BSL3 Lab
Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory
The high containment laboratory (BSL3) was established to meet the need for infectious diseases research in view of global public health risks and (re)emerging diseases. The laboratory was designed for optimal Biorisk management and offers laboratories equipped with isolators and biohazard cabinets to accommodate multiple studies in parallel (in vivo and in vitro). Multiple platforms for bioimaging, culture, cell sorting, serology and sample processing are present, resulting in an integrated research chain (in vivo/ in vitro) in one facility, minimizing external transport. The infrastructure offers research services (including all permits required) and research access including specific training of personnel.
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Infrastructure and User Services
The high containment laboratory (BSL3) was established to meet the increasing need for infectious diseases research in view of global public health risks and (re)emerging diseases. These risks are further enhanced by growing international travel and climate change. The laboratory was designed for optimal biorisk management paired to flexibility of usage. It has 7 rooms each equipped with multiple isolators and biohazard cabinets to accommodate multiple studies in parallel (in vivo and in vitro). It operates at 4 depression levels (cascade of air pressure from outside to primary enclosure). Validated decontamination and sterilization procedures are laid out to minimize biorisk but also chemical hazards and residues. The isolators are autoclavable and have ports that couple hermetically to other devices, thus providing for an entirely closed biosafety system. It has multiple platforms for bioimaging (macro and micro), culture (cells, bacteria etc.), cell sorting and characterization, serology and sample processing for further genetic analysis. Thus, a typical integrated research chain (in vivo/ in vitro) can be conducted locally, minimizing external transport. Samples can be stored locally and banked long term on specific request. The infrastructure offers research services (including all permits required) and research access including specific training of research personnel.
Examples/description of the type of research
The high containment laboratory (BSL3) was designed to meet the biosafety and biosecurity standards for infectious disease research. This comprises both in vitro and in vivo research, as well as the opportunity to do research with Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), that requires the same level of containment. Infectious disease research includes research with human or animal pathogens (viruses, bacteria) at biosafety level 3.
How to access the infrastructure?
All users (internal and external) apply for access by proposing a study plan, and first a feasibility assessment will be done, as well as a cost calculation. This type of research is strongly regulated, hence, after technical assessment and contracting, a process is started to ensure the necessary licenses and permits are in place, followed by a detailed planning of the experimental laboratory procedures. External parties can outsource the entire study or be granted access to participate in the work. Access of personnel is guided by biosafety/biosecurity considerations and requires training for procedures.