Purchase of a Steam Sterilizer (Autoclave)

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We are requesting funds for a steam sterilizer (or autoclave) in support of the research of Drs Andrew Daugulis (AD) and Kimberly Woodhouse (KW), both of whom work with biological systems, requiring sterile conditions that are provided by this equipment. The sterilizer is intended to replace one that is now more than 10 years old, and which requires regular and expensive maintenance. AD cultivates microorganisms for the production of high value neutraceuticals, as well as for the bioremediation of toxic environmental contaminants. In all cases, to ensure that there is no contamination with infecting microorganisms, all materials (glassware, culture vessels, growth medium) must be sterilized prior to use, which is the purpose of the autoclave. KW undertakes research that involves the production of materials that mimic nature in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. These molecules are pieces of the human protein elastin that is found in arteries and other tissues that provides elasticity. KW uses portions of a human elastin gene which is inserted into the DNA of bacteria, which are then grown in culture vessels. This work requires absolute sterility of materials, again provided by use of the autoclave. Moreover, there cannot be any cross-contamination between wild strains of microorganisms (AD) and genetically modified strains of E coli cells (KW) between the 2 Research Groups in the shared research facilities, which would be prevented through the employment of an autoclave. Finally, it is a condition of undertaking such research that all materials that have come into contact with biological materials be decontaminated before disposal to comply with Biohazard guidelines. This is a further function of the autoclave, and without this item of equipment such compliance is not possible, and the research must terminate. This item of equipment supports a large number of HQP within 2 very active Research Groups contributing to Bioengineering discoveries in Canada.