A good analysis starts with a good sample.That’s why we designed step-by-step protocols for different samples. We provide the sample material and a protocol depending on the situation/the sample. If you prefer not to collect samples yourself, then we will take care of it. We are able to take samples of almost all materials, environments and matrices. After sampling according to our step-by-step protocol, the samples are safe for at least 3 months and can be sent by mail!
Every cell, both dead and alive contains genetic material (DNA). DNA is the code that contains all the information concerning the appearance and abilities of the cell.
RNA is the active copy of DNA, it is the messenger of the cell and is made by the cell when it’s active. Therefore, by measuring RNA, the activity of a process can be measured. Both qPCR and NGS analyses can be performed on DNA as well as RNA.
qPCR is a quantitative measurement for bot DNA and RNA, and determines a known or selected target. In short, you already know what you are looking for and measure in quantities. With qPCR, you can determine how many fungi are present in your sample for example.
vPCR is very similar to qPCR. It is also a quantitative measurement on a target that is known in advance. The difference between the two is that with vPCR, a pre-treatment takes place that selects the viable fraction (the v in vPCR stands for viable). This fraction can contain both living active cells and viable, non-active cells like spores. vPCR is always performed in combination with qPCR. With vPCR, you can determine how many bacteria in the sample are viable, for instance. With NGS (Next GenereationSeqencing) you can identify present micro-organisms. This is possible with both DNA (dead and alive) and RNA (complete microbiological activity; rRNA and mRNA). Furthermore, it is possible to analyse the genetic material of both DNA and RNA, or solely look at the composition of the species at which a selection is made for bacteria’s, archaea, fungi and/or eukaryotes (Bioprophyler).
Why do we use qPCR? Traditional microbiological techniques are based on cultivation. With this cultivation-method you select all the living and culturable organisms. The majority of the present micro-organisms on earth are considered non-culturable. With qPCR, you look at the genetic material that is always present in a cell. Compared to culturing, this method gives a better reflection of what is truly present in a sample. qPCR provides us with quantitative data. An extra advantage of qPCR is that the sample in the field can be fixated so that the microbiology cannot change during transport. Why do we use NGS? NGS is an identification tool. With NGS, it is possible to map every micro-organism, even if they are unknown. The method is not quantitative, but it is possible to create a semi-quantitative picture that shows to what extent different kinds of species are present. Based on NGS, qPCR analyses can be developed to quantify and monitor species. Why do we use vPCR? vPCR is a quantitative method that only determines the viable fraction of a sample. This is based on a method that illuminates all the dead cells in advance. Therefore, it is comparable with culturing methods. However, the advantage of vPCR is that it is based on genetic material, just like qPCR. Therefore, there are no restrictions regarding whether a species is culturable or not. In case of vPCR; samples do need to be freshly submitted and cannot be fixated.
Yes, in principle we ship all over the world. We have lots of experience with shipping samples and receive many samples from various parts of the world. Due to our fixation method it is no problem that the shipping of samples take more time.
Our standard sample turn around time for qPCR and vPCR results is within 10 working days and for NGS 30 working days after receiving the samples. For priority analyses we charge a special tariff. For more information, please contact us.
Yes, we can also perform analyses on fungi with both qPCR and NGS.
If desired, we can help you with translating the data of the analyses to find the answers to your questions or for your problems.
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We have a wide range of biological knowledge within our team. Contact us and we will discuss how we can assist you in fixing your problem.
We have a wide-ranging experience with MIC corrosion. We offer several products to map biocorrosion problems and can assist you with diagnosis, risk assessment and advice. For more information: look at the product section on this website. Do not hesitate to call us.
Yes, together with our parent company Bioclear earth we can help you to make production processes transparent. We combine our knowledge with the biotechnological knowledge of Bioclear earth in the field of production processes in order to help you with adjusting or improving your production process. For more information: look at the product section on this website. Do not hesitate to mail or call us.
Which biological degradation processes can your company analyse relating to soil remediation? Next to DHC (Dehalococcoides) we have standard analyses for:
It is also possible to develop an analysis for every know microbiological target.
Technically, we can develop a qPCR analysis for every microbiological target as long as there is enough information available.
