Upgrade and operational improvements to the SouthEastern Biosafety Laboratory, Alabama, Birmingham (SEBLAB)

Project Summary/Abstract: This project will modernize and upgrade the SouthEastern Biosafety Laboratory, Alabama Birmingham (SEBLAB), as well as greatly expand the research capabilities available for studies of newly emerging infectious diseases, and other agents of significant concern to human health.

The scope of the proposed project includes three specific aims: 1. Infrastructure update 2. Infrastructure correction 3. Research equipment SPECIFIC AIM 1: Natural wear and tear on continuously running equipment since 2009 is significant.

Items under this specific aim will replace worn, discontinued or obsolete equipment, upgrading to the latest technology and improving energy efficiency. SPECIFIC AIM 2: Correcting problems only realized during operation, unforeseen during design and construction.

The issues needing correction include dynamic air balancing to ensure proper directional airflow, electrical outlet switch out to better suit sensitive research equipment, and modernizing select biosafety equipment to optimize facility operations.

SPECIFIC AIM 3: The purchase of high-end research equipment the current users of SEBLAB desire, but cannot acquire by other means (BD Symphony S6 cell sorter, MILabs µCTUHROIFLT). State of the art equipment such as these are critical to continuing high impact science in SEBLAB. Upon completion, this project will achieve the following: 1.

Updated facility infrastructure that is both functional and energy efficient, so SEBLAB can continue its contribution to biodefence and emerging infectious diseases research. 2. Optimization of the systems in SEBLAB for current use and expected needs of the facility. 3.

Providing research staff with the best tools available, both enhancing research capabilities, and expanding translational impact of the research in SEBLAB.