Research | Biological and Agricultural Exercises Laboratory

Educational Activities
The laboratory is dedicated to biological and agricultural exercises included in the courses offered by the Department of Pharmacy. It aims to develop practical skills in students enrolled in various study programs within the department.

The laboratory is designed to support experiments and educational activities in four main areas:

Molecular and Cellular Biology

• Extraction, purification, and quantification of DNA and RNA.
• Analysis of biological macromolecules through gel electrophoresis.
• Cell culture and morphological observations via optical microscopy.
• Enzymatic activity studies and gene expression analysis using spectrophotometric methods.

Microbiology

• Isolation and characterization of microorganisms from biological and environmental samples.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (agar diffusion and quantitative methods).
• Preparation and sterilization of culture media for experiments in controlled environments.

Herbal Techniques

• Extraction of active ingredients from medicinal plants and spectrophotometric analysis of secondary metabolites (flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes).
• Educational preparation of formulations such as tinctures, decoctions, and herbal teas.
• Microbiological evaluation of the efficacy of plant extracts.

Agricultural Techniques and Environmental Analysis

• Monitoring the growth of crops under controlled conditions.
• Chemical and physical analysis of soil and water (pH, nutrients, conductivity).
• Studies on organic fertilizers, composting, and plant biomass.

Additionally, the laboratory is used for Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (PCTO) activities. These aim to enrich the technical knowledge and soft skills of high school students, assisting their academic and scientific orientation.

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Equipment
The teaching laboratory is equipped with a wide range of tools suitable for biological and agricultural activities. The main equipment includes:

Hoods

• Chemical Hood: Ensures safe handling of volatile and potentially hazardous chemicals.
• Biological Hood with HEPA Filter: Designed to provide a sterile and safe environment for biological sample operations.

Analytical and Optical Instruments

• Spectrophotometer: For quantitative analysis based on light absorption.
• Optical Microscope: Ideal for detailed observations.
• Set of 7 Bench Optical Microscopes: For practical exercises in group settings.

Temperature Control and Agitation Tools

• Hot Plate with Integrated Magnetic Stirrer: For reactions requiring uniform heating and mixing.
• Air Incubator (25–37 °C): For biological cultures and sample maintenance.
• Water Baths with Horizontal Agitators (2 units): For experiments requiring controlled temperature and agitation.

Electrophoresis Equipment

• Complete setup for running electrophoresis, including gels, electrophoretic tanks, and power supply systems.

Manipulation and Storage Equipment

• Bench Centrifuges, including a refrigerated model.
• Vortex Mixers (2 units): For vigorous sample mixing.
• Cabinets: For storing paper, gloves, reagents, dyes, and laboratory glassware.
• Laboratory Glassware: Test tubes, cylinders, flasks of various sizes, all made of high-quality borosilicate glass.
• Manual Pipettors (2 units) and adjustable-volume pipettes for micro-volume handling (from P10 to P1000).

Additional Infrastructure

• Sink: For washing and safely handling residues during exercises.