Bioelectronics Lab
The Bioelectronics Laboratory is a facility oriented toward the research, development, and validation of bioelectronic technologies, as well as the integration of cells into micro- and nanoelectronic structures.
The main objective of the laboratory is to provide a safe, comprehensive space for handling and maintaining cell cultures up to biosafety level 2 (BSL-2). The facility enables experiments that connect microdevices (such as nanoparticles, chips, sensors, and measurement platforms) with controlled cellular environments to test their biocompatibility and functionality.
Main activities
The laboratory combines routine cell maintenance with high-tech experimental assays integrated into the IMB-CNM infrastructure:
- Cell maintenance and handling: Seeding, expansion, thawing, and cryopreservation of cell cultures under BSL-2 containment.
- Bioelectronic integration: Experiments studying the interaction of cell cultures with silicon chips, nanoparticles, sensors, and electrophysiological measurement instrumentation (Patch Clamp).
- Characterization and viability assays: Cytotoxicity and proliferation assays (MTT, ELISA), immunocytochemical staining, and 3D tumor spheroid formation.
- Advanced biophysical studies: Assays involving near-infrared (NIR) laser stimulation and exposure to alternating magnetic fields.
- Advanced microscopy and observation: FLIM/τ-STED confocal microscopy service adapted for cell cultures in a controlled environment with normal light/darkness conditions.
Equipment
- Confocal / FLIM / τ-STED Microscope: Leica Stellaris 8
- 2 Class II Biosafety Cabinets: Telstar BIO-II-Advance Plus 3 & 4
- Patch Clamp System: Nikon Ni-E + Axopatch 200B / Digidata 1550B1
- CO2 Incubator: HERAcell® 150i (Thermo Scientific / Fisherbrand)
- -80 °C Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer: Thermo Scientific
- Inverted Microscope: Motic AE2000 + Moticam X5 Plus
- Microplate Reader: Varioskan LUX Thermo Scientific
Contact staff
Maria Rodríguez / Mar Alvarez