Shared Cell & Tissue Culture Facilities
The Molecular Biosciences Center (MBC) maintains multiple shared cell and tissue culture facilities designated for Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) and Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) research.
These modern, fully equipped facilities include:
- Certified Class II Type A/B3 (or equivalent) biosafety cabinets
- CO₂ incubators
- Water baths
- Centrifuges
- Inverted microscopes
- Refrigeration
- Handwashing sinks
General laboratory supplies—such as gloves, pipettes, and glassware—are provided for user convenience. All shared cell culture facilities are controlled-access environments and operate under established standard operating procedures to support safe and efficient use for all researchers.
Eligibility & Project Approval
Use of the shared cell culture facilities is open to Baylor researchers and requires:
- Preapproval of projects by Baylor’s Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S)/Baylor's Biosafety Officer
- Confirmation that new projects are compatible with existing work in the facility
Final approval of project compatibility is determined by the MBC Director.
Getting Started
Researchers interested in using the shared cell culture facilities should email the MBC Director at least four weeks in advance.
Training & User Expectations
Shared facilities offer many benefits but also increase the risk of contamination. Users are therefore expected to:
- Have prior training and experience in cell culture best practices
- Demonstrate strong aseptic technique
The MBC can provide limited basic guidance as time allows; however, in-depth cell culture training is the responsibility of the individual research laboratory. Researchers without experience are encouraged to obtain training through their principal investigator or by working with and shadowing experienced researchers.
Facility Restrictions & Policies
- Projects involving bacterial, viral, or fungal organisms are not permitted
- In accordance with CDC, NIH, and ABSA best-practice recommendations—and following consultation with Baylor EH&S—UV bulbs in MBC biosafety cabinets are considered decommissioned and are not replaced (effective May 2013)