Animal Facilities and Biosafety - Track A: Infrastructure Upgrade of the FOP-UNICAMP Animal Facility for Scientific Research

• Grant number: 25/07966-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Improvement of the Operational Infrastructure of Small-Animal Facilities and Biosafety
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Marina Angélica Marciano da Silva
• Grantee: Marina Angélica Marciano da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Piracicaba
• Associated researchers: Bruno Bueno Silva ; Camila Batista da Silva de Araujo Candido ; Débora Cristina Coraca-Huber ; Leonardo Perez Faverani ; Mabelle de Freitas Monteiro ; Marlise Inêz Klein Furlan ; Paulo Jorge Rocha da Palma ; Renata de Oliveira Mattos Graner ; Severino Matias de Alencar ; Talita Tartari ; Tiburtino José de Lima Neto ; Valentim Adelino Ricardo Barão ; Vanessa Cavalli Gobbo

Abstract

This proposal aims to restructure and modernize the Animal Facility (Biotério) of the Piracicaba School of Dentistry (FOP/UNICAMP), focusing on strengthening its multi-user research infrastructure and improving biosafety conditions, animal welfare, and scientific quality. The initiative includes the reactivation of inactive rooms and the creation of new environments to meet the growing demand for advanced experimental models. The proposed actions are: (1) reactivation of the room for genetically modified animals; (2) acquisition of equipment for the surgical center and other operational areas; (3) adaptation of a room for rabbit housing; (4) development of a laboratory for primary cell culture; (5) installation of a histological processing room; and (6) implementation of a space for blood biochemical analyses.The choice of FAPESP's Faixa A funding line is justified by the need for acquiring essential equipment and performing minor infrastructure adjustments critical to the functionality of the facility. The FOP/UNICAMP Animal Facility plays a strategic role in the Piracicaba region and supports both internal projects and collaborations with other research institutions in the state of São Paulo. Its modernization will enable the expansion of its role as a center of excellence in biomedical research.From a biosafety standpoint, the proposal includes improvements such as environmental control systems, gas exhaust, sterilization equipment, laminar flow hoods, and physical adaptations, ensuring safe environments for animal experimentation, cell culture, and laboratory analyses. The expected impact on scientific competitiveness is significant, as it will enable the advancement of FAPESP-funded projects in fields such as Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Surgery, and Restorative Dentistry, in addition to supporting interinstitutional initiatives and international collaborations (with universities in Austria, the United Kingdom, and Portugal).The new structure will support more efficient use of models such as rabbits and genetically modified animals, as well as the integration of primary cells into experimental protocols, in alignment with the 3Rs principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal use). The modernized facility will offer qualified support to innovation-driven projects, with updated technological infrastructure and technical assistance for the execution of high-impact research. (AU)