SporeGen® – Contract Research

Genetic engineering of Bacillus subtilis

This includes:

vector construction,
construction of recombinant bacterial strains,
expression of heterologous antigens.

We have successfully completed a number of toxicity studies in animals (acute and sub-chronic). In addition, we are able to;

conduct EFSA-compliant assessments of cytotoxicity in relevant cell lines (e.g., Caco-2, Vero and HT29),
evaluate the potential toxicity of strains with regard to surfactant production,
analyse antibiotic MIC breakpoints against a panel of reference strains,
identify by PCR the presence or absence of enterotoxin genes.

Strain development

SporeGen^® carries a large number of novel Bacillus strains. Many of these have unique properties suitable for the probiotic food or animal feed markets. For example, strains that produce gastric stable carotenoids or are high efficiency sporulators. These strains are available for licensing and we have successfully licensed a number of Bacillus strains to date. The advantage of SporeGen^® is its unique expertise with this microorganism.

Toxicity testing

We have successfully completed a number of toxicity studies in animals (acute and sub-chronic) and we are able to conduct EFSA-compliant assessments of cytotoxicity in relevant cell lines (e.g., Caco-2 and HT29). We are also able to evaluate the potential toxicity of strains with regard to surfactant production.

Risk assessments of probiotic strains

We have carried out a number of assessments of Bacillus strains starting with the genome sequence as a template. These studies have been used as part of a dossier submitted to the FDA for self-affirmed GRAS certifications.

Animal studies

SporeGen^® has access to animal facilities and can carry out pre-clinical efficacy studies. In particular, SporeGen^® is one of the few labs worldwide that can assess the efficacy of vaccines to C. difficile infection in mice and Golden Syrian hamsters and has conducted pre-clinical contract work on behalf of 3^rd parties.

Links to SE Asia

SporeGen^® also has unique links to facilities in Vietnam and Thailand for:

the evaluation of products related to shrimp aquaculture,
joint ventures,
contract manufacture of Bacillus products.

Companies we have worked with:

SporeGen^® has carried out contract research Novozymes, an international pharmaceutical company with over 25yrs experience in the Biopharmaceutical Industry.

SporeGen^® has been successful on a collaborative research grant focused on animal feeds and led by Dr T. Alexander (Lethbridge, Alberta) funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

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SporeGen^® has carried out contract work for Protexin, a UK-based company focused on probiotics and veterinary products.

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SporeGen^® is a partner on an EU-funded project "CaroDel" that will evaluate and commercialise a new carotenoid-producing bacterium. SporeGen^® has also signed a licensing deal with Prodigest.