About
The research core facilities in the Science Building, which began operating in the summer of 2024, are an extension of the Life Sciences Core Facilities at the University of Toronto Mississauga. While the main facilities are located in the Davis Building, the Science Building facilities are accessible to faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate research students. To better serve the UTM community, additional equipment will be introduced over time.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Facility: Equipped with basic and advanced tools for DNA, RNA, and protein research.
- Cell and Tissue Culture Facility: Provides shared resources for conducting cell and tissue culture experiments
- Autoclave and Research Resources Facility: A full-service hub for autoclaving, lab-ware washing, and lab coat cleaning, and more, ensuring seamless research operations.
Services
The Science Building houses our three facilities: Cell and Molecular Biology Facility, Cell and Culture Facility, and Autoclave and Research Resources Facility. Please find details below on equipment, training, locations and access, as well as how to book with us.
About the Facility
The Cell and Molecular Biology Facility provides users with an introduction tour; hands-on training on individual equipment — which is mandatory for certain equipment; technical support on equipment operations; and technical support for troubleshooting experiment results related to the use of core equipment.
We provide flexible, 24/7 T-Card access to our facility rooms:
- SB2052
- SB2056
- SB2109
SB4056
Training
PIease ensure that all core facility users who work with biological agents take the following three online courses from U of T's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) website:
- General Health and Safety Awareness (EHS 002)
- WHMIS and Lab Safety (EHS 101)
- Laboratory Biosafety (EHS 601)
Contact Quang Huy To, Research Facilities Manager, to set up equipment training.
Booking Equipment
Equipment must be booked in advance through BookitLab, our online booking system. Please log in to reserve your spot.
Facility Equipment
| Name | Brand | Model | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra centrifuge Optima XE-90 - NSB2052 - unit 1 | Beckman | Optima XE-90 - A94471 | NSB2052 |
Ultra centrifuge Optima XE-90 - NSB2052 - unit 2 | Beckman | Optima XE-90 - A94471 | NSB2052 |
High speed centrifuge Avanti JXN-26 - NSB4056 - unit 1 | Beckman | Avanti JXN-26 | NSB4056 |
High speed centrifuge Avanti JXN-26 - NSB4056 - unit 2 | Beckman | Avanti JXN-26 | NSB4056 |
Dry Baths - Block Heaters - NSB2052 | Fisher | Digital Dry Baths/Block Heaters | NSB2052 |
Sonic Dismembrator - NSB2052 | Fisher | Fisherbrand™ FB120 | NSB2052 |
Benchtop centrifuge with refrigeration - NSB2056 | Eppendorf | 5810R | NSB2056 |
Fridge - NSB2056 | Fisher | FBV20RPSA | NSB2056 |
Microbiological Incubator - NSB2056 | Fisher | Fisherbrand™ Isotemp™ | NSB2056 |
Refrigerated Shaker - NSB2056 | Fisher | MaxQ™ 8000 | NSB2056 |
Benchtop Orbital Shaker - NSB2056 | Fisher | Solaris 4000 R | NSB2056 |
About the Facility
The Cell and Tissue Culture Facility provides users with a mandatory introduction tour; hands-on training on individual equipment; training on cell culture with viruses; customized cell culture technique training; technical support on equipment operations; and technical support for troubleshooting experiment results related to the use of core equipment.
We provide flexible, 24/7 T-Card access to our facility rooms:
- SB2058
- NS4058
SB4059
Training
Training is mandatory for all users. To request training, please contact the Core Managers.
PIease ensure that all core facility users who work with biological agents take the following three online courses from U of T's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) website:
- General Health and Safety Awareness (EHS 002)
- WHMIS and Lab Safety (EHS 101)
- Laboratory Biosafety (EHS 601)
Booking Equipment
Equipment must be booked in advance through BookitLab, our online booking system. Please log in to reserve your spot.
Facility Equipment
| Name | Brand | Model | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Biosafety Cabinet - NSB2058 - unit 1 | Nuaire | NU-540 | NSB2058 |
Biosafety Cabinet - NSB2058 - unit 2 | Nuaire | NU-540 | NSB2058 |
Fluid Aspirator - NSB2058 - unit 1 | Brandtech | BVC Basic | NSB2058 |
Fluid Aspirator - NSB2058 - unit 2 | Brandtech | BVC Basic | NSB2058 |
Pipet Filler S1 - NSB2058 - unit 1 | Fisher | S1 | NSB2058 |
Pipet Filler S1 - NSB2058 - unit 2 | Fisher | S1 | NSB2058 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB2058 - unit 1 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB2058 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB2058 - unit 2 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB2058 |
CO2 incubator shaker - NSB2058 | Eppendorf | S41i | NSB2058 |
Benchtop centrifuge - NSB2058 | Eppendorf | 5810 | NSB2058 |
Microscope Nikon ECLIPSE TS2-FL - NSB2058 | Nikon | TS2-FL | NSB2058 |
Fridge with top -20C Freezer - NSB2058 | Fisher | FBV18CPSA | NSB2058 |
Waterbath - NSB2058 | Fisher | ISOTEMP 10L | NSB2058 |
Biosafety Cabinet - NSB4058 - unit 1 | Nuaire | NU-540 | NSB4058 |
Biosafety Cabinet - NSB4058 - unit 2 | Nuaire | NU-540 | NSB4058 |
Fluid Aspirator - NSB4058 - unit 1 | Brandtech | BVC Basic | NSB4058 |
Fluid Aspirator - NSB4058 - unit 2 | Brandtech | BVC Basic | NSB4058 |
Pipet Filler S1 - NSB4058 - unit 1 | Fisher | S1 | NSB4058 |
Pipet Filler S1 - NSB4058 - unit 2 | Fisher | S1 | NSB4058 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4058 - unit 1 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4058 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4058 - unit 2 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4058 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4058 - unit 3 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4058 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4058 - unit 4 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4058 |
Benchtop centrifuge - NSB4058 | Eppendorf | 5810 | NSB4058 |
Microscope Nikon ECLIPSE TS2-FL - NSB4058 | Nikon | TS2-FL | NSB4058 |
Fridge - NSB4058 | Fisher | FBV20RPSA | NSB4058 |
Waterbath - NSB4058 | Fisher | ISOTEMP 10L | NSB4058 |
Biosafety Cabinet - NSB4060 - unit 1 | Nuaire | NU-540 | NSB4060 |
Biosafety Cabinet - NSB4060 - unit 2 | Nuaire | NU-540 | NSB4060 |
Fluid Aspirator - NSB4060 - unit 1 | Brandtech | BVC Basic | NSB4060 |
Fluid Aspirator - NSB4060 - unit 2 | Brandtech | BVC Basic | NSB4060 |
Pipet Filler S1 - NSB4060 - unit 1 | Fisher | S1 | NSB4060 |
Pipet Filler S1 - NSB4060 - unit 2 | Fisher | S1 | NSB4060 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4060 - unit 1 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4060 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4060 - unit 2 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4060 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4060 - unit 3 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4060 |
CO2 Incubator - NSB4060 - unit 4 | Fisher | Steri-Cycle | NSB4060 |
Benchtop centrifuge - NSB4060 | Eppendorf | 5810 | NSB4060 |
Microscope Nikon ECLIPSE TS2-FL - NSB4060 | Nikon | TS2-FL | NSB4060 |
Fridge - NSB4060 | Fisher | FBV20RPSA | NSB4060 |
Waterbath - NSB4060 | Fisher | ISOTEMP 10L | NSB4060 |
About the Facility
The Autoclave and Research Resources Facility provides users with mandatory hands-on training on our autoclaves and glassware washer; technical support on equipment operations; and technical support for troubleshooting experiment results related to the use of core equipment.
We provide flexible, 24/7 T-Card access to our facility rooms:
- SB2050
- SB2064
- SB2067
- SB2147
- SB3056
- SB4056
There is a lab coat washer and dryer for use. During individual lab emergencies, we provide emergency use of space at no charge for a 5°C fridge, -20°C freezer, and -80°C freezer.
Training
PIease ensure that all core facility users who work with biological agents take the following three online courses from U of T's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) website:
- General Health and Safety Awareness (EHS 002)
- WHMIS and Lab Safety (EHS 101)
- Laboratory Biosafety (EHS 601)
Contact the Core Manager to set up equipment training.
Booking Equipment
The autoclave machines, glassware washer, incubation oven, and lab-ware washer need to be booked through BookitLab, our online booking system. Please log in to reserve your spot.
Facility Equipment
| Name | Brand | Model | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Freezer -80°C | Eppendorf | CRYOCUBE F740HI | SB2052 |
Ultra Freezer -80°C | Eppendorf | CRYOCUBE F740HI | SB4056 |
MilliQ Water Purification System | Fisher | EQ7000 | SB2050 |
Autoclave - 250LS | Steris | Amsco Lab 250LS | SB2050 |
Autoclave - 250LS | Steris | Amsco Lab 250LS | SB2050 |
Autoclave - 630LS | Steris | Amsco Lab 630LS | SB2050 |
Glassware washer | Steris | Reliance 400xls | SB2050 |
Ice maker | CurranTaylor | Scotsman | SB2052 |
Ice maker | CurranTaylor | Scotsman | SB3056 |
Ice maker | CurranTaylor | Scotsman | SB4056 |
Freezer room -20°C | Labworks | Labworks | SB2067 |
Cold room 4°C | Labworks | Labworks | SB2064 |
Cold room 4°C | Labworks | Labworks | SB2147 |
Incubation Oven | Fisher | Fisherbrand™ Isotemp™ | SB2050 |
Lab coat Washer-Dryer | Maytag Commercial | MNH33PRCWW2 MDE28PRCZW3 | SB3050 |
Fees
The following rates are applicable from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Usage Fees
| Core Facility | Internal | External | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | Hourly* | Annual | Hourly* | |
Cell and Molecular Biology | $400****
| $10 per hour per instrument | Request a quote** | $50 per hour, plus flat one-hour technician fee of $150 for training and support.*** |
Cell and Tissue Culture | $400 | $10 per hour per instrument | Request a quote** | |
| Autoclave and Research Resources | $100 | Walk-in 5°C fridges: $2 per shelf or table bench per month | Request a quote** | $50 per hour, plus flat one-hour technician fee of $150 for training and support |
Walk-in 20°C freezers: $2 per shelf per month | ||||
Ultra-low freezers: $1 per rack per month | ||||
*Hourly fee applies to users who do not pay the annual fee. Minimum 15-minute usage.
**Send a request to the Core Facility Managers.
***Special external rate for Freeze Dryer: $50 per hour for the first 24 hours; $10 per hour after the first 24 hours; plus a flat one-hour technician fee of $150 for training and support.
****An extra $8 per hour will be paid for Microfluidizer LM20 starting from January 2024.
Training Fees
Item | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
Training on individual instrument operation | Free | Flat one-hour technician fee included in hourly fee
|
Life Sciences Core Facilities introduction | Free | Flat one-hour technician fee included in hourly fee |
Customized-Basic cell culture technique training | $525 plus consumables ( for one person or a group of three people) | Request a quote |
Service Fees
Item | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
Technical support on Instrument operation | Free | Flat one-hour fee included in hourly fee |
Trouble shooting on experiment results that may relate to core facility equipment performance | Free | Flat one-hour fee included in hourly fee |
Core Facility Manager hourly rate (to perform experimentation for a lab) | $40 | $150 |
Contact
Science Building
1815 Outer Circle
Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6
→ View campus maps and directions
Meet the Facility Leads
Xin Zhao (she/her)
Life Sciences Core Facilities Manager
Tel. 416-970-3661
xin.zhao@utoronto.ca
Quang Huy To (he/him)
Research Facilities Manager, Science Building
Tel. 437-688-5973
quang.to@utoronto.ca
Q&A
Yes. Individual PIs pay an annual fee to use the facility, regardless of the number of members in their group.
No. One annual fee grants access to the facility equipment located in both the W. G. Davis Building and the Science Building.
Internal users who pay the annual fee are not charged hourly fees for individual equipment use, with a few exceptions. For instance, a monthly fee applies to shared fridges and freezers, and an hourly fee applies to the LM20.
Internal users who only need access to one or two instruments and prefer not to pay the annual fee can opt to pay an hourly fee for individual equipment use.
For the Cell and Tissue Culture Facility we ask that users use the lab room they are assigned to. Please discuss with our core managers if you would like to use biosafety cabinets and other equipment in another lab.
For most of the equipment in the Autoclave and Research Resources Facility and Cell and Molecular Biology Facility, users can use equipment from both buildings, as long as training is obtained from core managers.