The Bioprocessing Laboratory supports researchers, students and project partners to undertake laboratory bioprocess development with a focus on cutting-edge equipment and expertise in precision fermentation and downstream processing. Laboratory bioprocess development is a key step prior to moving to pilot scale (e.g. QUT Pioneer BioPilot) then onto demonstration and commercial activities.
Our laboratory has PC2 certification (BC2 upon request).
Supported by the Bioinnovation Research Facility, our laboratory enables researchers and collaborators to identify the best ways of finding answers to their bioprocessing research questions. We also collaborate with QUT’s Faculty of Science to train undergraduate students in the use of our equipment and further develop the future of the Australian bioeconomy.
Research
We have enabled real world results for a diverse range of multi-scale research projects.
- Microbial protein production systems – strain discovery, development and fermentation (bacteria and yeast).
- Probiotic animal feed supplement development and testing.
- Food waste processing to extract high-value nutraceuticals.
- Microbial oil production from sugarcane bagasse.
- Microbial fuel cells.
- Textile waste treatment for resource recovery.
Our laboratory has PC2 certification (BC2 upon request).
| Equipment | Features |
|---|---|
Class II Biological Safety Cabinets | These ventilated laboratory cabinets enable protection of both user and product when working with materials contaminated with pathogens requiring a defined biosafety level of containment. |
Static and shaker incubators | Temperature controlled incubators for the cultivation of organisms on solid or in liquid media. |
Synergy HTX microplate reader | The Synergy HTX microplate reader allows for high throughput screening of strain selection, media selection and small molecules production. |
Anaerobic culture system | This system includes an anaerobic chamber and CO2 incubator that permit the successful cultivation of microorganisms on solid media. |
Eppendorf BioFlo 320 fermenters | These fermenters offer precision fermentation for volumes up to ten litres. Precision options include sparging and overlay of gases, gravimetric feeding, in-line gas analysis, and more. |
Eppendorf DASbox Parallel fermenters | The DASbox system allows for truly parallel analysis of up to eight different fermentation conditions in 250mL volumes. |
UV-Vis spectrophotometers | The spectrophotometer carousel holds up to 6 cuvettes for monitoring the growth behaviour of microorganisms. |
Benchtop and Floor centrifuges | Solid-liquid separation and/or concentration at volumes up to 6 x 1L.. |
Freeze dryer | Condenser refrigeration for freeze drying microorganisms. A useful method for long-term preservation. |
Buchi Spray Dryer B-290 | Produce free-flowing powders from liquid solutions or slurries. |
Cell disruptor homogeniser | An efficient cell disruptor using high pressure to release cellular materials from bacteria, yeast, algae, mammalian and insect cells, fungus and more. |
| Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) | Cytiva TFF with 8L holding tank supports both hollow fibre cartridges and cassettes for efficient separation of cells and valuable by-products. |
| High Performance Upright Light Microscope | Primo Star with internal HD camera able to examine and analyse microorganisms. Record images and videos with the high resolution of 5 megapixels, compatible to ZEN imaging software. |
Techfors-S bioreactor | Low minimum working volume from 3 to 24 L with in situ sterilisation. Reliable measurement and setting of the bioprocess parameters and communication with eve® software. Special options for batch, fed batch and continuous cultivation strategies. |
| Bionet Photobioreactor | Twin bioreactors at 3 and 5L volumes with optional light panels for the cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms. |
| Horizontal and Top-loading Autoclaves | Tomy 70L top-loading autoclave for the sterilisation of smaller loads, and a Systec 320L horizontal-loading autoclave with loading trolley for larger loads and bioreactors. |
Our equipment is available to staff, students, external researchers and commercial organisations at a competitive price. Our laboratory provides both self-service and full-service options.
We provide sample preparation and support to suit your individual preference and budget. Our experienced staff can provide training, advice and guidance on the experimental process and the analysis of results, so that you achieve optimal outcomes.
If you’re a QUT staff member or student who wants to undertake research activities with us, contact Dr Rachel Self via email rachel.self@qut.edu.au.
To arrange a consultation as an external researcher or partner, contact us.
Contact us
Biorefining Research Facility
Room 620, Level 6, Q Block
Gardens Point
2 George St
Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
Postal address
Biorefining Research Facility
GPO Box 2434
Brisbane QLD 4001