E-BIOM is located at the Créalys Science Park, a privileged location in the Province of Namur (Belgium) for the development of high-value technological companies.
Our 240 m² laboratory is entirely dedicated to environmental biological analyses, allowing E-BIOM to play a key role in many sectors: agronomy, water sciences, human and animal health, quality control, research, and more.
To carry out our missions, our laboratory is equipped with sophisticated infrastructures and equipment, designed to enable precise, reliable, and rigorous analyses. Discover the 6 analytical units and 6 technical units that make up our laboratory and allow us to handle various types of samples, while ensuring a set of procedures that optimize contamination prevention.
Sécurity
Access to the laboratory is strictly limited to authorised personnel and is controlled by individual badges.
Standard laboratory procedures for molecular biology are applied. Wearing a lab coat and laboratory shoes is mandatory. Depending on the tasks, gloves, goggles, or a protective mask are also required. Lab coats, instruments, and products are strictly assigned to each technical and analytical unit to avoid the movement of materials between zones.
The entire laboratory is equipped with an HVAC system and HEPA filters.
Laboratory access and storage
The staff access the laboratory through a “Visitor Reception” area (technical unit no. 1), where personal belongings are stored. They then pass through a “People Airlock” (technical unit no. 2), a zone maintained under positive pressure to prevent contamination of the laboratory. The staff equip themselves with all necessary personal protective equipment (lab coat, shoes, etc.).
All laboratory reagents and consumables are stored in dedicated spaces: the “Stock Room” and “Chemical Stock Room” (technical units no. 3 and no. 4). They are transported to various analytical units via the “Material Airlock” (technical unit no. 5), a zone maintained under positive pressure. For safety reasons, the “Chemical Stock Room” is maintained under negative pressure.
Sample reception
All environmental biologic analysis begins with the collection and receipt of samples. These samples can come from various matrices: plant or animal tissues, soil, water (ponds, lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans), effluents and wastewater, industrial waters, air samples, etc. These samples must be handled carefully to avoid contamination that could distort the analysis results.
Upon receipt, samples are temporarily stored under optimal conditions, which vary according to the matrix: room temperature, refrigeration at 4°C, or freezing at -20°C or -80°C.
DNA/RNA extraction and amplification
Analytical procedures are crucial and involve handling and processing samples in a sterile manner. The process begins with the extraction of DNA or RNA from the sample. This DNA/RNA is typically present in very small quantities and must therefore be amplified by PCR to be analysed.
DNA/RNA extractions are performed in three distinct analytical units. DNA from tissues and wastewater is extracted in the “pre-PCR lab” (analytical unit no. 1). The “pre-PCR ADNe lab” (analytical unit no. 2) is dedicated to the extraction of DNA from environmental samples, while the “pre-PCR epidemiology lab” (analytical unit no. 3) is specifically dedicated to the extraction of DNA/RNA from pathogens.
All solutions are prepared in the “PCR & Balance Mix Lab” (analytical unit no. 4). To minimize contamination, analytical units no. 2, 3, and 4 are continuously maintained under positive pressure. All PCR amplifications (PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR) are carried out in the “post-PCR lab” (analytical unit no. 5), which is coupled with the “electrophoresis lab” (analytical unit no. 6).
Each analytical unit has dedicated equipment: refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, individual PCR hoods with UV and HEPA filters, etc.
Focus on PCR
The E-BIOM laboratory is equipped with several PCR technologies. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify a specific DNA sequence to obtain large quantities of it. From a single molecule, more than a billion can be obtained in less than 3 hours. qPCR (quantitative PCR), or real-time PCR, allows for real-time quantification of DNA amplification by measuring a fluorescent signal. RT-qPCR (reverse transcription quantitative PCR) first converts RNA into DNA before quantifying amplification in real-time. This technique is used to analyse the presence of viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2. Lastly, ddPCR (droplet digital PCR) partitions the sample into thousands of droplets, allowing for absolute and ultra-sensitive quantification.
Sequencing and bioinformatics
DNA sequencing is the phase where the exact DNA composition of the organisms in the sample is determined. This process is fundamental to environmental biology studies, as it enables us to identify the species present in a given environment, monitor changes in populations and even detect pathogenic or invasive organisms.
E-BIOM primarily uses three sequencing technologies: Sanger, MinION, and Illumina.
After DNA sequencing, raw data is complex and voluminous—essentially big data. Our bioinformaticians then analyse, sort, and interpret this data using specialized software.
Decontamination and waste management
To maintain a healthy working environment and avoid cross-contamination between samples, it is crucial to have a sterilization room. The “Laundry” (technical unit no. 6) is equipped with an autoclave, a device that sterilizes tools, containers, and other equipment by heat under high pressure. Other disinfection systems, such as ultrasonic baths and UV treatments, are also used to disinfect certain equipment or delicate surfaces.
An environmental biological analysis laboratory produces various types of waste, whether chemical or biological. A strict procedure for sorting and safely disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste has been implemented.
Conclusion
The infrastructure and equipment at the E-BIOM laboratory are varied and complex, each playing a key role in the analysis process. From the reception of samples to the interpretation of data, each step requires specific equipment and strictly controlled working conditions to ensure reliable and accurate results.
The potential of our facilities allows us to explore new partnerships. Please feel free to contact us!
