Health Sciences Research Centre- Research Department

Core Laboratories Section

About the section:​

Core Laboratories Section comprises eight research units: Advanced threptic and cancer research Unit, Pharmacology Research Unit, Microbiology and Immunology Research Unit, Physiology and Biochemical Research Unit Hematology research unit, Environmental Sciences and Biomaterials Research Unit, The Physical and Organic Chemistry Unit, and Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry Unit. These units provide advanced equipment and multidisciplinary research support to enhance collaboration and scientific development in various fields.

 Research Units:​

1.  Advanced Therapeutics And Cancer Research Unit:

This unit aims to advance the understanding of the causes and mechanisms of cancer, as well as develop new techniques and treatments to combat it. The goal is to improve the effectiveness of current treatments and innovate new methods for early diagnosis and prevention. The work of this unit relies on collaboration between doctors and researchers from various specialties, including clinical pathology, medical genetics, and oncology.

Services Provided:​

• Cellular toxicity analysis
• Cellular programmed cell death analysis
• Cellular enzyme analysis
• Organic compounds synthesis
• Modeling and computer simulation studies
• Toxin analysis
• Protein and metabolic product analysis
  

Available Devices:

• Organic synthesizer
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS MS)
• Thermogravimetric Analysis/Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DSC)
• Nano Spray Dryer
  
• Western Blot device
• UV Spectrophotometer
• ELISA Reader
• Flow cytometry device
• Light and fluorescent microscope
• Cell culture unit

2.  Pharmakinetics and Pharmacology Research Unit:

This unit participates in the development of new techniques for analyzing drug kinetics and determining drug parameters, contributing to the improvement of treatment efficacy and the reduction of side effects. It also involves studying advanced drug reactions and technological updates in drug targeting for more precise therapeutic outcomes.

Services Provided:

• Disintegration test for tablets
• Dissolution test
• Pharmacokinetic analysis
  

Available Devices:

• Disintegration testing apparatus
• Dissolution testing apparatus
• FTIR device
• Sensitive balances
• Cell culture unit
  

3.  Microbiology and Immunology Research Unit

The Microbiology unit provides specialized infrastructure and advanced equipment to support research in understanding the structure and function of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Services Provided:

• Antimicrobial Effectiveness Test (AET)
• Microbial identification test
• Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test
• Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) test
• Training and consultations
  

Available Devices:

• Bacterial identification device
• Specialized incubators
• Sterilization devices
• Light microscope
• PCR device
• ELISA reader​​
  

4.Physiology and Biochemistry Research Unit

• Advanced protein analysis
• Comprehensive amino acid profiling

5.Hematology Research Unit

•  In-depth cellular analysis using flow cytometry
•  Developing new protocols and enhancing research methodologies for cellular studies

6.Environmental and Biomaterials Research Unit

•  Assessing material hardness
•  Evaluating the surface properties of materials.

7.Physical and Organic Chemistry Research Unit:

The Physical and Organic Chemistry Unit explores a variety of research areas, including electrochemistry, surface chemistry, catalysis, photocatalysis, materials science, engineering, polymers, and the synthesis of new aromatic derivatives, evaluating their biological activity.

Available Devices:

• Metallographic/Polishing Machine
• Ultrasonic Cleaner
• Combustion ovens
• PH measurement devices
• Distillation devices
  

8. Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry Unit:

The Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry Unit conducts multidisciplinary research, aiming to identify sources of metal pollution and develop effective methods for disposal. The unit focuses on green synthesis of new metallic nanoparticles, emphasizing environmentally friendly approaches for industrial applications in metallic and pharmaceutical compounds.

Available Devices:

• Metallographic/Polishing Machine
• Ultrasonic Cleaner
• Combustion ovens
• PH measurement devices
• ​Distillation device

Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory

Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory:​​

The Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory is dedicated to studying and analyzing nucleic acids at the molecular level with the aim of understanding gene structures and genetic changes in living organisms. This laboratory enables the exploration of genes and genomes, analyzing gene sequencing and determining the effects of genetic variations on physiology and diseases.

The laboratory facilities are equipped with advanced equipment and sophisticated techniques, such as gene sequencing analyzers and DNA cloning devices, allowing for the precise extraction, replication, and analysis of genes.

The research team in this laboratory includes molecular geneticists, researchers, and specialists who work closely to analyze data and draw conclusions. This laboratory is considered a vital center for innovation and development in the field of molecular genetics, contributing to providing new insights into the relationship between genes and biological phenomena. It plays a role in advancing our understanding of genetic diseases and opportunities for developing targeted treatments.

 Services Provided:

• Gene Sequencing Analysis:

Providing gene sequencing analysis services to determine the structure and sequence of nucleic acids for important genes.

• DNA Cloning (PCR):

Conducting PCR tests to replicate and amplify specific genes for diagnostic or research purposes.

• Genetic Testing Analysis:

Offering genetic testing services to assess gene-related risks and verify the presence of specific genetic changes.

• Gene Expression Analysis:

Studying gene expression levels and methods to understand their impact on cellular functions and metabolism.

• Evaluation of Genetic Mutations:

Discovering and analyzing genetic mutations to understand their functional and health implications.

• Whole Genome Analysis:

Performing comprehensive genome analysis to examine the entire gene sequence and identify genetic variations.

• Early Diagnosis Tests:

Providing diagnostic tests to determine the risks of inheriting genetic diseases at an early stage.

Available Devices:

• Next Generation sequencer

• RT-PCR

• PCR

• Gel Electrophoresis

• Genetic Analyzer (Sanger Sequencer)

• Qiacube Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction

• Cytoscan Microarray​
  
  

NOURAH'S TISSUE BIOBANK

NOURAH'S TISSUE BIOBANK:
Nourah's Biobank noble goal is to provide and inculcate informative, trustworthy, and reliable sources of biological samples linked to health information for researchers and students all over the world as we work with national and international institutes. We are here to show you that no matter how hard a project may be, we are here to give fellow researchers on tissue banking the motivation, encouragement, and success as we conquer the world of medicine and health research.

• Services Provided:
  

1.  Advanced Imaging
The advanced imaging unit at Nourah's Tissue Biobank offers an excellent set of state-of-the-art instruments providing high quality services for health sciences researchers, the unit includes:

• Scanning Electron Microscope.
• Transmission Electron Microscope.
• Confocal Microscope.
• Micro CT Skyscan

2. Pathological anatomy
The Histology and Pathological Cytology Unit provides various techniques in processing tissues and cells, embedding them, cutting and staining, through the use of a group of the best devices that serve different types of tissue and cell samples, which include:

• Grossing Bench
• Microtome
• Auto Stainer
• Tissue processor
• Tissue Embedding
• Frozen microtome
  

3. Storage Services
Nourah's Tissue Biobank provides storage facilities that are monitored 24 hours a day maintaining a backup power system while performing regular system check-ups and routine environmental factors checks that can affect sample quality to ensure high quality. We will have the capability to not only store our own specimens but also the ability to warehouse your critical specimens through our cold-chain logistics platform.

• 20 Freezer
• 80 Freezer
• Liquid nitrogen
  

4. Health Records and Data
U​pon joining the Tissue Biobank you will have access to variety of health data. All our samples are linked to participant's health data. Health records are regularly updated. Participant's health data will be anonymized to protect their identity.

5.Education and training
Our state-of-the-art facility infrastructure and trained staff enable the Tissue Biobank to provide a rich environment for educational/career development. Thus, we aspire to encourage students, interns, and researchers by offering them a unique experience to improve their laboratory skills and boost their research innovation.​​