Development of Technologies to Extract and Stabilize DNA from a Broad Spectrum of Microorganisms

We propose to develop, validate and optimize a novel approach to extract DNA from bacteria. This approach aims to efficiently release DNA from all bacteria using a simple method, to stabilize the released DNA at room temperature, and to prevent any further growth of bacteria. The efficiency of the proposed kit to extract and stabilize microbial DNA will be evaluated using in vitro grown bacteria and saliva samples. The bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal properties of this kit will also be determined. As part of this effort, the metagenomic DNA of the oral microbiota will be sequenced and analyzed. We anticipate that the use of this kit will be simple and efficient with no requirement for vigorous mechanical disruption. The final product will be valuable for basic researchers as well as for clinical samples. The combination of this kit and deep sequencing promises to reveal novel aspects of the human microbiota.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alain Stintzi

Student:

Partner:

DNA Genotek

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: