LABVIROMOL- Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Pathogen Control
Faculty of Chemistry and Biology / Department of Biology
3 (1)
DESCRIPTION
LABVIROMOL has the main objective of advancing scientific knowledge and generating discoveries and innovations that positively impact the society. Specifically, the laboratory works with viruses that target human and animal species such as fish (salmon) and swine, such as ISAV, IPNV and PRV in the case of salmon and the swine circovirus. LABVIROMOL studies the genetic characteristics of these viruses and develops vaccines using technologies such as inactivated vaccines or VLP (virus-like particles) recombinant vaccines expressing proteins in heterologous systems such as bacteria (E. coli) and insect cells with baculoviridae. Molecular diagnosis methods like PCR, gene sequencing and cytological methods such as CISH are also conducted. In addition, our research team studies the structures of viral and bacterial proteins through computer modeling and assesses virucidal activity of metal nanoparticles. Lastly, the laboratory performs diagnosis and genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.
SERVICES
Diagnosis and genomic surveillance
Molecular diagnosis of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, ISAV, IPNV and PRV.
Genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis for epidemiological and surveillance studies
Development and validation of new molecular diagnostic tests
Research and development
Design and assessment of new molecules or compounds with antimicrobial activity against resistant bacteria
Molecular and genomic characterization of multi-resistant bacteria
Development of viral vaccines using technologies such as VLP or recombinant vaccines
Assessment of virucidal activity of metal nanoparticles or other antiviral strategies
Analysis and consultancy services
Virus and Bacteria genomic and bioinformatic analyses
Computer modeling of viral protein structures
Consultancy on the development of new methods for diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment
Training services
Courses and specialized workshops in molecular biology , genomic biology, and microbiology
Human Resource training programs for the fields of virology, bacteriology, and antimicrobial resistance
RESEARCH LINE
Virus
Diagnosis and genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2
Detection of STI and respiratory pathogens
Development of animal vaccines for PRV, ISAV and IPNV
Development of cytological diagnosis kits
Molecular virology of animal viruses
Assessment of the virucidal activity of nanoparticles
Bacterias
Design and assessment of molecules against resistant bacteria
Genomic surveillance of multidrug resistant bacteria
Molecular and genomic characterization of multidrug resistant bacteria
Study of inhibitors of bacterial virulence
EQUIPMENT
Agilent Aria MX 2017 Real Time quantitative equipment
Two Nuaire IIA Biosecurity cabinets for working with cells and viruses in an sterile environment
Nuaire 5500 CO2 oven for mammal cell cultures (2010)
Bioreactor for suspension cell cultures
Infinity pro microplate reader PCR cabinet
Conventional thermocycler
Bacteria and insect cell incubators
Autoclave
STAFF
Dr. Marcelo Cortez San Martin Director of laboratory
Dra. Yesseny Vásquez Martínez Head of multi-resistant bacterial lines.
Contact: marcelo.cortez@usach.cl – yesseny.vasquez@usach.cl Phone: +56227181114 Location: Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Reinaldo Irrgang Building, 2th floor South wing. Universidad de Santiago de Chile Alameda 3363, Estación Central.
ADDRESS Casa Central, Primer piso Av. Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins 3363, Estación Central, Santiago de Chile.