Preclinical validation tissue, biomaterialls and surfaces characterization -Services

U14-S05. Determination of cytokine concentration by flow cytometry

Determination of cytokine concentration by flow cytometry

The determination of cytokine concentration by flow cytometry service represents a cutting-edge approach to cytokine analysis within the realm of biomedical research and pharmaceutical investigation. Through the utilization of advanced flow cytometry techniques and specialized staining protocols, this service enables the precise quantification of intracellular cytokines across distinct cell subsets distinguished by surface markers. This service facilitates the elucidation of cytokine profiles within specific cell populations, shedding light on their roles in health, disease, and therapeutic interventions.

Customer benefits

U14 Cell Therapy Unit offers researchers precision, efficiency, and expertise, streamlining experiment. With stringent quality control, ISO 9001-2015 and GLP compliant, tailored solutions, and access to advanced equipment, researchers can focus on innovation and core objectives, driving scientific progress forward. By delving into the intracellular milieu, researchers gain invaluable insights into the intricate regulatory networks governing immune responses and cellular signaling pathways.

Target customer

This service is essential for organizations involved in Research and Development, including pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions for biomedical research, biotechnology firms for bioprocessing, and regulatory agencies for in vitro studies.

Additional information

Selected references:

de Pedro, Maria Ageles; Pulido, Maria; Álvarez, Veronica; Marinaro, Federica; Marchena, Ana Maria; Sanchez-Margallo, Francisco Miguel; Casado, Javier G.; Lopez, Esther. 2023. Menstrual blood-derived stromal cells: insights into their secretome in acute hypoxia conditions. MOLECULAR MEDICINE. SPRINGER. 29-1. ISSN 1076-1551. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-023-00646-1
Cristobal JI; Duque, FJ; Uson-Casaus J; Barrera R; López E; Perez-Merino EM. 2022. Complete Blood Count-Derived Inflammatory Markers Changes in Dogs with Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy Treated with Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Animals. MDPI. 12-20. ISSN 2076-2615. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202798
Marinaro, Federica; Silva, Joana M; Barros, Alexandre A; et al; Lopez, Esther. 2021. A Fibrin Coating Method of Polypropylene Meshes Enables the Adhesion of Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A New Delivery Strategy for Stem Cell-Based Therapies.International journal of molecular sciences. MDPI. 22-24. ISSN 1422-0067. WOS (0) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222413385
de Pedro, Maria Angeles; Gomez-Serrano, Maria; Marinaro, Federica; et al; Lopez, Esther (AC); Casado, Javier G.(4/10). 2021. IFN-Gamma and TNF-Alpha as a Priming Strategy to Enhance the Immunomodulatory Capacity of Secretomes from Menstrual Blood-Derived Stromal Cells INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES. MDPI. 22-22. ISSN 1422-0067. WOS (0) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212177
López E; Blazquez R; Marinaro F; et al; Casado JG. 2019. The Intrapericardial Delivery of Extracellular Vesicles from Cardiosphere-Derived Cells Stimulates M2 Polarization during the Acute Phase of Porcine Myocardial Infarction. STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS. SPRINGER. 16-3, pp.626-626. ISSN 2629-3269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12015-019-09926-y

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U14-S04. Cytokine quantification assays

Cytokine quantification assays

The cytokine quantification assays service is at the forefront of cytokine analysis in biomedical research and pharmaceutical development. Leveraging advanced immunoassay techniques and specialized expertise, this service offers precise quantification of cytokines present in cell culture supernatants or animal fluids. Through meticulous analysis, researchers gain valuable insights into the intricate signaling networks and immune responses underlying various physiological and pathological processes. From characterizing inflammatory cascades to evaluating therapeutic interventions, our service provides a robust platform for investigating cytokine dynamics and their implications for health and disease.

Customer benefits

Target customer

Additional information

Selected references:

de Pedro, Maria Ageles; Pulido, Maria; Álvarez, Veronica; Marinaro, Federica; Marchena, Ana Maria; Sanchez-Margallo, Francisco Miguel; Casado, Javier G.; Lopez, Esther. 2023. Menstrual blood-derived stromal cells: insights into their secretome in acute hypoxia conditions. MOLECULAR MEDICINE. SPRINGER. 29-1. ISSN 1076-1551. https://doi.org/10.1186/s10020-023-00646-1
Cristobal JI; Duque, FJ; Uson-Casaus J; Barrera R; López E; Perez-Merino EM. 2022. Complete Blood Count-Derived Inflammatory Markers Changes in Dogs with Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathy Treated with Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Animals. MDPI. 12-20. ISSN 2076-2615. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12202798
Marinaro, Federica; Silva, Joana M; Barros, Alexandre A; et al; Lopez, Esther. 2021. A Fibrin Coating Method of Polypropylene Meshes Enables the Adhesion of Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A New Delivery Strategy for Stem Cell-Based Therapies.International journal of molecular sciences. MDPI. 22-24. ISSN 1422-0067. WOS (0) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222413385
de Pedro, Maria Angeles; Gomez-Serrano, Maria; Marinaro, Federica; et al; Lopez, Esther (AC); Casado, Javier G.(4/10). 2021. IFN-Gamma and TNF-Alpha as a Priming Strategy to Enhance the Immunomodulatory Capacity of Secretomes from Menstrual Blood-Derived Stromal Cells INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES. MDPI. 22-22. ISSN 1422-0067. WOS (0) https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212177
López E; Blazquez R; Marinaro F; et al; Casado JG. 2019. The Intrapericardial Delivery of Extracellular Vesicles from Cardiosphere-Derived Cells Stimulates M2 Polarization during the Acute Phase of Porcine Myocardial Infarction. STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS. SPRINGER. 16-3, pp.626-626. ISSN 2629-3269. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12015-019-09926-y

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U13-S08. Atomic Force Microscopy indentation test

Atomic Force Microscopy indentation test

Atomic Force Microscopy can be used to measure the forces between the probe and the sample as a function of their mutual separation. This can be applied to perform force spectroscopy.

Customer benefits

Low forces on cells (nano-scale).

Target customer

Public and private research groups focused on mechanobiology

Additional information

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U19-S01. Preclinical studies

Preclinical studies

This service is responsible for conducting regulatory preclinical studies for the pharmaceutical industry and interested companies. Among the studies that can be carried out are: in vivo toxicity studies, local and systemic tolerance and efficacy studies. Pharmacokinetic studies, dosage studies of test products and biocompatibility studies of new drugs and medical devices are also performed.

Customer benefits

These studies are carried out under strict quality regulations, certified with ISO-9001 and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), quality standards that allow the production of high-precision results.
Therefore, preclinical studies can be carried out in compliance with the strict guidelines of regulatory agencies, ensuring the reliability and traceability of all results and tests carried out in their different services.

Target customer

The services offered may be of interest to different companies and laboratories that work within the pharmaceutical industry. Companies whose objective is to test possible candidates for molecules, drugs or medical devices.

References

J Bote, et al. Novel ex-vivo database of a murine model of colorectal cancer using optical coherence tomography. Surg Endosc (2022) 36:S325–S674
V Lucas-Cava, et al. Prostatic artery occlusion: Initial findings on pathophysiological response in a canine prostate model. Translational Andrology and Urology. Transl Androl Urol 2022.
Soria F, et al. Heparin coating in biodegradable ureteral stents does not decrease bacterial colonization-assessment in ureteral stricture endourological treatment in animal model. Transl Androl Urol. 2021 Apr;10(4):1700-1710.
Baez-Díaz C, et al. Microencapsulated Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 therapy improves cardiac function and reduces fibrosis in a porcine acute myocardial infarction model. Sci Rep. 2020 Apr 28;10(1):7166.
Moreno-Lobato, B, et al. Use of nanomedicine in preclinical wound healing studies. FarmaJournal; Salamanca T 4, N.º 1, (Feb 2019): 178.
Picado Román, N, et al. Drugs most used in experimental animals in a Research Center. FarmaJournal; Salamanca T 4, N.º 1, (Feb 2019): 236.
Moreno-Lobato B, et al. Analytical Validation Study of Hematological Parameters under Good Laboratory Practice Regulations in Different Laboratory Animal Species. Thromb Haemost Res. 2019; 3(1): 1018.
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).
R Blázquez , et al. Altered hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in a porcine myocardial infarction model: predictive biomarkers for the severity of myocardial infarction. Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 205 (2018) 49–57.
Vela FJ, et al. Evaluation of antigen-induced synovitis in a porcine model: Immunological, arthroscopic and kinetic studies. BMC Vet Res. 2017. Apr 7;13(1):93.

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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-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

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.
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.
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-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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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

Target customer

Additional information

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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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You are here : Home / Preclinical validation tissue, biomaterialls and surfaces characterization -Services (Page 3)

Determination of cytokine concentration by flow cytometry

Cytokine quantification assays

Atomic Force Microscopy indentation test

Preclinical studies

In vivo nanotoxicology

In vitro nanotoxicology

Confocal Microscopy Service

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy service

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