Research Core Facilities Newsletter
We are proud to present the June edition of the Research Core Facilities newsletter! The RCF newsletter is a way to keep you informed about important updates from each of our core labs, with topics ranging from equipment updates, safety training, core clinics, and general reminders.
Click here to read the RCF Newsletter
Corning Cell Counters Now Available
We are excited to introduce you to our new Corning Cell Counters, which are now available for use in the Analytical Rooms:
- 4th floor - Rm 458
- 6th Floor - Rm 654
These cell counters are user-friendly and easy to operate. Simply log into the cloud based app, load the disposable counting chamber with 10 µl sample premixed with Trypan Blue (1:1), place it on the stage, focus on your cells, and press the ‘Count’. This SOP provides detailed instructions and serves as a quick reference guide.
As part of our roll-out, we are pleased to offer free samples of the disposable counting chambers. If you are interested in receiving these samples, or would like to schedule a one-on-one demo with your own samples provided, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].
Recycling Lab Waste
We are happy to announce that recycling is now available on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor lab spaces. A large recycling bin has been set up in the north hallways to recycle paper, cardboard and packing boxes. A large landfill container has also been set up for packaging material such as bubble wrap and ice packs. Please ensure that you flatten the cardboard boxes before putting them in the recycling container.
Save Your Styrofoam!
In partnership with the University of Toronto, styrofoam boxes smaller than 20" x 20" x 20" can be returned to MedStore to be reused. We have set up a small bin in the LKSKI receiving dock area as a designated collection point. Please place any styrofoam boxes in this bin for MedStore to pick up.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Deliveries and Packages for LKSKI
On account of the bridge and tunnel closure, all deliveries should be addressed to: 209 Victoria Street Loading Dock, Victoria Laneway, M5B 1T8, Toronto, ON. The hospital will no longer be transporting packages between 30 Bond St and 209 Victoria Street.
Name Signs for Graduate Seating Rooms
New name signs have been installed on all the storage units in the graduate seating rooms. This signage allows for students to display their names on the locker that is assigned to them.
Name Template Instructions
Name Template
Composting Paper Towels in LKSKI Bathrooms
We are happy to announce that the LKSKI bathrooms now have a separate container for composting paper towels. Please ensure that only paper towels are put into this container to avoid contamination.
For any feedback or concerns, please contact [email protected].
What really goes in the sharps bin?
Throughout the facility, new sharps posters have been posted to help users identify what is considered a sharp or not.
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected].
New Equipment in the Microfabrication Core
We are pleased to announce a new piece of equipment that has been added to our Microfabrication Core – the Zetasizer Advance Series – Ultra (Red Label) particle analysis instrument. The Zetasizer has been successfully installed in the 7th-floor Analytical Room and is ready for users. 
Zetasizer Ultra is a top-of-the-line instrument based on Dynamic Light Scattering technology.
Some of the key features of Zetasizer are:
- High-resolution measurements for particle size range between 0.3 nm and 10 μm
- Particle concentration measurements of absolute particle concentration, calibration-free
- Reliable zeta measurements in high conductivity samples
- Repeatable and accurate measurements of protein electrophoretic mobility by minimizing aggregation risk at the electrodes during the measurement
- Minimum sample volume 3 μL.
We are pleased to also announce that the Direct Write "Maskless" Lithography system MicroWriter ML®3 has been added to the Microfabrication Core. The MicroWriter has been successfully installed in the 7th floor cleanroom and is ready for users. The instrument was funded by Dr. Scott Tsai's CFI IF grant.
This system will allow users to make a photolithography mask for their projects or use it as a stand-alone "maskless" instrument for direct writing onto the photoresist substrates. It will be helpful for researchers making microfluidics devices, microarrays, microlenses, microelectronics, and patterning photosensitive biomaterials for scaffolds used in tissue engineering and cell studies. With this instrument, the entire process flow can be completed in our cleanroom with significantly reduced manufacturing lead times.
For additional information about the instrument, training and use, please contact Microfabrication Core Specialist, Dario Bogojevic at [email protected].
Research Facilities Email Changes
We have switched over the following emails ending in @smh.ca to end in @unityhealth.to:
[email protected] is now [email protected]
[email protected] is now v[email protected]
[email protected] is now [email protected]
Emails sent to the @smh.ca email addresses will be redirected to the new @unityhealth.to email addresses.
Need to centrifuge your samples at high speed?
New high-speed and ultra-speed centrifuges are available for booking in room 654. To use these centrifuges, all new users will need to complete our online training module found here, and contact core specialist Colleen Ding to receive hands-on training. A PIN will then be provided to obtain access. Existing users who have already received hands on training or have experience using the centrifuges can contact Colleen Ding to receive a PIN without completing the online training module.
Please remember to book all centrifuges in advance.
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Ding at [email protected].
Ultracentrifuge Training Module
Please label all compressed gas tanks in LKSKI receiving area
A section of the loading dock/receiving area of the LKSKI is devoted to storing the compressed gases that many groups use in their work. An audit of the area was undertaken recently that highlighted a large number of stored tanks that have been stored, unused, for long periods of time. We are asking all group's to: 
-
Clearly label all cylinders with the group’s name
-
Only store the minimum amount that you require for your work
-
If the cylinder is not used and is not going to be used in the near future, please arrange for the company that rented you the cylinder to collect it
Moving forward, there will be monthly checks on the storage area and any cylinder found without a label identifying the group will be returned to the supplier.
Change in Chemical Waste Disposal Guidelines
We have updated our chemical waste disposal guidelines. To view the updated document, please click here. Hazardous waste stickers are available in Room 545. Please remember to stick them on the waste bottle as soon as you start collecting the waste. If you have any questions/concerns, please email the Biosafety Officer, Neha Chauhan at [email protected]
Security Enhancements
We are excited to announce that, based on your feedback, we have made some security enhancements to the Research Facility Business Management System
(RFBMS).
These new changes will make your experience with us easier, faster and more secure!
See More ›
Honey, I shrunk the lab: Technology for making small devices has a big impact for St. Michael’s and Ryerson researchers
In medical imaging research, bubbles that are too small to be seen by the naked eye can help scientists see things they’ve never seen before – and St. Michael’s 
Hospital now has the tools on-site to create, control and validate them through research.
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