Applied Biotechnology Research Centre
The Applied Biotechnology Research Centre (ABR) at Holland College offers technical solutions and R&D support for small- and medium-sized enterprises through applied research and development services.
Our team of highly trained members have advanced degrees and years of applied research experience in biotechnology, to facilitate collaborative R&D projects and enhance the global competitiveness of our industrial partners.
As a community college in PEI, we incorporate students into research activities to provide our graduates with industry-ready skills, supporting the development of a talent pipeline for our partners.
Feature Collaborations
Advanced Extraction Systems Inc.
Our team worked with AESI, one of Atlantic Canada's leaders in clean extraction technologies, on the lab-scale process optimization and scale-up of clean extraction solutions for a variety of natural products. The collaboration focused on creating sustainable, high-efficiency, clean extraction processes and providing analytical support for compound characterization and biomaterial upcycling.
"This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to green innovation and scientific excellence in the natural products sector".
Core Competencies
Cell culture & Molecular Biology
• Wide range of mammalian cell lines and bacterial species.• Cell-based assay development and validation to evaluate drug efficacy, cytotoxicity, and cellular response.
• Thermocyclers and Real-time PCR systems for gene expression analysis.
High-throughput cell culture monitoring, imaging, and physiology studies.
• Containment Level 2 permit for safe handling of risk group 1 and 2 organisms on site.
Upstream and Downstream Processing
- Batch and semi-batch fermentation using a Benchtop Bioreactor (4 x 1.5L vessels)
- Biomass and bioactive compound extraction using a Supercritical CO2Extractor, an ultrasonic-assisted, and an automated multi-sample Soxhlet extractor.
- Purification and isolation of compounds via Tangential Flow Filtration and preparative chromatography.
- Materials characterization using liquid chromatography (UPC/HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) to isolate, identify, and quantify bioactive components.
- Enzyme-based assays for activity measurement, purification validation, and biochemical pathway analysis.
- UV/Vis absorbance assays for rapid detection and quantification of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and chemical compounds.
- Stability testing to evaluate product integrity and shelf-life under controlled environmental conditions.
Bioprocess Engineering Software & Simulation Support
- R&D process design, optimization, and scale-up.
- Cost-benefit and process economic analysis.
- Equipment sizing and specification.'
- Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology and software.
