The Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences inaugurated a Super-Resolution Microscopy Platform for research and training for the university community and services to public and private institutions in the region.
The Super-Resolution Microscopy Platform features state-of-the-art equipment that allows the resolving power of conventional optical microscopes to be increased to the molecular scale. It thus aims to improve access to these technologies for the academic community, as well as public and private institutions in the region.
This new laboratory, located in the basement of CUAS II, with entrances through Suipacha and San Lorenzo streets, was inaugurated by UNR Rector Franco Bartolacci and Faculty Dean Andrés Sciara, along with Science and Technology authorities, deans, and directors of institutes and research centers. The presentation was led by Mariana Semeniuk, the Department Manager, and Nicolás Blanco, the Scientific Coordinator, who explained the objectives, general guidelines, and policy for using the Platform.
The creation of this Platform was managed by the UNR Science, Technology, and Innovation Department after identifying a gap in the city's microscopy infrastructure, which generated high demand for the limited equipment available. Faced with this situation, researchers from the Health Faculties and Institutes affiliated with UNR/Conicet submitted a proposal to acquire the equipment to the "Equipar Ciencia" program of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Nation in 2022.
With this funding, two Zeiss microscopes were purchased: an LSM 980 with Airyscan 2 and an ELYRA 7 LS. To accommodate the Platform, a space in the building was refurbished to meet strict infrastructure and service requirements to ensure the proper functioning of the equipment, and the technical teams who will operate and manage it were trained.
“The University's role is to train cutting-edge professionals, and what's needed is teaching using the latest models and technologies. Today, microscopy has taken a qualitative leap in its use, in the medical, agricultural, and biological fields; therefore, several faculties will benefit from the inclusion of these cutting-edge techniques. The goal is to bring UNR's scientific capabilities and teaching closer to the highest European and North American standards,” stated Scientific Coordinator Nicolás Blanco, clarifying that these devices push the limits of microscopy resolution and are versatile in various biological models, from yeast, sperm, human cells, and plasma.
"The idea of this space is to provide a microscopy service to researchers, provide teaching to transmit new knowledge, and be part of a collaborative network in the country and throughout Latin America," said Mariana Semeniuk, head of the Platform, highlighting that the ELYRA microscope is one of four currently in use in the country.
Meanwhile, Andrés Sciara, Dean of the Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, highlighted the opportunities this Platform opens up, given that it "will actively promote cooperation with various institutions, both nationally and internationally, the adoption of innovative research methodologies, and the ongoing training of students, faculty, researchers, and users in general." He also stated that with this initiative, UNR is becoming part of research networks and multidisciplinary projects that transcend local borders. "We are very proud and satisfied with this achievement, which is primarily thanks to the high human and scientific quality and the immense commitment of those who have participated in the project."
Journalist: Victoria Arrabal/Photographer: Camila Casero