1. Introduction to Equipment
Biotechnology Fall 2012

2. Lesson 1: Essential Questions
What are the most common pieces of biotechnology laboratory equipment?
What is aseptic technique? Why is it important? What happens when we do not practice it?

3. Lesson 1: Learning Objectives
By the end of today, you should be familiar with the most common pieces of lab equipment
You should know what each piece of equipment is and what it is used for
In addition, you should know what aseptic technique is and why it is important in the biotechnology laboratory

4. Measurements In the science laboratory we use the metric system
To measure volume= liter
To measure mass or weight= gram
To measure length= meter
However, Biotechnology often works on the milli and micro-scales (103 and 106)

5. Volume
To measure large volumes (greater than 25 ml) you would use a graduated cylinder
They come in several sizes
They are very accurate
Measure to meniscus

6. Volume
Larger volumes (greater than 25 ml) should be made in beakers and flasks
These should not be used to measure, as they are not very accurate

7. Volumes Small amounts are usually measured with pipets
There are two types
Glass pipets (2-25 ml)
Micropipets (0.2 – 1 ml)

8. Mass or Weight We will always use the measurement of grams
The scales we have are very accurate and expensive

9. Centrifuge
Provide a centrifugal force to move liquid to the bottom of a tube
Regular
Micro

10. Aseptic Technique Microbes are ubiquitous
Reduces the chances of contaminating yourself, others, or the experiment
Involves the following:
Sterilizing all equipment and supplies
Keeping all equipment and supplies sterile
Never touch anything with your bare hands
Everything that touches an experimental substance should be sterile
Keeping containers closed as much as possible
Disinfecting your hands and bench frequently

11. Aseptic Technique
What happens when you are not sterile? Lets see with the use of a “deadly virus”
Everyone grab 1 tube of powder
Glove up
Squirt some glycerol on your glove and really rub it in
Pour your tube of powder all over your hand
Shake hands with 3 people
Spread out and shake with 3 people not around you
View your hand under UV light
What happened?

12. Lesson 2: Essential Question
How do we convert grams, meters, and liters correctly?

13. Lesson 2: Learning Objectives
Know how to convert grams, meters, and liters correctly

14. Conversions

15. Conversions
When you go to a smaller measurement, you move the decimal to the right
When you go to a larger measurement, you move the decimal to the left
Lets try these!

16. Lesson 3: Essential Question
How do we properly use a glass pipet to transfer liquids?

17. Glass Pipets (1-25 ml) 4 Different Sizes
Attach the Pipet and adjust volume by moving the wheel
Watch closely while pipeting
Must be disposed of in the sharps container

18. Lab Practice using graduated cylinders, scales, and glass pipets
Follow the protocol given to you
Make sure to be as accurate as possible and use aseptic technique at all times
Dispose of everything in its proper place
Don’t forget to clean up when you are finished!

19. Lesson 4: Essential Question
How do we use a micropipet correctly?

20. Lesson 4: Micropipets

21. How to Use a Micropipet To draw up a solution
Rotate the volume adjuster to the desired volume
Place the appropriate tip on the barrel
Press the plunger to the first stop
Insert the tip into the solution
Draw up the solution by gradually releasing the plunger
Check to see that there are no air bubbles present in the tip

22. How to Use a Micropipet To expel the solution
Touch the tip against the side of the tube or container into which the solution will be expelled
Press the plunger to the second stop to make sure everything is expelled
Remove the pipette tip from the container with the plunger still pressed
Release the plunger slowly
Eject tip into the appropriate waste container by pressing the tip-ejection button

23. Care of the Micropipet
The following rules should be observed at all times:
Never place a pipette near the edge of the bench where it can get knocked over
Never rotate the adjuster below or beyond the designated ranges
Never immerse the pipette barrel in liquid
Never lay the pipette down or hold it horizontally when there is liquid in the tip
Always wipe the pipette barrel when you are done
Always use the appropriate tip for each pipette

24. Lab Practice using the micropipet Follow all instructions carefully
Be sure to use proper aseptic technique at all times

25. Lesson 5: Essential Question
How do we make solutions in the biotechnology laboratory?

26. Math Skills Needed for Biotech
You must know how to calculate solutions using the following equations!
You will do this every day in class
Like conversions, they will not go away, YOU MUST LEARN THEM NOW!!!!!
C1V1=C2V2
Mass/Volume

27. Solute/Solvent= Concentration
Solutes (usually measured in g)
Solvents (usually measured in ml)
Mixed together until solute dissolves in solvent
solute solution
concentration =

28. C1V1=C2V2
(starting concentration)(starting volume)=(final concentration)(final volume)
Solve for any of the variables, as long as you know the other 3
How do we actually make the solution once we have the answer?

29. Mass/Volume Equations
The mass of solute in the amount of solvent
Calculates the amount of solute needed per amount of solvent
Mass/volume
___________ _____________ __________________
concentration desired X volume desired = mass of solute needed
% Mass/volume
__________ ____________ _________________
conc desired (decimal) X volume desired = mass of solute needed

30. Examples: Mass/Volume
To make 100 mL of a 5 mg/mL hemoglobin solution
___________ _____________ _________________
concentration desired X volume desired = mass of solute to be weighed
5 mg/mL mL mg = 0.5 g
concentration desired X volume desired = mass of solute to be weighed

31. Examples: % Mass/Volume
To make 100 mL of a 3% CuSO4 solution
3 % = 0.03
__________ ____________ _________________
conc desired (decimal) X volume desired = mass of solute needed
0.03 g/mL mL g CuSO4
conc desired X volume desired = mass of solute needed