Cell culture facilities

The Department has a Clyde Apac BH2000 biological safety cabinet. Biological safety cabinets are the primary barrier against exposure to aerosols that may be produced from common microbiology procedures. In addition to protection for personnel and the room environment, products are also protected from airborne contamination. BH2000 Series cabinets provide personnel, environment and product protection in applications involving biological agents which are classified as being of ordinary, potential or special hazard. These cabinets are not designed for use with biological agents of extreme hazard.

BH2000 Series cabinets are part-recirculating laminar air flow enclosures with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration of exhaust air and an air barrier at the work opening. HEPA-filtered vertical laminar air flow which is recirculated in the work zone creates an ultra-clean work environment for product protection. An air barrier between the operator and the work zone is maintained by a flow of room air into a full width grille in the work opening.

The barrier air mixes with the laminar flow air in a sump underneath the work surface, and is exhausted to the room via a HEPA filter. All positive pressure zones and filters are surrounded by negative pressure zones, so as to contain potentially hazardous aerosols.

The cell culture laboratory also contains Heracell CO₂ incubators.