Conestoga Biotechnology Research & Innovation Hub
As an applied biotechnology research lab, the Conestoga Biotechnology Research & Innovation Hub meets the needs of industry through research and technical expertise. Our advanced facilities and instrumentation are essential in providing solutions for small to large businesses in the biotechnology and biosciences sector. We work with partners to provide innovative solutions and support with advanced analytical testing, process optimization, product development and method validation.
The Conestoga Biotechnology Research and Innovation Hub is located in the Cowan Centre for Medical Science and Biotechnology at Conestoga's Doon campus.
start a project with CBRIH
Services
Laboratory spaces
Analytical chemistry
The chemistry lab space enables precision detection and characterization of organic and inorganic compounds. Extraction and separation equipment allow for analysis across a variety of matrices.
Instruments/equipment:
- GC-MS
- HPLC
- Orbitrap LC-MS
- ICP-TQMS
- FTIR spectrometer
- Fluorescence spectrophotometer
- Rotary evaporator
- Extraction/separation glassware
Biotechnology research
The biotechnology research lab area is a BSL2 space that houses PCRs, flow cytometers, and advanced non-destructive imaging capabilities.
Instruments/equipment:
- Flow cytometers
- Microscope (brightfield, fluorescence, phase contrast, live cell imaging)
- Real-time qPCRs
- Biosafety cabinets
Chemistry
The chemistry lab space provides equipment and instrumentation for chemical analyses and genetic manipulation requirements.
Instruments/equipment:
- Gel imager
- Nanodrop One (nucleic acid/protein quantification)
- Real-time qPCR
- PCRs
- Microplate readers
Clean room
The clean room provides a clean area for storing and preparing all of your samples.
Instruments/equipment:
- CO2 incubator
- Incubated orbital shaker cabinet
- Biosafety cabinets
- Water bath
Prep room
The prep room is a BSL2 space designed for microbial applications with an inventory of pathogenic microbes and advanced microbial detection including a MALDI-TOF/MS biotyper.
Instruments/equipment:
- IR biotyper
- MALDI-TOF/MS biotyper
- Phoenix M50 (antibiotic susceptibility)
- Isotemp freezer (-80°C)
- Orbital shakers
- Incubators
Transfusion/histotechnology
The transfusion/histotechnology lab space enables tissue slide preparation, blood type determination, IgG antibody detection, and blood cell phenotyping.
Instruments/equipment:
- Flow cytometer
- Microtomes
- Echo Lumena (automated blood typing and antibody detection)
Pre-analytical lab space
The pre-analytical lab space provides all necessary equipment for preparation of tissue for histological analysis from tissue sectioning to slide staining and microscopy.
Instruments/equipment:
- Tissue processor
- Slide stainer
- Cryostat
- Embedding station
Clinical chemistry/hematology
The clinical chemistry and hematology lab space contains a variety of instrumentation for analysis of blood chemistry such as creatinine, blood gases, electrolytes, and blood cell size and abundance.
Instruments/equipment:
- Immunoassay analyser
- Coagulation analyser
- Urine/serum analyser
- Blood protein analyser
- Blood gas analyser
- Blood cell analyser
CBRIH projects
Developing a non-invasive cervical cancer screening technology for CELLECT Laboratories
Improving soil health through regenerative gardening at Conestoga
Sweetener development for Biofect Innovations
Our team
Contact
See how the Conestoga Biotechnology Research & Innovation Hub can help you access faculty expertise, student employees, and the college's innovative lab spaces and equipment.
