Eurofins Launches Accredited NGS Tests for Identification of Non-Targeted Microorganism

Eurofins Genomics together with Eurofins Food Microbiology laboratory in Nantes has launched convenient services for bacterial community screening and microbiome profiling. The aim of 16S rDNA screening is the identification of microorganism communities present in a sample. The classical targeted microbiology approach, mainly performed with Sanger sequencing or qPCR, is restricted to the detection of predefined microorganisms. In contrast, non-targeted bacterial screening using next generation sequencing techniques helps to identify a broad spectrum of microorganisms within eg. fermented food products and to better understand their interactions.

Depending on the sample source and the subsequent actions, different expansions of 16S microbiome profiling is required. For this reason two major services are now available to serve the specific market needs.

Non-targeted bacterial screening (NGS Microbiology Screening) for food and feed testing

Especially in the food and feed testing market, a comprehensive interpretation report as well as DNA extraction from various sample sources is needed. Therefore, Eurofins Genomics and Eurofins Food Microbiology laboratory in Nantes, the Group’s competence center for microbiology testing, implemented a versatile full service solution that meets all requirements from food and feed customers. The non-targeted bacterial screening can be undertaken on raw or processed food matrices and provides a comprehensive view of the flora present in the product, thanks to advanced bioinformatics and database solutions.

“Our combined expertise in DNA testing and microbiology testing brings forward an applicable and affordable screening test with time saving turnaround times and easy to read short reports”, says Nicolas Karam, General Manager Food Microbiology.

16S Microbiome Profiling for academia and research approaches

A flexible straightforward service package “16S Microbiome Profiling” was created by Eurofins Genomics, the genomics division of the Eurofins Scientific Group and key provider of next generation sequencing (NGS) services. This package is particularly dedicated to the needs of academia, pharma and environmental researchers. The customer can choose from several add-on options such as DNA extraction and bioinformatics as well as the specific 16S regions.

“16S Microbiome Profiling is available in our web shop. It offers flexibility to all customers and makes 16S sequencing as easy as online ordering of Oligonucleotides or Sanger sequencing services”, says Dr Birgit Ottenwälder, Head of the Next Generation Sequencing Laboratory at Eurofins Genomics.

“Eurofins underlines its strength in high quality sequencing services with the joint expertise of Eurofins Genomics and Eurofins Food Microbiology Laboratory in Nantes”, says Bruno Poddevin, Senior Vice President Eurofins Genomics. “The newly developed services set another landmark in the approach to convert technical expertise and applied know-how into convenient genomic services to the industrial and academic community.”