Gut Microbiome
Research Solutions
Unlock deeper microbial insights with
expert gut microbiome analysis services.
Gut Microbiome
Why Microbiome Insights?
The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem that acts as a critical driver of health, disease, and therapeutic response. Investigating microbial diversity, composition, and functional potential allows researchers to uncover mechanisms that traditional biomarkers miss. By partnering with us, you gain access to a platform built entirely around research excellence:
Extensive Microbiome Experience
Free Expert Consultation
Flexible Intake & Custom Study Designs
CAP-Accredited Laboratory Workflows
End-to-End Research Support
Key Research Applications
Therapeutic Development
Drug discovery, mechanism of action (MoA), and pre/post-treatment tracking
Clinical & Translational Medicine
Host-microbiome interactions, mucosal immunity, and metabolic health
Nutritional Sciences:
Dietary interventions, functional foods, and probiotic/prebiotic efficacy
Veterinary & Animal Models:
Companion animal wellness, livestock production efficiency, and preclinical rodent studies
Sample Collection & Handling Guidelines
Dry Swabs
- We recommend using two swabs (for one double-swab device)
to maximize DNA recovery from each collection. - After sampling, return the swab(s) to the transport tube
and keep them sealed until shipment. - Store samples at -80°C and ship to our lab on dry ice via
overnight or two-day delivery.
Whole Stool
- Collect stool samples in a sterile container suitable for
-80°C storage. A minimum of 50 mg of stool is required
for processing. - Avoid contamination from water, urine, bedding, or other
environmental materials during collection. - Store samples at -80°C and ship on dry ice via overnight
or two-day delivery.
Liquid Buffer
- Collect stool samples directly into a tube containing the
appropriate stabilization buffer. - Thoroughly mix the sample with the buffer to ensure
effective preservation of microbial DNA. - Buffer-preserved samples offer greater flexibility for
storage and transport while maintaining sample integrity. - Store and ship samples according to the recommendations
for the specific buffer being used.
Our Collaborative Workflow
1
Free Pre-Study Consultation
2
Logistics & Intake
3
Validated Processing
4
Bioinformatic Analysis
5
Free Post-Report Review
Validated DNA Extraction Protocol
Once your samples safely arrive at our facility, they enter a highly standardized,
automated pipeline to ensure uniform microbial recovery:
- CAP-Accredited Processing:
All sample processing, DNA extraction, and library preparation take place within our CAP-accredited laboratory environment. - Automated Extraction:
Fecal samples are processed using the Macherey-Nagel NucleoMag DNA Microbiome Kit, which is fully optimized for seamless, high-throughput extraction using the ThermoFisher KingFisher automated robot. - Rigorous Lysis:
A mechanical bead-beating step is explicitly included in the protocol. This increased physical lysis ensures the uniform recovery of even the most robust, thick-walled, or hard-to-extract microbes. - Quality Control:
Negative and positive controls are integrated into every batch to eliminate confounding background noise and ensure absolute data integrity.
Multi-Omic & High-Throughput Sequencing Platforms
We utilize industry-standard Illumina® architecture and advanced targeted assays to match your project’s specific resolution needs:
- 16S & ITS2 rRNA Amplicon Sequencing (Illumina MiSeq):
Cost-effective profiling to characterize bacterial (16S) and fungal (ITS2) community structures and assess diversity across cohorts. - Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing (Illumina NovaSeq):
Deep taxonomic resolution down to the species/strain level, alongside functional metabolic pathway profiling. - Total Bacterial Quantification (qPCR):
Absolute quantification data to complement relative abundance profiling. - Functional Metabolomics:
Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) analysis to evaluate the functional, metabolic outputs of the microbial community.
Advanced Bioinformatics & Publication-Quality Statistics
Don’t just receive raw data. We transform complex datasets into clear, submission-ready scientific insights:
- Advanced Statistical Analysis:
Alpha/beta diversity, differential abundance testing, and correlation mapping against clinical metadata. - Publication-Ready Visualizations:
High-resolution, fully vectorized charts, heatmaps, PCoA plots, and taxonomic breakdown graphs tailored to journal specifications.
Looking for a personal gut microbiome test?
We offer personalized microbiome testing, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your precise requirements for sample amounts and extraction?
As detailed in our collection section, we can work with a minimum sample mass of 50mg for whole stool. For rodent samples, we request 3–5 pellets. All extractions are handled using the Macherey-Nagel NucleoMag DNA Microbiome Kit on a ThermoFisher KingFisher robotic setup, which includes an optimized bead-beating step for total microbial lysis.
For extracted DNA, what are your minimum requirements?
If you are bypassing our extraction workflow and sending isolated DNA, we require a minimum of 1ng/ul in a total volume of >25ul verified via fluorometric measurement (e.g., Qubit).
Turnaround Times & DeliverablesWhat is your standard turnaround time (TAT)?
Our standard turnaround time is typically 4 to 6 weeks from the date of sample receipt and quality control pass to final report delivery. Accelerated timelines may be available for pilot or time-sensitive industry projects; please discuss this during your pre-study consultation.
What data formats and contents are included in the final report?
You will receive complete, uncompromised access to your study data:
- Raw Data: FastQ files (fully demultiplexed).
- Comprehensive Interactive Report: A detailed PDF/HTML analysis report containing alpha/beta diversity metrics, taxonomic profiles, and differential abundance data.
- Publication-Ready Visualizations: High-resolution charts, graphs, and figures formatted for peer-reviewed journals.
Still have a questions?
Dive deeper into the science behind your gut health.
Our comprehensive Study Guide covers everything
from sample collection to interpreting your
microbiome results.
Supporting Better Microbiome Research.
Whether you are conducting academic, clinical, veterinary, or preclinical research, our gut microbiome analysis solutions provide the scientific rigor needed to generate meaningful and trusted results.
