Cells and tissues of animal and human origin find many applications in many fields of science. They are vital for the development of oncology, embryology, virusology, immunology, genetics, molecular biology, tissue engineering and transplantology, biotechnology, and many other disciplines. Cell and tissue models have found increasing use in the analysis of cytotoxicity, bioavailability and biological activity of drugs, cosmetics and food components.
The Animal Cells and Tissue Cultures Laboratory is equipped with instruments that are vital for culturing cells and tissues in conditions optimal for their growth and function. The equipment includes: laminar flow cabinets, incubators with control of CO2 concentration, vibrating platform shaker, inverted phase contrast microscopes, centrifuges, microplate reader with absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence detection with continuous wavelength regulation (TECAN Infinite M200), cryogenic vessels for storing cells in liquid nitrogen, horizontal and vertical electrophoresis devices including a comet kit for the detection of DNA fragmentation in single cells with the SCGE (Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis) method, and standard systems for protein separation using SDS-PAGE and their identification with Western Blot.
The researchers cooperate with the the Genetics Laboratory which is equipped for analyzing the metabolism and function of cells at the molecular level, and the Flow Cytometry Laboratory.