We have been working on innovative therapies using polymer nanoparticles as platforms for transporting therapeutic compounds. This can contribute to the development of new, effective treatment methods and therapeutic solutions that will be used in cancer diagnostics and therapy
– says dr. hab. Sylwia Michlewska, Head of the Laboratory of Microscopic Imaging and Specialized Biological Techniques at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz.
The laboratory is the heart of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz, where scientists from various fields meet. – We participate in research in the field of microbiology, immunology, botany, animal and plant physiology, as well as in analyses in the field of molecular biology – says dr hab. Michlewska – Specialists from various fields join forces in our laboratories, which leads to the emergence of new collaborations, new projects and interdisciplinary teams that implement their innovative solutions in life.
Scientists from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection use the infrastructure to research new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the microscopes available in the Laboratory of Microscopic Imaging and Specialized Biological Techniques and the employees operating them support research groups, among other things, those implementing projects in the area of bone and nerve implantology, which open up new possibilities in regenerative medicine. – We are working on projects that can diminish the resistance of cancers to currently existing therapies. This research can change the approach to cancer treatment worldwide, giving patients new chances for more effective treatment – adds mgr Marika Grodzicka, from the Laboratory of Microscopic Imaging and Specialized Biological Techniques.
Not only medicine benefits from innovative research conducted at the laboratory. Dr Sebastian Wawrocki underlines the important role of the unit in environmental protection: – Research teams from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection conduct research at the Laboratory on toxic cyanobacteria, which threaten human health and aquatic ecosystems, which is of key importance for public health. Together with scientists from our faculty, we also study plant pathogens such as gray mold, which attacks tomatoes, among other things, to find effective methods of combating them.
Each employee of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection has the opportunity to use the equipment and receives technical and methodological support. We also consult on the research methods used, we suggest what equipment should be used and how to use it best
– adds Dr Sebastian Wawrocki.
The support of the Laboratory is used not only by the scientific staff of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection. – The Laboratory's equipment and the knowledge of the research team create excellent conditions for companies that are looking for technological solutions based on scientific research – adds dr hab. Michlewska – The Laboratory's infrastructure is also used for research carried out in cooperation with external entities, among other things, in the area of research on biomaterials and nanotechnologies. Thanks to this, our faculty is also an attractive partner for business. This is undoubtedly influenced by open access to infrastructure, the level of research conducted at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, the experience of the team of the laboratory, but above all, innovative equipment, including modern confocal microscopes and the use of an image analysis system based on artificial intelligence.