In vitro Laboratory
for Evaluation of Biological
Activity and Toxicity
The laboratory is equipped with modern specialized instruments and equipment in the fields of cell biology, DNA analysis, and microbiology.
In addition, ecotoxicological studies, experiments with plant cultures, and pathomorphological analyses on human and animal cell lines are carried out.
Services provided
- Storage and maintenance of a microorganism collection;
- Isolation of mononuclear cells, including sample processing, cell and/or biological component isolation, storage, additional processing for research purposes, and result validation. The implementation of laboratory protocols ensures high cell viability and purity, required for subsequent molecular and functional analyses;
- In vitro testing of cytotoxicity, /biocompatibility, antioxidant, and antineoplastic activity of biologically active substances on human and animal cell lines. Molecular and cellular techniques are applied to assess viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolism, with options for customized studies of plant extracts, novel compounds, drug candidates, cosmetic products, and biomaterials;
- Development of individual experimental projects in accordance with good laboratory practices, including preliminary research, formulation of hypotheses and objectives, planning and design of the scientific study, experiment execution, and result analysis and discussion;
- Testing of microbiological indicators in cosmetic products, plant extracts, essential oils, and chemical compounds. Characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of various types of extracts, formulations, newly synthesized structures, chiral compounds, derivatives of natural terpenoids, and others, through validated analyses and an interdisciplinary approach;
- Evaluation of preservative efficacy using standardized methods compliant with regulatory requirements and established laboratory practices. The analysis includes assessment of preservative ability to prevent microbial growth in various matrices, ensuring product safety and stability. This service is suitable for the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Activities
Study of specific probiotic properties and characteristics of potential probiotic strains within the Lactobacillus genus. Optimization of fermentation conditions of lactic acid bacteria aimed at producing cell biomass and culture filtrates for the development of probiotic and antimicrobial products;
In vitro propagation and maintenance of plant cell and tissue cultures of valuable cell lines from valuable medicinal and aromatic plants. Development of methods for efficient and sustainable cultivation of plant cells and tissues through optimization of growth conditions, selection of specific nutrient media, regulation of light and temperature regimes, and application of biostimulators. Investigation of the ability of cell cultures to synthesize bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, essential oils, and secondary metabolites of pharmacological significance;
Application of yeast and fungal fermentations to modify the composition and utilize wastewater from rose oil distillation, rich in phenolic compounds. Study of suitable yeast and fungal species with high metabolic activity for the production of bioactive metabolites;
Development of sustainable and economically efficient technologies for the utilization of waste products, which simultaneously reduce the environmental impact footprint and create added value;
Isolation and characterization of human stem cells, comparative studies on methods for isolation, cultivation, differentiation, and cryopreservation of stem cells using established laboratory practices. Development of innovative cryopreservation protocols for long-term cell storage at extremely low temperatures, aimed at preserving their viability and biological activity;
Application of recombinant DNA methods, molecular markers, and genotyping, as well as gene expression analysis. Study of various molecular markers and microsatellites to identify genetic variations and their relationship with phenotypic characteristics. Evaluation of interactions between genetic and epigenetic factors in the regulation of gene expression and their significance;
Ecotoxicological testing and evaluation of various industrial products, wastes, biologically active extracts, and compounds. Use of modern bioindicators, such as plant, animal, and microbial models, for studying acute and chronic toxic effects;
Determination of antimicrobial activity of plant extracts, essential oils, chemical compounds, and biologically active molecules against reference pathogenic microorganisms through validated assays and an interdisciplinary approach for accurate evaluation and validation of results.
Publications
The Antioxidant Properties of Extracts of Cuscuta spp. Depend on the Parasite and the Host Species:
Lozanova, V.; Teofanova, D.; Chakarova, B.; Rusanov, K.; Pachedjieva, K.; Tosheva, A.; Zagorcheva, T.; Zagorchev, Antioxidants 2025, 14, 761;
Analysis of Variations in the Flavonoid Profiles of Cuscuta campestris and Cuscuta epithymum in Bulgaria as a Potential Chemotaxonomical Marker
Bilyana Chakarova 1,2, Lyuben Zagorchev 1,* Kalina Pachedjieva 1, Anita Tosheva 1, Tzvetelina Zagorcheva 2,3, Krasimir Rusanov 2,4 and Denitsa Teofanova, Plants 2025, 14, 1220;
In Vitro Biological Activity a Polyphenol of Rose Oil Distillation Waste Water and Rose Oil of Rosa Damascena;
Boyka Andonova-Lilova, Mila Rusanova, Krasimir Rusanov, Tzvetelina Zagorcheva, Ivan Atanasov, 2023, IV INTERNATIONAL GREEN BIOTECHNOLOGY CONGRESS, 7-8 November, Sofia, Bulgaria;
Chemical characterization and biological activity of Melissa officinalis extracts from dried plant and solid waste from essential oil industry;
M. Kamenova-Nacheva, P. Staleva, M. Tavlinova-Kirilova, S. Momchilova, A. Trendafilova, B. Andonova-Lilova, M. Rusanova, T. Zagorcheva, V. Ruseva, I. Atanassov, V. Dimitrov; Planta Medica, December 2022, Volume 88, Issue 15, 2022;
Fermentation of rose oil distillation waste waters and biotransformation of phenolics by Trichoderma asperellum SL-45;
М. Rusanova, K. Rusanov, S. Momchilova, T. Zagorcheva, Y. Evstatieva, D. Nikolova, I. Atanassov; Annuaire de l’Universite de Sofia “St. Kliment Ohridski”, submitted for publication in 2019;
Equipment
- Multi-mode hybrid system for assessing toxicity and mechanisms of action of biologically active substances on cellular model systems – Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader (Cytation 3);
- Bioreactor for parallel cultivation – Multifors 2;
- Class 2 laminar flow hood;
- Multi-gas CO₂/O₂/N₂ incubator;
- Laboratory ultra-low temperature freezer -150°C;
- Automated anaerobic chamber;
- Lyophilizer (freeze dryer);
- Analytical balance;
- Fluorescent microplate reader;
- UV/Vis microplate reader;
- Fast protein liquid chromatography system (FPLC);
- Flow cytometer;
- Gradient PCR machine;
- Real-time PCR (qPCR) machine;
- Biological upright trinocular fluorescence microscope;
Management
Prof. DSc. Ivan Atanassov, corr. member of BAS
Scientific fields:
molecular genetics, gene cloning, characterization and expression, recombinant proteins, molecular markers, plant genetic resources, and plant biotechnology.
Achievements:
Over 90 published articles and more than 20 completed projects in the fields of molecular genetics and plant biotechnology.
