MWAC Cell Culture Facility

Who we are

The MWAC Cell Culture Facility (CCF) is a shared laboratory that contains specialised equipment for general, primary, GMO, and cytotoxic cell culture and analysis. The facility offers state of the art work environments for researchers to perform their own experiments and is supported by a technical team. The CCF team maintain the equipment and sterility of the facility and offer basic tissue culture training as well as support with specialised experiments and techniques.

Funding partners:

Capabilities

Tissue culture

Tissue culture involves growing cells in controlled conditions using state-of-the-art biological safety cabinets (BSC) and incubators. Standard protocols are available on our SharePoint website.

Learn more.

Primary tissue culture

Primary tissue culture involves isolating cells directly from live animals them culturing in controlled environments. This technique maintains the original characteristics of the cells, providing a more accurate biological model.

Genetically modified organism (GMO) production

GMO cell lines are created by adding plasmids to cells through transfection. This process introduces new genetic material, enabling the study of gene function and protein expression.

Cytotoxic cell culture

Cytotoxic cell culture involves growing cells to study the effects of toxic substances. This process helps in understanding cell responses to drugs, chemicals, and other agents, crucial for medical research.

Autoclaving

Autoclaving is a sterilization method using high-pressure steam to eliminate microorganisms. It's essential for decontaminating lab equipment, tissue culture consumables, and laboratory solutions/buffers.

Microscopy – brightfield and fluorescence

Brightfield microscopy illuminates samples for clear, magnified images. Fluorescence microscopy uses fluorescent dyes to highlight specific structures, providing detailed visualization of cellular components and processes, essential for advanced biological research.

Plate reader – fluorescence and absorption

A plate reader with fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy measures light emitted or absorbed by samples in microplates. It's essential for high-throughput screening, quantifying biomolecules, and analysing cellular processes.

Instruments

The LabGard NU-543 is a Class II, Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet (BSC), an essential tool in cell culture laboratories. It is designed to protect personnel, products, and the environment while working with low—to moderate-risk biologicals. It features a single ultra-high-efficiency motor with a precision-engineered forward-curve fan to increase filter load capability and extend filter life.

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The Gelaire CytoFAST Cytotoxic Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) is designed to safely handle hazardous drugs, particularly chemotherapeutic agents, by providing a controlled environment that prevents the release of cytotoxic aerosols or particles, ensuring protection for both the operator and the surrounding environment.

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The Eppendorf CellXpertâ C170i cell culture incubator is essential for maintaining optimal environmental conditions for the growth and preservation of cell cultures in research and clinical laboratories.

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The Leica DM IL LED is an inverted laboratory microscope ideal for cell culture, micromanipulation, fluorescent immunostained specimens, and routine live cell examinations. It offers phase contrast, modulation contrast, and fluorescence imaging.

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The Olympus CKX53 is a compact, ergonomic inverted microscope designed for cell culture applications. It provides stable performance and a comfortable workflow for live cell observation, cell sampling, handling, image capture, and fluorescence observation. The CoolLED pE-300lite fluorescence system offers intense, broad-spectrum LED illumination, making it ideal for everyday fluorescence microscopy.

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Millicell DCI Digital Cell Imager is designed to enhance the efficiency of cell culture labs by providing quick and objective assessments of cell culture parameters. This advanced imaging tool supports a wide range of cell types and formats, making it an essential instrument for modern cell culture techniques. The instrument can perform cell counts and confluency checks in a variety of flasks and haemocytometers.

Learn more (hyperlink to instrument page)

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Our people

Dr Daniel Luque

Assoc Director Electron Microscope Unit

Email: d.luque@unsw.edu.au

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Dr Joanna Richmond

Research Associate

Email: joanna.richmond@unsw.edu.au

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Dr Jake Ireland

Technical Officer

Email: jake.ireland@unsw.edu.au

Fees

Annual registration fee of $850 per person* (Jan 1st - Dec 31st) including use of biosafety cabinets, incubators, plate readers, centrifuges, and all cell culture instruments including a hands-on training course in aseptic cell culture technique.

*Consumables not included
$525 per person* for full use of the biosafety cabinets and cell culture facility including hands-on training in aseptic technique.

*Consumables not included
Instrument Hourly Rate
Biosafety cabinets, cytotoxic hood and cell culture facility $25/hour
ClarioStar Plate reader $20/hour

Instrument
Biosafety cabinets, cytotoxic hood and cell culture facility
Hourly Rate
$25/hour
Instrument
ClarioStar Plate reader
Hourly Rate
$20/hour
$250 per person - Training in aseptic cell culture technique.

Instrument	Hourly Rate
Biosafety cabinets, cytotoxic hood and cell culture facility	$25/hour
ClarioStar Plate reader	$20/hour

How to access

Email CCFAdmin@unsw.edu.au, opens in a new window and specify if you require training, staff-assisted work, or a collaboration.
MWAC CCF staff will arrange a meeting with you and a senior member of your group (supervisor or postdoc).
Register on ACLS, opens in a new window and complete the MWAC CCF Registration Form and Sample Safety Form.

CCF registration

Sample safety
You must also complete the following online safety modules and provide evidence of completion certificates:

Biological Safety

Hazardous Substances

Laboratory Safety Awareness

Health & Safety Awareness

Ergonomic & Manual Handling Tasks
Attend an in-person induction and complete the HS049 induction document.

HS049 Induction Document
Time for you to relax. MWAC CCF staff will review all documentation and get in touch with any questions/feedback.
MWAC CCF staff will grant you access to the booking system and swipe card access to the lab.

Contact us

Access to the Science and Engineering Building is via Gate 2 on High Street. The MWAC CCF is located on level 5 and can be accessed via the elevators from the lobby between 08:00 and 18:00. Please email a member of the MWAC CCF staff when you arrive to give you access to the offices.

Paid parking is available in the Gate 2 underground car park.

MWAC Cell Culture Facility

Room 524, Level 5
Science & Engineering Building (E8)
UNSW Sydney, NSW 2033

Email: CCFAdmin@unsw.edu.au

Resources