Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) Equipment

A biofermentor apparatus grows bacteria, yeast, fungi, animal and plant cell cultures. The biofermentor is suitable for batch, fed batch and continuous cultures. The instrument allows for the measurement and control of key parameters, including the option of supplementation with oxygen for higher biomass yield.

The biofermentor is a useful apparatus for the small-scale production of fermentation products. This instrument is an important tool for synthetic biology and production of recombinant proteins.

The BARC lab is equipped with two Conviron tissue culture cabinets, model A1000. This provides the BARC lab with enhanced tissue culture space capacity and allows for tighter control of environmental conditions including light temperature and humidity. BARC uses the plant growth cabinets for applied research projects that investigate new culture techniques, production of unique plants, and development of new techniques such as microspore culture, micropropagation and transformation methods.

This instrument is used in the separation, detection and identification of organic samples by triple quad mass spectrometer. This instrument supports versatile applications capable of analysis of volatile to semi-volatile analytes, in matrices ranging from simple air and drinking water to the most complex food and soil/sludge. The GC-MS offers analysis of a variety of sample types including environmental samples such as the pesticides, organic hydrocarbons found in brown field remediation, peptides or biomarkers produced by bacteria, plants or other organisms. This equipment is also equipped with a PAL autosampler and headspace capacity.

ICP-MS is the premier technique for trace metals analysis. The instrument is capable of simultaneously measuring the hydride elements and trace mercury, while adding semi quantitative and isotopic analysis capabilities. With state-of-the-art software and data analysis capability, this equipment analyzes heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium and arsenic as well as over 30 other trace elements found in environmental samples.

BARC uses ICP-MS to provide analysis of soil samples in remediation applications, water samples in wetland remediation applications and plant material in phytoremediation applications.

The ion chromatograph is a valuable tool in the analysis of anions and cations found in drinking water and other water-soluble samples. This instrument has the ability to determine the dissolved ions such as sulfate, phosphate and nitrate present in water, wastewater, soil and other environmental samples.

A microwave digester is an important part of sample preparation for ICP-MS analysis. Microwave-assisted extraction is a safer and more efficient alternative to conventional extraction methods, as reaction times are reduced from hours to only a few minutes and less solvent is used. The Multiwave 5000 is suitable for extraction of soil, plant and other organic materials for ICP-MS analysis. The instrument can also be used to prep samples containing PCBs, PAHs, and hydrocarbons from environmental and food samples, derivatization reactions prior to analysis, and polymer extractions. The microwave digester is compliant with US-EPA and ASTM methods and includes preloaded extraction methods.

The iSeq 100 offers the capacity to perform next generation sequencing analysis on small genomes and targeted genes or relevant gene regions. The iSeq 100 system is used for analysis of microbiome present in soil, water or other environmental samples. This equipment is an important tool for research in ag biotech and environmental applications. This equipment was provided to Sask Polytech by Genome Prairie and PrairiesCan through the Genome360 project.

The Illumina MiniSeq is a larger scale sequencer than the iSeq 100 with a larger capacity for next generation sequencing. This instrument has the capacity to analyze small genomes and gene targets. This equipment was provided to Sask Polytech by Genome Prairie and PrairiesCan through the Genome360 project.

In addition to the DNA sequencers, the BARC lab houses equipment to support DNA library preparation including an Agilent Tapestation 4150 for DNA analysis, an Invitrogen Qubit 4 fluorometer for quantitation and a Bio-Rad CFX real time PCR system.

The BARC lab is equipped with two BDW40 series walk-in chambers. These growth chambers offer precise environment control for research and will support our cannabis research as well as other plant research projects in the agriculture and biotech sector. Purchase of this equipment was supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) College Fund. 

Need a prototype? Want to test a new design? We've got you covered. Our 3D printers accelerate the timeline from concept to creations. Partner with us to design, model, create and test your custom products in a variety of materials including plastics, resins and metals.

1. Stratasys Fortus 900mc - Fused deposition modeling (FDM) Industrial 3D printer and wash station.
2. Markforged MetalX – Metal 3D printer with wash station and sintering oven.
3. Stratasys Objet260 Connex3 – Triple jet liquid photopolymer 3D printer.
4. Stratasys F370 – Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer with wash station.
5. HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 5200 – Industrial 3D printer with post processing stations.
6. AON M2+ - Open source material FDM 3D printer.

 

Our computer numerical control (CNC) machines allow precise and repeatable automated fabrication of your creations. We can accurately cut, mill and bend various materials into the desired form.

1. OMAX ProtoMAX Waterjet Cutter
2. Bodor i7 Sheet Metal Laser Cutter
3. Haas UMC 750 5-Axis Mill
4. TRUMPF TruBend 2100 Press Brake

 

We also have tooling to assist with manual cutting, manual welding, various finishings and robotic welding. Within the faculty, we also have access to more tools and skilled trades people as needed.

1. Yaskawa Motoman AR1440 Welding Robot with Fronius Cold Metal Transfer (CMT).
2. Fronius Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) manual welder.
3. DoALL DS-500SA dual miter, semi-automatic band saw.

Our metrology grade laser scanner creates accurate digital 3D computerized models of physical objects. These models are used for reverse engineering, quality control, augmented reality and industrial design.