Antimicrobial Biotechnology

Competencies

Phage isolation, characterization and production of phages against specific bacterial targets

Isolation and detailed characterization of bacteriophages tailored to target specific bacterial strains. This process includes isolating phages from diverse environments and characterizing their efficacy, host range, and genetic makeup to ensure optimal specificity and potency against your target bacteria.

Phage production at various scales, from small volumes for research to larger volumes suitable for broader applications.

Recombinant protein production of bacterial or phage proteins

Production of purified proteins based on amino acid sequences provided, using bacterial expression systems and ensuring no post-translational modifications like glycosylation. Options include fusion tags for affinity or molecular interaction studies, untagged proteins, and modifications such as biotinylation or fluorescent labeling.

Additional areas of expertise:

  • Developing mutant variants
  • Developing and performing activity assays
  • Preparing endotoxin-free proteins
  • Testing protein stability
  • Production of lyophilized proteins for long-term storage

Discovery and characterization of novel enzymes

Discovery and detailed characterization of novel enzymes for a variety of biotechnological or medical applications. This includes the identification of enzymes with specified activities, such as catalysis, DNA or RNA interactions, and substrate specificity. In addition, screening for enzymes with unique properties, including thermostability, activity in extreme conditions, or compatibility with industrial processes for diverse application needs.

Endotoxin testing, LPS removal, and sterility testing

Testing of endotoxins in customer-provided samples and efficient endotoxin removal services to meet research or development needs on the way to clinical therapy. Testing for sterility to confirm the absence of microbial contamination.

 

Please note that these services are not certified for clinical or therapeutic applications.

Bioinformatics of bacterial and viral genomes (incl. DNA extraction and sequencing)

The groups bioinformatics expertise includes analyzing bacterial, bacteriophage, and viral genomes. Starting with DNA extraction and sequencing of provided strains, generation of high-quality genome assemblies and conducting targeted analyses to identify features such as virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, and other traits of interest.

Screening & assay development

Assay development to evaluate antimicrobial activity and screen compounds for their efficacy against bacteria, including those embedded in biofilms.

Testing materials like surface coatings and polymers to assess their capacity to inhibit biofilm formation, as well as screening compounds such as small molecules and peptides. Usage of an in-house bacteriophage and protein libraries for screening purposes and design customized assays for parameters like bacterial growth, metabolism, oxygen consumption, and biofilm formation in various formats, including high-throughput systems like 96-well plates.

Screening of phages for biofilm degradation

Biofilms pose a significant challenge in clinical and industrial settings due to their resistance to conventional treatments. The group offers a service to screen and identify bacteriophages that can effectively degrade biofilms, helping to combat persistent bacterial infections and improve surface sanitation efforts.