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March 2020 Volume 15 • Number 2
LabManager.com
Optimizing
Lab Spaces Innovative win-win research
workplace strategies
2020
LAB DESIGN
SUMMIT
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contents
March 2020
LabManager.com
08 16
30
22
feature leadership & staffing
08 Optimizing Lab Spaces 22 Succession Planning in a Lab:
Innovative win-win research workplace strategies. What, Why, Who, and How
Gary Cabo A solid strategy can save you time and resources.
Olena Shynkaruk
labs less ordinary
12 Purdue University’s Ray W. Herrick lab design
Laboratories 26 Research on the Move
“Living labs” show how building design can influence human Mobile labs offer certain advantages over brick-and-mortar facilities.
comfort and productivity. MaryBeth DiDonna
Lauren Everett
health & safety
business management 30 Tips for Assessing Indoor Air Quality
16 The Design Evolution of Common Recommended protocol for regular IAQ assessment.
Lab Supplies Vince McLeod
A look back at how lab equipment has transformed
throughout the years, and a glimpse of future trends. events
Andy Tay 34 What to Expect at the
Lab Design Summit
asset management A unique opportunity for lab managers and design experts
20 Finding Quality Pre-Owned to learn and network.
HPLC is Possible
Used HPLC systems are an affordable option, but it is
important to consider compatibility, condition, and support.
Michelle Dotzert
4 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.com
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March 2020
laboratory product reports
LabManager.com
2020
DESIGN
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON DESIGN DEPARTMENTS
Our Lab Design Summit in May will not only industry insights
be an opportunity for you to meet and network
with other lab managers and those in the 36 Biopharmaceutical Glycan Profiling
laboratory design/build world, but a chance to Characterizing and profiling glycans is essential for safety and consistency.
chat with our editorial team face-to-face about Michelle Dotzert
which lab design topics we should cover. Feel
free to let us know how we’re doing with our ask the expert
lab design content and share your ideas for
40 Ask the Expert
what we could expand upon or change going
forward. Join us in Atlanta May 11-13. Ergonomic lab design.
MaryBeth DiDonna
product focus
42 Baths and Chillers
Design derives from both capacity and utility.
Brandoch Cook
44 Cold Storage
Advanced technology and some simple techniques make more space.
Lab Manager® (ISSN: 1931-3810) is published 11 times per year; Mike May
monthly with combined issues in January/February, by LabX, P.O.
Box 216, 478 Bay Street, Midland, ON Canada L4R 1K9. USPS 46 Glassware Washers
024-188 Periodical Postage Paid at Fulton, MO 65251 and at an
Beyond cleaning with ultrasound.
additional mailing office. A requester publication, Lab Manager, is
distributed to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates Mike May
in the U.S. and Canada: $120 per year. All other countries: $180
per year, payable in U.S. funds. Back issues may be purchased at 48 Microwave Digestion
a cost of $15 each in the U.S. and $20 elsewhere. While every
Methods to achieve consistency.
attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained
herein, the publisher and its employees cannot accept responsibility Angelo DePalma
for the correctness of information supplied, advertisements or opin-
ions expressed. ©2013 Lab Manager® by Geocalm Inc. All rights in every issue
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without
permission from the publisher. 21 Infographic Cleanroom contamination control.
WDS Canadian return: 478 Bay Street, Suite A213, Midland, ON
Canada L4R 1K9.
47 QUICK TIPS FROM LINDA Flexible Lab Spaces.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 50 Technology News The latest equipment, instruments, and system introductions to the
Lab Manager ®, PO Box 2015, Skokie, Il 60076. laboratory market.
55 Pre-owned Equipment Marketplace
55 Advertisers Index
54 Lab Manager Online
6 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.com
editor’s note
the lab manager’s role in lab design
Every lab manager will be involved in a lab design project at some outcome of the project, to then creating a “neighborhood” open layout
point during their career (likely a few times), whether it is a reno- of lab spaces, maximizing the facility’s footprint, and incorporating spe-
vation, a brand-new lab build, or a series of smaller-scale projects cific design elements to increase productivity and encourage thoughtful
that aim to better utilize existing space and equipment. collaboration. Turn to page 8 to learn more about this project.
The field of laboratory design has become a growing focus for Lab For some research groups, a stationary laboratory facility simply
Manager’s editorial mission, particularly this past year with the ad- does not suffice. For this issue’s lab design feature, we profile three
dition of lab design editor MaryBeth DiDonna joining the team, mobile labs—a mitochondria lab housed in an RV; an all-electric
and the launch of Lab Manager’s third live event, the Lab Design surgical instrument lab built from a ULCA and Winnebago Indus-
Summit, taking place May 11-13 in Atlanta, GA (turn to page 34 tries partnership; and a marine research sea vessel. Each of these lab
for more details on the Summit). groups had unique needs to properly conduct their research, and
found that the ability to be mobile was a key factor in successfully
Lab design encompasses many topics beyond traditional renovations
completing their work. Turn to page 26 to read the full article.
or new construction projects, including sustainability and efficiency,
how to enhance existing spaces, and future-proofing facilities. Addi- This issue’s Health & Safety section (page 30) also includes a lab
tionally, there’s a diverse group of minds involved in any lab design design twist, focusing on the importance of indoor air quality.
project, from architect, project manager, or design consultant, to the Without proper ventilation, safety standards, and regular evalua-
facilities manager. The lab manager often acts as the liaison source tion, the health of laboratory staff could be at risk. Lab Manager’s
between these numerous disciplines to ensure the needs of the lab designated “Safety Guy” Vince McLeod shares knowledge from
staff are being met, while also keeping the project on track, on bud- organizations like OSHA and the EPA, and also includes his advice
get, and with minimal disturbance to workflow. This issue will help from years of experience with developing protocols for regular
lab managers navigate the design and renovation process, and may indoor air quality assessments. “By surveying your indoor air qual-
spark some ideas on how to implement small-scale enhancements to ity regularly, you can find and prevent many common problems
your facility that can have a big impact. before they become serious,” he says.
The cover story, “Optimizing Lab Spaces,” discusses ways to take Enjoy,
advantage of lab design to appeal to existing staff, new recruits, and
upper management, using a newly designed building at Arizona State
University as a prime example. Author Gary Cabo outlines the design Lauren Everett
process, beginning with developing a mission statement for the Managing Editor
editorial director editor, laboratory design senior account manager Published by LabX Media Group
Trevor Henderson MaryBeth DiDonna Alyssa Moore president
thenderson@labmanager.com mdidonna@labmanger.com Mid-Atlantic, Southeast & International Bob Kafato
amoore@labmanager.com bobk@labmanager.com
managing editor digital media editor 610.321.2599
Lauren Everett Catherine Crawford-Brown managing partner
leverett@labmanager.com ccrawford-brown@labmanager.com Melanie Dunlop Mario Di Ubaldi
West Coast
associate editor mariod@labmanager.com
business coordinator melanied@labmanager.com
Rachel Muenz Andrea Cole 888.781.0328 x231 executive vice president
rmuenz@labmanager.com andreac@labmanager.com Ken Piech
Reece Alvarez
scientific technical editor Northeast kenp@labmanager.com
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Michelle Dotzert Laura Quevedo ralvarez@labmanager.com production manager
mdotzert@labmanager.com lquevedo@labmanger.com 203.246.7598 Greg Brewer
art director advertising account managers gregb@labmanager.com
audience development specialist
Danielle Gibbons Matthew Gale June Kafato
subscription customer service
danielleg@labmanager.com Canada / Key Accounts
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contributors 705.812.2332
publisher, Clinical Lab Manager custom article reprints
Brandoch Cook, PhD Edward Neeb Larry Frey The YGS Group
Angelo DePalma, PhD
edwardn@labmanager.com Midwest labmanager@theygsgroup.com
Sara Goudarzi
203.448.0728 larry@labmanager.com 800.290.5460
Tanuja Koppal, PhD
845.735.5548 717.505.9701 x100
Mike May, PhD managing editor, Clinical Lab Manager
Vince McLeod, CIH Erica Tennenhouse
1000 N West Street, Suite 1200
Bernard Tulsi etennenhouse@labmanager.com
Wilmington, Delaware, 19801
888.781.0328
March 2020 Lab Manager 7
optimizing lab spaces
Optimizing Lab Spaces
Innovative win-win research workplace strategies
by Gary Cabo, AIA, LEED AP®
W
orkplace strategy may not be the first thing The design and scale of the new, copper-enclosed laboratory
building at Arizona State University creates a dramatic sense of
that comes to mind in the design of a labo- arrival at a major campus gateway, its primary form an expression
ratory building; however, it is an essential of the three research “neighborhoods” that comprise each floor.
element in the creation of a productive and efficient Credit: Nick Merrick © Hall + Merrick
research environment. After all, laboratory work is only
one part of the research process and—just like any other ownership over their space through options to custom-
industry—when it comes to the recruitment and reten- ize it to their needs. This article highlights Arizona State
tion of top talent, individuals are certainly considering University’s (ASU) Biodesign Institute C as a case study
in workplace strategy success.
Big goals, big results
“Aspirations for the project were set From the outset, ASU intended for the Biodesign
Institute C building to make a powerful visual statement
very high and defined in a project at a campus gateway, set a new bar for sustainability and
spatial efficiency, and serve as a new venue for ground-
mission statement that included key breaking scientific discovery to take place. Aspirations
targets for measuring success.” for the project were set very high and defined in a project
mission statement that included key targets for measur-
ing success. The essence of the statement was for the
university and the project team to deliver a new research
the total work setting when assessing new opportunities. building that provided highly flexible and adaptable space
The key to workplace strategy success is to create an en- for reliable research, balanced first cost with lifecycle
vironment that will be a win-win for researchers and for cost, and offered the maximum research space for the
the client/owner alike. Cost, maintenance, and spatial ef- investment. ASU challenged the project team to work
ficiencies must be baked into the design, while principal within stipulated space constraints to create a dense pro-
investigators should be encouraged to develop a sense of gram of varied workspace options that would promote
8 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.com
TOP 5 REASONS TO ATTEND
THE 2020 LAB DESIGN SUMMIT
1 Learn from leading industry experts about the latest techniques
and technologies that will help make your lab more sustainable.
Discover effective communication strategies for building a successful
2 working collaboration with all those who play a part in bringing
the lab into the 21st century and beyond.
Join on us for behind-the-scenes tours of some of Atlanta’s most
3 innovative research facilities and get a first-hand look at how
modern design trends can impact a facility’s workflow.
4 Consult one-on-one with equipment suppliers and design professionals
to resolve your lab’s most pressing operational challenges.
5 Educate yourself on efficient, low-cost ways to optimize your lab’s
existing footprint and enhance productivity.
2020
DESIGN
MAY 11-13, 2020
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
LEARN MORE
SUMMIT.LABMANAGER.COM/DESIGN
optimizing lab spaces
and enable the creation of collaborative research clusters, the immediately adjacent tech desk space; the physical
while increasing opportunities for chance interactions proximity and strong visual connection between the two
between different research groups. In order to develop further enhances the sense of ample elbow room.
optimal programming options, the design team consulted
with a diverse range of people, from furniture vendors to Sense of ownership improves output
representative user groups. In order to maximize assignable square footage and
The resulting 191,035 square-foot building was inten- deliver on client expectations for a hyper-efficient labo-
tionally designed with an open neighborhood model to ratory building, traditional research workplace strategies
encourage collaboration between scientists of different were revised with a critical eye in favor of those that
disciplines. But in order to truly maximize assignable would promote maximum use of programmed office
space within the building, every square foot had to work and tech desk areas. Frequently, the default furniture
smarter, not harder. Turning to the idea of creating a strategy at such institutions is to provide one desk for
strategically symbiotic campus, the design team lever- each person assigned to a laboratory. Keeping in mind
aged the proximity and accessibility of large public that different researchers are productive in different
spaces within the neighboring Biodesign Institute A types of spaces, coupled with the obvious fact that team
and B buildings, forgoing the addition of such spaces to members cannot physically be at the laboratory bench
Biodesign Institute C. This enables the new building to and their desk at the same time, the balance of furniture
house the same number of principal investigators as the systems and layouts was fine-tuned to reflect the reality
two neighboring research buildings combined, but in 40 of the usage levels of the different neighborhood areas.
percent less space and with a whopping 95.7 percent of This approach is a win for facilities as efficiencies are
usable square feet purely dedicated to research space. baked into the design from day one. As for the research-
ers, many workplace studies show that an employee’s
The importance of elbow room sense of ownership or control over their work and their
A neighborhood concept with open laboratories sized environment has a positive and significant influence on
for six principal investigators was used to plan the labora- their work performance, productivity, engagement, and
tory spaces. For facilities, the neighborhood concept ability to create and innovate. At Biodesign Institute C,
is successful because it increases profitable utilization research groups were able to tailor their neighborhoods
of the laboratory space and turnover of researchers as to their individual needs and workstyles via a menu of
appropriate. The concept also reduces first cost, energy, heads-down and teaming options for office/write-up
and long-term operations and maintenance costs. For areas, ranging from standard desks to genius bars to
researchers, this is a compelling solution because this lay- living room-style seating arrangements. The ability to
out increases opportunities for innovation, collaboration, customize is an instant win for researchers, with positive
and sharing of ideas as well as laboratory equipment. ramifications for the owner/client, too.
Biodesign Institute C comprises 13 research neighbor-
hoods across the five above-grade levels—two are high-
bay, two are chemical fume hood-intensive, and nine are
basic experimentalist. With such a dense program and
a lack of large public spaces, one might be forgiven for
wondering if space feels a little tight. However, care was
taken to ensure that the amount of space per researcher
is more than comparable to that of other similar insti-
tutions. While vast atriums have been taken out of the
equation, the concept of what collaboration space should
look like has been reimagined and incorporated into each
research neighborhood in an infinitely more useable,
human-scale manner. Floor-to-ceiling vision glass en-
closes the laboratories, allowing for clear views of fellow The building’s open neighborhood model encourages collaboration
researchers and easy monitoring of experiments from between scientists of different disciplines. Credit: ZGF
10 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.comoptimizing lab spaces
Increasing productivity, naturally facility is projected to set new standards of energy effi-
Biodesign Institute C’s biophilic design elements are in- ciency for campus laboratory buildings, with a predicted 81
tended to foster a positive, productive indoor environment, percent energy use reduction over the Labs21 baseline.
while maintaining connection with nature and community.
A 35 percent window-to-wall ratio and transparent layer-
ing of research spaces ensures daylight floods above-grade
interiors. Abundant windows on each level, including the
glass-enclosed lobby, overlook active campus thoroughfares
and a grove of vibrant palo verde trees.
“The ability to customize is an
instant win for researchers, with
positive ramifications for the
owner/client, too.” Highly flexible yet densely programmed laboratory space is enclosed
in floor-to-ceiling vision glass, allowing for clear views of fellow re-
searchers and easy monitoring of experiments from the immediately
The building’s striking dual façade of copper screen adjacent computational space. Credit: Nick Merrick © Hall + Merrick
and insulated metal panels was not just an aesthetic
choice. Comprised of thousands of copper panels, the Arizona State University intended for Biodesign Institute
screen features eight different levels of perforation. C to make a powerful statement at a campus gateway and
Intensive studies of the site’s micro-climate and façade- serve as a new venue for groundbreaking scientific discov-
specific conditions informed their calibration and posi- ery, while simultaneously raising the bar for sustainability
tioning to minimize solar heat gain, optimize daylighting and spatial optimization. By leveraging the existing public
and visual comfort, and provide unobstructed views. A spaces and amenities of neighboring buildings, research
two-foot gap between the insulated metal panels and the neighborhoods were densified smartly, without depriving
copper screen, coupled with openings in the screen, cre- teams of collaboration space or elbow room. A logical reas-
ates a ventilated cavity where air temperature between sessment of space and seating led to a win-win design with
the two skins is balanced with the outdoor air tempera- both workflow and spatial efficiencies baked in to benefit the
ture. As a shading device, the screen reduces the surface bottom line for facilities, while incorporating a controlled
temperature of the inner façade by roughly 65 degrees set of customization options that provide researchers with a
on hot summer days. This in turn reduces the interior valuable sense of ownership over their space. The new re-
surface temperature of the wall by three degrees, signifi- search environment within Biodesign Institute C is not only
cantly reducing the cooling load on perimeter spaces and highly efficient in every way, but also mutually beneficial for
further contributing to user comfort. the university and researchers alike.
Inside the building, the project team worked with the
university to enact new standards for reduced air change Gary Cabo, principal at ZGF Architects has 36 years of experi-
rates, supporting use of a chilled beam hydronic system ence leading large project teams in the execution of innova-
where ventilation is decoupled from cooling. All non- tive design solutions for technologically and programmatically
laboratory air cascades from perimeter offices through the complex research buildings. His involvement on projects extends
laboratories, providing “free” air conditioning for office from initial design through construction administration, working
spaces and reusing the air to meet laboratory ventilation re- closely with clients, architects, and engineers to resolve technical
quirements. Variable volume low-flow fume hoods further design issues and develop design documentation. Gary received a
minimize air change rates while lowering turbulence, thus bachelor of environmental design from Miami University, and a
increasing user safety. As a result, air quality is high and the master of architecture from the University of Minnesota.
March 2020 Lab Manager 11labs less ordinary
Purdue University’s Ray W. Herrick Laboratories
“LIVING LABS” SHOW HOW BUILDING DESIGN CAN INFLUENCE HUMAN
COMFORT AND PRODUCTIVITY by Lauren Everett
O
n average, Americans spend about 90 percent The new Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, opened in 2013. Credit:
Herrick Labs Archival Photo
of their time indoors, where the concentrations
of some pollutants can be two to five times
higher than typical outdoor concentrations, according to related disciplines. One such example is the Center for
an EPA report. So, how is human health affected by an High Performance Buildings. “We look at indoor air
indoor lifestyle? quality, various technologies that we can put into spaces
to make them more livable, how to be more energy ef-
ficient, and other things like that,” says Rhoads. “Purdue
“Almost any type of heating, air has a long history of working with equipment companies
and building material companies to bring the next thing
conditioning, ventilation, [or] out to market. These products need innovation and vali-
refrigeration system around the dation based upon basic research. If you put something
in a commercial building, you expect to interact with
world has something in it that has it for decades,” he adds. Teams at the Center for High
Performance Buildings partner with industry to create
been designed by our laboratories.” new technologies in sustainable building systems, indoor
environments, human perception and comfort, and high-
performance equipment. “Almost any type of heating,
“If you’re going to be in these [indoor] spaces for long air conditioning, ventilation, [or] refrigeration system
periods of time, what impact, if any, will these spaces around the world has something in it that has been de-
have on your health? What can we do to make these spaces signed by our laboratories,” says Rhoads, adding that the
healthier and more pleasant in other ways?” These are same is true for noise control systems as well.
the types of questions that Jeff Rhoads, director of the
Ray W. Herrick Laboratories at Purdue University (West Evaluating indoor air quality
Lafayette, IN), and fellow researchers are evaluating. The Herrick Labs offer 83,000 square feet of space
As Rhoads explains, the Herrick Labs facility is “eclec- for students, faculty, and industry. Some of the spaces
tic”—housing a variety of basic and applied research and features of the building include advanced engine
centers associated with mechanical engineering and test cells; acoustics, noise, and vibration testing; and an
12 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.comPe o p l e
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1. 3.
2.
1. Original Herrick Labs, donated to Purdue University in 1957 by
Ray W. Herrick. Credit: Herrick Labs Archival Photo 2. A Herrick
Labs student working in the High Bay Testing Area of the facility.
Credit: Marketing & Media, Purdue University 3. A study in a tightly-
controlled office space at Purdue University is showing that people
greatly impact the air chemistry of the rooms where they work.
Credit: Purdue University/Brandon Boor 4. Students studying in the
Living Labs at the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories. Credit: Marketing &
Media, Purdue University
innovative perception-based engineering lab. Herrick identify all of the types of indoor air contaminants and
Labs has a more than 60-year history of conducting recommend ways to control them through how a building
work that has a real-world impact, which for Rhoads, is designed and operated. This effort is one of the largest
is what drew him to the facility. He has been a Purdue studies of its kind, according to Purdue.
faculty member since 2007, but just recently took on As Rhoads explains, the four Living Labs offices can
the leadership role as director of Herrick Labs in the each be customized or reconfigured. “We can change
fall of 2019. “As a researcher that has spent a lot of the ventilation in the room and do tests on how humans
time in academia, I have come to learn that it’s not perceive that. We can do controls or experiments side-
always the case where you can see things happen at a by-side since we have four nearly-identical rooms and
lab bench that then goes on to directly impact society. we can do different interventions in each one,” he says.
That’s what you hope, but you don’t always see those “As you can imagine, it’s a unique space to design, and
success cases. But in my job, I see it on a daily basis.” requires a lot of forethought.”
Another unique facility under the Herrick Laboratories In addition to the sensors, the team deployed a proton
umbrella is a space known as the Living Labs. Inspired transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer to
to learn more about indoor contaminants, lighting, and identify compounds in human breath in real time. They
thermal comfort within office settings, researchers created found that isoprene and other volatile compounds linger
a tightly-controlled set of four open-plan office spaces in the office air even after people have left the room. “Our
equipped with many sensors that track the flow of indoor preliminary results suggest that people are the dominant
and outdoor air through the ventilation system, amongst source of volatile organic compounds in a modern office
other pertinent measures. The goal of one key study? To environment,” explains Brandon Boor, assistant professor
14 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.comlabs less ordinary
4.
of civil engineering, in a Purdue press release on the furniture choices. “How do you place your engineer, stu-
study. “If an office space is not properly ventilated, these dents, etc. in proximity to their experimental apparatus?
volatile compounds may adversely affect worker health There’s certainly pros and cons associated with that,” he
and productivity.” As you may expect, the more people explains. “Debating different things like flexible or fixed
in a room means more emissions of these compounds. office seating—these are things I deal with on a fairly
Although this study focused on office workspaces, indoor regular basis that I think are huge players when design-
air pollutants and proper ventilation is a concern in any ing new lab spaces.”
indoor space, particularly laboratories. As for the future of design and engineering, and the
“A large fraction of energy consumption in this next direction of research at Herrick Labs, Rhoads and
country is spent on heating, cooling, ventilation of his team are certainly thinking outside the box. They
buildings, and small changes in the way we design are currently involved in a NASA project that aims to
our windows, furnaces, or air conditioners can have develop transformative smart autonomous habitats that
tremendous global impact in terms of environment, can withstand and adapt to unpredictable deep space
human health, etc.,” says Rhoads. environments. Rhoads also hopes to expand Herrick
Labs’ engagement with agencies like the Department of
How is lab design evolving? Defense and Department of Energy, and continue to
When it comes to the evolution of laboratory design, better understand the interface of buildings and other
Rhoads notes that he has observed the increasing impor- mechanical systems and people.
tance of flexible space and the reallocation of space. “In “Autonomous buildings and vehicles are certainly hot
the research world, we’ve gone from having a somewhat topics that we’re engaged with at the research level, so
clear direction of what comes next, to the need to have thinking about those spaces, how to replicate them, in-
space that can be turned over quickly from one big proj- teract with them—those are challenges we enjoy tackling
ect to the next,” he says. “So, we’re having to spend more on a daily basis,” says Rhoads.
time designing in flexible utilities.”
From an efficiency and productivity standpoint, Lauren Everett, managing editor for Lab Manager, can be
Rhoads has a special focus on the layout of the lab and reached at leverett@labmanager.com or 973-721-4070.
March 2020 Lab Manager 15business management
The Design Evolution of
Common Lab Supplies
A LOOK BACK AT HOW LAB EQUIPMENT HAS TRANSFORMED THROUGHOUT
THE YEARS, AND A GLIMPSE OF FUTURE TRENDS by Andy Tay
“Using a micro-pipette, add trypsin into the cell culture flask molecules required faster speed to be separated from one
and wait for five minutes. Check that the cells are detached another. The breakthrough came in 1926 when Nobel
before transferring the cell suspension into a Falcon tube. Next, Laureate Theodor Svedberg invented an ultra-centrifuge
centrifuge the Falcon tube for five minutes. Finally, count the cell capable of reaching a speed as high as 900,000 g. This
density using a hemocytometer and transfer desired numbers of speed was three to four times faster than most centri-
cells back into the culture flask.” fuges at that time, providing sufficient forces to separate
small biomolecules such as proteins, which facilitated the
Does this protocol for cell culture look familiar? What study of complex protein structures.
about the lab supplies listed in the protocol? Lab sup- The next few decades witnessed huge progress in the
plies such as micro-pipettes and cell culture flasks are development of centrifuges for isolating sub-cellular
so common that no researcher pays much attention to organelles like mitochondria and even enriched ura-
them anymore. However, unknown to many, the designs nium for the atomic bomb project. Nevertheless, these
of common lab supplies have evolved tremendously to centrifuges remained bulky, expensive, and were not
suit modern scientific endeavors. Their sophisticated widely available. It was not until 1962 that Eppendorf
and standardized designs have enabled protocols to be commercialized the first micro-centrifuge for benchtop
rigorously established—a major factor driving scientific use. Since then, materials like lightweight titanium have
progress. This article outlines the chronological evolu- replaced bulky steel to provide even stronger centrifugal
tion of popular lab consumables and equipment, and forces. Modern-day centrifuges also offer sophisticated
discusses future developments in their designs. features such as temperature control, user-programmed
acceleration/deceleration rates, automatic imbalance
Centrifuges detection, and noise reduction.
A centrifuge is a piece of equipment that makes use of
centrifugal forces to separate substances based on their Micro-pipettes
densities. This rotation-based mechanism causes denser A micro-pipette is a spring-loaded piston fitted with
substances to be collected at the bottom while less dense a disposable plastic tip for transferring precise volumes
substances rise to the top. of liquid. Through an air buffer, the piston is separated
As early as 1864, driven by the commercial need of from the liquid, which minimizes biological contamina-
the dairy industry to quickly separate cream from denser tion. The modern-day micro-pipette is also fitted with a
milk, the German brewer Antonin Prandtl invented the second spring that can be activated by applying stronger
first dairy centrifuge. However, its rotational speed was pressure to dislodge the pipette tip automatically.
inadequate for biomedical research as biomolecules are The first glass pipette was invented by the French
much smaller and lighter, and different species of bio- scientist Louis Pasteur (do you recall Pasteur pipettes
16 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.comS
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that you used in chemistry labs?), to prevent cross-con- is transparent, easily moldable into different sizes and
tamination of samples. Following rapid developments shapes, and can be sterilized by irradiation, making it an
in plastic technology, plastic pipettes were eventually ideal material. Unfortunately, polystyrene is also a hy-
developed in the 1940s. drophobic plastic, which means that it repels water and
In 1957, Heinrich Schnitger, then a postdoc in the cells do not attach well to it.
University of Marburg, Germany, was frustrated with It wasn’t before long scientists figured out a way to
having to continually make and calibrate new glass pi- modify the hydrophobic surface of polystyrene to a hy-
pettes to suck precise volumes of analytes for his experi- drophilic (water-loving) one. Using high energy plasma
ments. He channeled his frustration into positive output that produces reactive oxygen ions, oxygen can be incor-
by developing the first prototype of the modern-day porated into polystyrene, making it hydrophilic and cell
micro-pipette with spring-loaded piston and refillable attachment-friendly.
liquid plastic tips that he also patented in the same year. Starting from the 1970s, disposable plastic cell culture
Although Schnitger’s design made pipetting easier and flasks became a mainstay in labs. The modern-day flask is
safer, it did not offer researchers the flexibility of adjust- also fitted with a filtered cap at its opening to regulate the
able volume. After consulting multiple users, Warren flow of gases and to prevent biological contaminants from
Gilson and Henry Lardy, who were then that the Uni- entering the flask. Evolving with biomedical needs, cell cul-
versity of Wisconsin-Madison, incorporated the feature ture flasks with different surfaces have also been commer-
of flexible volumes into the micro-pipette. cialized. For instance, Corning introduced the Ultra-Wet®
Since then, multiple features such as rubber grip and Synthetic Surfaces that resemble 3D fiber-like topography
lock have been introduced to improve the ergonom- that cells would experience in vivo. This is useful for cultur-
ics and precision of micro-pipettes. A variety of new ing stem cells that differentiate differently in a 2D versus
products such as the multi-channel micro-pipette for 3D environment. With increasing popularity in organoid
handling large sample numbers has also entered the mar- (3D tissue-like structures with different cell types originat-
ket. Companies have even color-coded micro-pipettes ing from stem cells) research, Thermo Fisher Scientific
with their corresponding pipette tips to make changing also commercialized the Nunclon™ Sphera™ flasks that
pipette tips more convenient and intuitive for users. have ultra-low attachment to avoid uncontrolled stem cell
attachment and spontaneous differentiation.
Cell culture flasks
Cell culture flasks come in different sizes ranging from Hemocytometers
surface areas of 25 cm2 to 225 cm2. Therefore, they are The word “hemocytometer” means blood cell counter
commonly referred to as Tx flasks with x corresponding and its invention was linked to the popularity of hema-
to their respective surface area. Cell culture flasks can be tology in the mid-1700s and optical microscope in the
used to grow a variety of cells including immortalized 1850s. A standard hemocytometer comes with a counting
cell lines and even primary cells from patients. chamber with four squares, each measuring 1 mm2, that is
Traditionally, cells were being cultured in glass flasks. etched into the surface of glass. A specific volume of liq-
However, most cells have difficulty attaching to glass uid, usually 10 µL, is added to the counting chamber and
surfaces and consequently, glass flasks have to be spe- cell density can be determined with the following formula:
cially treated with expensive proteins such as collagen
to induce cell attachment. Even then, with batch-to- Total number of cells in the 4 squares
batch variability in protein quality, protein coating may Cell density (per mL) = *1000
not be uniform, causing uneven cell attachment. More 4
importantly, the process of cleaning glass may also leave
behind toxic detergent residues that can affect biological The humble hemocytometer has experienced substan-
interpretations. tial design evolution. The initial idea was first conceived
The development of disposable plastic cell culture by Louis-Charles Malassez, who in 1874, used a capil-
flasks was catalyzed by a progress in plastic technology. lary tube to transfer fixed volumes of cell suspension
By the 1960s, polystyrene, a type of plastic, was being into a glass slide with grids. Nevertheless, it remained
tested to manufacture cell culture flasks. This plastic challenging to reproducibly count cells as sample
18 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.combusiness management
uniformity was poor with this technique. Over the University College London, the largest university in
next 30 years, multiple innovative features were the United Kingdom, recently announced that it plans to
being incorporated into hemocytometers includ- phase out single-use plastics including lab consumables
ing counting chambers with fixed volumes so that like pipette tips and cell culture flasks within the next
cell concentration could be back calculated. Finally, five years. One way to achieve this ambitious goal is to
in 1913, Karl Bürker invented the closest version look into alterative materials. It may not be surprising
of the modern-day hemocytometer that exploited that reusable materials and equipment with low carbon
capillary action to draw fixed liquid volumes into footprints like handheld centrifuges may be used even in
counting chambers. His hemocytometer design also well-funded and established labs. Interestingly, similar to
had two sides that facilitated duplicate counting, the fashion industry, the design of lab supplies may be go-
which subsequent designs followed. ing “retro” with greater environmental objections regard-
ing single-use plastic. Glass, an old friend of biological
Future trends experiments, may regain its long-lost popularity.
Factors such as user preferences, experimental The design of lab supplies and equipment is continu-
needs, and plastic technology have dramatically ally undergoing creative reinventions. Beyond considering
influenced the designs of many lab consumables users’ preferences, manufacturers should anticipate factors
and equipment, but this evolution is nowhere near such as environmental considerations and institutional
completion. Automation, including the introduction research policies that could influence how they design and
of robots in labs, has dramatically impacted the de- manufacture lab supplies. It will be an exciting time ahead.
signs of lab equipment. Labs, especially those work-
ing in high throughput screening, are increasingly Andy Tay is a freelance science writer based in Singapore. He can
relying on robots to perform pipetting. Robotically- be reached at andy.csm2012@gmail.com.
controlled pipetting (also known as liquid han- 20_0380_Lab Manager_MAR Mod: February 12, 2020 2:47 PM Print: 02/12/20 3:39:03 PM page 1 v7
dling robots) can significantly reduce human labor,
translating to cost savings. Automated cell counters,
π
which perform counting much faster than a human,
are also replacing traditional hemocytometers. Au-
tomated systems supported by rigorous check and
control algorithms are expected to become widely
used. Researchers can also look forward to future LAB SUPPLIES
designs with wireless systems for remote control. OVER 2,700 SAFETY ITEMS ALWAYS IN STOCK
Lab supplies and equipment are also undergo-
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One great example is the evolution of cheaper
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en the idea of “miniaturization” and “cost-savings”
even further by adapting unconventional materials
as lab supplies. For instance, the Whitesides group
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cells. The same group has even creatively used
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based microscope with up to 140x magnification
and 2 µm resolution.
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1-800-295-5510 uline.comasset management
Finding Quality Pre-Owned HPLC is Possible
USED HPLC SYSTEMS ARE AN AFFORDABLE OPTION, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO
CONSIDER COMPATIBILITY, CONDITION, AND SUPPORT by Michelle Dotzert, PhD
H
PLC is a powerful tool for analytical chemistry should inquire regarding testing that was done and whether
that enables separation, identification, and quan- or not those columns meet their application needs.” Other
tification of compounds present in a sample. It is components, such as tubing and consumables should always
suited to a wide range of applications including phar- be purchased new as they are easily contaminated.
maceutical research, food science, environmental, and As for software, there are many options including origi-
forensic applications, among many others. The ongoing nal equipment manufacturer (OEM) and third-party pro-
evolution of HPLC has led to greater speed, sensitivity, grams. A third-party option may be appealing, however
and efficiency; however, these improvements come at a opting for OEM software can prevent some challenges in
substantial cost. Laboratories looking for more affordable the future. “We recommend the OEM software for HPLC
options, especially startup labs with limited funds, should systems,” says Bilgin. “In the event that you have an is-
consider purchasing pre-owned HPLC systems. sue that needs to be addressed, tech support may not be
There are a few important factors to consider to ensure familiar with third-party software programs.”
the best pre-owned option for the lab, such as compat- The main advantage of purchasing used HPLC
ibility. “If you plan to pair an HPLC with an existing mass systems is the lower price, but in some circumstances, it
spectrometer, confirm compatibility and any firmware is not advisable to purchase pre-owned. “If you require
requirements beforehand,” says Ceylan Bilgin, director of a specific configuration that is not available in the used
marketing at International Equipment Trading Ltd. (IET). market, it would be better to purchase new,” says Bilgin.
It is also essential to work with a reputable reseller “If you are purchasing the HPLC for a specific applica-
who will ensure equipment has been properly tested, as tion and you are not sure if that configuration will meet
well as provide a warranty or guarantee with purchase. your needs, you should confirm this with the original
Following testing, “we sell our equipment guaranteed to manufacturer’s technical support department,” she adds.
meet or exceed original manufacturer’s specifications,” Pre-owned HPLC systems are a more affordable
explains Bilgin. It is also worth inquiring about installa- alternative to purchasing new; however, given their high
tion and networking services for a more efficient setup degree of sophistication, it is essential to work with a
and to ensure appropriate configuration. “If the HPLC reputable reseller, and ensure appropriate testing has
is purchased in conjunction with a mass spectrometer, we been completed. With some additional research, includ-
include installation and networking of the LC compo- ing warranty and software options, as well as technical
nents with the mass spectrometer,” says Bilgin. support and installation services, a used HPLC system
Wondering if the column, the critical component of an can be a valuable addition to many labs.
HPLC system, can be purchased used? “Yes,” says Bilgin,
“we have a limited number of columns available that we Michelle Dotzert, scientific technical editor for Lab Manager,
test with the HPLC prior to shipment. The customer can be reached at mdotzert@labmanager.com or 226-376-2538.
20 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.comcleanroom contamination control
To ensure an optimally
functioning cleanroom, it is
essential to limit contaminant
introduction and monitor
surfaces and air.
Cleanrooms are facilities designed to maintain extremely low levels
of particulates, including dust, microbes, and aerosols. They are
classified based on the number of particles per volume of air.
Contamination can be dangerous and costly, and can be controlled
with adherence to operational protocols and routine monitoring.
Laboratory personnel are one of the largest sources of contamination
within the cleanroom. Human skin hosts millions of microorganisms
that may be released into the environment, along with particles from
personal care products and clothing.
Controlling Contamination
from People
Gowning protocols are based on the
sensitivity of the work environment,
and it is critical that personnel
adhere to the established protocols.
Begin the gowning process with
clean hair, hands, and shoes. It is also
advisable to remove makeup and
use minimal personal care products.
Remove anything that is not required
in the cleanroom area, including
personal items, jewelry, and
electronics.
Avoid contact with surfaces (walls,
doors, lockers, etc.) as much as
possible while gowning.
LABMANAGER.COM/CLEANROOM-CONTAMINATION
Avoid contact with the outside of
any garments (gloves, masks, etc.)
while gowning.
Step into the cleanroom quickly and
allow the door to close completely.
Avoid holding the door open for any
longer than necessary.leadership & staffing
Succession Planning in a Lab:
What, Why, Who, and How
A SOLID STRATEGY CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND RESOURCES by Olena Shynkaruk, PhD
W
hen I think of succession planning, the first corresponds to identifying and training successors for
situation that comes to mind is the board- not only senior positions in a lab but rather for every po-
room of a multinational company, filled sition: from lab technician to research associate, principal
with executives and investors trying to find a replace- scientist, and lab manager. It helps continuously align
ment for the CEO who announced their retirement. employees’ talents with core values of your lab, maintain
However, succession planning can relate and benefit not its strengths, and address its weaknesses.
only global businesses but also improve lab operations. A succession plan is not a replacement plan. It’s an ac-
As a lab manager, you are responsible for the day-to- tive process of development (hence the term succession
day operations and management of lab resources, while development) of your employees. It requires not only a
talent management might not document (e.g. an actual plan),
be something that was included but also an active program that
in your former training. This
article intends to help you navi-
“Ninety-four percent of includes skills development,
follow-ups, improvements,
gate the process of succession
planning and facilitate you and
employers surveyed and supporting funding. The
program requires objective and
your coworkers’ career transi-
tions and retirements. Whether
report that having a performance metrics. The scale
of succession development
you are a lab manager of an succession plan positively depends on the size of your lab
academic, industry, or start- and affiliated organization.
up lab, succession planning is impacts their employees’ In its turn, a replacement plan
worth paying attention to as it is rather a reactive process, where
can provide a valuable strategy engagement levels.” the position is filled when it be-
for talent management and save comes available. It doesn’t matter
you and your organization time as much if it would be an external
and resources in the future. or internal hire. However, it comes at the price of not only
external search but also current lab members’ engagement
What. Succession planning, or rather succession develop- and morale—more on this in the following Why section.
ment is a proactive process of identifying key leadership
and technical positions and shifting your employees to Why. So, Why do we bother with succession planning in a
the right positions at the right time upon organizational lab? There are numerous benefits, with some being obvi-
changes like career transitions and retirement. Suc- ous (like uninterrupted lab operation) and others some-
cession development in a lab is a multilevel process. It what surprising (promotion of collaborative culture).
22 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.comREGISTRATION NOW OPEN
SUMMIT.LABMANAGER.COM/LEADERSHIP
HANDLING
THE DUAL ROLE
OF MANAGER
AND MENTOR
As a mentor in the workplace, you are not responsible for
simply managing other people’s challenges for them. You are
offering support and guidance to allow your staff to lead on
their own. This presentation will discuss strategies to empower
employees, why you should take on the role of mentoring,
and how to succeed as a mentor, even with limited time and
resources.
JUNE 1-3, 2020 Paris Grey
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE Coordinator of Research Programs, University of Florida
SUMMIT.LABMANAGER.COM/LEADERSHIP MORE TOPICS FROM EXPERT SPEAKERSleadership & staffing
Uninterrupted lab operation. Having no technician to operate succession plan. However, “the lab manager can provide
an instrument may result in the work overload for a lab staff suggestions, conduct candidate reviews, and assist
manager and other lab members, slower results turnover, during the interview process,” says Yan Li, financial
and loss of research advantage. Having a succession and administrative coordinator, lab manager of profes-
development program in place would allow an uninter- sor Robert Campbell’s lab at the University of Alberta.
rupted workflow and happier co-workers. This assistance to upper management (a.k.a professor)
is incredibly valuable for the development of an effec-
tive succession plan.
“As a lab manager, your unique Industry lab. In industry, C-suite executives are typically
perspective and insights into responsible for the development of a succession plan.
And although there might be more regulations around
succession planning (e.g., lab lab management in an industry lab compared to an
academic lab, the role of a manager to maintain the
members’ skills, engagement, and morale of the lab and assist upper management in suc-
cession development is similar to an academic lab. The
productivity) improves the odds of lab manager is the on-the-floor operator and record
keeper. As a lab manager, your unique perspective and
the plan being successful.” insights into succession planning (e.g., lab members’
skills, engagement, and productivity) improves the odds
of the plan being successful.
Coworker engagement. According to the Hireology team,
“ninety-four percent of employers surveyed report that Start-up lab. In a start-up environment, a succession plan
having a succession plan positively impacts their employ- might need to adopt an agile form, similar to the business
ees’ engagement levels.” What would increased engage- model itself. There might not be years of operations to
ment provide? Positive workplace culture, increased effec- develop and perfect the process. These days, the high
tiveness, and longer workforce retention, to name a few. mobility of the workforce, especially in the tech indus-
try, requires high agility of the succession plan. There-
Collaborative culture. Having a proactive succession devel- fore, creating a collection of protocols and operating
opment program in place designed around leadership procedures, as well as training your team to be able to fill
training and skills development in a group and individual in for each other’s positions, or at least be aware of each
settings would promote cross-functional collaborations other’s project progress, might be a good start.
and foster meaningful connections in your lab.
How. Depending on the organization, there are multiple
Who. The million-dollar question in succession planning ways to approach succession development. Below, there
is, “Who is responsible for it? Is it a CEO? Team of senior are five ways that can be used immediately.
executives? Professor? Or a lab manager?” We broke down
the answers relative to the common types of workplace. Plan long-term. Successful succession development is a
long-term process spanning years. It has objectives and
Academic lab. As you probably know, the position of a performance measures to provide a valid framework for
lab manager in academia is fluid. For example, in the continuous improvement. In a service lab, it might look
academic setting, anyone from a research associate to a like each member learns how to operate and trouble-
postdoctoral fellow can hold the title of a lab manager. shoot every piece of equipment. Meanwhile, suitable
The primary role of a lab manager is to support lab candidates have professional and leadership develop-
members in their work and ensure smooth operations ment opportunities. Making the candidates aware of
of the lab. Identifying key lab positions and projects is the succession development process will deepen their
usually done by a professor. Therefore, it would be safe engagement, although one needs to be careful not to
to assume that it is a professor who usually develops a alienate other lab members.
24 Lab Manager March 2020 LabManager.comYou can also read
