Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2)
This laboratory is equipped for conducting early-stage research in vaccine development, virus characterization, recombinant viral vector production, and protein synthesis. It supports a range of molecular biology techniques, including PCR, virus titration, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, and Real-Time PCR, all of which require a lower biosafety level. Additionally, reagents such as culture media, enzymes, and buffer solutions essential for cell culture work are prepared here. For the propagation of microbiological cultures, the laboratory is equipped with both static and shaking incubators.
Cell Culture
The cell culture area is equipped with static incubators suitable for adherent cells and shaking CO2 incubators for suspension cultures. A microscope with an integrated camera is available for monitoring and imaging cells. Moreover, a liquid nitrogen tank is present for the preservation of cell stocks. Within the cell culture laboratory, a dedicated darkroom houses a fluorescence microscope for imaging applications and is also used for Western Blot analyses.
BSL-3 (Biosafety Level-3)
This laboratory is designed for the production, purification, and titration of high-biosafety pathogens such as Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and SARS-CoV-2, conducted under negative pressure conditions. Observations of viral cytopathic effects can be made and visualized using microscopy. Additionally, live virus neutralization assays, which are critical for evaluating vaccine efficacy, are performed here. The laboratory is equipped with electrically powered freezers operating at -86°C, where virus stocks are stored securely.
ABSL-3 (Animal Biosafety Level-3)
This facility is dedicated to the development of animal models, pathogenesis studies, vaccine immunization, hyperimmune serum production, and hybridoma technology, particularly for highly pathogenic viruses like CCHFV and SARS-CoV-2, as well as other viral agents. The specialized cages housing the experimental animals are routinely cleaned, and food supplies are replenished by authorized personnel to ensure compliance with biosafety protocols.
