Today, Institut Rosell-Lallemand operates two principal research facilities. The unit in Toulouse, France specializes in the development of new processes and technologies and coordinates clinical research activities. For its part, the laboratory in Montreal, Canada is dedicated to the characterization of strains and host response. The lab is located within the National Research Council of Canada’s Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) and is Biosecurity Level 2-certified, thus authorizing the company’s expert team of eight researchers to study the impact of probiotics on the effects of pathogens.

The BRI’s research is focused primarily on five areas of interest:

• Microbiological identification
• Microbiological security
• Detection and enumeration of microbes in complex environments
• Host cell response
• Probiotic action mechanisms
  
  Microbiological Identification and Strain Characterization
  
  

All strains are identified via their genetic fingerprints. In the case of some strains, the entire genome has already been sequenced. Moreover, Institut Rosell-Lallemand is studying the capacity of its strains to resist gastric acidity and bile, as well as their ability to inhibit the growth of other bacteria.

Microbiological Security

The company is studying the sensitivity of all its strains to a wide range of antibiotics and microbes. For each strain, sequencing is carried out on more than 160 antibiotic-resistant genes. In addition, inspections are conducted for the presence of virulence factors and enterotoxins.

Detection and Enumeration of Microbes in Complex Environments

Thanks to the complete genetic sequencing of a certain number of its strains, Institut Rosell-Lallemand has succeeded in finding some of its very own sequences. Thus, the company is able to detect and quantify them in complex environments, such as in blended strains, animal pellets or stool samples.

Host Cellular Response to Bacteria

Institut Rosell-Lallemand is able to cultivate human epithelial cells and macrophages. These cells are then exposed to probiotic strains, pathogens, or to a combination of both. This allows for the determination of what effects these substances have on human cells by establishing if they stimulate or inhibit the expression of certain genes.

Probiotic Action Mechanisms

The company conducts research on various host-bacteria interactions thanks to its extensive scientific network of university researchers working on specific analytical models.