Research Facilities: Biocatalytic Coatings Laboratory

In addition to access to the fermentation facilities in the Biotechnology Resource Center for research projects and teaching (originally designed by Professor Flickinger as the Founding Director of the BPTI), Professor Flickinger has recently created a unique biomicro/bionano fabrication laboratory for investigation of latex coatings and latex microstructures containing live bacteria.

The Biocatalytic Coating Laboratory is a negative pressure suite with HEPA-filter exhaust air, epoxy coated walls/ceilings/seamless floors, gowning room, controlled access, and control of particulates. It is designed both to provide a clean environment in which to generate latex microstructures (with control of particulates, temperature, humidity) and to contain aerosols of microorganisms and proteins generated during coating operations. Multi-layer latx composite coatings can be generated in this laboratory using a variety of methods including drawn down, piezoelectric droplet delivery, and robotic micro-syringe delivery systems. This laboratory also contains a Class II biological safety cabinet, incubators, environmental monitors, a gas delivery system, and contained equipment washing facilities.

No similar contained bionano fabrication and coating laboratory exists anywhere else in Minnesota. Pictures of this unique laboratory and a short video of a draw down patch coating procedure can be seen below.

For more information on the design of this facility, contact Professor Michael C. Flickinger at (612) 624-9259 or by email at mflick@cbs.umn.edu.

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