Conducts applied genomics and biotechnology research in Northern Ontario to support One Health innovation across human, animal and environmental health sectors.
The Canadore College facility provides expertise in applied genomics, metagenomics and biotechnology, translating advanced research technologies into practical solutions for Northern Ontario. Capabilities include DNA and RNA sequencing, microbial and environmental genomics, genome assembly and analysis, molecular characterization, and bioprocess development.
The facility supports projects from sample processing and molecular workflows through sequencing, bioinformatics and data interpretation, providing an integrated pathway from biological samples to actionable research outcomes. Expertise is applied to pathogen surveillance and infection prevention, antimicrobial resistance, medical diagnostics, environmental microbiology, wastewater treatment, agricultural and berry genomics, and biostimulant research.
Research activities include characterizing microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance using genomic approaches, sequencing and analyzing plant genomes to investigate genetic diversity and traits of northern crops, and supporting pathogen surveillance through molecular and genomic methodologies.
A key strength of the facility is the integration of advanced instrumentation, applied research expertise, and student training opportunities. This enables researchers, industry and community partners to access genomics and biotechnology capabilities that are otherwise limited in Northern Ontario while contributing to the development of a skilled workforce to support these technologies across the region.
- DNA and RNA extraction, quantification and quality assessment: Extract, quantify and assess the integrity of nucleic acids from plant, microbial, environmental, and other biological samples.
- DNA and RNA sequencing: Generate short- and long-read sequencing data through library preparation, quality control, and sequencing workflows for microbial genomics, pathogen characterization, plant genomics and transcriptomics.
- Microbial and metagenomic analysis: Characterize microbial communities, identify organisms, and investigate antimicrobial resistance in environmental and biological samples using genomic and metagenomic approaches.
- Plant and population genomics: Assess genetic diversity, population structure, and genomic variation using genotyping and reduced-representation sequencing methods.
- Genome assembly and bioinformatics: Assemble, polish, annotate, and compare genomes using long-read sequencing data and advanced bioinformatics workflow.
- Molecular pathogen surveillance: Characterize microorganisms through genomic and sequence-based analyses to support environmental, agricultural, and health-related applications.
- Bioprocess development and optimization: Evaluate microbial and biological production processes using bench-scale bioreactor systems, optimize operating conditions, and generate data to support process development and scale-up.
- Controlled plant growth and incubation: Support plant growth, treatment, and physiological assessment under controlled environmental conditions, including biostimulant and environmental stress studies.
- CL2 cell culture and microbiology: Conduct approved cell culture and microbiology workflows in CL2 containment environments using controlled incubation and laboratory systems.
- Secure genomics data management and storage; Provide secure storage, management, and stewardship for large genomic datasets, including projects involving Indigenous communities, knowledge, or samples.
- Research project and workflow development: Support experimental design, sample preparation strategies, sequencing approaches, and data analysis planning for researchers, industry, and community partners.
- Agriculture, animal science and food
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
- Short- and long-read sequencing: Perform DNA and RNA sequencing for microbial genomics, metagenomics, pathogen characterization, plant genomics and transcriptomics using Illumina MiSeq i100 Plus and Oxford Nanopore MinION Mk1C sequencing platforms.
- Nucleic acid quality assessment: Assess DNA and RNA concentration, as well as fragment size and integrity, to support sequencing and molecular biology workflows using an Agilent 4150 TapeStation System.
- Bench-scale bioprocess engineering and development: Support microbial, mammalian, insect, and other cell culture processes with automated pumping and gas delivery using an n!BioMachines bioreactor system supporting up to two 2 L vessels.
- Controlled plant growth: Provide controlled environmental conditions for plant growth, treatment studies, and plant stress-response experiments, including biostimulant, drought and plant–microbe interaction studies, using a programmable plant growth incubator.
- CL2 microbiology and cell culture: Conduct approved microbiology and cell culture research in a Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratory equipped with CO₂ incubators.
- Genomics data storage and management: Store, manage, and retain large sequencing and genomics datasets using dedicated on-site data infrastructure that supports secure data stewardship, including Indigenous-reviewed data governance and management practices that promote the responsible stewardship of research involving Indigenous communities, knowledge, or samples.
- Molecular biology and sample preparation: Support DNA and RNA extraction, molecular biology workflows, sample preparation, and sequencing library preparation for plant, microbial, environmental and other biological samples using specialized laboratory instrumentation.
Private and public sector research partners
- City of North Bay
- Collège Boréal
- Ecolution Inc.
- Micro-Tek Inc.