Molecular Biology

Involves studying and characterising biological molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), lipids, and carbohydrates. Biomolecular analysis plays a crucial role in understanding the molecular basis of life, disease mechanisms, drug development, and various biological processes. 

 

 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

 

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

 

Third Generation Sequencing

 

 


Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

 

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a powerful molecular biology technique used to amplify and detect specific DNA sequences in a sample. By repeatedly cycling through a series of temperature changes, PCR can produce millions of copies of a target DNA segment, making it possible to identify and analyze genetic material with high sensitivity and precision. This technique is widely used in applications such as genetic testing, disease diagnostics, and forensic analysis, providing critical insights into genetic information across various fields.

 

Equipment

 

  • BioRad CFX qPCR Detection System
  • Applied Biosystems GeneAmp 9700 PCR Detection System
  • Scientist Performing PCR Test

    Food & Consumer goods capabilities and applications

    • Animal species ID (Meat/Fish ingredient authentication, foreign body assessment, contaminant assessment, Adulteration assessment)
    • Plant species ID (ingredient authentication, foreign body assessment, contaminant assessment, Adulteration assessment)
    • Vegan and Vegetarian claim substantiation
    • Food Allergen contaminant assessment
    • Genetically Modified Microorganism safety assessment 
    • Genetic barcoding/ typing (verification of important genetic markers, verify origin)
    • Cross contamination assessments
    • Genetically modified organisms (e.g. roundup ready)
    • Microbial ID, typing (e.g. salmonelarla serotype)

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

 

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is an advanced technology that enables the rapid sequencing of entire genomes or targeted regions of DNA and RNA. This method allows for high-throughput analysis, producing vast amounts of genetic data in a single run, which can be used for applications such as genomics research, personalized medicine, and mutation detection. NGS provides deep insights into genetic variation, making it a powerful tool for understanding complex biological processes and enabling precision medicine.

 

Equipment

 

  • Illumina MiSeq Short Read Sequencing Platform
  • Applied Biosystems GeneAmp PCR System 9700
  • Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer 
  • Thermo Scientific Qubit Fluorometer
  • BioTek Spectrophotometer 
  • Ridom SeqSphere+ 
  • Illumina Basespace
  • Various Bioinformatic tools
     
  • Scientist Performing Next Generation Sequencing On A Miseq

    Food & Consumer goods capabilities and applications

    • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of small genomes 
    • Microbial based typing methods for relatedness:
      • Core Genome Multilocal Sequence Typing (cgMLST)- high resolution genetic relatedness
      • Multilocal Sequence Typing (MLST)- characterising microbial strains 
      • Salmonella Serotype ID- mid resolution genetic relatedness
    • Microbial contamination assessments using Single Nucleotide Variant assessment (SNV) 
    • Bioinformatic genotyping traits (e.g. Antimicrobial resistance)- safety assessment and monitoring tool.
    • Genus/Species ID (ingredient authentication, foreign body assessment, contaminant assessment, Adulteration assessment)
    • Metagenomics 
    • Traceability assessments 

Third Generation Sequencing

 

Third-Generation Sequencing is an advanced genomic technology that allows for the direct sequencing of single DNA or RNA molecules in real-time without the need for amplification. This technique offers longer read lengths compared to earlier methods, providing a more comprehensive view of complex regions of the genome, structural variations, and epigenetic modifications. Third-generation sequencing is particularly useful in applications like de novo genome assembly, studying large structural variations, and analyzing epigenetic changes, making it a powerful tool for cutting-edge genetic research and precision medicine.

 

Equipment

 

  • Oxford Nanopore (ONT) MinION long read Sequencing Platform
  • Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer 
  • Thermo Scientific Qubit Fluorometer
  • BioTek Spectrophotometer 
  • Oxford Nanopore (ONT) MinKNOW
  • Various Bioinformatic tools
  • Scientist Using Minion Sequencing Platform

    Food & Consumer goods capabilities and applications

    • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of small genomes (e.g. Salmonella)
    • Bacterial typing methods:
      • Multilocal Sequence Typing (MLST)
      • Salmonella Serotype ID
    • Bioinformatic genotyping traits
    • Species ID 
    • Genetic variation