These are scientific and technological environments that house high-tech equipment which are made available to researchers and students from around the world. LNBio’s open facilities provide laboratory supplies and also have a specialized technical team.
In return for the use of the facilities, academic users are expected to publish the findings from their research in the scientific literature. The facilities also allow scientific collaboration and contribute to the training of human resources in research and teaching institutions. During their visits, users receive training and guidance on operating the equipment and obtaining the data they need to advance their research.
When outside researchers have scientific hypotheses and need LNBio’s array of equipment to conduct experiments, they can submit research proposals via the SAU Online user support platform according to the timeline for using the open facilities. This information is published on this site, on CNPEM’s User’s Office (EDU) page, and on social media.
The Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, through CNPEM, grants financial aid to external users from Brazilian institutions who live outside the state of São Paulo and foreigners who live in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Check out the rules for Financial Aid.
| OPEN FACILITY | SUBMISSION PERIOD | EXECUTION PERIOD |
| Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (MAS) | 01/08/2025 a 31/08/2025 | January to December 2026 |
| Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Laboratory (RMN) | 05/01/2026 a 30/11/2026 | 19/01/2026 a 15/12/2026 |
| Automatic Protein Crystallization Laboratory (ROBOLAB) | 05/01/2026 a 04/12/2026 | 05/01/2026 a 11/12/2026 |
| Spectroscopy and Calorimetry Laboratory (LEC) | 05/01/2026 a 04/12/2026 | 06/01/2026 a 11/12/2026 |
| Biomolecule Synthesis Laboratory (LSB) | 05/01/2026 a 04/12/2026 | 05/01/2026 a 11/12/2026 |
| Biological Imaging Laboratory (LIB) | 05/01/2026 a 07/12/2026 | 12/01/2026 a 15/12/2026 |
| Protein Purification Laboratory (LPP) | 05/01/2026 a 04/12/2026 | 05/01/2026 a 11/12/2026 |
| Bioassays Laboratory (LBE) | 05/01/2026 a 07/12/2026 | 06/01/2026 a 17/12/2026 |
| Gene Editing Laboratory (LEG) | 02/02/2026 a 27/02/2026 | 01/04/2026 a 30/09/2026 |
| Viral Vectors Laboratory (LVV) | 03/01/2026 a 31/05/2026 | 01/02/2026 a 30/06/2026 |
LNBio currently operates ten open facilities that permit high-complexity experimentation and multidisciplinary research in different areas of life science including structural biology, proteomics, metabolomics, drug prospecting, and bioimaging.
Serving external users by allowing free access to the open facilities is an important part of CNPEM’s mission, and is primarily funded via a management contract between CNPEM and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). For more information, contact CNPEM’s lines of activity. Research promotion and funding agencies also collaborate with the Center by acquiring multi-user equipment. For more information, see CNPEM’s lines of activity.
ROBOLAB is a laboratory specializing in the crystallization of macromolecules and their complexes, with a focus on automation, high-throughput, and accessibility for the scientific community. It offers complete support for crystallization experiments with state-of-the-art technologies, substantially boosting the chances of obtaining quality crystals for structural studies via X-ray diffraction
LNBio’s Bioassay Laboratory (LBE) specializes in carrying out bioassays using the High Throughput Screening (HTS) and High Content Screening (HCS) methods, contributing to significant advances in the research and development of new molecules with biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications
The Biological Imaging Laboratory offers external users the opportunity to use its Leica TCS SP8 STED 3x inverted super-resolution confocal microscope. This device can reach resolutions beyond the limit of light diffraction for nanoscopy in X, Y, and Z (up to 50 nm)
The Biomolecule Synthesis Laboratory emerged to provide institutional independence in obtaining certain types of biomolecules. Being able to generate raw materials on site provides speed and flexibility in the production of biomolecules for different types of research and applications
The Gene Editing Laboratory (LEG) provides technical and scientific support to produce mammalian knockout cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. It provides services related to producing gene editing mechanisms and strategic planning experiments, with a focus on offering specialized training and support during the critical stages of the gene editing process
Proteomics based on state-of-the-art mass spectrometry for CNPEM’s internal and external users. The MAS lab comprises the sample preparation lab, the instrumentation lab, and the data analysis lab
This facility makes it possible to conduct biophysical studies of macromolecules, nanoparticles, and polymers in solution. Providing information about structure, coiling, molecular binding, dissociation constants, stability, size, shape, and oligomeric state
The Viral Vectors Laboratory (LVV) specializes in the production of recombinant viruses for research and biotechnology applications. The facility operates in a level 2 biosafety environment and is accredited by the National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio)