NCIMB is looking forward to a microbiome-focused summer

We’ve got two exciting microbiome events to look forward to this summer. Our Microbiome Services Manager Julie Mackinnon will be heading to the first networking event of the Microbiome and Infectious Disease (MaID) Innovation Hub on the 8th of July and Brandon Childers is attending the INFORM Hub Summer 2025 event in Reading on 24 June. INFORM was established to unite researchers and industry experts from fields including gut microbiology, food science, nutrition, immune function, mental health and sports science with the aim of delving into the exciting potential of …

How to search the NCIMB collection for strains from species in the EFSA QPS list

by Julie MacKinnon, Microbiome Services Manager There is a growing interest in the use of microorganisms within the food chain, and this can be attributed to a number of different factors. For example, knowledge and understanding of the gut microbiome and its role in human health has led to an interest in fermented foods and supplements containing bacteria associated with gut health. There is also an interest in microorganisms as a more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides used in agriculture, and for the production of food additives such as …

The role of whole genome sequencing in reducing the risk of AMR spread

As we reach the end of World AMR Awareness Week, Microbiome Services Manager Julie MacKinnon reflects on the role of whole genome sequencing in assessing strains intentionally used in the food chain to ensure they do not add to the pool of antimicrobial resistance genes in the gut. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health threats, with bacterial AMR estimated to have been directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to …

Comparing and differentiating closely related strains of bacteria

Strain comparison and differentiation can be valuable in a range of circumstances. NCIMB’s Identification Services Manager, Vikki Warren takes a look at recent developments in the methods available for doing this and why whole genome sequencing is NCIMB’s preferred approach. Environmental monitoring is an important part of quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. When it comes to investigating incursions or process contaminants, comparing them to previous isolates and tracing their source, strain comparison and differentiation can provide valuable information over and above species level identification. If several different strains are …

Next generation sequencing: revolutionising microbiology

The development of next generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionised genomic research, but what exactly are the benefits of NGS, and what value can it offer our customers? We take a brief look back at the development of sequencing technologies and highlights some of the applications. Microbiologists have always exploited new technologies in order to understand the impact and processes of bacterial systems. In 1977, Carl Woese revolutionised microbial taxonomy, using rRNA genes as a marker to classify archaea as a separate domain from bacteria. The same year marked the development …

NCIMB launches three-point strain health check service

Microorganisms have many applications in a diverse range of industry sectors – from traditional food and drink manufacturing to industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology. Good microbe management is crucial to ensure that processes are optimised and products meet quality requirements. To support companies in achieving this, NCIMB has launched a new three-point strain health check for microbes used as production strains, and in applications such as feed additives or probiotic products. The health check service allows organisations that use microorganisms in these ways to: Identify and assess strain functionality Monitor …