To complement in vivo readouts, ERBC provides a full range of in vitro services on-site: Flow Cytometry, Luminex assays, RT-qPCR, microbiological assays (CFU, PFU) as well as cell culture and bacterial/viral amplification.
The only service outsourced at ERBC is histopathology and IHC, for which we have established long-term partnerships with expert histopathologists depending on the study scope.
If you would like a specific assay that is not listed above, please contact us to discuss possibilities and feasibility for your custom request.
ERBC uses BD FACSLyricTM Flow Cytometry System (BD Biosciences), with 12 parameters and 10 colors available: 4 on blue laser / 3 on red laser / 3 on violet laser, with analysis performed on BD FACSuiteTM software (BD Biosciences). The flow cytometer is coupled to a Class I biosafety hood for sorting samples at BSL-2 levels.
To quantify cytokines and proteins of interest, ERBC is equipped with the latest MAGPIX® System (Luminex Corporation) to perform Luminex assays.
Our microbiology laboratory is specialized in amplifying viral and bacterial strains from BSL-2 to BSL-3 levels, both for in vitro and in vivo applications.
Viral and bacterial titers are determined via performing PFU or CFU assays, with our high-throughput Scan®-500 (Intersciences) counter for automated CFU count.
For bacteria, we have the ability to count either non-adherent (planktonic) or adherent bacteria to evaluate biofilm development (such as biofilm development on catheters).
ERBC’s genomic platform is specialized in the extraction of RNA and DNA from various samples (bacteria, viruses, cells, tissues) using fully automated nucleic acid extraction (QIAcube® QIAGEN).
With our LightCycler® 480 System (Roche Life Science), we provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of target gene expression and viral/bacterial load (RNA/DNA) in tissues of interest.
ERBC has a dedicated cell culture platform for amplifying tumor cell lines for animal models. This platform is also used for custom cell-based assays (cell viability, absorbance/fluorescence readings).
ERBC is strong of 14 years of experience in providing high-resolution preclinical imaging services, with whole animal anatomical (CT, micro-CT) and functional imaging (bioluminescence and fluorescence tomography).
We have the capacity to combine several imaging techniques to monitor the pathological process (tumor/infection kinetics), compound efficacy as well as compound biodistribution and colocalization with the pathology, in the same animals over time.
ERBC displays a total area of 400m² accredited animal facilities, with segregated BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities. We have the capacity to house a wide range of small species:
Rodents are hosted in irradiated single-use cages on ventilated racks, maintaining SOPF or SPF health status. Other species are housed in parks, according to each species space and social housing needs.
We also have experience with working with large species. In this case, large animals are housed by our dedicated partners and transported to ERBC for on-site imaging analysis.
The modern design of ERBC’s facilities, work process, controlled environment and health status monitoring system ensures consistency while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
X-ray computed tomography (CT) gives 3-dimensional images of naturally dense tissues or soft tissues following injection of a contrast agent.
Such acquisitions provide 3D information on anatomical characteristics (length, surface, volume, curvature, thickness, density…) and avoid the bias of analyzing only 2D single slices.
At ERBC, we operate 3 types of CT scans on-site.
Optical molecular imaging follows biochemical processes in vivo, in whole live animals.
At ERBC, we operate 3 optical imaging systems (IVIS®-Spectrum, PerkinElmer) for 2D and 3D bioluminescence and fluorescence in vivo imaging: 1 system in our BSL-2 facilities; 1 system in our BSL-3 facilities; and 1 system combining 2D and 3D bioluminescence/fluorescence imaging with X-ray radiography.
Our fully-equipped surgery facility displays an induction and recovery room to perform surgeries in optimal aseptic conditions, with a dedicated anesthesiologist and surgeon working together. Our technical staff is fully trained to perform complex microsurgeries and technical procedures, with regular training for preparing custom demands from our clients.
