What the facility does
Applied research centre focused on developing molecular genetic (genomic) solutions primarily for the agricultural industries, and some human health sectors.
Areas of expertise
Founded in January 2019, the Applied Genomics Centre at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's (KPU) Surrey campus is an applied research centre focused on developing molecular genetic (genomic) solutions for the agricultural and human health sectors. Our applied research projects focus largely on using genomic tools to investigate issues in agriculture around improving crop consistency, crop yield and animal health. To do this, we've partnered with a variety of industry and academic institutions both in the Fraser Valley and across Canada. We also work closely with KPU's Institute for Sustainable Horticulture to provide genetic support for sustainable farming methods in British Columbia and beyond.
In addition, the Applied Genomics Centre performs human health research using genetic tools to better understand the genetic underpinnings of human disease.
The Centre has a strong team of scientists with expertise in genomics, plant breeding, plant and animal genotyping, microbial community identification and quantification in environmental and animal samples, and the genetics of human neurological disease.
Research Services
Expertise and specialized equipment at the Centre include DNA Sanger sequencing, short and long-read next-generation sequencing (custom projects and 16s metagenomics), qPCR custom assays for organismal detection and quantification, microorganism strain or plant varietal identification using DNA analysis, and bioinformatic consultation and custom analysis.
Sectors of application
- Agriculture, animal science and food
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Healthcare and social services
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Illumina iScan System | An innovative array scanner that supports rapid, sensitive, and accurate imaging of Illumina BeadChips for exceptional genetic analysis results. |
| Illumina MiSeq i100 PLUS System | Access focused applications such as targeted resequencing, metagenomics, small genome sequencing, and targeted gene expression profiling. MiSeq reagents enable up to 30 Gb of output with 100 million sequencing reads and 2 × 500 bp read lengths. |
| ThermoFisher Scientific Ion GeneStudio S5 System | Semiconductor-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) system that enables simple targeted sequencing workflows. Achieves from 2–80 million sequence reads per run. Ideal for small genome/exome sequencing, targeted sequencing and 16s metagenomics analysis. |
| ThermoFisher Scientific SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer | Sanger Sequencer and Genetic Analyzer. Benchtop system that delivers gold-standard Sanger sequencing technology and fragment analysis. |
| ThermoFisher Scientific QuantStudio 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System | Real-time quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) System. System with a broad range of real-time PCR-based applications, multiplexing capabilities and interchangeable block formats. |
| ThermoFisher Scientific QuantStudio 5 Real-Time PCR System | Can be used for multiple applications, multiplexing capabilities and precise temperature control. |
| Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION Nanopore Sequencing Device | Portable, real-time device for long-read DNA and RNA sequencing, used to identify DNA bases by measuring the changes in electrical conductivity generated as DNA strands pass through a biological pore. |