Molecular, Cellular, and In Vivo Analysis Unit

Introduction

Molecular, Cellular and In Vivo Analysis Unit is a cross-disciplinary research support platform that offers its services to any researcher with the aim of fostering, promoting, and conducting high-quality translational research.

The platform is equipped with the following unique and exclusive scientific and technological equipment for sample analysis, which can be used by both INCLIVA Foundation staff and personnel from other public and private institutions.

COPAS FP1000 Large Particle Flow Cytometer

The COPAS FP1000 system is a unique and exceptional piece of equipment of its kind in the Valencian Community, offering automation, greater robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility than previous manual methods.

It is based on biophysical technology that uses laser light to separate large particles in high-throughput formats. It enables the measurement and separation of large particles ranging from 30 to 1,000 microns, such as organoids and spheroids, zebrafish larvae, third-stage mosquito larvae, Drosophila embryos and larvae, and Arabidopsis seeds.

The objects are analysed and sorted based on size, optical density, and up to three fluorescence channels, and those that meet the sorting criteria can be dispensed into multi-well plates or bulk receptacles with 24, 48, 96, or 384 wells.

Applied Biosystems QuantStudio™ 5 Real-Time PCR System

This real-time PCR system, the only one of its kind at the Burjassot Campus of the University of Valencia, enables the precise quantification of the initial amounts of genes of interest in both DNA, cDNA, and RNA.

Its capabilities allow for the simultaneous performance of 384 reactions, offering a significant advantage over 96-well models. It features high sensitivity and supports the use of various fluorophores to monitor DNA amplification during analysis.

Leica CM1950 Cryostat – Cryosectioning Service for Biological Samples

The cryosectioning service for biological samples consists of a stainless-steel-encased rotary microtome equipped with cooling via two freezing systems and a non-toxic UV-C lamp disinfection system.

The equipment allows for the processing of samples for diagnostic or histological and histopathological identification and is based on freezing the samples to preserve them and obtain tissue sections without the need for prior chemical fixation.

This equipment facilitates sample processing and prevents the loss of characteristics important for diagnosis, for understanding the condition of tissues, and for determining protein expression and distribution.

Zeiss LSM 800 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

The Zeiss LSM 800 confocal laser scanning microscope features various diode lasers: 405, 488, 561, and 640 nm; apochromatic objectives at 10x, 20x, 40x (water), 40x (oil), and 63x (oil); and three sensitive GaAsP detectors. In addition, it is equipped with an anti-vibration stage.

This instrument enables the non-invasive capture and acquisition of precise 2D or 3D images at the nanometer level. By combining fluorescence with other contrast techniques within the instrument, it is possible to perform precise and detailed analysis of cellular structures at the molecular level.