Microbial Strain Characterization Services

Comprehensive Strain Characterization and Analysis

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of microbial strains to support identity, stability, and performance for bioproduction.

Growth profiling and morphology assessment under standardized culture conditions.
16S/ITS sequencing and PCR-based fingerprinting for genetic identity
Metabolite quantification and stability testing across passages

Tailored Characterization Workflows

We design characterization projects around your specific strain and production goals, combining phenotypic, genotypic, and analytical methods in a single streamlined engagement.

Performed under defined culture conditions (media, temperature, time points)
Includes both genotypic and phenotypic analysis packages as scoped
Deliverables include a detailed characterization report and strain records.

Industry-standard methods

Integrated analytical suite

Data-driven reports

Our Approach to Strain Characterization

Integrated Phenotypic and Genotypic Profiling

We combine culture-based assays, molecular identification, and analytical chemistry to provide a complete picture of your strain's identity, purity, stability, and performance.

Phenotypic Profiling

Systematic evaluation of macroscopic and microscopic growth characteristics under controlled conditions, providing baseline data for strain performance and process comparability.

Growth curve recording (OD, biomass, viability over time)
Colony morphology and microscopic examination
Stress tolerance and substrate utilization profiling (when scoped)

Genotypic Analysis

Molecular characterization using sequencing and fingerprinting methods to confirm strain identity, detect contamination, and evaluate genetic stability.

16S rRNA (bacteria) / ITS (yeast/fungi) sequencing for taxonomic confirmation
PCR-based fingerprinting (RAPD, rep-PCR) for strain-level discrimination.
Optional whole-genome sequencing for deep genetic characterization

Standardized Culture Conditions

Each strain is grown under defined media, pH, temperature, and aeration parameters to support characterization across projects.

Metabolite and Byproduct Quantification

HPLC and GC-MS methods are applied to quantify target metabolites, substrates, and fermentation byproducts from culture supernatants.

Stability and Consistency Assessment

Strains are serially passaged under standard conditions to evaluate genetic and phenotypic stability; key quality attributes are measured at defined generations.

What You Receive

Comprehensive Deliverables Package

Every characterization project delivers a data package and documentation to support the qualification, regulatory, or seed bank activities defined in the agreed scope.

Documentation & Reports

Comprehensive characterization report summarizing the phenotypic and genotypic analyses.
Growth and morphology data (curves, images, descriptions)
Genetic identity certificate (sequencing and fingerprinting results)
Metabolite quantification report with chromatograms (when scoped)

Data & Samples

Raw sequencing files (.ab1,.fasta) and fingerprinting gel images
HPLC/GC-MS raw data files and processed results
Purified genomic DNA (when included in scope)
Glycerol stocks and culture viability records (as scoped)

Service Scope

Customizable Parameters per Project

Characterization scope is defined case-by-case during project design. Typical parameters can be adapted to your strain type and bioprocess goals.

Parameter	Typical project scope
Host strain type	Bacterial, yeast, or fungal strains; single or multiple isolates
Culture conditions	Media, pH, temperature, and aeration defined for the strain and project.
Phenotypic endpoints	Growth curve, colony morphology, microscopy, stress tolerance (as scoped)
Genotypic methods	16S/ITS sequencing, PCR-based fingerprinting; optional WGS
Metabolite targets	Target metabolites and byproducts; additional targets upon request
Passage stability testing	Serial passaging with genetic and phenotypic markers re-evaluated at defined passage numbers
Deliverable format	PDF report with summary tables, charts, and interpretations; raw data files upon request

Project Workflow

From Sample to Characterization Report

A structured five-step process ensures consistent data quality and clear documentation at every stage.

Sample Receipt and Inoculum Preparation

We receive your strain sample (plate, vial, or lyophilized), document its condition, and prepare a standardized inoculum for characterization studies.

Phenotypic Profiling Under Defined Conditions

Growth curves are recorded in defined media with temperature and agitation control; colony morphology and microscopic features are documented at log and stationary phases.

Genotypic Analysis and Identity Confirmation

Genomic DNA is extracted and used for 16S/ITS sequencing and PCR-based fingerprinting to assess taxonomic identity and strain fingerprints; contamination detection is limited by assay design and sensitivity.

Metabolite and Byproduct Quantification

Culture supernatants are collected at key time points and analyzed by HPLC and GC-MS to quantify target metabolites and fermentation byproducts.

Stability Assessment and Report Generation

Strains are passaged under standard conditions; genetic and phenotypic markers are re-evaluated. A comprehensive characterization report and strain certificate are issued.

Applications

Supporting Bioprocess Development and Quality

Strain characterization data is used across the product lifecycle, from early development to production and seed bank management.

Strain Qualification for Production

Characterize production strains for identity, purity, and performance before scale-up. Data supports process comparability and regulatory documentation.

Confirm taxonomic identity and purity within the sensitivity of the selected assays
Document growth and metabolite production profiles
Establish baseline for future stability monitoring

Assessing Strain Fitness for Process Conditions

Evaluate strain behavior under process-relevant conditions (pH, temperature, media composition) to guide fermentation optimization and troubleshooting.

Growth and viability under varied conditions
Substrate utilization and byproduct formation
Stability of production phenotype across passage

Routine Characterization of Master and Working Cell Banks

Periodic testing of banked strains to support genetic and phenotypic consistency. Supports lot release and stability programs.

Genetic identity check and purity assessment
Growth performance and metabolite profile confirmation
Comparison against reference characterization data

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Strain Characterization

Addressing scope, timelines, and deliverables for routine characterization projects.

We require a viable culture (plate, glycerol stock, or lyophilized pellet) from which a single colony can be isolated. For multiple strains or isolates, contact our project team to discuss parallel processing options.
The project completion schedule is confirmed during project scoping and documented in the scope agreement.
We use 16S rRNA sequencing for bacteria and ITS region sequencing for yeasts and fungi. PCR-based fingerprinting (rep-PCR, RAPD) can be added for strain-level discrimination. Whole-genome sequencing is available as an option.
Yes, we can assess phenotypic and genetic stability over serial passages. Key quality attributes—growth rate, colony morphology, metabolite profile, and genetic fingerprint—are compared at defined passage numbers.

Scientific Literature

References

Illarionov A, Lahtvee PJ, Kumar R. Potassium and Sodium Salt Stress Characterization in the Yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Rhodotorula toruloides. Applied and environmental microbiology. 2021;87(13):e0310020. View on PubMed
Belini VL, Junior OM, Ceccato-Antonini SR, et al. Morphometric quantification of a pseudohyphae forming Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain using in situ microscopy and image analysis. Journal of microbiological methods. 2021;190:106338. View on PubMed

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Expert consultation

Comprehensive Strain Characterization and Analysis

Tailored Characterization Workflows

Integrated Phenotypic and Genotypic Profiling

Phenotypic Profiling

Genotypic Analysis

Standardized Culture Conditions

Metabolite and Byproduct Quantification

Stability and Consistency Assessment

Comprehensive Deliverables Package

Documentation & Reports

Data & Samples

Customizable Parameters per Project

From Sample to Characterization Report

Sample Receipt and Inoculum Preparation

Phenotypic Profiling Under Defined Conditions

Genotypic Analysis and Identity Confirmation

Metabolite and Byproduct Quantification

Stability Assessment and Report Generation

Supporting Bioprocess Development and Quality

Strain Qualification for Production

Assessing Strain Fitness for Process Conditions

Routine Characterization of Master and Working Cell Banks

Common Questions About Strain Characterization

References

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