to the Strain Archivists. MTAs are drafted by LBNL IPO or UC Berkeley prior to sending out the required materials. The entire process normally takes 4-8 weeks before requested strains are delivered to the requester. 

External researchers interested in archived strains should complete the following form.