The Bioengineering and Cell Imaging Laboratory specialises in the analysis of cellular models using advanced imaging techniques (fluorescence and confocal microscopy) and flow cytometry.

In the field of microscopy, we currently own the confocal microscope LSM 980 from Zeiss, equipped with an enhanced resolution module (Airyscan 2) that allows imaging of structures as small as 120 nm, and a second confocal microscope (Celldiscoverer 7 from Zeiss), which enables real-time imaging of dynamic changes in living cellular systems thanks to a cell culture maintenance module integrated within the microscope. Both microscopes are suitable for imaging classical microscope slides and a variety of multi-well plate formats.

Concerning cytometric analyses, the laboratory can offer a broad spectrum of measurements, covering, among others:

• Cell sorting, including single cell per well sorting. Our sorter (Beckman Coulter CytoFlex SRT) is housed in a laminar chamber for increased purity;
• Cytometric analysis of surface and intracellular antigens, apoptosis and cell cycle. Our laboratory is equipped with a Cytek Northern Lights cytometer which, thanks to its two lasers (violet and blue) and its spectral detector array, allows the simultaneous analysis of up to 30 parameters (FSC, SSC + 28 colours). The instrument is also equipped with an autosampler for working with 96-well plates;
• Cytometric-microscopic analyses using the Cytek Amnis ImageStreamX Mk II imaging cytometer. This instrument combines the advantages of a fluorescence microscope (imaging of each cell of interest) with classical flow cytometry (measurement of the fluorescence intensity of cells flowing in a stream). Among the many applications of this instrument are the possibility to image the immunological synapse, intercellular interactions, the internalisation of microvesicles and the assessment of protein translocation within a cell, among others. The cytometer is also equipped with an autosampler that allows the use of 96-well plates.

The laboratory is also equipped with all the necessary equipment for cell culture and basic biochemical and genetic analyses, as well as a plate reader capable of reading fluorescence, luminescence and absorbance in combination with simultaneous imaging of cells in brightfield or fluorescence mode (multifunctional plate reader Cytation 5).

Detailed information on the above-mentioned laboratory equipment can be found in the Equipment section.

Please feel free to contact us. We are open to collaborations and will be happy to answer your questions.