technology
GBL employs novel research techniques and innovative approach towards microbial strain and fermentation process development.
The Culture Collection and Database
The culture collection has been developed with specific market needs in mind. It is a unique resource comprising of an extensive library of diverse anaerobic, thermotolerant and thermophilic bacteria and fungi. Sampling sites are carefully chosen and strains are isolated using defined proprietary methods, enabling capture of the most robust and commercially attractive species. Novel strains are genetically and physiologically characterised. Strain details are deposited into a proprietary database with a web based interface that has been designed with search features to cross reference data and simplify screening.
High Throughput Screens
GBL are developing high throughput colorimetric and infrared screens in 96 well plates for first stage identification of organisms from the culture collection that reduce target substrates for biocatalysis. GBL also utilise advances in genomic DNA sequence analysis and bioinformatics to develop gene amplification and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based screens for enzymes and robust thermophiles. Once identified, new thermophiles are cultivated in specifically designed selective enrichments.
Metabolic Pathway Engineering
GBL has developed genetic systems for difficult and under-exploited microorganisms such as thermophiles and anaerobes from the GBL culture collection. Metabolic pathway engineering is used to maximise product yield from promising wildtype organisms resulting in a second generation of industrial microorganisms.
Fermentation Process Optimisation
GBL applies its knowledge in microbial physiology and fermentation technology to optimise environmental growth parameters for improved yield and productivity. GBL are specialists in high temperature and continuous fermentation.
The culture collection data base.
Metabolic Engineering is used to
generate a second generation of
industrial thermophiles.