Microbiology and genetic engineering: applied biotechnology laboratory

Mastery of microorganisms and genetic engineering tools is now a major driver of innovation in the healthcare, agri-food, and industrial biotechnology sectors.

At Meurice R&D, we support companies and research centres in developing Molecular Cloning strategies, DNA modification, and optimisation of microbial strains intended for the production of medicines, vaccines, enzymes, or other molecules of interest.

Our teams are involved from the design of the genetic project through to experimental validation and integration into a coherent bioprocess.

Molecular Cloning and DNA modification

Molecular Cloning is based on the construction of recombinant DNA, obtained by inserting a genetic fragment of interest into a suitable vector

This strategy includes several key steps:

  • DNA cleavage using restriction enzymes
  • Ligation of DNA fragments using DNA ligases
  • Insertion into a plasmid vector
  • Introduction into a host microorganism

Plasmids play a central role as expression vectors. They may contain:

  • Antibiotic resistance genes for selection
  • Reporter genes for screening
  • Multiple cloning sites enabling flexible insertion of DNA fragments

 

From genetics to bioprocess

Genetic engineering cannot be separated from the downstream stages of industrial development. After the targeted modification of DNA, a strain’s performance depends on its controlled propagation, its controlled fermentation under optimised conditions, the purification of the proteins produced and, finally, their formulation and stabilisation for the final application.

Our expertise in biotechnology and bioprocesses therefore makes it possible to integrate genetic modification into a complete value chain, from the DNA sequence through to the final product ready for industrial valorisation.

 

Industrial and societal applications

Genetic engineering technologies enable the targeted production of biomolecules of interest such as:

  • Agri-food sector
  • Biomolecule production
  • Environmental bioremediation
  • Development of strains capable of producing rare molecules

The production of medicines, vaccines, or enzymes from transgenic microorganisms perfectly illustrates the integration of molecular cloning within an industrial approach.

Scientific support and industrial feasibility

Development in microbiology and genetic engineering requires multidisciplinary skills.

As a non-profit organisation (ASBL) and a recognised partner associated with the Haute École Lucia de Brouckère and the Labiris research centre, Meurice R&D can facilitate access to regional innovation support schemes in the Brussels-Capital Region and in Wallonia, subject to eligibility and budget availability.

When these mechanisms are not applicable, we carry out all services as direct subcontracting.

 

Add a genetic dimension to your project

Projects in microbiology and genetic engineering naturally fit into a complete development chain. After DNA modification and optimisation of microorganisms, production requires controlled propagation in a bioreactor, followed by a protein purification step suited to downstream processing.

To discover these complementary areas of expertise, please consult our pages dedicated to Propagation and formulation of microorganisms and Protein purification, which detail the key steps leading from the gene to the final product.

Would you like to develop a Molecular Cloning strategy, modify a DNA fragment, or optimise microorganisms that produce medicines/vaccines/enzymes?