BBL - Basic biology laboratory
GINYS-ICFO-002
Dr. Ángel Sandoval Álvarez
BBL Head
The Biology Lab (BBL) is a cross-cutting facility available to all eligible ICFO research groups and external users with the goal of providing scientific assistance and technical support that covers their needs in handling, preparation, storage and maintenance of biological samples.
The facility has been implemented to meet biosafety requirements to conduct experiments with biological samples up to biosafety level 2.
The facility is prepared with equipment and tools to support users in their needs in terms of classical and state-of-the-art techniques of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, as well as in vitro and in vivo practices that include mammalian cell and tissue culture, microorganism culture, C. elegans and other animal models.
The installation of the BBL puts a great deal of effort into training programs for the users of the facility. All new users of the facility are systematically trained to comply with all biosafety standards, as well as to properly carry out laboratory protocols and to use the specific equipment needed to successfully develop their research projects.
Collaboration
The BBL offers scientific advice and practical training in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry techniques, as well as technical support to carry out basic research activities with live animals.
The BBL is open to external collaborations with industry, research centers and universities
Services
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The ICFO Biology Laboratory is equipped with instrumentation and devices to perform basic and state-of-the-art techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- PCR
- DNA gel electrophoresis
- PAGE
- Western Blotting
- Northern Blotting
- CRISPR / Cas9 technology
- Antibody labeling
The BBL offers specific guidance on specific markers and labeling strategies for superesolution techniques (which also include fixation methods and / or buffer conditions compatible with a particular technique) and has established an extensive library of probes for superesolution.
Equipment
- Azure c600. Western Blot and Gel documentation system: Direct detection of two-channel infrared (IR): laser diodes at 660 nm and 785 nm. Three-channel RGB excitation (Cy5 / Cy3 / Cy2 applications)
- AzureSpot analysis software: Advanced analysis for 1D gels and stains
- NanoDropTM: Full-spectrum UV-Vis spectrophotometer used to quantify and evaluate the purity of DNA, RNA, proteins and more.
- sciFLEXARRAYER S3. Spotter: Includes two excitation lasers: 785 nm and 514 nm. The system is fully automated and allows you to change the excitation light and adjust the power of the laser using the Wire software.
- Sinergy H1. Microplate Multimode Reader: A configurable multimode microplate reader.
- Low temperature storage of biological samples: The ICFO Biology Laboratory is well equipped to ensure the right conditions for storing biological samples.
- Mammalian cell and tissue culture cubicles: Three fully equipped mammalian cell and tissue culture cubicles to work with level 2 biosafety biological samples. Each cubicle is equipped with:
- Culture of C. elegans: The ICFO Biology Laboratory provides users with technical knowledge to support research activities involving this model organism.
