Facilities

Chemical and Bioengineering Analysis Lab (CBAL)

The Chemical and Bioengineering Analysis Lab (CBAL) is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments such as Gas Chromatographs (GC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) for precise chemical analysis. It includes bioreactors, fermenters, and cell culture systems to support microbial and enzymatic processes essential for bioproduct development. Additionally, the CBAL is equipped to conduct environmental analysis, including water quality testing and air emission analysis, supporting sustainability-focused research.

Equipment

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  • Small to Large (40 L) Fermentation Reactors with Online LC-MS and FTIR
  • Post Fermentation Processing Equipment
  • Biofuel Process Test Platform
  • Biochemical Crystallization Test Platform
  • Distillation Equipment


Chromatography

  • HPLC-TOF
  • HPLC-RID/DAD
  • UPLC-MS
  • GPC/SEC
  • GC-MS
  • GS-FID
  • DionexTM IC

Analyzers

  • (CNHS/O
  • ICP-OES
  • MP-AES
  • UV/Vis/NIR Spectrophotometer
  • FTIR
  • Raman
  • NMR

Biotech & Fermentation Scale-Up Lab (BFSL)

The Biotech & Fermentation Scale-Up Lab (BFSL) is equipped with lab-scale and pilot-scale bioreactors ranging from 1L to 50L for scaling up microbial and cell culture processes. It includes centrifuges, filtration units, and chromatography systems for efficient separation and purification of bioproducts. The lab maintains cleanroom facilities and autoclaves to ensure aseptic conditions, utilizes advanced software for real-time monitoring, data collection, and control of fermentation parameters It also supports scale-up experiments to optimize yields and process efficiency.

Equipment

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  • (3) 5 L, (1) 40 L and (1) 200 L bioreactor scales fermentation reactors with online LC-MS and FITR
  • Post-fermentation Processing Separation Unit
  • Biofuel Testing Platform, Biochemical Crystallization Test Platform
  • Distillation Equipment

BioSafety Level 2 Lab (BSL2)

The BioSafety Level 2 Lab is equipped with safety protocols to handle moderate-risk pathogens with effective treatment options including biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, and personal protective equipment to prevent contamination. The lab supports work in bacteria, mammalian, and insect cell lines, enabling the study of infectious agents and the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines. Researchers are trained in biosafety practices and adhere to national standards.

Equipment

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  • CO2 incubator
  • Flow Cytometer
  • Shaking incubator
  • Autoclave
  • Large bench centrifuge
  • – 80 oC freezer
  • UV Vis
  • Analytical scales
  • PCR

Natural Health Product Lab (NHPL)

The Natural Health Product Lab is equipped with advanced tools for extracting, purifying, and analyzing bioactive compounds from natural sources. The lab provides analytical testing for product potency, stability, and regulatory compliance and supports formulation of supplements, herbal remedies, and nutraceuticals with a focus on efficacy and safety. Additionally, partnerships facilitiation for clinical trials and research in natural health and wellness and assistance navigating Health Canada’s Natural Health Product Regulations is provided.

Equipment

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  • MP - AES
  • Super critical CO2 extractor
  • GC-MS
  • HPLC-MS

Canadian Extrusion Research Lab (CERL)

The Canadian Extrusion Research Lab (CERL) specializes in processing thermoplastics and bio-based polymers using twin-screw and single-screw extruders. Research focuses on developing and testing bio-based, compostable, and recyclable plastics for packaging, automotive, and consumer goods. The lab explores fillers, reinforcements, nanomaterials, and additives to enhance material properties while leveraging real-time data analytics, rheology studies, and process modeling to optimize efficiency and product performance.

Equipment

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  • Twin Screw Pilot Extruder
  • Co-rotating Intermeshing Twin Screw Extruder
  • Xplore Micro compounder
  • Milling Unit
  • Xplore Injection Molding
  • Hot/Cold Pressing
  • Environmental Chamber
  • TGA
  • DSC
  • DMA
  • Drying oven
  • IZOD impact tester
  • Tensile Analyzer
  • Elongations Analyzer
  • Melt Flow Index
  • Rheological Dynamic Analyzer
  • Anton Parr Viscometer
  • AFM
  • SEM-EDX
  • Weather-Ometer

Material Performance Characterization Lab (MPCL)

The Material Performance Characterization Lab (MPCL) features tensile, compression, and impact testing machines to evaluate the mechanical properties of materials. It is equipped with Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) for assessing thermal stability, heat resistance, and decomposition characteristics. The lab includes Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for detailed surface analysis at the micro and nano-scale and offers equipment to test material endurance through repeated stress cycles. It specializes in evaluating composite materials, including fiber-reinforced polymer.

Equipment

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  • Thermal: TGA, DSC, DMA, ash fusion oven
  • Mechanical: IZOD impact tester, tensile analyzer, elongations analyzer, hardness, melt flow index, particle size analyzer, hydraulic press
  • Rheology: rheological dynamic analyzer, Anton Parr viscometer,
  • Brookfield viscometer
  • Microscopy: AFM, SEM-EDX, digital and optical microscopes

Material Processing and Formulation Lab (MPFL)

The Material Processing and Formulation Lab (MPFL) develops and optimizes polymer blends, composites, and bio-based materials for a wide range of industrial applications. It supports the design and testing of coatings, adhesives, bioplastics, and other specialty materials. Equipped with advanced machinery, including twin-screw extruders, grinders, compounding mixers, and molding equipment, the lab produces prototype materials. And conducts studies on the impact of additives, reinforcements, and fillers on material properties.

Equipment

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  • Leistritz ZSE 27MAXX- Twin Screw Co-Rotating Extruder
  • XPLORE Micro Compounder MC15 with Tensile Injection Molder
  • KM50 Kawaguchi Microcompounder
  • PHI Press
  • Tinius Olsen Melt Flow Indexer
NOVA Chemicals Health & Research Centre
1457 London Road, Sarnia ON N7S 6L2