Biotech Perseus Biomics and hardware developer Comate have joined forces to launch MetaMAP, a device designed to map the bacteria in the intestinal tract.
The technology, which can analyse the microbiome of an individual within 6.5 hours, can also measure the exact quantities of specific bacteria in the gut, allowing for "rapid and comprehensive microbiome analysis."
This tool could be revolutionary for gut health researchers and businesses worldwide, as microbiome research has previously heavily relied on stool samples — which only tell a part of the story.
By employing MetaMAP, Perseus claims that researchers can map the entire microbiome, identifying bacteria and their genetic composition.
The machine is also compact and automated, making it easy to incorporate into a lab space and simple to work with.
"Imaging DNA across the entire sample surface requires a microscope capable of nanometer-scale positioning," noted Sander Van den Dries, founder and Director at Comate.
"Our engineers fundamentally rethought the positioning mechanism and developed an ingenious method to integrate this technology into a compact and cost-efficient system. The result is a unique, affordable device that precisely meets the needs of Perseus Biomics."
Fluorescent labelling improves efficiency
Current microbiome mapping solutions require the sequencing of DNA letter by letter, which can be highly time-consuming and expensive to achieve.
Therefore, academics from KU Leuven and EPF Lausanne set about to create a more efficient solution to this issue; founding Perseus Biomics in 2020.
To optimise the microbiome sequencing process, Perseus uses fluorescent labels on specific DNA segments, causing the DNA molecules of bacteria to "light up", forming unique patterns for each bacterial species.
These patterns can then be photographed and deciphered by advanced algorithms, determining both the presence and quantity of specific bacterial strains.
Applications within food and supplement research
As the gut microbiome's role in overall health becomes increasingly apparent, brands in the nutraceutical and food industries are catering products to support the beneficial bacteria living in our gut.
To successfully create more targeted and effective products, brands need to know what's going on in the microbiome, and how they can best cater products to positively modulate its activity.
"We can now map the complex world of microbes with unprecedented speed and precision," added Arno Bouwens, R&D Director of Perseus Biotech.
“With MetaMAP, researchers can analyze the microbiome faster, more accurately and more reliably — significantly accelerating the development of targeted nutraceuticals.”
"The device can also be used for detailed quality controls during the production process of beer, yogurt, and sourdough, and to accurately map the impact of food products on our well-being."
MetaMAP also enables fast and cost-efficient microbiome analyses for personalised dietary advice, which can be given to the broad consumer market.
With the launch of MetaMAP, Perseus Biomics and Comate hope to unlock the potential of the microbiome.
