How to ask for a collaboration/contribution from other lab? - (Sep/05/2017 )

Hi,

I'm looking for suitable expression plasmid for lactobacillus. I've looked around some publications, only few labs have the right design for my doctorate work. My question is when I approach the author to ask if they can provide me the plasmid for my work, how should I ask? Because I don't think they will have any benefits out of this beside a mere acknowledgement in the paper. So will they say yes?

Thanks. 

As a general rule, reagents (this includes plasmids and pretty much anything apart from equipment) that are published are supposed to be available for others to request, sometimes for a price (e.g. addgene), and often with a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA). Having said that, sometimes requests are ignored/delayed/too much work for/by whoever receives them.

One often successful method is to get your supervisor or someone in similar authority to send the letter of request - you should approach your university's legal office to see about MTA if needed.

Thanks! I couldn't find any suitable plasmid from addgen unfortunately. And the plasmid is essential before I can proceed with the whole project.

Good to know about that. I have no experience in asking for materials. No wonder my emails sent out are not answered.

Thanks for enlightening.