Technology platforms
At Section for Food Microbiology, Gut Health and Fermentation we utilize specialized technology platforms to study microbial interactions in various environments, including host-associated microbiomes, in vitro models, and synthetic systems. Our facilities include both Class 1 GMO and Class 2 GMO laboratories (allowing us to handle class 1, class 2 and (most) class 3 pathogens), equipped for advanced research in food microbiology, gut health, biofilm formation, and fermentation. We continuously refine and improve our infrastructure through ongoing development and collaboration with experts worldwide. If you believe our resources could support your research or have an idea for a collaborative project, we would love to hear from you.
Examples of some of the platforms and systems available include:
We have established an advanced platform to comprehensively study microbial interactions in their spatial and temporal contexts using a confocal ZEISS LSM 900 microscope. This platform allows for the visual exploration of microbial activities and interactions, offering fundamental insights into how microbes influence and adapt to their surroundings on solid matrices. We have also developed various techniques to examine biofilms. Additionally, the microscope is located in a GMO Class 2 facility, enabling work with genetically modified Class 2 pathogens (e.g., tagged with reporter genes) and most Class 3 pathogens.
Further description and contact person can be found here.
The platform includes an Agilent TapeStation 4200 for DNA/RNA quality assessment, GridION and Promethion third-generation, real-time sequencing platform, and a Bio-Rad CFX96 Real-Time PCR System. Together, these cutting-edge tools enable precise molecular analysis and high-throughput sequencing for a wide range of applications.
Further description and contact person can be found here.
The anaerobic facility provides a controlled oxygen-free environment for culturing anaerobic microorganisms. It includes specialized chambers, gas mixing system, and monitoring equipment to maintain strict anoxic conditions. This infrastructure supports research on gut microbiota, fermentation, and anaerobic metabolic processes.
Contact: Torben Sølbeck Rasmussen and Dennis Sandris Nielsen
Gut models simulating the human gastrointestinal environment for microbiome and digestion studies. It replicates key physiological conditions, including pH gradients and microbial interactions. They are used to investigate gut health and offer insights into how microorganisms influence digestion and overall health.
Contact: Dennis Sandris Nielsen
We have several biofilm models available in the section to examine microbial communities in various environments. These models allow us to study biofilm formation, structure, and behavior under different conditions, providing insights into microbial interactions, persistence, and resistance. Our advanced setups support research in food safety, health, and industrial applications.
Contact: Henriette Lyng Røder
The fermentation platform includes two solid-state and four submerged fermentation bioreactors, enabling the simulation of a wide range of solid-state and submerged fermentation processes. This versatile setup allows for comprehensive studies and optimization of fermentation conditions across different environments.
Further description and contact person can be found here.
The brewery can facilitate all parts of the brewing process of beer, as well as additional analyses of wort and beer.
Further description can be found here.
The Biolector 2 is a high-throughput, automated microbioreactor for real-time monitoring of microbial cultures. It measures parameters like biomass and pH in parallel microtiter plates. This system enhances bioprocess optimization, metabolic engineering, and fermentation studies.
Contact: Nils Arneborg
The Calscreener is a high-throughput system designed to measure microbial heat production in real-time. It enables precise thermal analysis of microbial metabolism, offering insights into growth dynamics. This tool is valuable for studying fermentation processes, microbial activity, and biotechnological applications in diverse matrices.
Contact: Henriette Lyng Røder and Dennis Sandris Nielsen
Find them on this dedicated page.