Wet Labs
Integrated Biological Research. Accelerated Impact.
A shared research environment supporting advanced cell culture, human-relevant models, aerosol exposure, molecular analysis, biomarker assessment, and translational preclinical research.
The I³R wet-lab facility integrates three biological science suites, a molecular biology core, advanced cell culture space, shared storage/workspace, and supporting infrastructure with New Approach Methodologies/Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs) to replace, reduce, and refine animal experiments.. Human-relevant 3D tissue models like organoids, and air-liquid interface (ALI) models support multi-organ research spanning cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, and metabolic diseases. VITROCELL platforms enable controlled drug, particle, and aerosol exposures, including micro-/nanoplastics, e-cigarette aerosols, and conventional cigarette smoke.
For information about facility access, training opportunities or project support, email Dr. Swapna Upadhyay, Director, Pre-Clinical Sciences at supadhyay@uark.edu
Aerosol / Exposure Insturmentation
VITROCELL CLOUD Alpha AX12
Aerosolized exposure and advanced human relevant in vitro exposure studies
VITROCELL CLOUD Alpha 12
Air-liquid interface (ALI) cell culture exposure, compatible with organ-on-chip.
Molecular Biology Insturmentation
ddPCR
Digital PCR-based molecular analysis
qRT-PCR
Quantitative gene-expression analysis
Gradient Cycler
PCR amplification and method development
Biomarker / Protein Insturmentation
MSD MESO QuickPlex SQ 120MM
Multiplex biomarker and protein analysis
ELISA / SpectraMax Mini
Plate-based absorbance and assay readout
Western Blot
Protein expression analysis
Laboratory Infrastructure
Cell Culture Suite
Cell culture and advanced in vitro model workflows
Cold & Cryo-Storage
Research sample and reagent storage
Autoclave / Ice Machine
Shared laboratory support infrastructure
Preclinical Research Capabilities
Human relevant novel approach methodologies/ner alternative methods (NAMs)
- Respiratory / Cardiopulmonary
- 3D Tissue / Insert Model
- Gastrointestinal / Metabolic
- Nutrition / Bioactive Compounds
Human Respiratory NAMs
- Bronchial models (upper respiratory tree)
- Alveolar models (deeper respiratory tree)
- Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) culture
- Pulmonary organoids
- Aerosol exposure using VITROCELL platforms
Integrated Experimental Capabilities
- Cell culture
- Quality check
- Aerosolized exposure
- Toxicity assays
- Genomics and proteomics analysis
- Documentation and traceability
Research Application Areas
- Chronic disease research (eg Chronic respiratory diseases)
- Metabolism and metabolic health
- Occupational health and safety (eg. Critical minerals)
- Food systems and nutrition (eg. phytochemicals, and bio-active compounds)
Workflow
Integrated NAMs Workflow: ALI-3D Models / Organoids → Controlled Exposure or Treatment → Biological & Toxicological Response → Molecular & Biomarker Outcomes (ddPCR / gene expression; MSD / multiplex biomarkers; proteomics; transcriptomics) → Data Analysis, Documentation & Translational Interpretation.