- Freezer (-86°C) Forma Scientific
- Autoclave Prescoclave, Pselecta
- Thermal Bath (FisherBrand, Isotemp GPD05)
- Centrifuge CencomII; PSelecta
- DNA/RNA UV-Cleaner Cabinet; UVC/T-AR (Biosan)
- Thermocycler PEN (VWR)
- Optical Microscope (VWR)
- Lyophilizer Telstar LuoQuest
- 2 Incubation Cabinets with thermal control and CO2 injection (Nuare)
- 2 Laminar Flow Cabinets; Biological Safety Cabinet Class II (Nuare)
- Laminar Flow Cabinet for bacterial testing (Cruma FL-2)
- Universal Ovens (Memert)
- Plate Reader (Biochrom EZ Read 400 Microplate Reader)
- Orbital Shaker (with thermal control; Heidolph)
The Innovation Group in Materials and Molecular Engineering Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies (IMEM-BRT) focuses one of its main research lines on the development, analysis, and characterization of new micro- and nano-structured materials for biomedical applications. Specifically, systems such as nanomembranes, nanofibers, hydrogels, and nanoparticles are produced to serve as platforms for the controlled release of drugs and peptides, tissue regeneration, and ion transport. Nanomembranes and nanofibers based on synthetic, natural, and/or conductive polymers are used to stimulate cell adhesion and proliferation through ion exchange across the cell membrane.
On the other hand, nanoparticles and nanofibers are used to release therapeutic compounds through simple degradation mechanisms, electrochemical, thermal, or chemical stimulation, among others. Thus, the Biological Characterization Laboratory supports the development, analysis, and characterization of biomaterials for biomedical applications from both a basic and advanced research perspective.
The group accepts requests or services related to cell culture (cell proliferation and adhesion) of various polymeric, ceramic, or metallic systems, for the evaluation of the compatibility of new materials with different organisms (in vitro and ex-vivo testing).
The main objective of the Cell Culture and Biological Characterization Laboratory is to characterize the behavior of various polymeric, ceramic, or metallic systems in contact with biological systems to verify their suitability for biomedical applications. In the laboratory, the compatibility of the material is evaluated through cell proliferation and adhesion tests, as well as in vitro and ex-vivo assessments.
The laboratory has access to the infrastructure of the Barcelona Research Center in Multiscale Science and Engineering (BRCMSE), a Maria de Maeztu Center of Excellence as an affiliated group.