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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.

TOFSIMS_EN-2Download

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U16-E03. K-Alpha X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) system (Thermo)

K-Alpha X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) system (Thermo):

•• Lateral resolution ~ 30-400 μm (extension of surface area analyzed).
•• Depth resolution ~ 10 nm (thickness of surface analyzed).
•• Depth profiles.

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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

C:\Users\usuario\Desktop\Proyectos\CIBER\Nanbiosis\Fotos XPS\1677655978522.jpg

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U16-S04. Detection of secondary ions by time-of-flight mass spectrometry service (TOF-SIMS)

Detection of secondary ions by time-of-flight mass spectrometry service (TOF-SIMS)

This service employs one of the most powerful techniques at the level of detection and resolution both laterally and in depth for chemical composition measurements on surfaces and depth on thin films, such as TOF-SIMS or detection of secondary ions by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In this way, the chemical composition of different materials can be tracked to form 2D and 3D conformational depth mappings or profiles of the system under study. In addition, the service allows surface analysis of organic and inorganic materials by obtaining mass spectra, mapping of chemical elements present on the surface of the sample by imaging and depth profile analysis.

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

C:\Users\usuario\Desktop\Proyectos\CIBER\Nanbiosis\Fotos TOF\TOF-SIMS 1.jpg

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U15-S01. Magnetometry (Remote) OUTSTANDING

Magnetometry on nanoparticles in solid form, ultra thin films, powders, liquids and even slurries:

  • Magnetization curves.
  • Coercitivity (normal and remanent).
  • Magnetization vs. time curves.
  • First Order Reversal Curves (FORC) diagrams.
  • Diamagnetic and paramagnetic susceptibility.
  • S* (measurement of the gradient in the second quadrant).
  • Remanent and saturation magnetization.
  • Initial permeability.

Measurements of magnetic properties of materials:

  • Diamagnetic, paramagnetic and ferromagnetic materials.
  • Magnetic recording media.
  • Magnetoresistive Random-Access Memory (MRAM).
  • Amorphous metals.
  • Giant Magnetoresistance Effect (GMR).

Geophysical Research:

  • Measurements of magnetization of rock, sediment and organic samples.

Biomedical Research:

  • Detection of small nanoparticles inside biological tissue in order to study the biodistribution and toxicity.
  • Study of the iron levels which are associated with some types of neurodegenerative disease.
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U15-S02. Relaxometry (Remote) OUTSTANDING

Measurement of the relaxation times in aqueous solutions and biological samples containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles as contrast agents for MR images. For T1 in the continuous range 10 kHz to 80MHz; for T2 in the range 10 MHz to 80MHz.

Characterization of contrast agents for MR imaging, ascertaining their relaxivity and the dominant effect.

NMR relaxometry technique is an important analytical tool for NMR research and material characterization in both industrial and academic environments and has been successfully applied in a wide range of fields:

– Pharmaceutical Applications:

  • R&D of MRI contrast agents
  • Proteinstudies
  • R&D for formulations (e.g. properties of solutions; liposome carriers)
  • Quality control of products in manufacturing

– Polymers Applications:

  • R&D for new polymer materials
  • Control of levels of polymer additive
  • Quality control of products in manufacturing

– Oil, gas and petroleum applications:

  • Oil and gas surveying – rock pore size evaluation
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U15-E02. T1 and T2 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry

T1 and T2 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry:

Stelar SmarTRACER (Italy) + Bruker (Germany) 2 T electromagnet. Fast Field Cycling designed to measure longitudinal nuclear magnetic relaxation as a function of the magnetic field intensity. Measurements of the longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) time constants as a function of the Larmor frequency.
•• Measurement range: continuous measurement from 10 kHz (almost null field) to 10 MHz (0.25T) to obtain T1.
•• Measurement range: measurement from 10 MHz (0.25T) to 80MHz (1.9T) at desired intervals to obtain T1 and T2.
•• Inhomogeneity lower than 150 PPM.
•• Main pulse sequences implemented with the possibility of modifying parameters to the design and programming of new sequences.
•• Temperature control from -120°C to +140°C with accuracy and stability of 0.1°C.

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U15-E01. Alternating Gradient Magnetometer

Alternating Gradient Magnetometer:

MicroMag M2900-4 AGM (Princeton Measurements Corporation, USA) for the magnetic and mechanical characterization of nanoparticles in various different media:
•• Magnetic Moment Range: 1nA.m² to 5mA.m² full scale (1μemu to 5emu).
•• Resolution: 0,005% of full scale with 60% overrange capability.
•• Speed of measurement: 100 ms/point.
•• High sensitivity: 10 pA.m² (10 nemu) of standard deviation at room temperature and with 1 second of averaging time.
•• High performance with samples of very small magnetization and dimensions (few nanometers).
•• The AGM can accommodate a large range of samples with widely different properties.

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U5-E01. Tissue Engineering Tool 3D-300 series (nScript Inc.) for rapid prototyping

Specifications:

›› Three heads for injection of different materials:
•• Polymers
•• Ceramics
•• Living cells

›› Allowed viscosities ranging from 1 to 106 centipoises.
›› System for temperature and humidity control to enable the printing conditions to be adjusted. It is possible to create a microenvironment appropriate for each mixture of materials and proteins and to achieve high rates of cell viability.
›› Controlled by Software .
›› Visual monitoring system based on a digital camera, firewire cameras and high magnification lenses, with detection and measurement of colormetric/monochromatic variations.
›› Mapping system using a laser sensor for control of normal and extended working distances. It includes Target, Grid and Path mapping.
›› High-precision dispensing pump for dynamic control of the flow rate.

›› Position control system:
•• X/Y/Z accuracy: ±10 μm
•• X/Y reproducibility: ±2 μm
•• X/Y resolution: 0.5 μm
•• X/Y velocity: 304 mm/s (12”/s)
•• X/Y displacement: 304X 152 mm (12”X6”)
•• Z displacement: 101 mm (4”)

In addition, it should be noted that the system is sited in a clean room with a controlled environment and supply of the gases required for these tests.

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