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Elimination of free nucleic acid from samples used in molecular tests
Food & nutrition
What questions do you have about this RFP?
Get them answered by the team at Neogen Corporation.
Background

Neogen is an international food safety company that provides test kits and relevant products to detect pathogenic organisms in food. We produce molecular test kits for microbiological testing.  

 

When conducting a molecular assay for the detection of microorganisms, there is often non-cellular free target nucleic acid present in the sample. This undesired free target nucleic acid may be present in the form of free DNA/RNA or in the form of non-viable (dead) cells that are permeable or non-permeable. These DNA/RNA may confound the final result of a molecular test, as they are not indicative of the presence of a microorganism that can survive to cause disease. 

 

Before conducting our molecular assay, we must thus remove the the non-cell associated nucleic acid (free or from dead cells). (For this specific molecular test, we are only interested in measuring the presence of live microorganisms from the sample.) 

 

There are several existing solutions to do this, but none meet our current requirements. Specifically, we seek a step that does not result in too much loss of sample (analyte) or dilution and offers a user friendly workflow (not demanding in terms of requiring large equipment, reagents or time, etc.)

What we're looking for

Neogen is seeking methodologies and/or equipment that eliminate the nucleic acids of non-living cells within a sample in a simple and timely workflow.

Our must-have requirements are:
  • The workflow must be simple, with minimal touchpoints
  • Solution must be able to work with multiple sample matrices
  • The cleanup reagents need to be compatible with downstream molecular assay chemistry
  • Should not affect live cells or interfere with cell growth
Our nice-to-have's are:
  • Process workflow may be less than 30 minutes
  • Simple delivery of reagents that is easily manufacturable and with good stability/shelf-life
  • Reagent cost in line with industry standard
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 3-9
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored research
Gift (Unrestricted grant)
Co-development
Licensing
Supply/purchase
Material transfer
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Funding is dependent on the proposal and can be up to $100,000 for a 6-9 month project. Depending on the success of the initial project, follow-up funding could occur.
Gift (Unrestricted grant)
In most cases, sponsored research is preferred. In the case of gift, funding will be dependent on the proposal and can be up to $100,000 for a 6-12 month project. Depending on the success of the initial project, follow-up funding could occur.
Data
Partners can leverage the vast range of staff at Neogen for additional insights regarding the solution.
Facilities and Services
Partners can send prototype solutions for analysis at our facilities.
Who we are

We believe we’re all in this together. Our partnerships with universities and other organizations — some new, some decades-long — make us and our industries stronger. Our company was born in 1982 of collaboration between academic innovations coming from Michigan State University and industry partners, and that theme has carried us into today.

Some of our most valuable partnerships have led to technological innovations that have benefitted food and animal safety on a large scale, like our 20+ years of work with the University of Nebraska’s Food Allergy Research and Resource Program. We work with representatives from many spheres — academic, public and private — to use research to strengthen our industries together.

 Learn more
Reviewers
PB
Preetha Biswas
Senior Director of Microbiology
JM
Jesse Miller
Director of Innovation
Q&A with Neogen Corporation

The Q&A is now closed.

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Q.
Could more details be provided on [1] the microorganisms Neogen looks to target with downstream assays (bacterial/fungal/viral) and [2] whether they seek to deplete extraneous DNA/RNA from the host versus other microbes?
1
A.
Hi Jonathan! Thanks for the query! We are firstly looking to assay for bacterial pathogens and are really looking to remove environmental microorganismal nucleic acids from the sample - whether it be dead, leaky cells or eDNA. Thanks! Jesse
JM
Jesse Miller, Director of Innovation, Neogen Corporation
November 29, 2023
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0
Q.
We work with some folks who make graphene field effect sensors that have achieved PCR-level sensitivity in under 2 minutes, and I don't think the presence of dead cells is problematic. Low cost, scalable, and single use. Is this something you'd be interested in?
1
A.
For sure Gregory! Thanks for the interest! Jesse
JM
Jesse Miller, Director of Innovation, Neogen Corporation
November 29, 2023
Is this response helpful?
0
0
A.
Jesse, We don't make the sensors in question, we just make the graphene that represents their secret ingredient. We have 4-5 customers that might be interested because their low-cost, single use sensors offer simple, very fast workflows with minimal touchpoints, they should work with any matrix, and they should not affect live cells or interfere with cell growth. Moreover, one of them has already designed and built sensors that detect specific RNA for an agricultural/food safety application. I cannot speak to the reagent aspect of the project, however, and that may be the central objective here based on your description. Historically, when we come across a project like this in which we'd play a small but necessary part, and the heavy lifting is done by our customers, I send out an e-introduction and let you talk with them directly to see if there is a fit. But I am open to whatever works best for you. I do not wish to waste your time (or mine). My number one priority is finding applications with respect to which our graphene provides performance/adds value that other materials or existing tech cannot. So let me know how - or if - you want to proceed and I'll follow your lead. Good luck in any event.
1
A.
Thanks Gregory. Sounds like it is a bit out of scope for this RFP as we are looking for sample prep solutions, not a sensor themselves. Heres to a great New Year! Jesse
JM
Jesse Miller, Director of Innovation, Neogen Corporation
December 26, 2023
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0
Q.
Greetings! I think my lab has a compelling technology for removing extraneous DNA/RNA, but we don't have any particular advantage when it comes to separating dead cells. Are you interested only in methods for both?
1
A.
Hi Christopher! The type of technology you suggest is definitely in scope! Can't wait to hear about it! Jesse
JM
Jesse Miller, Director of Innovation, Neogen Corporation
December 26, 2023
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0
Q.
We provide devices that collect cell free samples from saliva specimens, by size exclusion principles. Cellular material will remain trapped on the collection medium, for later harvesting- any interest?
1
A.
Hi Paul! Sounds interesting! That workflow/product would definitely remove eDNA, I think we would have interest in seeing a proposal. Thank you! Jesse
JM
Jesse Miller, Director of Innovation, Neogen Corporation
December 26, 2023
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