Microbe Inotech Laboratories, Inc. are full service microbiology labs that can provide a broad range of testing services for the environmental, food, biotechnological and industrial communities.
Our services include detection, isolation, enumeration, identification and confirmation of human and plant pathogenic organisms, industrial hygiene and medically related organisms, indicator and spoilage organisms.
Our labs conduct challenge and microbial shelf life studies, sanitation audits, environmental surface sampling, air microbial testing, biotreatment, biodegradation, and biofeasibility tests.
At the MiL, inc., our international base of clients are accustomed to very competitive pricing, quality service, objectivity, convenience, safety, reliable customer support, leading edge technology, and guaranteed turn-around time.
Analyses
Anthrax Screening
Testing for Bacillus Anthracis
We evaluate samples from state and local government agencies, police departments, as well as private companies and individuals.
Current analysis includes
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Microscopic evaluation for rapid determination of biological agents if applicable
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quantitative real-time PCR detection and enumeration
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Selective plating of sample onto growth media that selects for Bacillus anthracis
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Confirmation identifications by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the GC-FAME and/or Biolog methods of all bacteria that grow on the selective media over a 48 hour incubation period
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Samples may be sent in the form of environmental surface swabs or sponge wipes, as well as bulk powders, liquids or other materials
Total testing time is currently 1-2 days, with a preliminary result available within the first 4 hours.
Mold or Fungal Identification
MicroSeqTM Fungal LSU rRNA Gene Sequencing (PE Applied Biosystems)
DNA is extracted from fungal cells with enzymes. The LSU rRNA gene is selected and amplified using primers and thermalcyclers. The LSU rRNA gene product is sequenced using cycle sequencing chemistry. The reactions are analyzed using automated DNA sequencers and software. Unknown fungal samples are identified using the MicroSeqTM software and LSU rRNA database, containing over 1,500 entries. Either the entire LSU rRNA gene, or a smaller portion of the gene (300bp) can be sequenced. A printout of the sequence data and the identification is included in each report.
GC-FAME (Gas Chromatograph Fatty Acid Methyl Ester)
Also known as Cellular Fatty Acid Analysis, allows for microorganism identification based on the specific fatty acid composition of the cell wall. Fatty acids are extracted from cultured samples and are separated by gas chromatography. A computer generated, unique profile pattern of the extracted fatty acids (9 to 20 carbon chains long) are compared to our microbial databases of well over 2600 species and subspecies. Our reports include the fatty acid profiles, a listing of the best database matches, along with an assigned statistical probability value indicating the confidence level of the identifications.
Fungal BIOLOG®
This automated, identification system uses a 96-well microtiter plate with 95 different carbon sources. The microorganism of interest is applied to each well. Each microorganism has unique capacities to oxidize some of the various carbon sources. When these carbon sources are oxidized by the microorganism, a purple dye develops visible patterns of positive (purple) and negative (clear) wells which provide a metabolic signature of the organism. The system`s computer examines the pattern signature with its database to determine an identification. Databases include aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeasts and fungi.
Biofeasibility Studies
One of the most frequently requested set of tests is the Bioremediation Feasibility Series. It is a straight forward series of analyses that provide an objective evaluation of a site for bioremediation. The flow-chart shows the progression of tests as they are performed.
The Sample can be soil, water, or sludge. When the sample is received at the laboratory, it is immediately prepared for the Total Heterotrophic Plate Count. Over the next 48 hours the Petri plates containing dilutions of the samples are incubated for optimum bacteria growth. The populations are counted twice, once at 24 hours and again at 48 hours. At the end of 48 hours, each bacterium has grown into a colony. Each colony is distinguishable by size, color and texture. It is at this time we determine, by colony morphology, the number of different types of bacteria in the soil or water. The next step is Isolation. Each type of bacterial colony is picked, using a sterile loop, and then streaked onto a new Petri plate. These plates are then incubated for 24 hours in order to produce sufficient quantities of the strain. The isolated strains of bacteria are then harvested for processing in the Endpoint Assay and for identification by GC-FAME and Biolog™.
The Endpoint Assay tests the individual bacterial strains for their ability to use a specific substrate/contaminant as its only carbon source. This custom designed test uses a negative control of water and a positive control of a nutrient broth. The growth success of the bacteria is illustrated in a bar chart report. The Identification of the bacterial strains takes place while the Endpoint assay is running. Two methods are employed as a cross-check for precision and to provide an exact profile of the strain. The GC-FAME method provides a profile of the fatty acid composition of the bacteria and the Biolog™ method provides a characterization of the bacteria by the carbon sources the strain can consume. Next, the raw data is compiled and a summary Table of the bacterial identifications and Bar Charts of the Endpoint Assay raw data are created. These two items are incorporated in the full Report at the conclusion of all tests.
The Bioremediation Feasibility Study is complete at this point. If either the client or the MiL provides nutrient Chemistry Results, we will integrate the results within the Bioremediation Feasibility Study in order to provide an Estimated Project Length report. This report estimates the time it would take your site to reach specified clean-up goals under ideal conditions.
Other services include
- Characterization of Biodegrading Microorganisms
- Bioremediation Monitoring
- Microcosm Treatability Testing
- Wastewater Biotreatment
- Consulting Services
