Most of contemporary diseases are related to disorders in microbiome and, accordingly, microbial ecology, using molecular tools, has become one of the leading branches in human disease research. The role of the Laboratory is to determine the role of microorganisms in the quality of life in different populations, to explore the mechanisms of interaction of intestinal microbiome and human organism and the role of microbiome in the emergence of complex diseases. The Laboratory will also explore the role of microorganisms in the impact on the environment, exploring nutritional habits of populations of the past and microbiological factors that affect the quality of the archaeological sites.
Research will contribute to the knowledge of the interaction of the ecological system consisting of human and environment and the improvement of the health status of individuals. The analyses to be carried out within this Laboratory include classical microbiological analyses and the application of new methods such as (meta-)genome analysis, (meta-) transcriptome analysis, massive parallel sequencing and sequencing of individual cells, metabolomics and cell physiology testing in real systems.
The most important equipment of the laboratory:
- ImageXpress Micro Confocal High-Content Imaging System
- ImageXpress® Micro Confocal High Content Imaging System is an integrated system designed for cellular imaging and analysis of the obtained data with the integrated MetaXpress software.It is specifically designed for rapid automated screening of fluorescently labeled biological samples in microplates. It is also equipped with the following additional options:1) atmospheric control system for living cells (for microplates);
2) phase-contrast system (transmitted light module);
3) microscope slide holder for classical microscopic histological and cellular preparations.
All key optical and mechanical elements are motorized and can be driven asynchronously, allowing complete control of the desired configuration through MetaXpress software.
The microscope is equipped with a CMOS camera, Nikon lenses (4x Plan Apo Lambda, 10x Plan Apo Lambda, 20x Super Plan Fluor ELWD – only for phase contrast, 40x Plan Apo Lambda, 60x Plan Apo Lambda, 60x Plan Apo Oil, 100x CFI Plan EPI) , and filters for DAPI, FITC, TRITC-Cy3 and Cy5. The geometries are widefield, 50 μm slit and 60 μm pinhole.
- ImageXpress® Micro Confocal High Content Imaging System is an integrated system designed for cellular imaging and analysis of the obtained data with the integrated MetaXpress software.It is specifically designed for rapid automated screening of fluorescently labeled biological samples in microplates. It is also equipped with the following additional options:1) atmospheric control system for living cells (for microplates);
Head of Laboratory for Microbial Ecology: Luka Bočkor, PhD
Contact e-mail: luka.bockor@redesign.inantro.hr
