LGVH - Laboratory facilities

Laboratory facilities

At San Luis Potosí State University's Viral & Human Genomics BSL-3 Laboratory, we are dedicated to maintaining an advanced and secure research environment that underpins our cutting-edge work in biomedical science. Our facility is meticulously designed to ensure a biologically safe setting for handling high-risk human pathogens, while supporting a broad spectrum of sophisticated research activities. Equipped with state-of-the-art platforms and precision analytical tools, our lab infrastructure is continually refined to uphold the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. This enables our team to conduct comprehensive research, from molecular virology to advanced epidemiological studies. We are committed to ongoing investments in our technology and facilities, striving to maintain our leadership in scientific discovery and research innovation.

The Viral and Human Genomics Laboratory was established on June 7, 2007, under the leadership of Dr. Christian García-Sepúlveda along with Dr. Jesús E. Noyola, then Provost of the Faculty of Medicine, and Lic. Mario García Valdez, Dean of Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí.

The laboratory was envisioned as a research propossal addressing regional health priorities through basic and applied biomedical research. The laboratory has been equipped and maintained through grants provided by the Mexican Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), the UASLP through its Programa Integral de Fortalecimiento Institucional (PIFI) and by the Mexican Education Secretariat through its Teacher Improvement Program (PROMEP).

The upgrade to Version 2.0 of the Viral & Human Genomics Lab began in December 2014 and was completed by July 2015. The lab is now located on the first floor of Building D at the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP). This modern facility occupies the space previously used by the Experimental Surgery Lab and is strategically positioned next to the Experimental Animal Housing Facility. The thoughtful design and placement of the lab underscore our dedication to enhancing research capabilities and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

By the end of 2016, our lab underwent a significant upgrade to include an enhanced BSL-2 area, featuring state-of-the-art biosafety equipment, advanced instruments, and improved engineering features (Lab Version 3.0) thanks to the Mexican National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) through grant call F0003-2019-04 #299608

In April 2022, Version 4.0 of our lab underwent a comprehensive upgrade, which included a complete redesign of the internal architectural layout, refurbishment of lab benches, and the installation of advanced biocontainment equipment. This upgrade features a double-door steam sterilizer, a hydrogen peroxide vapor decontamination module, a doubly redundant HEPA-filtered air handling unit, and state-of-the-art biocontainment infrastructure, all designed to meet the standards outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories manual. Funding for this groundbreaking project was provided through a Mexican state-commissioned initiative by the Mexican National Council for Humanities, Science, and Technology (CONACYT) under grant #321325.

San Luis Potosí State University's Viral and Human Genomics BSL-3 Laboratory represents the second CDC-compliant and commissioned high-containment Biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory constructed in Mexico. We share pride in being a founding member of Mexicos National CONAHCYT Laboratory for High-Biocontainment (LANCOBI) along with the National Vaccinology and Tropical Virus BSL-3 Laboratory at Instituto Politécnico Nacional Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas and Mexicos National Uiniversity's Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas BSL-3 laboratory.

(Last updated: Aug 19, © 2024.)