Biological NanoStructures Laboratory

The Biological NanoStructures Lab (BNL) is a 1600 square foot shared multi-user environment for biological synthesis and analysis. Genomics & molecular biology, recombinant protein expression, purification & analysis and tissue culture will be available on a recharge basis.

The BNL Consists of Three Subunits

  • Autoclave Lab: for autoclaving and general preparations / clean up
  • Tissue Culture Lab: for mammalian cell culture
  • Main Lab: recombinant protein expression, purification and analysis; genomics / molecular biology

Autoclave Lab

The Autoclave Lab is open to the campus community on a recharge basis (external users please inquire). Access requirements are: completed general lab safety class (EHS), participation in lab specific safety instructions and completed instrument specific training. Please contact Nelly Traitcheva to schedule training, or for further assistance (see contact information on the right).

Description of Autoclave Lab Instrumentation

Equipment Model Specifications Intended Use
Large Autoclave Tuttnauer 69120 SP-1A 690 L capacity steam sterilizer Autoclave biohazard waste (BSL 1 and 2)
Small Autoclave Tomy ES 315 50L capacity steam sterilizer Autoclave media and clean labware
Labware Washer Labconco Steamscrubber 4400430 150L capacity, DI rinse option Cleaning of labware
Baking oven Binder ED115 115L; 300°C max Temp Bake labware for RNA experiments, Bake labware to decontaminate from bacteriophages, Dry sterilization

Services

Biohazard waste can be autoclaved by users or delivered in biohazard bags for autoclaving and disposal through CNSI. In both cases, only correctly labeled biohazard bags rated for 140°C are accepted. Double containment is required for transport. Autoclave validation and record keeping according to Medical Waste Management Act will be managed through CNSI.

Tissue Culture Lab

The tissue culture lab will be the next unit to open to the campus community. Access requirements will be the same as for the Autoclave lab. The lab specific safety instructions and instrument specific training will be included in a training class which is currently held once per quarter (see below for description).

Services

CNSI Class: Mammalian Cell Culture

The 3-4 week hands on cell culture class (2 x 3 h per week) is taught at a 2:1 student:teacher ratio. It is primarily designed for users with no or little tissue culture background and covers all basic aspects of mammalian cell culture, such as aseptic technique, culturing cells, live count of cells, freezing and thawing of cells, quality control.

Dates
February 15-March 5 full
TBD (spring quarter) open for sign up

Storage of vials in LN2

Check back on this site for further information.

Main Lab

The Main Lab is being developed and will include the resources summarized below. Funding has been secured for instruments without the (pending) remark. If you would like to co-sponsor instruments with a (pending) sign, please contact the Lab Director (see contact information on the right).

Planned resources for Main Lab

Genomics & Molecular Biology

  • SOLiD Sequencer
  • Laminar Flow Hood
  • Thermocyclers
  • Gel Electrophoresis (Agarose)
  • Gel Documentation
  • Quantitative PCR System (pending)

Recombinant Protein Expression & Purification

  • Electroporator
  • Shakers and Incubators
  • High Capacity Centrifuges
  • Bacteriophage Workbench
  • Fermenter for pro- and eukaryotic Systems (pending)
  • Homogenizers
  • Highly Parallel Affinity Chromatography
  • Low Pressure Chromatography
  • FPLC
  • AktaExplorer Chromatography System (pending)
  • Endotoxin-free Concentration of Proteins (stirred cell)

Analysis

  • Automated and Manual Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE)
  • Dual Beam Scanning Spectrophotometer
  • Particle Sizer / Zeta potential Measurements
  • Flow Cytometer (pending)
  • Microplate Reader (pending)

Programs

New Investigator Program

This program is available to new Faculty/Independent Researchers at UCSB who have not yet competed successfully as PD/PI for a significant independent research award (>250K). To help these PIs in their initial phase, equipment and facility charges can be waived for a limited time (max. one year). However, charges for supplies and general reagents, which are normally included in the recharge fee, will apply. Submit applications to the Lab Director (see contact information on the right).

Foster Interdisciplinary Research (FIR) Program

This program is available for investigators entering a new scientific field. To attract investigators from other scientific fields with no prior biological background, the recharge fees for equipment and facility use can be waived within a circumscribed project for a limited time (max. 6 months). However, charges for supplies and general reagents, which are normally included in the recharge fee, will apply. This encourages the interaction of experts from various disciplines, and the exploration of technologies available within the Biological NanoStructures Lab. Submit applications to the Lab Director (see contact information on the right).

Contact

Lab Director

Claudia Gottstein
Phone: (805) 893-6054
Email: gottstein@cnsi.ucsb.edu
Office: 3221 Elings Hall

Research Associate

Nelly Traitcheva
Phone: (805) 893-6082
Email: nelly@cnsi.ucsb.edu
Office 3209 Elings Hall