Biotechnology Equipment and Supplies Key Terms

Learn the right lingo before purchasing biotechnology equipment and supplies
By Shannon Tani Biotechnologists need a number of unique supplies in order to conduct their research. Knowledge of some of the key vocabulary that companies use when discussing biotechnology equipment and supplies can help biotechnologists to purchase the supplies that they need at a price they can afford. For example, you may want to purchase new bioprocess plants or bioreactors but may be able to get by with scratch and dent glassware. You can save even more money with used and refurbished equipment, but you must make sure that it is not outdated.

Bioreactors

Bioreactors are containers that a biotechnologist uses to conduct experiments. Because the scientists can control the environment inside the container, it is ideal for measuring results. Companies typically make bioreactors from stainless steel.
Try:  Visit BioNewsOnline.com for a more detailed description of bioreactors.

Scientific doors

Because biotechnologists are often working with dangerous substances, they need to ensure that these substances do not leak into the general population. Companies specially design scientific doors with antifungal and weather-resistant qualities. Scientific doors are steel and used in clean rooms.
Try:  Steel Tech Industries produces scientific doors. They include a description and photos on their website.

Environmental management

Biotechnology companies create a lot of waste, and much of it is hazardous to the environment. These companies must pay attention to environmental management to ensure that they are properly disposing of dangerous materials so that they are not released into the environment.
Try:  The U.S. Department of Energy discusses environmental management and has information about how companies can stay within the law when disposing waste.

Autoclaves

Biotechnologists use autoclaves to sterilize their equipment, getting rid of bacteria and other microorganisms that could negatively affect experiments. Autoclaves can sterilize using steam or dry heat.
Try:  Iowa State University offers advice about how to use an autoclave.

Heat exchangers

A heat exchanger transfers heat from one medium to another. The biotechnology industry typically uses shell and tube heat exchangers.
Try:  Che Plus gives instructions for how to create a heat exchanger.

Biological safety cabinets

Biotech companies often use biological safety cabinets. These specially designed cabinets can prevent scientists from being harmed by microorganisms or they can ensure that outside contaminants do not disturb an experiment.
Try:  The Baker Company offers an extensive description of biological safety cabinets, including descriptions of the different classes of cabinets and how scientists should use them.