The utilization of nanopore technology brings forth numerous advantages:

1. Flexibility and Versatility: Nanopore technology is highly adaptable and can be applied across various sequencing applications, accommodating diverse research needs.
2. Single-Molecule Sequencing: With nanopore technology, it becomes possible to sequence individual DNA molecules, providing detailed insights into genetic information at the molecular level.
3. Both Short and Long Read Lengths: Nanopore sequencing enables the generation of reads spanning different lengths, allowing for comprehensive coverage and analysis of genetic sequences.
4. Real-Time Data Generation and Analysis: One of the key strengths of nanopore technology is its ability to produce sequencing data in real-time. This enables researchers to gain immediate insights, make data-driven decisions, and conduct rapid analysis.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Nanopore sequencing has witnessed a reduction in the overall cost of sequencing, making it a cost-effective solution compared to traditional sequencing methods. This affordability facilitates broader accessibility and opens up opportunities for researchers with varying budgets.

By harnessing the power of nanopore technology, researchers can benefit from its versatility, single molecule sequencing capabilities, flexibility in read lengths, real-time data analysis, and cost-effectiveness, leading to advancements in genomics research and beyond.

Nanopore-based sequencing technology operates by detecting distinctive electrical signals emitted by various molecules as they traverse a nanopore using a semiconductor-based electronic detection system. This approach offers a cost-effective and high-throughput solution for sequencing. The core of this technology revolves around a biological nanopore—a protein pore nestled within a membrane—while the intelligence resides in the electronics of a semiconductor integrated circuit, coupled with proprietary chemistries. Within the chip, the embedded electronic sensor technology enables automated membrane assembly, nanopore insertion, and individual sensor control.

To achieve high throughput and accuracy, different sequencing chemistries can be combined with the nanopore and electronic sensor technology, expediting the time required to obtain sequencing data.

Reaching the species levels has opened many opportunities and has expanded our possibilities. These include;

1. Personalised Probiotic recommendation
2. Biomarkers discovery
3. New Probiotic development
4. New delivery systems for existing oral Probiotics

Project Objective: The overall objective of this project is the discovery and typing of both known and novel microbiome types from both skin and gut that in turn can be correlated with health, longevity and healthy ageing

Lead Partner: TopMD Precision Medicine Ltd, a UK-registered company, operating in the drug development and precision medicine segment.

Project Tasks:

1. Clinical samples were sequenced at the microbiome level using an optimization mapping methodology; Analysis of microbiome complement for patients of the study cohorts, people aged 50 – 80 with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or neurodegenerative disease.
2. Analysis of host transcriptome complement for patients of the study cohorts, people aged 50 – 80 with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or neurodegenerative disease, Optimisation of transcriptome mapping technology and gene expression mapping of samples by NGS tools;
3. Analysis of NGS data for identification of biomarkers predictive of healthy ageing phenotypes
4. Biomarkers identified for healthy ageing phenotypes related to IBD and neurodegenerative disease.

Project Objective: The BioArte intends to design new and improved services to accurately offer a rapid sequence typing technique to determine Sars CoV-2 variants accurately, predict COVID-19 severity, and correlate this with the patient microbiome typing. The data obtained can be piloted as a data package that can, in turn, be used to design products or medicines that will be aimed at treating COVID-19 positive patients. BioArte will develop novel tools and methods for the analysis and manipulation of microbiomes

Project Tasks:

1. Characterization and selection of patient samples, Bacterial genomic DNA and SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction from nasopharyngeal swab samples
2. Selected DNA samples sequenced at the microbiome and selected RNA samples shall be sequenced at SARS-CoV-2 whole genome level
3. Determination of the full microbiome in COVID-19 positive patients (symptomatic or asymptomatic), uninfected patients and vaccinated ones. The human nasopharynx microbiome in COVID-19 positive patients and it is differentially expressed as opposed to the microbiome of healthy patients.
4. Analysis of required omics-based bioinformatics.

Project approved by FUSION R&I Technology Development Programme LITE MCST

Project Objective: The main aim of the project is to study a novel topical application of live lactobacilli that will re-modulate cutaneous microbial interactions responses in subjects with skin problems such as acne and that will remain alive once delivered on the skin surface. This study will aim to investigate a topical formulation with live probiotic bacteria for cutaneous acceptability, safety, and efficacy under acne diseased skin pathology. The process that will be implemented will be focused in preparing the necessary dossier for registering our product (currently under cosmetic) as a pharmaceutical product under pharma law.

Project Tasks:

1. For Pharma Product, to test efficacy and potency of probiotic formulation
2. Human skin models will be developed to induce in vitro acneic skin models, measurement of metabolic status and lipid production by fluorescent microscope after probiotic application
3. Genetic tools such as siRNA mediated gene silencing will be used to produce innovative skin acne models
4. Potency test: In vitro penetration studies; Genomic characterization of the probiotic
5. GMP production and test its efficacy on the above and sustain data with skin microbiome studies before and after treatment.

Project funding pending Malta Enterprise

Project Objective: Research has shown that there is a correlation between intestinal microbiota and exercise, suggesting that the microbiome plays a significant role in athletic performance. The gut microbiome is influenced by various factors, including diet, exercise, and genetics. However, most studies have focused on the gut microbiome as a single variable and have not investigated the interaction between the main elements of athletic performance: diet, exercise, genetic and microbiome.

This project aims to fill this gap in knowledge by integrating the effects of each nutritional factor with the type of sport, the individual’s training status, the athlete’s goals, the time of the competitive season, and the athlete’s food preferences. The project will also consider the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the gut microbiome and athletic performance. The objectives of the project will be achieved by analyzing the gut microbiome and host genetics before and after the implementation of a specific diet and exercise program. The project aims also to create a system that allows for the prediction of a specific diet’s effect on the athlete’s gut microbiome.

Project Tasks:

1. To collect and analyze observational data as to understand the impact of gut microbiome and host genetics on sports performance and the effects of dietary changes. Personalized dietary and fitness implementation recommendations based on the collected data will be provided, along with algorithm tools for microbiome analysis and correlation with health, sports performance, and nutritional changes.
2. Ex-vivo microbiota anaerobic gut models to be tested and developed. To evaluate changes in ex-vivo microbiota with different diets and pharmaceutical products and to provide personalized recommendations for assessing changes in ex-vivo microbiota correlated to fitness.
3. Aims to collect and analyze data from athletes to understand the correlation between microbiome, genetics, and sports performance. The study will compare the gut microbiome of athletes and non-athletes and assess the impact of different diets and exercise regimes on microbiome and genetic information. The ultimate goal is to develop algorithms to analyze data and draw correlations between microbiome, genetics, diet, and athletic performance.