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  1. ITAM Natural Products Laboratory (NatPro Lab):
    The NatPro Lab is a flagship research and regulatory facility of ITAM, designed to meet WHO and FDA-Ghana standards for herbal product development and analysis. The lab comprises functional areas for:

  • Phytochemistry – Chemical analysis of medicinal plant compounds

  • Microbiology – Safety and contaminant testing

  • Pharmacology and Toxicology – Bioactivity and toxicity studies

  • Formulation and Production – Herbal product preparation, packaging, and sterilization

  • In-Process Quality Assurance (IPQA) – Compliance and process monitoring

  • Administrative and Support Areas – Offices, reception, change rooms, and sanitation facilities

     

    Available Equipment at NatPro Lab

    The ITAM Natural Products Laboratory is equipped with a diverse range of modern scientific instruments to support quality assurance, pharmacological evaluation, and innovative product development. The following equipment is currently available:

  • Teledyne Combi-Flash System (1) – For automated flash chromatography

  • Ultimate 3000 RSLC Nano System + Pump (1) – For high-resolution compound separation

  • Rotary Evaporators (2) – For solvent evaporation and concentration

  • Flash-300 Pump (1) with Vacuum Pumps (2) – For liquid transfer and vacuum filtration

  • Precision Weighing Balance (1) – For accurate measurement of raw materials and reagents

  • Filtered Balance System with Guardian Airflow Monitor – For safe weighing of fine powders

  • Compact Microbiological Incubator (1)

  • Forma Environmental Chamber Incubator (1) – For controlled environment incubation

  • Colony Counter (1) + Pen (1) – For enumeration of microbial colonies

  • PCR Instrument, Real-Time (1) – For molecular diagnostics and DNA analysis

  • pH Meter (1) – For determining acidity or alkalinity of formulations

  • Micro-bead Sterilizer (1) – For sterilizing small tools and instruments

  • Hot Air Oven (1) – For drying and sterilization

  • Autoclaves (inferred from lab type) – For high-pressure steam sterilization

  • Water Baths (4) – For temperature-controlled reactions

  • Chillers (2) – For maintaining low temperatures in reaction systems

  • Refrigerated Centrifuge (1) – For sample preparation at low temperatures

  • -80°C Freezer (1) and Standard Laboratory Refrigerator (1) – For long-term biological and reagent storage

  • Digital Magnetic Stirrer Hotplate (1) – For mixing and heating reactions

  • Sample Preparation Rooms with Grinding, Drying, and Sterilisation Facilities