- Test Method validation services
- Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory Services
- Sanger sequencing service
- Oligo synthesis service
- High throughput DNA sequencing service
- DNA fingerprinting and fragment analysis
- DNA isolation and banking service
- DNA quantification service via droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)
- Genotyping service
Test Method validation services
The AFL is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standard for Test Method Development and Evaluation and Non-routine Testing as shown on our scope of accreditation. The AFL has the extensive expertise and experience in validating proprietary methods and media from method developers for obtaining approval by Microbiology Methods Committee (MMC), Government of Canada, or AOAC Research Institute. Some examples can be found in the Compendium of Analytical Methods.
Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory Services
We also develop, validate and implement advanced methods used in research projects, as reflected in some of our peer-reviewed publications. Our professional team of scientists understand that your analytical needs can be beyond published guidelines or available methodologies. We have a highly educated and well-experienced scientific team with extensive expertise to work collaboratively with you from consultation, study design to sample analysis and report writing to meet your specific objectives. Our operations are flexible to accommodate different and ever-changing needs of our clients from validation of a new technology, process, equipment or formulation to trouble-shooting unknown sources of contamination or searching for improved microbial strains. We strive to come up with the best possible approaches with scientifically sound and technically reliable methodologies to deliver the analytical results you can totally rely on.
To achieve your R&D success, we:
- Provide novel and innovative solutions
- Conduct and manage your projects with good laboratory practices following the ISO/IEC 17025 standard
- Deliver accurate, timely and cost effective results
- Maintain sample integrity and protection of intellectual property
- Provide comprehensive scientific and publication-ready summary of results and reports
- Meet or exceed your expectations
Please contact us for more information
In addition to working with clients to develop, adapt or validate new laboratory methods, we provide various standard and specialty molecular services (from DNA extraction to DNA sequencing) to support research and development needs.
Sanger sequencing service
- ABI 3730 XL DNA Analyzer (sequencer)
- Accurate, timely results
- Long read (up to 1000 bases) on good quality DNA
- Trouble-shooting and re-sequencing, as applicable
- Expert technical advice
- Free common primers (38 in total)
- Online ordering and data downloading
Oligo synthesis service
Custom nucleic acid oligos are synthesized using an automated DNA synthesizer. Oligo are ordered online. Our website will also help you to track (or manage) your orders. Primer design is available upon request. Modifications include (but not limited to) fluorescent labelling, inosine modified base, and phosphorylation.
High throughput DNA sequencing service
We apply high throughput sequencing (HTS) for various applications, including whole genome sequencing for microorganisms, and sequencing targeted regions within microbial, animal, fish, insect and plant genomes to identify biological genus/species or even serotypes in complex samples. A few examples of HTS application include high-resolution comparison of bacterial strain relatedness, simultaneous detection of multiple Salmonella serotypes in a single sample from poultry environments and identification of fish species in eDNA samples.
DNA fingerprinting and fragment analysis
DNA fingerprinting has a wide range of applications in agriculture and food sectors such as variety (or species) identification, variety (or species) identity preservation, genetic marker identification, microbial contamination tracing and pathogen-outbreak investigation. DNA fingerprinting is conducted in our lab on any biological materials using technologies such as microsatellite (SSR) analysis, MLVA, MLST, AFLP and high throughput sequencing. We also provide services for fluorescent fragment analysis for researchers.
DNA isolation and banking service
We routinely isolate DNA from a variety of sample types including food, feed, water, soils, environment, plants, and animal blood, tissue, semen and feces. We provide DNA extraction services not only for immediate use of DNA but also for DNA banking or long-term storage purposes.
DNA quantification service via droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)
We provide services for absolute quantification of DNA in a sample using ddPCR without relying on a traditional standard curve. This allows for accurate measurements of DNA targets, particularly low-abundance targets.
Genotyping service
We provide genotyping services based on a client’s specific needs using client-preferred methods that are rapidly advancing. Please contact us for your specific needs.