Presentation
The Research and Technology Center (CPT) at Universidade Paulista - UNIP has a modern, multidisciplinary and continuously improved infrastructure dedicated to scientific and technological development. Its main objective is to offer qualified support to the research activities carried out in the Stricto Sensu Postgraduate Programs (Masters, Doctorate and Post-Doctorate), as well as the Undergraduate Scientific Initiation.
Located on the Indianópolis Campus, the CPT has 670 m² distributed between specialized laboratories, teachers' and students' rooms, classrooms, a rest area and a cafeteria. The entire space was designed to meet the ethical and technical requirements of scientific experimentation, promoting safe, reproducible practices that are accessible to multiple users.
Operating on a multi-user basis, the CPT is run by a highly trained technical team made up of laboratory managers, herbarium curators, technicians and assistants. In addition to the preventive and corrective maintenance of the equipment, the team provides training on biosafety standards and the proper use of the available resources.
The CPT's structure includes laboratories for molecular biology, cell culture, histopathology, flow cytometry, cryopreservation, experimentation with animals and aquatic organisms, experimental homeopathy and scientific imaging. This diversity of environments guarantees the viability of experimental projects on multiple fronts of basic, clinical and applied science.
The Center also stands out for its constant investment in technology and infrastructure, in addition to seeking to strengthen innovative methodologies and the adoption of alternative experimental models, such as the use of Artemia salina and zebrafish.
Animal experimentation laboratory (SPF) and fish vivarium
Built in 2009, UNIP's Animal Experimentation and Behavior Laboratory follows the SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) model, meeting national and international requirements for experimentation with rats, mice and zebrafish (Danio rerio). The space is organized by species and structured for keeping, handling and experimenting on animals.
It has specific areas such as reception, washing, sterilization, handling, experimentation, surgery, perfusion, necropsy and behavioural observation rooms.
In 2013, a room was adapted with an inverted light cycle to study the sexual behavior of rats, and camera systems were installed with transmission to televisions, allowing observation without the presence of the researcher. Between 2014 and 2015, the Aquatic Organisms vivarium was built, with specific facilities for healthy and infected fish, as well as a room for environmental toxicity studies and another for handling Artemia salina. In 2017, a room was adapted with soundproofing and equipped with the UltraVox system for ultrasonic vocalization studies. In 2018, experimental models with Artemia salina were added and the infrastructure was expanded, including two new racks and improvements to the air-conditioning and autoclave systems.
Equipment:
- Techniplast microisolators;
- Equipment for testing motor skills, anxiety and depression;
- Video cameras, monitors and Noldus software (Observer and EthoVision);
- Equipment for surgery, perfusion and necropsy;
- Soundproofed room, microphones, hardware and UltraVox software (Noldus);
- Cameras attached to the TV for behavioral observation without external interference.
Pathology Laboratory
It processes histological material from biopsies, necropsies or experiments, using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. The laboratory provides support for optical microscopy studies and is constantly being updated to incorporate complementary methodologies in association with the Molecular Biology Laboratory. When necessary, it uses agreements with external institutions to access advanced techniques such as electron and confocal microscopy.
Equipment:
- Greenhouses;
- Refrigerators;
- Microtomes;
- Microscope with image analysis system.
Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory (Security Level 2)
Opened in 2007 with funding from UNIP and support from CAPES, the laboratory is dedicated to basic research and diagnostics in molecular and cellular biology. It supports techniques such as PCR, gene expression, bacterial and mycological cultivation, as well as immunological analysis. It has a modern infrastructure with rooms for students and teachers, and a PhD technician in charge. It welcomes undergraduate, master's, doctoral and post-doctoral students.
Equipment:
- Laminar flow cabinets;
- Thermocyclers;
- CO2 and refrigerated ovens;
- Thermoblocks and thermostated baths;
- pH meter;
- Centrifuges (refrigerated and standard);
- Ice machine;
- ELISA reader;
- BOD ovens;
- Refrigerators and freezers;
- Microscopes;
- Nikon E200 photomicroscope with Coolpix camera;
- Metamorph image analysis system;
- JEOL Scanning Electron Microscope;
- Luminex Magpix reader.
Flow Cytometry Laboratory
Created in 2015, this laboratory performs multiparametric analysis of cells in suspension, which is essential for immunophenotypic, apoptosis, cell cycle and biomarker studies. It offers high precision in the collection and analysis of cellular data.
Equipment:
- BD Accuri C6 flow cytometer.
Cryopreservation Laboratory
Intended for the preservation and safe storage of biological samples and cells used in in vitro models. The extremely low temperatures ensure the viability of the materials for long periods.
Equipment:
- Two ultra-low intelligent freezers (-80ºC);
- Three liquid nitrogen tanks (-196ºC).
Cell Culture Laboratory
Designed to expand in vitro studies and reduce the use of animals, the laboratory is divided into two rooms: one for uninfected cells and the other for cells challenged by pathogens. Equipped for cell cultivation, observation and maintenance, it has enabled new lines of research through institutional investments and grants from FAPESP (2012/51727-5 and 2014/00967-1).
Equipment:
- Laminar flow;
- Centrifuge;
- CO2 incubator;
- Inverted microscope with fluorescence;
- Refrigerators;
- Automatic cell counter.
Imaging Laboratory
Space for recording microscopy images, with applications in fluorescence, brightfield and digital magnifier observation. Support for histological, cellular and molecular studies.
Equipment:
- Specialized fluorescence and brightfield microscopes;
- Digital magnifier.
Laboratory for Experimental Study with Homeopathy
Focused on research with dynamized inputs, this laboratory uses models such as Artemia salina to assess toxicity and biological response. The production of homeopathic potencies is automated, using raw materials from suppliers accredited by ANVISA or MAPA. Its creation made it possible to expand the alternative methodologies within the Program's experimental scope.
Equipment:
- Automated production systems for homeopathic potencies;
- Structure for experimentation with Artemia salina.
Contact
UNIP Research Center - Indianópolis
Rua Doutor Bacelar, 902 - Zip Code: 04026-002
Phone: (11) 5071-8439
Responsible: MsC. Ana Luiza Valgas
E-mail: biomolebiocelunip@gmail.com