Department of Chemical Engineering

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Biotechnology and Food Industry Laboratory

The Biotechnology and Food Industry Laboratory supports experimental research and instructional activities in biochemical processes, microbial systems, and advanced food engineering operations. The laboratory focuses on fermentation technology, bioprocess optimization, enzymatic reactions, microbial characterization, and the evaluation of thermal and non‑thermal food processing techniques. It integrates biological, chemical, and engineering principles to enhance food quality, safety, and process efficiency, and the following equipment are available in this laboratory.
1. Oven

An oven is a device used for drying and synthesizing chemical materials. Its operating temperature typically ranges from 50°C to 100°C. The oven generates uniform heat within the chamber using heating elements and a temperature control system, ensuring consistent thermal conditions for experimental processes.


2. Refrigerated Shaking Incubator

In the laboratory, there are two refrigerated shaking incubators: one manufactured by Fanavaran Sahand Azar, model ISH-554D, with a capacity of 120 liters, and the other by Hestaran Teb, with a capacity of 55 liters. These devices are suitable for cell culture, microbiology, and biochemical experiments. The shaker section allows speed adjustment from 50 to 200 rpm, and the incubator temperature is controllable with heating and cooling systems, ranging from -5°C to 60°C.


3. Voltammetry

Voltammetry is an electrochemical method that enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of heavy metals in water and wastewater samples by measuring the current as a function of the applied potential in a three-electrode system. In the specific case where a working electrode is used and the electrode is a mercury drop, this method is called polarography. Using this technique, qualitative and quantitative analysis of metals such as zinc, lead, copper, and cadmium is possible. The polarograph available in the laboratory is the 884 Professional VA model from Metrohm, Switzerland.


4. Centrifuge

The laboratory is equipped with two centrifuges, one for high-speed and one for low-speed applications. The 6-place Universal 320 centrifuge from Hettich, manufactured in Germany, is used to separate different components in samples. Its operation is based on centrifugal force, which separates the various constituents of a sample at high speed. The maximum speed of this device is 10,000 rpm. Additionally, the 4-place Universal centrifuge from Sahand can operate at speeds up to 3,000 rpm.


5. Tubular Furnace

The ATR1200L‑50H30S tubular furnace, manufactured by Atra, can reach temperatures up to 1200°C. This device can operate under controlled atmospheres, including air, nitrogen, or argon. The furnace is equipped with spiral heating elements, allowing precise control of the internal atmosphere. It is suitable for advanced thermal processes such as material sintering, calcination, and heating under a controlled atmosphere. Inside the furnace, a quartz tube is placed, and the sample is positioned within a quartz boat inside the tube.


6. Hematology Roller Mixer

The 6-channel hematology roller mixer from Pol Ideal Tajhiz is suitable for mixing various types of solution and suspension samples. One of the key functional features of this device is the simultaneous rotational and vertical movement of the rollers. The dimensions and spacing of the rollers are designed in a way that allows different types of tubes and bottles to be placed on them for mixing.


7. Balance

The AND EK300i balance has a weighing capacity of 300 grams with an accuracy of 0.01 grams. This balance is used for weighing materials. Equipped with a standard RS-232C port, the EK300i can be connected to a personal computer and a printer, which further enhances the device’s capabilities.


8. Laminar flow hood

The Class II laminar flow hood from Hestaran Teb is designed for microbiological work and the handling of materials in a highly clean environment. The device is equipped with three separate filters, and as air passes through them, a contamination-free environment is created inside the hood. This laminar hood is used in cell culture laboratories and for handling human pathogenic materials such as bacteria, viruses, microbes, and parasites, as well as for tissue and tumor culture. It controls ventilation and the suction of airborne particles generated during microbiological procedures, thereby protecting laboratory personnel from exposure to these particles while working.



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