BIOSAFETY CABINET USE AND SAFETY

 

Personal Protection from harmful agents within the cabinet
Product Protection to avoid contamination of the samples.
Environmental Protection from contaminants contained within the cabinet.

How many stability chambers are there?

The stability chamber are used to study the impact of pre-specified circumstances on life-saving pharmaceuticals, biological samples, electronic components, and industrial parts, among other things. Before getting into the different types of stability chambers, let’s find out about a few important features of this product.

Important features and models of stability chambers

• Construction: A robust stainless steel frame supports the entire stability chamber. The stainless steel is thick gauge 304 or 316. Between the inner and outer chambers, high-density PUF insulation is used. Each chamber has a sufficient number of steel wire mesh cable trays (removable), ranging from 4 to 8 or more.

• Refrigeration System: The stability chambers are equipped with branded CFC-free compressors that are hermetically sealed and operate quietly.

• Temperature & Humidity: The stability test chambers include a temperature range of 10°C to 60°C and a humidity range of 35 percent to 95 percent relative humidity. Our chambers are appropriate for storage settings of 25°C at 60% RH, 40°C at 75% RH, 30°C at 65% RH, and 25°C at 40% RH, according to ICH recommendations.

• Safety Features: Each stability chamber has several safety features to ensure that you are working with reliable equipment. Over-temperature protection, over current protection, low and high-temperature restrictions, as well as a time delay for compressor start-up, are all included in each chamber.

• Air circulation: Because air circulation is required to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity throughout the chamber, we equip our stability test chambers with a motorized blower assembly that operates quietly and has a long service life.

Six Sizes of Stability Chambers   

Model                         Volume

IGL-SC200                 200 Liters

IGL-SC324                 324 Liters

IGL-SC450                 450 Liters

IGL-SC600                 600 Liters

IGL-SC800                 800 Liters

IGL-SC1000               1000 Liters

IGene Labserve offers some of the best quality stability chambers, various optional changes can be made in this product over suggestions like:

- Stainless steel exterior (GMP)

- RS 485 interface

- PLC based HMI controller w/ USB interface

- 21 CFR part 11software

- Storage racks

- UV light

If there is anything you are looking to understand about stability chambers, then visit their official website at https://www.igenels.com or dial 09310696848 to speak to them directly.

An Overview of Gel Documentation Systems

A gel documentation system is mainly used in molecular biology labs with an aim for imaging and documenting nucleic acids and proteins that are suspended in polyacrylamide or agarose gels. These gels are stained with fluorophores like ethidium bromide or SBYR green. Most of us haven't come across gel documentation devices in real life as they are only used for scientific purposes. Simplistically, a gel doc comprises a light source, CCTV camera, transilluminator, and a dark room to protect the body from UV rays. For this reason, it is also known as a gel image system or a gel imager.

Where are they used?

Gel documentation machines are widely used in genetic engineering laboratories. Be it colleges, protein-generating pharmaceutical industries, or genetic engineering research institutes. Moreover, gel documentation mechanisms are also used in clinical research labs and forensic laboratories.

Why should you use the gel documentation system?

Gel imaging is all about recording and identifying nucleic acid and labeled protein in diverse media like agarose, cellulose, and acrylamide. Microbiologists use this system for the rapid assessment of gels post electrophoresis and thereby, saving chemicals and time. It leads to visualization in 3-4 minutes. Gel documentation devices use stain-free technology that makes them pocket-friendly in every aspect.

Types of gel documentation systems

There are various types of gel documentation systems based on the sample type and throughput. Also, these systems come in different configurations and specifications that come in handy for the users. So, let's explore the diverse types of documentation systems:

1.  Chemiluminescence imaging system: Those who know a little bit about molecular biology understand that western blotting is necessary for the elimination of proteins based on the parameters like molecular weight. Laboratory technicians use chemiluminescence as an identification method for a western blot during occurrences of high sensitivity. With the advent of chemiluminescence imaging systems, things have become easier for scientists. This new-age technique further optimizes sensitivity, speed, and signal stability by a significant margin.
2.  Automated blot analysis: These systems are sensitive imagers that implement specialized software in assessing western blot data. With these systems in place, scientists can perform automation like light selection, focusing, selection, exposure, and acquisition. Here, researchers get a wide variety of choices ranging from UV, RGB color, infrared, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence. By using this system, molecular biologists can measure multiple targets simultaneously.
3.  Digital gel imaging systems: These systems are used to measure and record stained acrylamide gels on a digital platform. Not only do they provide effective data storage, but also authentic quantification of samples. These systems have various types of detectors like ethidium bromide (UV), visible light, chemiluminescence, fluorescence, and densitometric for quantitative evaluation of protein, microplates, nucleic acid brands, and dot blots.
4.  Multiplex fluorescence imaging systems: These systems are used in the illumination of blotting membranes and identification of the signals over background noise. Biologists also implement multiplex fluorescence imaging systems to capture the blot image and signal analysis. They contain a light source, a photosensor, and emission filters.

Benefits of using a gel doc system

The prime advantages of using a gel doc system are listed below:

1.  Gives more information from sample materials and enhances an experiment's reproducibility.
2.  Convenient workflow.
3.  A CFR-compliant tool
4.  Time-saving
5.  Workflow convenience
6.  Increased data sharing with colleagues
7.  More quantitative than qualitative interpretation of data

A gel documentation machine is necessary for any lab performing protein analysis. In most instances, these systems come in diverse specifications with a customization option based on the level of application. Hence, it's always advisable to buy the one streamlined to your laboratory's needs while at the same time focusing on the budget.

PCR Machine - Explained

 

PCR Machine Do
Make many copies of small segment of DNA
Molecular Photocopying - Amplify DNA enough to study in detail
DNA produced by PCR has a variety of uses

Working Principle
Denaturing
Annealing
Extension/Elongation
DNA template
DNA Polymerase
Primers
dNTPs(Deoxynucleotide triphosphate)
PCR Buffer

Types of PCR
Conventional PCR machine
qPCR
Reverse Transcription
Nested
Hot Start
Digital (dPCR)  (Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) / qdPCR)

A brief overview of the Stability Chamber

 

If you wish to get a brief understanding of the working and the use of the stability chamber, this blog will provide you with answers, read on to see if your stability chamber is meeting all these requirements. 

What is the use of stability testing in the chamber?

Placing samples in environmentally controlled chambers to determine their quality and product value over a period of time under the influence of various environmental changes such as temperature difference, humidity, and light changes tests the performance of the sample. This data is useful in the research and development stage of any product before it is introduced to the market. The industries that greatly rely on this testing format are pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device manufacturers those in the food manufacturing industry, dealing with life science samples, etc.

What is the reason for stability studies?

Stability studies are a must for certain industries such as those dealing with drug development. The stability testing results reveal the influence of physical, chemical, and microbiological reactions on a sample, the test reveals the efficacy of the sample and the integrity that the final product shows when the testing period is over. A stability study program ensures the commercialization of the product sample determining its shelf life and helping manufacturers take the next step to the product's development.

How is the stability testing done?

The sample is stored in environmentally controlled chambers as a part of the stability study program. The samples are kept for a time frame after which they are removed and tested to see if temperature, humidity, and light changes have impacted the physical, chemical, or microbiological characteristics of the sample.

What is the length of stability testing?

Stability testing is done according to the guidelines recommended by the ICH International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). Broadly classifying stability in long-term testing extending for a minimum of 12 months at 25°C/60%RH, the long-term testing allows product degradation under conditions of recommended storage, intermediate testing is done at 30°C/65%RH. Accelerated testing is done for a minimum of 6 months at 40°C/75%RH. The product goes through a short-term testing period.

Retain testing is done on products that will be marketed from a batch of finished products defining market authorization, labels and packaging, and pharmacy vigilance report.

Thermal cycling testing mimics conditions like marketplace storage and the reaction it will have when it is transported to the market, on loading and offloading, etc.

How is accelerated testing done?

Storage for stability testing follows 40°C +/- 2 degrees and Relative Humidity (RH) of 75% +/- 5% according to the ICH guidelines. This testing is based on the final formulation of the established manufacturing process. The test determines shelf life and storage conditions in real-time studies.

How is long terms testing done?

Also called the room temperature stability storage, this testing condition follows storage parameters measuring according to ICH guidelines. This is a forced degradation study that provides more knowledge on the drug development process, the degradation chemistry, of drug substances and products. The finding is an authority that builds the foundation of drug formulation and packaging development. The ICH does not state any guidelines for forced degradation, but 5-20% is the recommended degradation limit.

What is photostability testing?

This testing is a must for ensuring quality especially for manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs. If the drug is not tested adequately it will result in additional cost failure of the drug and loss of revenue. The selected drugs go through single batch testing, if the batch cites variations then the studies are repeated.

Reference samples are used for analytical testing of fully finished products.

Retention samples are used for identification purposes that include presentation, packaging, labeling, patient information leaflet, batch number, expiry date.

Both reference and retention samples are considered before a finished product is made ready for the market.

Conclusion

There is more to the stability chamber that those using it must know. You can go into greater details on the product from our website https://www.igenels.com/  and also purchase your stability testing device from us for the best results.

What is the Standard Operating Procedure for PCR?

What is PCR?

A polymerase chain reaction workstation is enclosed on all three sides. Amplifying DNA and RNA fragments into millions of copies this workstation is used in life science laboratories. The equipment prevents cross-contamination.

What is the working of a PCR machine?

• This enclosed cabinet workstation creates a laboratory environment that is particle and bacteria-free 
• HEPA filtered air cabinets transmit unidirectional steady and constant airflow with zero turbulence. 
• No protection is provided to the user but ensured protection to the samples and products from outside contaminants. 
• In vertical laminar airflow PCR cabinets, HEPA filters direct airflow in a downward direction on the work surface. The bacteria and other particles are drawn out. 
• Thick metal sheets and pipes facilitate safety to the cabinet. HEPA filters augment the most critical particles. With 95% to 5 microns efficiency, the Aluminium case does not wear off. The aluminium anodized case can be as fine as 0.3 microns with 99.99% efficiency. The blower motor includes aluminium anodized impellers, and the assembly has 1/4HP, 1400RPM. 
• Stainless steel work surface allows regular and easy cleaning fitted with air gas cock and an electric outlet. Interiors are illuminated by fluorescent lamps.
• The front side is covered with a manual sliding acrylic transparent door for the safety of the sample.
  

What more can you find from iGeneLabserve PCR workstation?

 LCD air velocity display, 

lamp on/off time status display, 

Germicide UV lamp sterilizing the workspace before starting work

Add extra electric sockets 

Add Magnehelic gauge if required. 

 If you purchase your PCR workstation from IgeneLabServe, check the details in the product manual to make your PCR workstation more customized. Look out for the added features that you require. Visit the website https://www.igenels.com/. Call 1800 5720 603 for details.

A quick overview of the Gel Documentation System

 

Gel Documentation System measures and records labeled protein and nucleic acid; different media like acrylamide, cellulose, or agarose are used for the diagnosis. The equipment aids in quick evaluation after electrophoresis which proves to be economical in terms of chemical and time. You can see the results in less than five minutes through stain-free technology. This testing equipment is used in research labs that help you to visualize photo-documented nucleic acid separated samples taking place after electrophoresis, show microbial colonies count and protein separation on western blots, and thin layer chromatography (TLC) mixture identification. 

What is the basic working of a Gel Imager?

The gel imager comes with an ultraviolet (UV)/ visible (blue or white) transilluminator. The light source is blocked from penetrating with a hood and inside the equipment; a high-resolution camera captures the image. The procedure involves samples mixed with the agarose gels placed on a Petri dish or TLC films, placed on the transilluminator surface. The door closes down and prevents the UV light from penetrating outside harming the user. Once the lamp is powered the photo documenting through CCD and CMOS cameras takes place. The images can be retrieved and exported on Microsoft Excel.

Labs that use the gel images

Used in molecular biology labs for genomics, proteomics, the imaging system identifies PCR segments with DNA quantification, bacterial cell culture, protein separation, and environmental sample testing. Emitting visible light or Ultra Violet light for visualizing chemiluminescent samples or bacterial sample count, the UV light should match the absorption spectrum of the fluorescent dye used at the time of gel separation through a blotting and thin chromatography process. For colony counting at its optimal amount, the blue light emitted at 470 nanometers and staining samples through commercial dye commonly use SYBR Green, SYBR Gold, or SYBR Safe. Visualize, UV 254 nanometer light at its optimal amount to identify DNA cross-linking, for short exposure gels, stained with Ethidium Bromide 302 nanometer light is best suited and for gel band cutting, 365 nanometer light suits perfectly.

Gel Documentation System Application and uses

B1 - horizontal minigel system

For identifying DNA and RNA samples for analysis, cloning, and sequencing, samples of DNA and RNA (Necluic acids)are loaded on agarose or acrylamide gel. Exposing them to the electric field, the negatively charged samples travel towards the positive electrode. The smaller DNA and RNA fragments travel faster than the longer ones, enabling fragment identification aided by the fluorescent dyes. Once identified, the samples are separated for purification.

 B2 - horizontal minigel system

The protein sample is immersed in Tris-Glycene or Tris-Acetate– Tris-Glycene or Tris-Acetate which is commercially available and is effective in purification and separation. The protein fragments travel at different speeds through the gel metrics. Mass spectrometry, sample denaturing, and blotting use the protein gel.

B3 Colony counting

Microbial colony-forming units’ optimal growth is determined within the petri dish that has cell media loaded in it.

B4 Thin layer Chromatography

Quantification and qualification of a mass of substances include lipids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and pesticides.

B5 Southern and Western Blot Gel

Separates proteins and isolates them for purification of active gels and SDS-PAGE gels.

Southern Blotting Gels

Separation of DNA fragments from blood and tissue samples restricting enzyme digestion through polyacrylamide (PAGE) gels and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels combining urea.

Conclusion

A necessity for any lab that demands protein analysis, the imaging system comes in a range of specifications. However, you can customize the level of application if you order your gel imager from iGene Labserve. Visit our website and get in touch for details https://www.igenels.com/. You can also explore our gallery of scientific equipment to expand your lab assets.

What to expect from your PCR Machine?

 

One of the most significant and advanced molecular biology instruments, the PCR Machine has created a new chapter by revolutionizing DNA study. Kary B. Mullis was awarded a Nobel Prize for his invaluable discovery and contribution to Chemistry.

After amplification from the machine, the DNA is used in various lab procedures like human genomic projects (HGP), laboratory and clinical techniques that include DNA fingerprint, bacteria detection, and genetic disorder diagnosis.

How is the amplification of DNA segment done in PCR?

After heating the sample to denature DNA or separate the two strands of DNA into a single strand. With an enzyme, "Taq polymerase" synthesizes building new DNA strands from the original strands that are termed templates. With this process of duplication from the templates, each molecule contains an old and new DNS strand. Each strand creates two new copies and the process goes on. This cycle is repeated 30-40 times of synthesized and denatured DNA producing more than a billion copies from the original segment. The machine works in an automated format and is capable of completing the procedure in a few hours; the thermocycler machine can alter the temperature automatically as it is programmed to denaturing and synthesize every minute.

What are the requirements that your system must have?

A single PCR is unable to accommodate the requirements of the research community. For genomic application, an optimally configured rtPCR device is good for most laboratories. The designs are varied with Peltier elements accommodating tubes and microtiter plates. For countering the “edge effects” of achieving different temperatures, different approaches are used in overcoming the problem. In some cases independent thermal electric modules monitor each sample in different phases; in some machines, a carousel system spins the sample in temperature-controlled cabins maintaining equalized thermal stability.

Some companies work on closed systems using specific reagents or reaction vessels/ kits. This makes the entire assembly expensive and with limited flexibility. The reaction speed of the machine matters, some machines have robust throughput allowing standard rtPCR reaction that can be completed in half an hour to a little less than an hour producing 384 well plates.

 

Conclusion

Standalone PCR systems computer-controlled with user interface come with data storage facilities and network options. A careful study of what you require from your PCR machine is necessary before you select the right instrument. Meeting your specific laboratory requirements and pricing considerations, iGene Labserve brings the most convenient closed cabinet-fitted HEPA filtered airflow systems that maintain minimum turbulence with maximum output. Visit https://www.igenels.com/ for carrying out specialized work in a bacteria-free environment.

All About Vertical Gel Electrophoresis System

 

What is it
Types of
Benefits
Components
Descriptions
Instrument Used
Uses
https://www.igenels.com/product/vertical-gel-electrophoresis-system/

Which Biosafety Cabinet type is right for you?

 

Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) is a laboratory-controlled lab-engineered enclosure that protects samples, lab workers, and the laboratory environment against exposure and biohazards, splashes, and aerosols. The chances of material splashes and aerosols arise from material handling and manipulation of highly communicable agents. It is necessary to periodically check the efficiency of safety cabinets to verify the airflow, HEPA integrity, and how well the instrument is being able to protect the sample stored inside the chamber. All these factors depend on the cabinet in use.

The Biological safety cabinet comes in three classes. Class I cabinets, Class II cabinets, and Class III cabinets. Let's go through a quick review of what each entails.

Class I cabinet

This is a simple cabinet that provides personnel and environmental safety. However, in this type of cabinet, the product is subject to contamination. The airflow suctioned inside the cabinet is discharged through the HEPA filters.

Class II cabinet

This ventilated cabinet provides both personnel, environmental, and product safety. Found in research and clinical labs this is ideal for labs that deal with infectious agents. This cabinet is further divided into four three risk groups. A1, A2, B1, B2 are the different types of class II cabinets that are differentiated by the ratio of their exhaust and air recirculation.

Class III Cabinets

This cabinet provides the highest level of safety and is used extensively for protecting the most transmissible agents. These cabinets are used in Level 3 and 4 laboratories. These are completely enclosed cabinets that are leak proof, with HEPA filtered air. The operator's access is provided using glove boxes that enable work in the enclosed workspace. Dedicated exhaust system exterior maintains an interior negative pressure.

Conclusion

Providing the most technologically advanced Biosafety Cabinet iGenge labserve brings the most advanced laboratory equipment that increases lab experiment success and opens scope to major and delicate investigations in the field of bioscience. To explore our product brochure visit https://www.igenels.com/