Vivendi Water Systems prize for AIDS research
As part of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, South Africa has a research programme to develop vaccines based on recombinant BCG, virus-like particles produced in plants as well as recombinant MVA (modified vaccinia Ankara) and also DNA vaccines.
In support of the programme, ELGA LabWater, a brand of laboratory water purification company Vivendi Water Systems, presented a complete ultrapure water system, to the University of Cape Town (UCT) in recognition of its commitment to research in the field of AIDS and HIV. The system includes an ELGA LabWater PURELAB Prima 8 reverse osmosis unit, which produces laboratory grade water, and an ELGA LabWater PURELAB Maxima Life Science ultra pure water polishing system complete with accessories and a 40l litre storage tank.
The PURELAB Maxima Life Science uses a combination of adsorption, photo-oxidation, ion exchange and ultrafiltration to deliver water of the highest possible mineral and organic purity (18.2MW.cm and <5ppb TOC). The water is apyrogenic (<0.02EU/ml) and particles are removed by the ultrafilter to less than 5000 Dalton molecular weight. A final 0.2µm absolute filter in the PURELAB Maxima's hand-held dispensing head ensures the absence of bacteria. The unit uses easily replaceable adsorbent and ion exchange resin cartridges, which treat around 50,000 litres between changes; a unique water quality monitoring system ensures that there is no danger of over-running.
Dr Joanne van Harmelen, of the UCT team, said: 'The new system will provide the endotoxin free ultrapure water that we need for tissue culture, PCR and other molecular techniques. At the moment the tissue culture labs have to purchase bottled ultra-pure water at high cost, so this is not just more convenient; it will save us money, which will go back into research.'