Overview
CRIFS has basic, specialized and high-end scientific equipment in our Core Facility, arranged as discreet laboratories. To learn more about our integrated Core Facility, please access the following links which describe the equipment. Our highly qualified scientific teams can design and manage projects that involve microbiology, fermentations, molecular biology, genomics, metagenomics, bioinformatics and physiological simulations of the human digestive system’s microbiota.
Molecular Biology Core
Our molecular biology core capacities include all types of instruments from the basic run-of-the-mill equipment to cutting-edge devices. We have systems to extract and purify nucleic acids from various types of samples for downstream applications. We can run various PCR protocols on different devices for standard thermocycling, digital droplet PCR or real-time qPCR. We also have a Qiagen liquid handler system for high throughput needs.
Next Generation Sequencing Lab
We are using advanced Next Generation sequencers to rapidly generate genomics and metagenomics data.
Microbiology Labs
In addition to genotyping techniques, we use highly specialized systems to identify bacterial phenotypes. The Vitek 2 from Biomérieux and the Omnilog from Biolog allow concurrent, high-throughput analyses with different technologies that provide rapid and precise phenotyping.
The SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) Lab
We are one of the few institutes in North America to operate a SHIME system (registered trademark, ProDigest). The Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem makes it possible to gather data on the impact of diet, food and nutrients on human intestinal microbiota.
Some applications of the SHIME are:
- Probiotic effects of selected microorganisms.
- Prebiotic effects of selected food ingredients or foods such as milk, and starches.
- Shift in gut microbiota upon specific dietary patterns.
- Bioavailability of micro-nutrients/macronutrients.
CL2+ BioContainment Lab
Our Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratory enables us to perform experiments and analyses with samples that contain pathogens posing a moderate biosafety hazard.
Fermentation Lab
The fermentation lab makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of various meat processing conditions to prevent the growth of foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella strains.
The fermentation lab has an industrial smoker to duplicate curing conditions in cured meats processing plants.
3D Printing and Prototyping Lab
We use our 3D printers to create resin-based devices that are specifically designed to suit our needs.
Big Data / Bioinformatics Lab
Bioinformatics is an essential tool to make sense of the vast amount of data that can be generated by metagenomics analyses.
Additional Core Facilities
The Agriculture & Food Laboratory (AFL) unit of the Laboratory Services Division at the University of Guelph complements the regulatory, analytical and diagnostic testing carried out by the Division.
The Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) is a full-service veterinary diagnostic lab, offering a single source of laboratory services in the field of animal health, encompassing both food-producing and companion animals.
With the support of the University of Guelph and the Department of Food Science, the Guelph Food Innovation Centre (GFIC) is a centralized hub for all your needs as a growing business in the food science industry.
Collaboration Opportunities
Please contact us to discuss academic or industry-related research collaborations on food safety and food science projects.