Our Labs

Designed For Discovery: Our Specialized Lab Spaces

The McMaster Ancient DNA Centre is home to four specialized laboratory spaces, each designed to meet the exacting demands of ancient DNA research.

From ultra-clean environments for fragile fossils to isolated workstations for modern DNA analysis, our facilities are engineered to preserve the integrity of every molecule. Together, they form a seamless ecosystem for breakthrough discoveries in ancient genetics, environmental reconstruction, and evolutionary history.

Ancient DNA Cleanrooms & Enrichment Laboratory (HSC 4N57 & 4N58)

Opened in 2014, our flagship cleanroom complex meets and exceeds the most stringent standards in ancient DNA research. Composed of dedicated rooms for sample preparation, DNA extraction, and reagent handling, these cleanrooms maintain a unidirectional flow and controlled air pressure to keep contaminants at bay. Personnel work in full-body suits, using PCR workstations to ensure sample purity.

Just down the hall, our dedicated enrichment lab provides a separate controlled environment for handling captured and amplified molecules – avoiding cross-contamination and keeping workflows clean. Together, these spaces represent the gold standard in ancient molecular biology.

Isolated On-Site aDNA Replication Facility (GSB B103)

Situated across campus in the General Sciences Building, this standalone replication lab offers a secure space for verifying results and conducting high-sensitivity projects. Its physical isolation is key – it prevents cross-exposure from amplified DNA sources and houses all the tools needed for independent in-house replication.

This space is also certified for the analysis of soil-derived DNA and other challenging material types, making it indispensable for projects that push the limits of what ancient DNA recovery can achieve.

Modern DNA Laboratory (MDCL 4071)

Our modern DNA lab supports the processing of contemporary and abundantly amplified samples, such as those used for reference or enrichment studies. Equipped with additional PCR machines, gel purification stations, and archival storage for indexed libraries, it plays a vital role in modern genomic workflows.

To maintain the sanctity of our ancient DNA environments, this lab follows strict movement protocols that prevent modern fragments from re-entering ancient workspaces – ensuring clean lines between eras.

BioBubble (MDCL 4070)

Just next door, our BioBubble is a positively-pressurized, HEPA-filtered containment space housed within an independently accessed room. It’s used for the delicate handling of modern and synthetic DNA and enrichment reaction setups.

In an age of high-throughput sequencing, post-PCR DNA handling is a crucial part of ancient DNA research. The BioBubble provides a sealed, sterile environment that helps safeguard results while enabling flexibility in advanced genomic workflows.