Upgrading sterilization equipment for animal research
Official title: BRC Modernization of Sterilizing Equipment
Funded at Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center · NIH-10988086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about improving the way we clean and sterilize equipment used for caring for lab animals, especially those that are more vulnerable, to make sure they stay healthy and safe during research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R24OD037736-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are those involved in studies requiring the use of immunosuppressed or genetically modified rodents, particularly in the fields of infectious diseases and chronic illnesses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in animal research or those whose conditions do not relate to the studies conducted with the sterilized rodents may not receive any direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on modernizing the sterilization processes at the C.W. Steers Biological Resources Center to enhance the reliability of sterilizing equipment used in animal and biomedical research. The project involves acquiring a new autoclave with a water conservation vacuum system, which will improve the sterilization of cages and tools necessary for housing and studying rodents. This upgrade is crucial as the demand for sterile environments has increased due to a growing number of research projects involving immunosuppressed and genetically modified rodents. By ensuring proper sterilization, the research aims to prevent disease transmission among the animal population used in various studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health and safety standards in animal research, ultimately benefiting the development of treatments for chronic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach to modernizing sterilization equipment is somewhat novel, similar upgrades in sterilization processes have shown success in enhancing research outcomes in other biomedical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerra, Catalina Maria — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Guerra, Catalina Maria
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.