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Gnotobiotic Facility

Access specialized gnotobiotic facilities to conduct controlled microbiome research using germ-free and defined-model systems

The Animal Resource Program has the capability to maintain gnotobiotic (also referred to as "germ-free") mouse colonies. Gnotobiotic mice are either completely free of exogenous bacterial, fungal, and viral microorganisms or host a defined bacterial population. They can be bred and maintained indefinitely in soft-sided, bubble-type isolators. All supplies introduced into the isolators are sterilized to prevent contamination of the animals and environment inside. Mouse colonies are monitored regularly for the presence of bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms