Laboratory glossary
Definitions of laboratory, cleanroom and biosafety terminology used in lab planning projects.
- Agile Development
- An iterative project management approach focused on rapid delivery, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
- AI-powered drug discovery
- The use of artificial intelligence to accelerate the process of finding and developing new drugs.
- alkaline electrolysis
- A method of producing hydrogen from water using an alkaline electrolyte and an electric current.
- Amino acid
- Those are the building blocks of proteins. Three letters of the genetic code (codon) determine which amino acid is added next in the production process of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids used to make up proteins. About 500 amino acids are known and can be classified in many ways. Since 2001, scientists expanded the genetic code by 40 non-natural amino acids by recoding an existing co…
- Analytical instrumentation
- Instruments used to analyze the chemical or physical properties of materials.
- ATEX
- European directives describing the essential health and safety requirements for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- bacteriophage
- A virus that infects bacteria. Bacteriophages are among the most common and diverse entities in the biosphere. Altered forms are often used by scientists as vectors for cloning DNA.
- bacterium
- A single-cell, prokaryotic organism, for example Escherichia coli. Typically a few micrometres in length, there are 40 million bacterial cells in a gram of soil and a million bacterial cells in a millilitre of fresh water. There are approximately 5×10^30 bacteria on Earth, forming a biomass which exceeds that of all plants and animals. Bacteria were among the first life forms to appear on Earth,…
- Big Fridge
- A highly specialized cryostat capable of cooling quantum computing components to extremely low, near-absolute zero temperatures.
- BIO S1
- Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) is the lowest biosafety level, suitable for work involving well-characterized agents not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adult humans.
- BIO S2
- Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) refers to laboratories that work with agents associated with human disease, posing moderate hazards to personnel and the environment.
- Bioprocessing
- Manufacturing processes that use living cells or biological molecules to create useful products, often involving steps like fermentation and purification.
- bioreactor
- A vessel designed to grow and maintain a biologically active environment to produce biomass or bioproducts.
- Bioreactor pilot plant
- A small-scale facility or system used to test and optimize bioprocesses and bioreactor performance before full-scale commercial production.
- Biotech Lab
- A laboratory where scientists use living organisms or their components to develop new products or technologies, especially in areas like medicine, agriculture, or food.
- BSL
- A set of biocontainment precautions required to isolate dangerous biological agents in an enclosed laboratory facility, categorized from BSL-1 to BSL-4.
- CapEx-friendly financing
- Financial solutions designed to minimize upfront capital expenditure for laboratory equipment and infrastructure.
- Carbon-negative food
- Food products whose production process sequesters more atmospheric carbon dioxide than it emits, resulting in a net removal of CO2.
- cell-free phage production
- A biotechnology process for producing bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) outside of living cells, offering advantages in speed and purity.
- Cell-free production system
- A method to produce biological molecules like proteins or phages outside of living cells, using only the necessary cellular machinery.
- Chemical Lab
- A laboratory equipped for chemical experiments and analyses, often involving mixing, heating, and testing different substances.
- Clean hydrogen
- Hydrogen produced through methods that generate little to no greenhouse gas emissions, typically using renewable energy.
- Clean Room
- A clean room is a special room that is kept super clean, with almost no dust or germs in the air, so that sensitive work can be done without anything getting dirty or messed up.
- Cleanroom furniture
- Furniture specifically designed for cleanroom environments to minimize particle generation and ease cleaning.
- Cold chain
- A system of managing temperature-sensitive products, including materials and equipment, from production to storage and distribution, to maintain their required low-temperature range.
- Commercial roll out
- The process of introducing a new product or service to the market on a large scale.
- commissioning
- A quality-oriented process for verifying and documenting that all building systems and equipment are installed, tested, and performing according to design intent and operational needs.
- cooling networks
- Integrated systems designed to remove heat from sensitive equipment or areas, maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
- cryostat
- A device used to maintain very low temperatures, crucial for the operation of quantum computing components like qubits.
- Cryostat Integration
- The process of carefully placing and connecting delicate components, like those used in quantum computers, into a specialized super-cooling device called a cryostat.
- Dairy Biotech
- The use of biotechnology to improve dairy products or create dairy alternatives, often through methods like precision fermentation.
- Dangerous goods
- Substances or materials that pose a risk to health, safety, or property during transportation or handling.
- Dangerous goods handling
- The safe and compliant management of hazardous substances, including proper storage, transport, use, and disposal.
- Deep Tech
- Deep tech is about new technologies that solve big problems using real science or engineering, like making new medicines or clean energy.
- Deionization (DI)
- A water purification process that removes dissolved mineral ions (like salts) by using ion-exchange resins.
- deoxyribonucleic acid
- It's the programming language of nature: DNA is the genetic material of most organisms and usually exists as a double-stranded molecule in which two antiparallel strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine. It's an organic acid and polymer composed of four nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine which are linked via intervening units…
- Digital Planning Tools
- Software and computer programs used to create designs, layouts, and manage projects, making planning processes faster and more accurate.
- diploid
- It's the programming language of nature: DNA is the genetic material of most organisms and usually exists as a double-stranded molecule in which two antiparallel strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine. It's an organic acid and polymer composed of four nitrogenous bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine which are linked via intervening units…
- DIY Lab Planning
- A collaborative approach where the client takes an active role in lab planning and execution, supported by expert guidance and resources.
- DNA barcoding
- DNA barcoding is a taxonomic method that uses a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA to identify it as belonging to a particular species.
- dry labs
- Laboratory spaces primarily dedicated to computational, analytical, or robotic work that do not involve open liquids or hazardous chemicals.
- electrolyzers
- Devices that split water into hydrogen and oxygen through the process of electrolysis, typically using electricity.
- Electromagnetic Interference
- Unwanted electrical signals that can disrupt the proper functioning of electronic devices, often caused by other nearby electronics or power lines.
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to electromagnetic induction or radiation emitted from an external source.
- Fermentation
- A natural process where tiny living things like yeast or bacteria convert sugars into alcohol, acids, or gases, used in making food, drinks, and many other products.
- fermentation technology
- The application of microorganisms or enzymes to cause desired chemical changes in organic substrates, typically for production of foods, beverages, or industrial products.
- flexible wall systems
- Demountable or reconfigurable wall partitions that allow for easy modification of the laboratory layout.
- Floor Extraction
- A ventilation system designed to remove heavier-than-air gases or vapors from a room by drawing them out from near the floor.
- floor-level ventilation
- A ventilation system designed to extract air, especially heavy gas fumes, from near the floor level in a laboratory.
- Food Biotech
- The application of biotechnology to improve food production, processing, and safety, or to create new food sources.
- Fume hood
- A ventilated enclosure in a laboratory that protects users from hazardous fumes and particles by drawing air away.
- fungal protein
- Protein derived from fungi, often used as a sustainable and nutritious ingredient in food products.
- GMP
- A system of regulations, guidelines, and procedures implemented to ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.
- Green Biotech
- Biotechnology applications focused on agriculture and environmental sustainability, like creating bio-based products or improving crop yields sustainably.
- green hydrogen
- Hydrogen produced through electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, resulting in zero or very low greenhouse gas emissions.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC)
- Using many powerful computers together to solve very large problems or run complex simulations much faster than a single computer could.
- In Vitro
- You call an experiment "in vitro", when you work with cells or biological molecules outside of their normal biological context.
- In Vivo
- You call your experiment "in vivo", when it's taking place within a living organism.
- Incubators
- Facilities that support new businesses, especially startups, by providing shared resources like lab space, equipment, and mentorship.
- Industrial Biotech
- The use of biological systems and microorganisms to produce industrial products like biofuels, plastics, or enzymes.
- IZB Munich
- A prominent innovation and start-up center for biotechnology located in Munich, Germany.
- Lab appliances
- Smaller, often portable, pieces of equipment used in a laboratory setting for specific tasks.
- Lab equipment
- Any tool, instrument, or consumable used in a laboratory for research, testing, or analysis.
- Lab Layout
- The arrangement of rooms, equipment, and workstations within a laboratory to optimize workflow, safety, and efficiency.
- lab zoning
- The process of dividing a laboratory space into distinct functional areas based on workflow, safety requirements, and operational needs.
- Liquid feedstock
- Raw material supplied in liquid form for industrial or biological processes, such as fermentation.
- liquid handling
- Automated and manual systems used for precise dispensing, mixing, and transferring of liquids in laboratories.
- LOI/lease negotiation
- The process of discussing and agreeing upon the terms and conditions outlined in a Letter of Intent or a lease agreement for a property.
- makerspace
- A collaborative workspace equipped with various tools and machinery for prototyping, design, and fabrication.
- Matterport
- Matterport is a company that creates special cameras and software to make 3D pictures of real places. These 3D pictures let you explore a place on a screen just like you are walking through it.
- Megawatt-electrolyzers
- Electrolysis units with a power capacity in the megawatt range, designed for large-scale hydrogen production.
- MEP
- Refers to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within a building, which are critical components of its infrastructure.
- mobile media supply
- Flexible laboratory systems that provide gases, air pressure, or vacuum at various points without fixed piping.
- multi-resistant bacteria
- Bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections difficult or impossible to treat with conventional drugs.
- Negative pressure
- A condition where the air pressure inside a room is lower than outside, preventing air and contaminants from escaping.
- Non-GMO fungi
- Fungi that have not had their genetic material altered using genetic engineering techniques.
- Off-gassing
- The release of gases or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials over time, potentially impacting indoor air quality.
- Open office
- An office layout with few or no walls separating employees, designed to encourage collaboration.
- Permit-ready drawings
- Architectural and engineering drawings that contain all necessary information and comply with local regulations to obtain construction permits.
- Pharma Biotech
- The use of living organisms or their products to create pharmaceuticals or diagnostic tools for human health.
- pilot plant
- Intermediate-scale industrial facilities that bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production, used for process development and optimization.
- precision chromatography
- Advanced analytical or preparative techniques used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture with high accuracy.
- precision fermentation
- A biotechnology process that uses microorganisms to produce specific proteins or other organic molecules, often for food or material applications.
- Production facility
- A building designed and equipped for manufacturing products on an industrial scale.
- Property developers
- Individuals or companies that acquire, develop, and manage real estate projects, often involving construction and renovation.
- protein
- Proteins perform a vast array of functions within living organisms, including catalyzing metabolic reactions (then they are called enzymes), DNA replication, responding to stimuli, and transporting molecules from one location to another (Watch this motorprotein walk. Proteins differ from one another primarily in their sequence of amino acids, which is dictated by the nucleotide sequence of their…
- Prototyping
- Quickly making early versions or models of a product or system to test ideas and gather feedback, allowing for fast improvements.
- Quantum Computer systems
- Advanced computing devices that use quantum-mechanical phenomena like superposition and entanglement to perform computations.
- Quantum Computing
- A new type of computing that uses the strange rules of quantum physics to solve problems too complex for regular computers, like those involving very large numbers or complex simulations.
- Qubit
- The basic unit of quantum information, analogous to bits in classical computing, but capable of existing in multiple states simultaneously (superposition).
- Reagents
- Substances or compounds added to a system to cause a chemical reaction or test if a reaction occurs.
- Refurbished equipment
- Previously owned lab equipment that has been inspected, repaired, and restored to working condition.
- Relocation
- The process of moving an existing lab or its components to a new facility.
- Remote Bioprocessing Lab
- A laboratory designed for bioprocessing, where significant design, planning, or operational support can be managed from a distant location.
- Reverse osmosis (RO)
- A water purification process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles.
- Ribonucleic acid
- Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a chain of nucleotides that plays important roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. In contrast to DNA, in RNA the base thymine is replaced by uracil and the sugar deoxyribose is ribose, unlike DNA it is more often found in nature as a single-strand folded onto itself, rather than a paired double-strand. The chemical properties of ribose make RNA…
- site search
- The process of identifying and evaluating potential locations for a new laboratory or facility based on specific requirements.
- Supercomputer
- A high-performance computer that can execute complex calculations at extremely fast rates.
- Supercritical CO₂
- Carbon dioxide at a temperature and pressure above its critical point, exhibiting properties between a gas and a liquid.
- Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
- A chromatography technique that uses a supercritical fluid, often CO₂, as the mobile phase for separating compounds.
- Supply chain interruptions
- Disruptions or delays in the process of getting materials and products from suppliers to the end-user.
- Synbio startup
- A synbio startup is a new company that uses biology and engineering to create new things, like medicines or new ways to make materials.
- Synth-Bio
- A field of science focused on designing and building new biological parts, devices, and systems, or redesigning existing natural biological systems for useful purposes.
- Synthesis
- The chemical or biological creation of complex compounds from simpler ones.
- Synthetic biology
- Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary branch of biology and engineering. The subject combines various disciplines from within these domains, such as biotechnology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, systems biology, biophysics, computer engineering, and genetic engineering.
- technical building infrastructure
- The essential systems within a building that provide utilities and environmental control, such as electricity, sanitary facilities, gases, and IT networking.
- Tunnel Boring Competitions
- Engineering challenges focused on designing and operating tunnel boring machines and underground construction methods.
- turnkey
- A project delivery method where a single entity is responsible for both the design and construction aspects of a project, delivering a ready-to-use facility.
- Type I water
- The highest grade of purified water, essentially free of all contaminants, used for the most sensitive lab applications.
- Ventilation right-sizing
- Designing a lab's ventilation system to be just the right size and capacity for its needs, avoiding over- or under-sizing.
- VR Content
- Computer-generated experiences that simulate a real or imagined environment, allowing users to explore and interact with it as if they were physically there.
- walk-in fume hood
- A large fume hood designed to allow personnel to perform experiments or operations inside the contained space, often for large-scale equipment or complex setups.
- Water purification system
- Equipment used to remove impurities from tap water, producing different grades of purified water essential for lab work.
- wet labs
- Laboratory spaces designed for experiments involving chemicals, biological materials, and open liquids, typically requiring specialized plumbing and ventilation.
- workflow optimization
- Workflow optimization is the process of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory processes and tasks.
- Y Combinator company
- A startup that has been accepted into and received funding from Y Combinator, a highly competitive American startup accelerator.