The Translational Medical Research Center (TMRC) at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University established in 2023 is a facility that provides researchers access to cutting-edge research laboratories, clinical trials and translational research support. The Translational Medical Research Center (TMRC) serves as a hub for transformative innovation, merging advanced scientific research with practical healthcare solutions. The following areas are the focus of the lab:
- Molecular Biology Research: A central lab dedicated to uncovering disease mechanisms and diagnostics, integrating genetic and proteomic analyses to enable personalized, targeted interventions and advance understanding of core cellular signalling processes.
- Tissue Biology Research: Focuses on analysing healthy and diseased tissue structure using advanced imaging and 3D bioprinting technologies to study biological processes across scales and develop bioengineered tissues and custom implants.
- Microbiology Research: Specializes in investigating the role of microorganisms in disease and developing antimicrobial strategies to address biomaterial-associated infections and antibiotic resistance.
- Biomaterials Research: Focuses on developing and characterizing advanced materials and biomaterials, including nanoscale systems for drug delivery and tissue regeneration.
Cell Culture & Maintenance
Principle: Standardized cultivation of mammalian/primary cells or cell-lines under controlled CO2 incubation and Class II biosafety conditions, following validated aseptic procedures.
Applications: Preparation and/or execution of in vitro experiments for biomaterial testing (direct contact & extracts), cytotoxicity assays, drug screening, proliferation and morphology studies, and model setup for downstream analyses.
Output: Assay-ready cells at defined passage range and confluency; documented viability (e.g. >85%); optional pre-seeded plates or material discs at specified densities; optional execution of viability/proliferation and basic cytotoxicity assays (e.g. metabolic activity, morphology, live/dead), with raw data (Excel/CSV), images, and a concise technical report (methods, layout, key results).
Human PBMC Isolation & Culture
Principle: Isolation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from whole blood/buffy coats by density gradient centrifugation with controlled handling to maintain viability and minimize activation.
Applications: Immune-biomaterial interaction models, cytokine release and immunotoxicity testing, mechanistic immunology studies, and preparation of cells for flow cytometry or culture on test surfaces.
Output: Defined-volume PBMC suspensions with documented yield and viability; optional short-term culture or seeding on materials/plates at specified densities; brief technical report including source, method, viability, and experimental layout if culture is performed.
Human Gingival Fibroblast Isolation
Principle: Enzymatic digestion and adherent culture of gingival biopsies to establish robust primary fibroblast lines under standardized, quality-controlled conditions.
Applications: Widely used soft-tissue model for ISO 10993-style cytotoxicity and biocompatibility testing, migration assays, evaluation of dental and medical materials (membranes, sutures, cements, coatings, scaffolds), co-culture systems and inflammatory response studies.
Output: Early-passage fibroblast cultures with documented donor/source, passage range, morphology and viability QC; optional provision of pre-seeded plates or test materials (defined seeding density and exposure conditions) plus a brief layout/QC report suitable for regulatory-style and publication-ready in vitro studies.
Dental Pulp Stem Cell Isolation
Principle: Sterile isolation of dental pulp from extracted teeth followed by enzymatic digestion and selective adherent culture in MSC-supportive media to generate high-quality mesenchymal-like stem cell populations under standardized conditions.
Applications: Advanced, human-relevant stem cell model for evaluating regenerative biomaterials and medical devices, including scaffolds, cements, coatings, growth factor systems, and nano-formulations; supports studies on osteogenic/angiogenic differentiation, neuroregeneration, immunomodulation, irradiation response, and ISO 10993-aligned biocompatibility and safety testing.
Output: Early-passage DPSC/SHED cultures with documented donor/source, passage range, morphology and viability QC; optional basic phenotypic confirmation (MSC marker panel and tri-lineage potential where applicable); optional delivery as pre-seeded scaffolds/materials at defined densities and time points, accompanied by a concise methods/QC and experimental layout report suitable for manuscripts and regulatory-style dossiers.
Flow Cytometry
Principle: Laser-based single-cell analysis measuring forward/side scatter and fluorescence to quantify multiple markers per cell.
Applications: Immunophenotyping, PBMC/stem cell characterization, apoptosis/viability, and activation markers.
Output: FCS files, documented panel and gating strategy, summary tables/plots of key populations, and short interpretive note suitable for inclusion in methods/results.
Western Blot Imaging
Principle: Detection of specific proteins using chemiluminescent/fluorescent probes captured on a digital imaging system with wide dynamic range.
Applications: Verification of target expression, pathway analysis, treatment/biomaterial response profiling, and mechanistic validation.
Output: High-resolution blot images (suitable for publication), and method summary including exposure settings and controls.
Fluorescence Microscopy
Principle: Widefield epifluorescence imaging of fluorophore-labeled or autofluorescent samples using upright and inverted microscopes, enabling multi-channel visualization of cells, tissues, biofilms, and materials under standardized acquisition settings.
Applications: Live/dead and cytotoxicity assays; cell adhesion, spreading, and surface coverage; immunofluorescence for target expression and signaling pathways; visualization of biofilms and microbial structures; nanoparticle/drug uptake and intracellular localization.
Output: High-resolution, calibrated images (with scale bars; single-channel and merged TIFF/JPEG), documented staining and imaging parameters, plus optional basic quantitative or semi-quantitative analysis (cell counts, % live/dead, coverage, fluorescence intensity, co-localization metrics) summarized in a brief technical report suitable for publication and regulatory-style documentation.
Microplate ELISA Reading
Principle: Spectrophotometric measurement of color development in ELISA plates proportional to analyte concentration using calibrated microplate readers and standard curves.
Applications: Quantification of cytokines, growth factors, antibodies, hormones, drug levels, and soluble biomarkers in serum, plasma, culture supernatants, or material extracts for immunology, biomaterials, toxicology, and pharmacological studies.
Output: Raw absorbance values with blank correction, standard curve plots, calculated concentrations (per well/sample) with QC flags, delivered in a structured data/report file (Excel/PDF) ready for statistical analysis and publication.
Cell Viability Counting
Principle: Automated counting using dye-exclusion or fluorescence-based methods to determine viable vs non-viable cells.
Applications: Standardizing seeding densities, monitoring culture quality, evaluating treatment effects, and supporting cytotoxicity and proliferation assays.
Output: Reported cell concentration (total, live, and dead cell conctentrations cell/ml and viability %) for each sample, including method and instrument details; optionally integrated into experimental setup documentation.
pH/ISE/Conductivity
Principle: Use of calibrated bench-top meters to measure pH and conductivity of liquids.
Applications: Characterization of material extracts, media/buffer optimization, quality control for in vitro and in vivo studies, and documentation for regulatory-style reports.
Output: Measurement sheet per sample (pH, conductivity) with calibration info, suitable for inclusion in methods and certificates.
NGS Data Analysis
Principle: Computational processing of sequencing reads (QC, alignment, quantification, statistics) using validated bioinformatics workflows.
Applications: Gene expression profiling, variant detection, pathway and network analysis for basic and translational research.
Output: Processed data files, result tables, key plots (e.g. PCA, heatmaps, volcano plots), and concise interpretation summary tailored to the project scope.
Molecular Docking
Principle: In silico prediction of ligand-target binding using structure-based docking algorithms and scoring functions.
Applications: Virtual screening, prioritization of candidate compounds, analysis of biomaterial–protein interactions, and hypothesis generation.
Output: Ranked list of poses with binding scores, interaction diagrams, and short report highlighting top candidates and their predicted binding features.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Principle: Computer-based simulation of molecular systems over time to visualize how structures move and interact under defined conditions.
Applications: Exploratory assessment of protein-ligand binding stability, basic conformational behavior, and indicative interaction patterns at material or surface interfaces to support hypothesis generation and experimental design.
Output: Selected trajectory snapshots, simple plots of overall stability/interaction trends (e.g. distance or fluctuation over time), and a brief descriptive report highlighting key qualitative observations-intended as supportive, not standalone regulatory evidence.
Bioinformatics Pipeline Design
Principle: Configuration of clear, step-by-step analysis workflows using established bioinformatics tools for common data types.
Applications: Standardized processing of NGS, gene expression, microbiome, or basic imaging/quantitative datasets within TMRC projects, ensuring consistency and traceability.
Output: A documented workflow (simple diagram + written steps), recommended software/tools, and one test run on example data, allowing researchers to repeat the same analysis reliably on their own datasets.
Data Visualization
Principle: Application of statistical and graphical standards to convert raw data into clear, publication-quality figures & tables.
Applications: Manuscripts, theses, grants, presentations, and internal/official reports requiring robust visual communication.
Output: Editable high-resolution figures (e.g. TIFF, PDF, PPTX) and WORD/EXCEL tables with consistent style, legends, and axes/labels ready for submission.
Biobank Storage -30 OR -80 (Short term; up to 3 months)
Principle: Controlled low-temperature storage of samples in monitored freezers with standardized labeling and inventory.
Applications: Interim storage between collection and analysis for internal and external projects.
Output: Secure placement and tracking of samples, temperature monitoring logs, and documented retrieval within the agreed period.
Biobank Storage -30 OR -80 (Long term; up to 1 year)
Principle: Extended low-temperature storage with continuous monitoring to maintain sample integrity.
Applications: Preservation of DNA/RNA, serum, plasma, tissues, and aliquots for longitudinal or multi-phase studies.
Output: Maintained inventory with unique IDs, monitoring records, and traceable chain-of-storage suitable for audited projects.
Biobank Storage -150 OR Liquid Nitrogen (Short term; up to 3 months)
Principle: Cryogenic storage at -150°C or LN2 vapor phase to preserve highly sensitive materials.
Applications: Short-term safeguarding of cell lines, stem cells, and high-value biological samples.
Output: Cryo-storage registration, verified location mapping, and documented retrieval while maintaining viability conditions.
Biobank Storage -150 OR Liquid Nitrogen (Long term; up to 1 year)
Principle: Long-term cryogenic storage at -150°C or LN2 vapor phase to preserve highly sensitive materials.
Applications: Strategic biobanking of critical cell lines, stem cell stocks, and translational research samples.
Output: Comprehensive inventory and temperature logs, traceable chain-of-storage, and documented return/release of samples.
Sample Coating for SEM
Principle: Deposition of a thin conductive metal layer (e.g. Au, Au/Pd) by sputter coating to minimize charging and enhance signal quality in scanning electron microscopy.
Applications: Preparation of non-conductive or sensitive samples, including polymers, ceramics, metals, composites, nanomaterials, textiles, medical devices, packaging materials, filters, and biological or tissue specimens, for high-resolution SEM in biomaterials, engineering, pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial research.
Output: Uniformly coated, SEM-ready samples with documented coating conditions (target material, current/time settings) to ensure reproducibility and accurate reporting.
SEM Imaging
Principle: High-resolution surface imaging using a focused electron beam detection to visualize morphology, topography, and microstructural features.
Applications: Characterization of implant and scaffold surfaces, thin films and coatings, corrosion and wear, fractures and failure analysis, microstructures, biofilms, tissue-material interfaces, powders, and industrial products across biomedical, dental, pharmaceutical, materials science, and engineering fields.
Output: A set of calibrated micrographs at agreed magnifications (with scale bars), basic description of imaging parameters, and optional simple measurements (e.g. feature size, layer thickness, particle size) provided in a concise technical report suitable for publications and technical documentation.
Micro-CT Scanning
Principle: Non-destructive high-resolution 3D X-ray imaging that reconstructs internal structures hard tissue/materials samples based on differential attenuation, enabling volumetric visualization and quantitative analysis without sectioning.
Applications: Assessment of bone microarchitecture and defect healing in preclinical models; evaluation of implant and scaffold integration; quantification of porosity, connectivity, and internal channels in biomaterials; detection of cracks, voids, and inclusions in polymers, metals, ceramics, composites.
Output: Reconstructed 3D volumes and 2D cross-sectional images; quantitative metrics (e.g. BV/TV, trabecular thickness, porosity, pore size distribution, material/void fraction) according to the agreed analysis plan; Raw Data Files, concise technical report detailing scan settings, analysis approach, and key results suitable for manuscripts and technical documentation.
DEXA Analysis
Principle: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) uses two X-ray energies to differentiate soft tissue and mineralized tissue, enabling precise calculation of bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition.
Applications: Evaluation of osteopenia/osteoporosis models; assessment of osteogenic therapies, biomaterials, implants, and systemic treatments in small animals; longitudinal monitoring of skeletal changes; cross-validation with micro-CT, histology, or mechanical testing; applicable to orthopedic, endocrinology, oncology, and metabolic research beyond dental fields.
Output: BMD and related parameters for defined regions of interest (e.g. total body, spine, femur, tibia, defect/implant sites), standardized comparison tables/graphs for groups and time points, and a concise technical report including scan settings, ROI definitions, and key quantitative outcomes suitable for manuscripts and preclinical documentation.
Anprolene An75 Ethylene Oxide Strilizer
Principle: The Anprolene AN75 Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Sterilizer uses low-temperature EtO gas diffusion to achieve terminal sterilization of heat- and moisture-sensitive materials. EtO penetrates packaging and device lumens at the molecular level, effectively inactivating microorganisms—including bacteria, spores, fungi, and viruses—without compromising material integrity. The system operates under controlled humidity, temperature, and exposure time to ensure validated sterilization outcomes.
Applications: Sterilization of laboratory instruments, biomedical devices, implantable materials, sensors, polymers, catheters, tubing, electronic components, and composite materials that cannot tolerate high heat or steam. Suitable for preclinical and translational research settings requiring sterile preparation of experimental tools, biomaterials, tissue scaffolds, surgical kits, and prototype medical devices. Supports workflows in surgery, biomaterials testing, tissue engineering, drug delivery studies, and device development, with compatibility across a wide range of research disciplines.
Output: Validated sterilization cycle records including exposure duration, EtO concentration, humidity and temperature conditions, aeration requirements, and completion indicators. Provides sterilized, ready-to-use materials with documentation suitable for quality control, regulatory submissions, preclinical study files, and lab safety compliance. Optional biological and chemical indicators can be included for verification and reporting.
