Research Laboratories

The Proteomics Laboratory provides facilities for protein extraction, separation, detection and quantitative or semi-quantitative analysis, as well as the assessment of enzymatic activity. 

Its equipment includes a bead homogeniser for preparing biological material, a UV-VIS spectrophotometer, SDS-PAGE/Native-PAGE protein electrophoresis and Western blotting systems, a multimode microplate reader operating in absorbance, fluorescence and chemiluminescence modes, an automated plate washer, a multichannel laser fluorescence scanner and microscopy facilities. 

This equipment enables an analytical workflow extending from sample homogenisation and protein concentration determination, through electrophoretic separation, to Western blotting, enzyme immunoassays and analysis of fluorescent or chemiluminescent signals. It allows the assessment of both the levels of selected proteins and the activity of pathways associated with, among other processes, inflammation, oxidative stress, cell death and cell survival. 

Main research areas:

• Profiling proteins and signalling pathways using Western blotting, including the analysis of selected post-translational modifications; 
• Measuring cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, hormones, inflammatory markers and other biomarkers using microplate-based methods, including ELISA; 
• Investigating oxidative stress, protein damage and antioxidant enzyme activity; 
• Assessing the mechanisms of action of therapeutic and biologically active substances at the protein level; 
• Investigating protein–biomaterial interactions and biological responses to new medical materials. 

Research being conducted:

• The role of the gut–brain axis and the microbiome in ischaemic brain diseases – the facilities can be used to measure selected inflammatory mediators, growth factors and protein markers of systemic and neuroinflammatory responses; 
• Drug repurposing, including gliflozins, to mitigate the effects of cerebral ischaemic events – the effects of the substances under investigation on protein expression and pathways associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and regenerative processes can be assessed; 
• Research on miRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides can be complemented by assessing whether changes at the RNA level translate into changes in target protein levels. 

Combining proteomic analyses with genetic research and cell models makes it possible to move from an observed change in gene expression to assessing its consequences at the protein and cellular function levels. This approach strengthens the translational nature of research into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies. 

The Cell Culture Laboratory enables the cultivation, banking and monitoring of mammalian cells, including both continuous cell lines and primary cells, under controlled environmental conditions. 

Its equipment includes Class II biosafety cabinets, incubators with CO₂ and O₂ control enabling research under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, a liquid nitrogen cryopreservation system, an automated cell counter, phase-contrast and fluorescence microscopy, a holographic microscope for label-free live-cell imaging, and equipment for measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). 

The facilities enable complete in vitro experiments: from cell preparation and expansion, through cell count and viability monitoring, to continuous assessment of morphology, proliferation, migration and cell death. Oxygen concentration control enables the modelling of hypoxia, while TEER measurements allow the assessment of the integrity of biological barrier models, including the blood–brain barrier and the intestinal epithelium. 

Main research areas: 

• In vitro models of the blood–brain barrier and intestinal barrier on Transwell inserts, including assessment of their integrity using TEER; 
• Modelling hypoxia and other ischaemia-related conditions, and analysing cellular responses in real time; 
• Investigating the cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and biological compatibility of materials, preparations and potential therapeutic substances; 
• Live-cell imaging - label-free analysis of cell proliferation, migration, morphology and death; 
• Drug screening and assessment of the efficacy of new and repurposed substances in 2D and 3D models; 
• Investigating the effects of hypoxia on inflammatory processes, angiogenesis, metabolism and cell survival. 

The Cell Culture Laboratory provides a bridge between molecular research and potential clinical applications. Collaboration with the Genetics and Proteomics Laboratories enables the analysis of the same experiment at the levels of cellular phenotype, RNA expression and proteins, creating an integrated research infrastructure for basic, preclinical and translational research in health sciences.

The Biochemistry Laboratory provides research and teaching facilities for the analysis of biological material and the assessment of metabolic, enzymatic, inflammatory and oxidative processes. 

Its equipment includes, among other items, a haematology analyser for multiparameter blood analysis, a UV/VIS spectrophotometer, a fluorometer, protein electrophoresis and analysis equipment, a microplate reader, laboratory centrifuges, a homogeniser, pH meters, balances, stirrers, water baths and sets of automatic pipettes. These facilities enable biological material to be prepared and separated, and quantitative and qualitative assays to be performed using several complementary methods. 

The laboratory enables haematological, biochemical, spectrophotometric and fluorometric analyses, enzymatic activity assays and electrophoretic protein separation. The infrastructure also enables the assessment of oxidative stress parameters and antioxidant capacity, including SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, lipid peroxidation products and TAS/TOS, as well as selected markers of inflammatory, metabolic and regenerative processes. 

Main research areas:

• Oxidative stress and the body’s antioxidant capacity, and their relationship with age, lifestyle, physical activity, nutrition and health-promoting interventions; 
• Changes in biochemical and haematological parameters and their relationship with the health status of study participants; 
• Carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, enzymatic activity and protein profile analysis; 
• Inflammatory and regenerative processes and ageing, including research into healthy ageing and longevity; 
• Assessing the effects of nutritional, physiotherapeutic and cosmetological interventions, and the activity of biologically active substances. 

The laboratory can be used for interdisciplinary research in collaboration with the Genetics, Proteomics, Cell Culture and Skin Research Laboratories. This makes it possible to link blood test results and biochemical markers with protein analysis, gene expression, cellular responses and functional changes observed in humans.

The laboratory enables objective assessment of human functioning, particularly the musculoskeletal system, muscle activity, balance and posture, as well as selected parameters of the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems and the sensory organs. 

Its equipment includes, among other items, an EMOTION EMG 3D-4CH system, a pedobarograph, podoscopes, balance assessment platforms, a Stabilizer, goniometers, a cervical spine range-of-motion measurement system, a cycle ergometer and heart rate monitoring devices. 

The physiology facilities include a 12-lead electrocardiograph, cardiac monitors, blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes, peak flow meters and equipment for assessing body composition and basic metabolic parameters. Research capabilities are extended by a screening audiometer, a perimeter, an autorefractometer/refractometer, a retinoscope, tonometers, a gonioscope, ophthalmoscopes, Snellen and Ishihara charts, and equipment for basic neurological examinations. Portable ultrasound scanners can be used in functional assessments in accordance with the adopted protocol. 

Main research areas:

• Musculoskeletal function and muscle activity - EMG, range of motion, motor control and responses to interventions; 
• Posture, foot function and load distribution - pedobarographic and podoscopic examinations; 
• Balance, proprioception and postural control, including factors associated with the risk of falls; 
• Exercise physiology - cardiovascular and respiratory responses to physical activity; 
• Assessing the effectiveness of physiotherapy using a before-and-after design, including kinesiotherapy, manual therapy, suspension exercises and selected physical therapy modalities; 
• Healthy ageing and prevention of functional decline − mobility, exercise capacity, muscle function and physiological parameters. 

Combining functional assessments with biochemical, proteomic and molecular analyses enables the effects of physical activity, physiotherapy and other health interventions to be assessed at several levels simultaneously. The laboratory thus provides facilities for basic, applied and interdisciplinary research in the discipline of health sciences. 

The Skin Research and Cosmetology Laboratory provides specialist facilities for non-invasive, objective and reproducible investigations of the physiological, biomechanical and morphological parameters of the skin. 

Its equipment includes Cortex Technology and Courage + Khazaka systems, equipment for assessing pigmentation and melanin, the Nati V3 system, dermatoscopes - including Neviscope - Wood’s lamps, magnifying lamps, a Dino-Lite camera, the Zemits Skin Analysis System and a 3D DermaVision AI skin analyser. 

Depending on the modules used, the equipment enables the assessment of, among other parameters, stratum corneum hydration, TEWL and epidermal barrier function, skin elasticity and biomechanical properties, sebum secretion, pH, erythema, pigmentation and melanin content, as well as imaging and documentation of the skin surface and pigmented lesions. This enables observational, comparative and interventional studies, including before-and-after designs and long-term monitoring of changes. 

Main research areas:

• Skin physiology and epidermal barrier function - hydration, TEWL, pH, sebum and relationships between skin parameters; 
• Skin ageing processes - elasticity, biomechanical properties, pigmentation, hydration and skin surface structure; 
• Pigmentation and pigmented lesions - quantitative assessment of melanin and erythema, and dermatoscopic imaging; 
• The effects of lifestyle and environmental factors on skin parameters; 
• Assessing the effectiveness of cosmetological interventions, topical preparations and biologically active substances; 
• Healthy ageing and prevention - relationships between skin condition and metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and systemic parameters. 

Research being conducted / developed using the laboratory’s facilities:

• “The Psychological Boundaries of Self-Care” − analysis of relationships between mental health, quality of life, perceptions of one’s own body and behaviours related to appearance, health, personal care and the ageing process. 
• “Ketosis − Adaptation or Threat?” − investigation of the relationship between fasting duration and metabolic responses in patients with hormonal dysfunctions − a case study series. The project may combine assessment of skin condition and anthropometric parameters with biochemical and metabolic analyses. 
• Assessment of the effectiveness of microneedling combined with peptide preparations in reducing wrinkles and improving skin parameters − studies using a before-and-after design, instrumental skin assessment and imaging documentation. 
• Assessment of the effectiveness of collagen-based preparations in the treatment of postoperative scars − monitoring morphological changes and selected functional skin parameters, and documenting treatment outcomes. 

A particular strength of the laboratory is the ability to combine instrumental skin diagnostics with biochemical and haematological analyses, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, protein profiling, gene expression and cellular responses. This enables interdisciplinary research into skin physiology, regeneration, psychocosmetology, metabolism, ageing and the effectiveness of health-promoting interventions, strengthening WSB University’s research potential in the discipline of health sciences. 

The Microbiology Laboratory at WSB University provides specialist facilities for studying and identifying microorganisms using classical, proteomic and molecular methods. 

The infrastructure enables the entire research process − from preparing biological material, preparing specimens and culturing microorganisms, through their identification, to in-depth protein and genetic characterisation. 

Laboratory equipment and applications: 

A key component of the infrastructure is the MALDI-TOF MS system, which enables the rapid identification of microorganisms based on their characteristic protein profiles. This technology complements classical culture-based methods and enables research into the identification and differentiation of microorganisms and the microbiological characterisation of the material under investigation. 

The laboratory is also equipped with laboratory microscopes and workstations for preparing, staining and examining microbiological specimens, as well as facilities for culturing microorganisms and preparing material for further analyses. 

Microbiological investigations can be continued in the Genetics Laboratory, which is equipped with, among other instruments, a Real-Time PCR system and a Sanger sequencer. This enables the identification of microbial genetic material, the analysis of selected genes and the confirmation of results obtained using other methods. 

Main research areas:

• Identification and differentiation of microorganisms using MALDI-TOF MS; 
• Microbiological characterisation of biological and environmental material; 
• Comparison of classical, proteomic and molecular methods for identifying microorganisms; 
•  Analysis of microbial protein profiles; 
• Molecular identification of microorganisms and analysis of selected DNA fragments; 
• Detection of selected genes associated with virulence, toxicity and antimicrobial resistance; 
• Investigation of biofilms and microbial responses to selected biologically active substances and environmental factors; 
• Investigation of the microbiome and its potential relationship with human health − in collaboration with the other laboratories. 

Interdisciplinary research areas:

The laboratory’s infrastructure can also be used in a project investigating the role of the gut–brain axis and the microbiome in ischaemic brain diseases. The microbiological component may include the characterisation of microorganisms, while subsequent research stages may be conducted using the Genetics, Proteomics and Cell Culture Laboratories, enabling the assessment of changes at the molecular, protein and cellular levels. 

Integrated research workflow:

Biological material → isolation and culture → microscopy → MALDI-TOF MS identification → Real-Time PCR molecular analysis → sequencing of selected DNA fragments → analysis and interpretation of results 

Facilities organised in this way enable basic, applied and interdisciplinary research in health sciences, particularly in microbiology, the microbiome, infections, biofilms, resistance mechanisms and the relationships between microorganisms and the functioning of the human body. 

MALDI-TOF MS 

One of the most important pieces of laboratory equipment will be a modern MALDI-TOF MS system, used for the rapid identification of microorganisms based on their characteristic protein profiles. MALDI-TOF MS technology enables the identification of thousands of microbial species, making it one of the most important contemporary tools used in modern microbiology. Protein profile-based analysis brings microorganism identification into the realm of modern proteomic analysis. This solution opens up opportunities for research into, among other areas, microbial diversity, strain identification and the microbiological characterisation of the materials under investigation. 

REAL-TIME PCR 

Genetics in real time. 

The second pillar of the modern laboratory will be Real-Time PCR (qPCR) − a technique enabling precise analysis of genetic material. 

This technology enables the detection and quantitative analysis of specific DNA sequences and has applications in both microbiological and molecular research. 

Real-Time PCR will enable research involving, among other activities: 

• Identification of microbial genetic material; 
• Analysis of the presence of specific genes; 
• Comparison of the levels of selected DNA sequences; 
• Gene expression studies - in appropriately designed experiments; 
• Confirmation of results obtained using other methods. 

From DNA to biological information

Combining PCR methods with microbiological and proteomic analysis will enable the characterisation of the microorganisms under investigation at multiple levels. 

SEQUENCER 

The laboratory will also be equipped with a Sanger sequencer, enabling analysis of the order of nucleotides in DNA. Sanger sequencing is a valued method for analysing selected fragments of genetic material and can provide an important complement to research conducted using Real-Time PCR. 

PCR detects. Sequencing makes it possible to determine exactly what is present in the DNA fragment under investigation. Combining these two technologies enables the development of a comprehensive research workflow.