Biology Lab
The Biology Lab (BIL) is a transversal facility available to all eligible ICFO research groups and external users with the aim of providing scientific assistance and technical support covering their needs in biological sample handling, preparation, storage and maintaining.
The facility has been implemented to meet biosafety requirements to perform experiments involving biological samples up to biosafety level 2.
The Facility is prepared with equipment and tools to support users in their needs regarding classical and last generation Molecular Biology and Biochemistry techniques as well as in vitro and in vivo practices including mammalian cell culture, culture of microorganisms, C. elegans and other model animals.
The BIL facility puts great effort into training programs for the users of the facility. All new users of the facility are systematically trained to comply with all biosafety regulations as well as to adequately perform laboratory protocols and to use specific equipment required to successfully develop their research projects.
Biology lab head
Ángel Sandoval Álvarez
Collaborations
Research Infrastructures
The Biology Lab forms part of the following research Infrastructure
Equipment &Techniques
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
Collaboration
The BBL offers scientific advice and hands-on training in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry techniques as well as technical support to conduct basic research activities involving living animals.
The BBL is open to external collaborations with industry, research centers and Universities. In order to request access, detailed information on the available equipment and fees, please contact: Angel Sandoval