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Posts on Jan 1970

U22-E01. Rooms for the maintenance of large animals

This unit has facilities with a perimeter area of 3,200 m2 and it has large rooms to house the experimental animals according to their species characteristics. Among the equipment and facilities include:
9 rooms for large animals (pigs) maintenance with capacity for about 350 animals, for long periods of time and environmental, nutritional and microbiological conditions controlled.

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U22-E02. Rooms for maintaining small ruminants

2 rooms for the maintenance of small ruminants (sheep and goats) with capacity for about 60 animals over long periods of time and environmental, nutritional and microbiological conditions controlled.

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U22-S01. Animal Housing

Animal Housing

JUMISC Animal Housing Unit provides services to companies and research groups in multiple preclinical trials. This unit develops designs and performs preclinical validation on demand. It counts with professionals qualified to design, monitor and validate any type of biomedical study. An important feature of this unit is the possibility to house, maintain and supervise large animals for preclinical validation. This service also counts with a dilated experience in the handling and care of minipigs and what its use in preclinical studies implies.
It has a floor net area of 2.865 m2. It is equipped with spacious rooms to house experimentation animals depending on its specie characteristics (age, sex, weight, breed) and the research projects they are assigned to. Among the equipment and facilities are: rooms for the maintenance of large animals, rooms for the maintenance of small ruminants, rooms for the maintenance of birds, barrier-zone for the maintenance of rodents in SPF conditions, an operating room integrated within the barrier area, multipurpose rooms for the maintenance of rodents and lagomorphs, a room for the reception and handling of the animals, quarantine rooms for pre-experimental processes, a room for small procedures and cures and rooms for the preparation of large animals prior to the surgical area.

Among the services that the Unit develops, we highlight the following:

  • U22-S01 Housing and care of animal models.
  • U22-S02 In vivo experimental design/consultancy for preclinical procedures.
  • U22-S03 In vivo Toxicological studies in rodent and non-rodent species.
  • U22-S04 In vivo Biocompatibility studies of medical devices in rodent and non-rodent species.
  • U22-S05 PK/PD studies in rodent and non-rodent species.
  • U22-S06 In vivo Safety and efficacy studies of nanomaterials, biomaterials and new drugs in rodent and non-rodent species.
  • U22-S07 Development of animal models of disease in large animals.
  • U22-S08 Dosing of test substances and non-clinical specimen drawing in rodent and non-rodent species.

Customer benefits

All rooms and facilities included in the unit are certified with ISO-9001 and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), strict quality standards that allow the production of highly accurate results.

In this way, preclinical, security and efficacy studies in animal models can be performed in compliance with the strict guidelines of the regulation agencies, ensuring reliability and traceability of all tests and results performed in its different services.

In addition, this team has been certified by the Spanish Agency of Drugs and Health Products (AEMPS) for studies of “Dosification of problem substances and non-clinical samples”, “Biocompatibility studies of health products”, “In vivo toxicity”, “Tolerance” and “Pharmacodynamics”. All these certifications allow to carry out studies to verify the efficacy, security and biocompatibility of nanotechnological development.

Target customer

The offered services can be of interest to a large number of companies, including the following:

Pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies: Companies that carry out preclinical and clinical studies for the development of drugs, therapies and biotechnological products and require animals to test the efficacy and security of their products.

Academic Researchers: Professors, researchers and students from academic institutions who need access to animals to conduct scientific research in areas like biology, medicine, behaviour, etc.

Medical Institutions: Hospitals, clinics and medical research centres that conduct studies to understand human diseases and develop medical treatments, including preclinical trials on animals.

Medical devices companies: Medical devices manufacturers who need to test the security and efficacy of their products on animals before commercialization.

Regulatory agencies: Government agencies in charge of regulating and monitoring security and efficacy of medical and pharmaceutical products, which may require data from animal studies to support products approval.

Food and agriculture companies: Companies that develop food and agricultural techniques may need to conduct animal studies to evaluate food security, the effects of additives, efficacy in agricultural products, etc.

Additional information

Selected publications:

  • Peiro JL, et al. Fetal Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Is Technically Feasible in Prenatally Induced Hydrocephalus Ovine Model. Neurosurgery 2023; Jun 1;92(6): 1303-1311.
  • Blanco-Blázquez V, et al. Swine Models of Aneurysmal Diseases for Training and Research. J Vis Exp 2022; Mar 23: 181.
  • Lucas-Cava V, et al. Prostatic artery occlusion versus prostatic artery embolisation for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: early results in a canine model. British Journal of Radiology 2022; 95: 1136.
  • Soria F, et al. Assessment of a Coated Mitomycin-Releasing Biodegradable Ureteral Stent as an Adjuvant Therapy in Upper Urothelial Carcinoma: A Comparative In Vitro Study. Polymers 2022; 14: 3059.
  • Campos JL, et al. Popliteal Vascular Lymph Node Resection in the Rabbit Hindlimb for Secondary Lymphedema Induction. J Vis Exp 2022; Nov 30: 189.
  • de la Cruz JE, et al. Biodegradable ureteral stents: in vitro assessment of the degradation rates of braided synthetic polymers and copolymers. Am J Clin Exp Urol 2022; Feb 15;10(1) :1-12.
  • Crisóstomo V, et al. The epicardial delivery of cardiosphere derived cells or their extracellular vesicles is safe but of limited value in experimental infarction. Sci Rep 2021; Nov 12;11(1): 22155.
  • Ballestín A, et al. A Pre-clinical Rat Model for the Study of Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Reconstructive Microsurgery. J Vis Exp 2019; Nov 8: 153.
  • López E, et al. Identification of very early inflammatory markers in a porcine myocardial infarction model. BMC Vet Res 2019; Mar 12;15(1): 91.
  • Enciso S, et al. Validation of a model of intensive training in digestive laparoscopic surgery. Cir Esp 2016; Feb;94(2):70-6.
  • Crisostomo V, et al. Allogeneic cardiac stem cell administration for acute myocardial infarction. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2015; 13(3): 285-99.
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U18-S01. In vivo nanotoxicology

In vivo nanotoxicology

The aim of this service is to evaluate the in vivo toxicity of nanoparticles and drug-loaded nanoparticles. Thus, we offer different mouse models in which we can determine the toxicity of the compounds. We offer to evaluate the nanotoxicology in healthy mice of any strain or in tumor mouse models. In the service we have subcutaneous and orthotopic/disseminated models of lymphoma, leukemia and colorectal, endometrium, head and neck carcinomas. Moreover, we have also available PDX models of colorectal and endometrium cancer. We can also offer the possibility to set up new animal models of other tumor types.

Customer benefits

The customer will benefit from the experience of the researchers involved in the service that have evaluated the nanotoxicology of a high number of diverse nanoparticles. The service has also high expertise in developing new cancer animal models. Thus, we offer also the possibility of setting up new models of any cancer type that fit with the needs of the customer. Moreover, the conditions of the assays are flexible and will be adapted to the need of each specific compound.

Target customer

The offered service can be of interest to research groups of academia or companies willing to test the nanotoxicology of nanoparticles or drug-loaded nanoparticles in vivo.

References

  • Martínez-Torró C, Alba-Castellón L, Carrasco-Díaz LM, Serna N, Imedio L, Gallardo A, Casanova I, Unzueta U, Vázquez E, Mangues R, Villaverde A. Lymphocyte infiltration and antitumoral effect promoted by cytotoxic inflammatory proteins formulated as self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Aug;164:114976. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114976.
  • Rioja-Blanco E, Arroyo-Solera I, Álamo P, Casanova I, Gallardo A, Unzueta U, Serna N, Sánchez-García L, Quer M, Villaverde A, Vázquez E, Mangues R, Alba-Castellón L, León X. Self-assembling protein nanocarrier for selective delivery of cytotoxic polypeptides to CXCR4+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2022 May;12(5):2578-2591. doi: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.09.030.
  • Falgàs A, Garcia-León A, Núñez Y, Serna N, Sánchez-Garcia L, Unzueta U, Voltà-Durán E, Aragó M, Álamo P, Alba-Castellón L, Sierra J, Gallardo A, Villaverde A, Vázquez E, Mangues R, Casanova I. A diphtheria toxin-based nanoparticle achieves specific cytotoxic effect on CXCR4+ lymphoma cells without toxicity in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 Jun;150:112940. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112940.
  • -Medina-Gutiérrez E, García-León A, Gallardo A, Álamo P, Alba-Castellón L, Unzueta U, Villaverde A, Vázquez E, Casanova I, Mangues R. Potent Anticancer Activity of CXCR4-Targeted Nanostructured Toxins in Aggressive Endometrial Cancer Models. Cancers (Basel). 2022 Dec 23;15(1):85. doi: 10.3390/cancers15010085.
  • Sala R, Rioja-Blanco E, Serna N, Sánchez-García L, Álamo P, Alba-Castellón L, Casanova I, López-Pousa A, Unzueta U, Céspedes MV, Vázquez E, Villaverde A, Mangues R. GSDMD-dependent pyroptotic induction by a multivalent CXCR4-targeted nanotoxin blocks colorectal cancer metastases. Drug Deliv. 2022 Dec;29(1):1384-1397. doi: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2069302.
  • Serna N, Falgàs A, García-León A, Unzueta U, Núñez Y, Sánchez-Chardi A, Martínez-Torró C, Mangues R, Vazquez E, Casanova I, Villaverde A. Time-Prolonged Release of Tumor-Targeted Protein-MMAE Nanoconjugates from Implantable Hybrid Materials. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Jan 14;14(1):192. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010192.
  • Pallarès V, Unzueta U, Falgàs A, Aviñó A, Núñez Y, García-León A, Sánchez-García L, Serna N, Gallardo A, Alba-Castellón L, Álamo P, Sierra J, Cedó L, Eritja R, Villaverde A, Vázquez E, Casanova I, Mangues R. A multivalent Ara-C-prodrug nanoconjugate achieves selective ablation of leukemic cells in an acute myeloid leukemia mouse model. Biomaterials. 2022 Jan;280:121258. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121258.
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U18-S02. In vitro nanotoxicology

In vitro nanotoxicology

The aim of this service is to evaluate the in vitro toxicity of compounds in different types of normal human cells in which we determine the effect using different types of assays including MTT, LDH release and caspase activation. The cellular models that we offer include cells from kidney, liver, bone marrow stroma or peripheral blood. Additionally, we are offering immunology assays including detection of NO production and chemotaxis and phagocytosis assays.

Customer benefits

The customer will benefit from more than 20 years of experience of the researchers involved in the service that have performed the in vitro evaluation of the toxicity of different nanoparticles and other types of compounds. We offer also the possibility of setting up new in vitro assays or to offer other cellular models that could be of interest for the costumer. Moreover, the conditions of the assays are flexible and will be adapted to the needs of each specific compound.

Target customer

The offered service can be of interest to research groups of academia or companies willing to test the toxicity of any compound in vitro.

References

  • Falgàs A, Pallarès V, Unzueta U, Núñez Y, Sierra J, Gallardo A, Alba-Castellón L, Mangues MA, Álamo P, Villaverde A, Vázquez E, Mangues R, Casanova I. Specific Cytotoxic Effect of an Auristatin Nanoconjugate Towards CXCR4+ Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Cells. Int J Nanomedicine. 2021 Mar 5;16:1869-1888. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S289733.
  • Núñez Y, Garcia-León A, Falgàs A, Serna N, Sánchez-García L, Garrido A, Sierra J, Gallardo A, Unzueta U, Vázquez E, Villaverde A, Mangues R, Casanova I. T22-PE24-H6 Nanotoxin Selectively Kills CXCR4-High Expressing AML Patient Cells In Vitro and Potently Blocks Dissemination In Vivo. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Feb 22;15(3):727. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030727.
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U17-E01. Leica TCS-SP5 confocal microscope

Leica TCS-SP5 confocal microscope with especial features that allows studying interactions between cells/tissues and materials. Indeed, the experience of the research group in charge of this Unit makes this a unique service for the study of cells and tissues and the interactions between various materials and cell components as well as between implants/scaffolds and tissues of the recipient organism. For example, it makes it possible to characterize in detail the specific markers of particular cell populations for tissue engineering applications and in vitro tests of biocompatibility of new materials, allowing the process of cell colonization of surfaces to be explored and simultaneous analysis of the cells or subcellular structures and materials. The combined use of fluorescence and reflection makes it possible to study the tissue-implant interface, with up to 8 fluorophores, at wavelengths from 405 to 633 nm allowing histological studies of a wide range of tissue types which would be restricted at certain fixed wavelengths due to autofluorescence phenomena.

 

Leica TCS-SP5 confocal microscope with:

DMI 6000 inverted microscope with 4 objectives:
10X (dry); 20X; 40X and 63X(for immersion).

Confocal module:
•• 3 channels for spectral detection
•• AOBS (Acousto Optical Beam Splitter)
•• Resonant scanning system.

4 lasers:
•• Argon laser (excitation at 458, 477, 488, 496 and 514 nm)
•• He/Ne laser (excitation at 633 nm)
•• DPSS (diode-pumped solid-state) laser (excitation at 561 nm)
•• UV laser (excitation at 405 nm)

Incubation chamber on a motorized stage.

Workstation with 4 types of software for data acquisition and processing:

•• 3D imaging
•• Colocalization analysis
•• FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching)
•• FLIP (Fluorescene Loss In Photobleaching)
•• FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer)

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U17-S01. Confocal Microscopy Service

Confocal Microscopy Service

The Confocal Microscopy Service offers the possibility of making optical section of samples and enabling their three-dimensional reconstruction, which allows their visualization in high resolution with exceptional clarity and detail.
The unit is equipped with a Leica TCS-SP5 confocal microscope. The confocal module is equipped with three spectral detection channels, AOBS (Acousto-optical beam splitter) and a resonant scanner system that allows analysis at high speed and resolution and makes possible the analysis of dynamic in vivo physiological processes in short periods of time, significantly improving the survival of living biological samples by shortening the exposure times to lasers. Includes 1 argon laser, 1 He/Ne laser, 1 DPSS laser diode and 1 violet excitation laser. The microscope is coupled to a cell incubation kit that allows multi-position time lapse experiments. The equipment includes a workstation and four software for acquisition and analysis, which allow 3D visualizations, co-location studies, FRAP (Fluorescent Recovery after Photo-bleaching), FLIP (Fluorescent Loss in Photobleaching) and FRET (Fluorescence Resonant Energy Transfer). The equipment allows 3D characterization in detail of living cells and tissues through the use of different fluorochromes, expression and localization of molecules in 2/3D, colocalization and interaction of proteins or other types of molecules; endocytosis and intracellular transport, in situ hybridization with fluorescent probes, interaction studies between cells and materials, etc.
The unit provides researchers with a wide array of routine and specialized services as well as the latest advances in microscopy, including technical and scientific support to scientists for the study of cell/tissue biology, physiology and pathogenesis of diseases. Overall, the Confocal Microscopy Service serves as a valuable tool to advance scientific research and understand complex biological systems at the cellular and molecular level.

Customer benefits

Confocal microscopy is useful in biomedical science, cell and molecular biology and physiology for visualizing subcellular organelles, cellular interactions, disease mechanisms, co-localization studies, analysis of gene expression or in vivo and real-time experiments using markers or fluorescent fusion proteins.
Also, in tissue engineering and materials science, confocal microscopy enables surface morphology characterization, and material properties.

Confocal Microscopy Service offers specific advantages to customers by providing high-resolution imaging and adding value through access to advanced instrumentation and expertise. It becomes essential for organizations involved in Research and Development across various sectors, enabling them to advance scientific understanding, accelerate innovation, and drive discoveries that have social impact.

Target customer

The Confocal Microscopy Service becomes essential for organizations involved in Research and Development in various scenarios:

  • Biomedical Research Institutes: This service can be useful for research institutions focused on the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying different diseases, allowing to visualize pathological changes, identify biomarkers and investigate possible therapeutic targets. Additionally, it allows researchers to study disease progression, evaluate drug efficacy, and develop new treatment strategies.
  • Pharmaceutical Companies: Confocal microscopy can be used by drug development companies to evaluate the effects of these drugs on cellular function.
  • Academic Laboratories: Confocal microscopy can be useful for researchers in diverse fields of biology, including neuroscience, developmental biology, and cancer biology, to explore fundamental biological processes and generate novel scientific insights.

References

  1. Benito-Martínez S, Pérez-Köhler B, Rodríguez M, García-Moreno F, Gómez-Gil V, Pascual G, Bellón JM. Antibacterial Biopolymer Gel Coating on Meshes Used for Abdominal Hernia Repair Promotes Effective Wound Repair in the Presence of Infection. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(14):2371. doi: 10.3390/polym13142371.
  2. Sánchez-Esteban S, Castro-Pinto M, Cook-Calvete A, Reventún P, Delgado-Marín M, Benito-Manzanaro L, Hernandez I, López-Menendez J, Zamorano JL, Zaragoza C, Saura M. Integrin-Linked Kinase Expression in Human Valve Endothelial Cells Plays a Protective Role in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022. 11(9):1736. doi: 10.3390/antiox11091736. 
  3. Campillo S, Bohorquez L, Gutiérrez-Calabrés E, García-Ayuso D, Miguel V, Griera M, Calle Y, de Frutos S, Rodríguez-Puyol M, Rodríguez-Puyol D, Calleros L. Indoxyl sulfate- and P-cresol-induced monocyte adhesion and migration is mediated by integrin-linked kinase-dependent podosome formation. Exp Mol Med. 2022;54(3):226-238. doi: 10.1038/s12276-022-00738-8. 
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U16-E04. ToF-SIMS 5 Time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry system (ION TOF )

ToF-SIMS 5 Time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry system (ION TOF ).

•• Sensitivity < 100 ppm.
•• Lateral resolution ~ 100 nm (extension of surface area analyzed).
•• Depth resolution ~ 1 nm (thickness of surface analyzed).
•• Identification of molecules up to 10000 amu.

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U16-E03. X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer, FlexPS-ARPES-E

X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer, FlexPS-ARPES-E

Description

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, known as XPS or ESCA, is one of the most widely used surface analysis techniques due to the high analytical value of its results and its flexibility in being applied to a wide variety of samples. In this regard, the surface information it provides is highly relevant, as basic XPS analysis offers qualitative and quantitative information on all the elements present on the surface of the studied material, except for hydrogen (H) and helium (He). Additionally, more comprehensive studies can provide detailed information about the surface’s chemistry, organization, and morphology.

Technical Specifications:

The FlexPS-ARPES-E system (SPECS) includes a UHV (ultra-high vacuum) chamber designed with a geometry that allows for the combination of the most common electronic and ionic spectroscopy applications, such as XPS, SEM/SAM (Scanning Electron/Auger scpetroscopy), UPS (Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy), and ISS (Ion Scattering Spectroscopy). Therefore, this equipment not only allows for the collection of complete and high-resolution spectra but also includes technology for performing angle-resolved studies on layers and thin films. It also features Auger technology in SEM/SAM for acquiring elemental mappings with high lateral resolution and includes pre-chambers for thermal and gaseous treatments, enabling in situ studies of materials under their real operating conditions.

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U16-S01. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy service

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy service

This service provides quantitative surface chemical elemental composition of a wide range of materials by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition to obtaining the elemental composition of the surface of the materials studied, it is possible to determine their chemical state and the overall electronic structure and density of electronic states of the material. Using this technique, it is possible to check which elements are present on the surface of the material, as well as to which other elements they are bonded. In addition, this service offers the possibility of depth profiling when combined with ion beam etching.

Customer benefits

The instruments are located in the Research Support Services, specifically in the Analysis and Characterisation of Solids and Surfaces Service. Within the service there is a Doctor responsible for the instruments, in charge of their management and handling, as well as optimising their use as much as possible.

Target customer

Being located within the Research Support Services, it allows full access to the instruments (handled by a specialist in the technique) to the entire scientific community, both at the University of Extremadura and other public and private organisations.

Additional information

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