BBL - Basic biology laboratory

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

Facility

Azure c600. Western Blot and Gel Documentation System

Two Channel Infrared (IR) Direct Detection – Laser diodes at 660nm and 785nm. Three Channel RGB Excitation (Cy5/Cy3/Cy2 applications)

AzureSpot Analysis Software

Advanced Analysis for 1D Gels and Blots.



NanoDrop TM

Full-spectrum, UV-Vis spectrophotometer used to quantify and assess purity of DNA, RNA, Protein and more.

sciFLEXARRAYER S3. Spotter

Includes two excitation lasers: 785nm and 514nm. The system is fully automatized and permits to switch the excitation light and adjust the laser power by using the software Wire.

Synergy H1. Microplate Multi-Mode Reader

A configurable multi-mode microplate reader.

Low temperature storage of biological samples

The Biology Lab at ICFO is well equipped to guarantee the adequate conditions to store biological samples.

  • 4ºC Cold Room

  • Fridges and regular -20ºC Freezers including back-up units

  • -80ºC Deep Freezers. Including an emergency back-up unit

  • Liquid nitrogen tanks

Mammalian cell and tissue culture cubicles

Three mammalian cell and tissue culture cubicles fully equipped to work with biosafety level 2 biological samples. Each cubicle is equipped with:

  • Biosafety Hood

  • Vacuum suction

  • CO2 incubator

  • Inverted microscope with fluorescence filters (green and red)

  • Fridge and freezer

  • Centrifuge

  • Water bath

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The Biology Lab at ICFO is equipped with instrumentation and devices to perform basic and last generation Biochemistry and Molecular Biology techniques

  • PCR

  • DNA gel electrophoresis

  • PAGE

  • Western Blotting

  • Northern Blotting

  • CRISPR/Cas technology

  • Antibody labelling

C. elegans culture

The Biology Lab at ICFO provides users with technical expertise to support the research activities involving this model organism.

  • Media preparation

  • Routine culture and maintenance.

  • Freezing/thawing

Institutional Contacts / Head of Facilities

Provisional Contacts

Dr. Ángel Sandoval Álvarez | BBL Head |  angel.sandoval@icfo.eu  | 93 553 4095 |  ORCID 

BBL Head

Dr. Ángel Sandoval Álvarez |  angel.sandoval@icfo.eu  | 93 553 4095 |  ORCID 

Research Technical Support

Merche Rivas Jiménez |  merche.rivas@icfo.eu  | 93 553 4095

Biology Technician

Dr. Ángel Sandoval Álvarez |  angel.sandoval@icfo.eu  | 93 553 4095 |  ORCID  

Dr. Pablo Loza-Alvarez | Facilities Coordinator |  pablo.loza@icfo.eu  | 93 553 4068 - 93 554 2259 |  ORCID 

CERCA Institutes

Owners

Centres CERCA List

Equipments & Services Offered

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.

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.

Categorització

RIS3CAT domains & other

RIS3CAT Domains
CERCA GINYS Categories

GINYS-ICFO-002

Access procedure & Fares

Open – To request access, detailed information on available equipment and rates, please contact Angel Sandoval