Biological Sciences

MRI biologists are experienced in managing comprehensive method development and testing programs, specializing in low-level identification and comprehensive speciation. Delivered in a variety of environments
(BSL-1, -2, and –3), these capabilities include:

• Molecular biology
• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Agricultural biotechnology

Molecular Biology

MRI molecular biologists specialize in applying molecular techniques to solve complex research problems pertaining to health. Areas of research used in the successful completion of a number of projects include:

• Trace-level PCR analysis
• Nucleic acid analysis and sequencing
• Nucleic acid purification
• PCR primer development and validation
• Pathogenicity
• Methods development

Contact:

Thomas Grant,
Ph.D.
Director, Business Development
(816) 360-5328

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Microbiology

MRI microbiologists perform a variety of health-related studies in the fields of bacteriology, virology, and mycology. These studies include, but are not limited to:

• Bioaerosol sampler testing and analysis
• Microbial isolation and identification
• Microbial enumeration using direct and indirect techniques
• Rapid identification using biochemical tests
• Bioanalytical methods development
• Environmental microbiology

We perform bacteriological analyses of environmental water, drinking water, and solid phase samples. Services include:

• Analysis of total and fecal coliform
• Analysis of fecal streptococci
• Heterotropic plate count
• Biological and carbonaceous biological oxygen demand
• Analysis of chorophylls
• Isolation and identification of bacterial samples

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Immunology

MRI’s expertise in immunology includes:

• Immunomagnetic separation techniques
• Immunoassay development and validation
• Antibody-conjugate characterization

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Agricultural Biotechnology

MRI develops and evaluates seed coating and pelletizing processes incorporating
desired chemical or biological treatments. Services support basic and applied research and development and fully comply with regulatory submission requirements. We conduct seed treatments that yield a variety of characteristics, including:

• Improved stability, germination, and yield
• Microbial inocula
• Controlled size or weight gain
• Timed release
• Color coatings
• Specialty coatings

Genetic Testing

• Genome characterization
• Hybrid identification
• Recombinant identification

Contamination Testing

• Biological—fungal, viral, bacterial
• Chemical—pesticides, microbial toxins, seed lot purity
• Purity/homogeneity analyses—chromatographic, mass spectrometric,
  spectroscopic

Growth Regulation/Enhancement

Through a variety of novel laboratory techniques, MRI microbiologists are able to increase the success of seed germination through the controlled use of bacterial products. MRI develops enhancement products using the BioLog® system, a computerized bacterial identification system.

Plant Disease Research

MRI can provide your company with a successful plant disease detection and elimination program. We have been actively involved in exploring potential alternative approaches for controlling Asiatic citrus canker for the Florida citrus industry.

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