The new project Pro-NanoEnviCz III will strengthen the research base of the IEM CAS for the research and development of nanotechnologies

Pro-NanoEnviCz III is a project aimed to upgrade and modernise the research facility, which will strengthen the research potential of the public NanoEnviCz (open in a new window) infrastructure and thus ensure the successful implementation of scientific goals in the field of developing new nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for a sustainable future and environmental protection. The IEM CAS is one of the six partners of the project; the main coordinator is the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS (open in a new window).

Within the project, a single-cell gene expression analysis device, Chromium X by 10x Genomics (open in a new window), was installed last week at our Department of Toxicology and Molecular Epidemiology.

Source: www.10xgenomics.com/chromium-x

It is a unique device that can analyse changes in gene expression (mRNA) and detect surface proteins at the level of individual cell types in tissues or mixed cell cultures. In contrast to the existing Illumina sequencing device, it is possible to identify in which cells the observed changes occur, which is crucial for the interpretation of the measurement results, in our case, to determine the mechanism of action of nanomaterials on the organism. This approach is becoming standard in cutting-edge scientific facilities, and its implementation will greatly expand the portfolio of users of the research infrastructure. The new facility will be of fundamental importance in the study of the interactions of nanomaterials with cells and tissues, not only in terms of adverse (toxic) effects but also in the study of the potential use of nanomaterials in biomedicine and a host of other applications. The instrument will enable unique projects in the field of interaction of nanomaterials with living systems. Thanks to the high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of measured data, the instrument will enable unique projects in the field of nanomaterials’ interaction with living systems.