Advanced Light Microscopy (ALM) is the i3S scientific platform specializing in state-of-the-art optical microscopy for studying cellular systems in life science research areas such as cell biology, oncobiology, neurobiology, immunology, and biomaterials. The ALM provides open access to high-end imaging technology and extensive expertise in advanced optical microscopy applied to multi-dimensional imaging of cells and tissues, live cell imaging, functional and molecular imaging (e.g., FRAP, FRET, FLIM), and bio-image data analysis. Available equipment includes transmission/widefield fluorescence microscopes (one with TIRF), spinning disc microscopes (one with SR-SIM), laser scanning confocal microscopes (one with STED, FLIM, and FCS), and a light sheet microscope. Workstations with bio-image analysis software are also available.

The scientific platform provides scientific advice on experimental design, training in the practical use of equipment and image analysis, and scientific advice on the development of research projects. It also aims to increase knowledge in bioimaging by organizing several postgraduate courses in light microscopy and image analysis for the scientific and industrial communities.

The ALM is a core facility of the national PPBI-Portuguese Platform of BioImaging and the European research infrastructure Euro-Bioimaging ERIC.

3D Virtual visit (thanks to EUGLOHRIA European University Alliance for Global Health).

We bring together a set of solutions for in vitro and in vivo imaging to advance in the development, improvement, integration, and use of bioimaging solutions through research, technology development, training and education with a focus on the fields of Biomaterials, Nano- and Regenerative Medicine in biology and medical science.

The Bioimaging operates on the basis of core projects and programmes at the bioimaging/biomaterials and/or regeneration interface. Resources available for imaging of biological events at different scales (molecular level, cellular level and small organism). We also provide support on project planning, experimental design, sample preparation, equipment operation, and image analysis.

The Biointerfaces and Nanotechnology (BN) scientific platform combines fundamental and state-of-the-art technologies for the chemical, physical, and mechanical characterization of materials and biological samples at the macro-micro-nano level. We have expertise in the characterization of hydrogels, organoids, and tissue-based matrices (mechanical and rheological properties), functionalized surfaces (surface chemistry, morphology, wettability), and nanoparticles for diagnostics/therapeutics/theranostics (size, charge, ligand-receptor recognition) as well as other (bio)materials. Our goal is to contribute to excellence in modern materials research in health-related fields. We also have an educational mission by providing hands-on training to i3S users in the context of their research projects and by organizing undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
The i3S community, academia, and industry (nationally and internationally) have access to the equipment and expert staff support for a fee.
For more information on the techniques and equipment available, please call (+351 22 040 8800 Ext: 6057/ 5058), email (info.bn@i3s.up.pt), or follow this link. The BN Scientific platform is located in laboratory 004.S2.

The BioSciences Screening platform offers advanced technology and expertise to tackle complex biological inquiries via high-throughput methods. Qualified scientists aid in project evaluation, assay development, and analysis, utilizing instruments like automated microscopy and microplate readers. We provide genetic and chemical screening with small animal and human cell-based models (2D, 3D), accessing extensive libraries for therapeutic discoveries.

The platform coordinates PT-OPENSCREEN (RNIE), accessing to compound synthesis/improvement and screening activities nationally. Additionally, it’s an EU-OPENSCREEN partner site for European drug discovery and contributes to the RNIE Portuguese Platform of BioImaging (PPBI) and COST actions.

The Histology and Electron Microscopy platform is focused on Electronic Microscopy (EM), namely sample preparation; conventional ultrastructural analysis in 2D; immunogold-labeling; negative staining ; elemental analysis – energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS), and Optical Microscopy (OM) namely grossing, processing, embedding and sectioning; special stains; cryoprocessing and immunohistochemistry. The Histopathology service, within HEMS offers a full range of macroscopic and histopathology services, able to support research groups using animal models or human tissues in histopathology studies. The unit provides the equipment, technical support and guidelines to

researchers needing high level electron and optical microscopy to tackle studies either of cells, tissues or material sciences, not only for i3S and the University of Porto, but also outside institutions for industry and companies’ users. HEMS can help to define optimal experimental conditions for the research as wells to participate in the projects. Besides the training courses for researchers, masters and PhD programmes, the unit also offers internships for higher education students. Currently, the unit is engaged in workshops or exhibitions for the general public organised by the i3S Communication Unit.