Cultures and Strains

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revolutionizes our understanding of microbial cultures. By analyzing the complete genetic blueprint of a microorganism, we gain unparalleled insights into its taxonomy, traits, and functional potential.

At Biomcare, we use WGS to unlock the full potential of microbes for agricultural innovation, offering detailed and actionable information on isolated strains.

Why Sequence Microbes in Culture?

• Characterizing Beneficial Strains: Identify and validate microbes that promote plant growth, protect crops from pathogens, or enhance soil fertility. For example, nitrogen-fixing bacteria can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, while biocontrol agents can suppress harmful fungi.

• Ensuring Strain Purity: Confirm the identity and purity of microbial strains used in agricultural formulations to prevent contamination or performance variability.

• Developing Probiotics: Analyze probiotics intended for livestock or plants to assess their safety, effectiveness, and potential for improving health or productivity.

• Bioremediation Applications: Study microbes capable of breaking down pollutants or improving soil conditions, ensuring they have the necessary genes for targeted applications.

• Understanding Pathogenicity: Investigate plant pathogens to identify virulence factors, resistance genes, and potential vulnerabilities for control strategies.

Solving your microbiome problems

We have more than +7 years of experience in analyzing microbiome data and structuring microbiome projects. Our team has worked on more than 75 microbiome projects spanning research, universities and commercial industries.

Biomcare offers both microbiome services for small discovery projects, as well as large custom-designed microbiome projects.

Contact us today and get a quote. We are standing by to service you.

What Information Does Sequencing Provide?

Whole genome sequencing offers a depth of information far beyond traditional methods like microscopy or basic culturing techniques:

1. Taxonomic Precision: WGS can differentiate between closely related strains, accurately identifying species and subspecies levels that may be indistinguishable by morphology.
2. Functional Insights: Sequencing reveals genes associated with specific traits, such as:
   • Enzyme production (e.g., cellulases or nitrification enzymes)
   • Antimicrobial activity
   • Stress tolerance (e.g., drought or salinity resistance)
   • Nutrient cycling capabilities (e.g., nitrogen fixation)
3. Antibiotic Resistance Profiling: Detect genes responsible for antibiotic resistance, ensuring safety when using microbial strains in agricultural environments.
4. Genomic Comparisons: Compare genetic content across different strains to identify unique features or adaptive traits relevant to specific agricultural applications.
5. Ecosystem Compatibility: Assess the compatibility of microbial strains with existing ecosystems by analyzing their metabolic pathways and potential interactions

Advantages Over Traditional Methods

• Microscopy: While microscopy provides a physical view of microorganisms, it cannot reveal genetic variations or functional traits critical to agricultural applications.

• Culturing Alone: Culturing techniques are limited to a fraction of microbes that grow under lab conditions, missing many important details about taxonomy and function.

• Biochemical Testing: Traditional assays give limited functional insights, while WGS provides a comprehensive picture, including potential metabolic pathways and adaptation mechanisms.

Whole genome sequencing bridges these gaps, offering a holistic and high-resolution understanding of microbial cultures.

Tailored Solutions for Agriculture

At Biomcare, we collaborate with researchers and agricultural stakeholders to deliver customized sequencing services. Whether you are developing microbial fertilizers, studying crop pathogens, or advancing sustainable farming practices, our tools provide the insights needed to succeed.

Unlock the potential of microbial strains with Biomcare's cutting-edge genomic solutions. Let us help you harness the power of microbes for a healthier, more sustainable future.

We can screen a strain for a range of different functional properties of relevance to agriculture. Below is a list of some of these functional categories and more detailed examples for two key functions namely "Nitrogen Fixation" and "Micronutrient Mobilization"

Nitrogen fixation

Table of Nitrogen fixation Genes

Micronutrient Mobilization

Table of Micronutrient Mobilization Genes

Working with Dr. Louise Thingholm and Biomcare on our study of the relationships between iron and the gut microbiome has been a great experience. Louise brought unparalleled expertise in the analysis and interpretation of the microbiome data, guiding us through the complexities along each step. Her user-friendly visualizations and clear interpretations allowed us to communicate our findings effectively to both scientific audiences and stakeholders. Moreover, her responsiveness and collaborative approach made the whole process seamless, addressing challenges promptly and adapting to the unique needs of our study. Thanks to her support, we were able to meet project deadlines and significantly enhance the quality of our research. I would work with her again in the future, and highly recommend Biomcare to anyone seeking expert assistance in microbiome data analysis.

- Diane M. Dellavalle, PhD, RDN, LDN, Professor of Nutrition