A new laboratory has been opened at the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Science Hub's Institute of Microbiology and Virology, established with an investment of more than EUR 90,000 from the laboratory equipment manufacturer Biosan Ltd. The new laboratory marks an important step in the development of RSU’s research infrastructure and highlights the close cooperation between academia and industry.
The laboratory is equipped with more than 25 devices manufactured by Biosan, providing a full microbiology workflow – from sample preparation, mixing, shaking, centrifugation, and incubation to cell cultivation, nucleic acid isolation, and analytical measurements. In its day-to-day work, researchers cultivate beneficial bacteria and study their growth. These bacteria are used to obtain compounds that may help inhibit harmful microorganisms. Scientists analyse these compounds and test whether they can reduce the growth of dangerous microbes and disrupt the formation of persistent layers known as biofilms.
'This laboratory significantly strengthens our research capacity and opens up new opportunities for high-level microbiology research. Our goal is to ensure that scientific results are translated into practical solutions that help improve microbiological safety and contribute to public health,'
says Zaiga Nora-Krūkle, Director of the RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology.
Collaboration with the industry
'The laboratory is equipped with modern microbiology instruments and solutions, providing an excellent environment for high-quality research, student training, and the validation of new technologies.
At the same time, our cooperation supports the joint development of protocols, validation procedures, and the demonstration of equipment in real laboratory conditions, strengthening the link between science and industry and fostering innovation in Latvia,' emphasises Krista Kānberga-Siliņa, Director of Product Management at Biosan Ltd.
Equipment and technologies
The cooperation between the RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology and Biosan Ltd. began in December 2024. As part of this collaboration, a laboratory has been established, equipped with thermoshakers and thermostats, such as the TS-100C, PST-100HL, and TDB-120, designed for sample heating, incubation, and shaking; a WB-4MS water bath thermostat, an ES-20/80C shaker-incubator with cooling, and an RTS-8 Plus bioreactor for culture growth and process monitoring; Vortex V-1 Plus, programmable rotator Multi Bio RS-24, and magnetic stirrer MMS-3000 for sample mixing; PCR cabinet UVC/T-M-AR, designed for PCR sample preparation and work area decontamination; an LMC-4200R refrigerated laboratory centrifuge; a 3D-IW8 microplate washer and an FTA-U aspirator; as well as analytical instruments – the HiPo MPP-96 microplate photometer and the DEN-600 photometer. The laboratory is also equipped with pipetting solutions for precise liquid handling.
About the Institute of Microbiology and Virology
The RSU Institute of Microbiology and Virology is a research institute that independently carries out scientific, academic, and advisory work within RSU in the fields of medical microbiology, virology, molecular biology, clinical immunology, immunogenetics, autoimmune diseases, and biotechnology.
The Institute implements national and international scientific grants, programmes, research projects, and clinical studies. It is also a member of international organisations and associations such as the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), the European Society for Virology, the International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (IACFS/ME), and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
About SIA Biosan
Biosan Ltd specialises in providing functional solutions for laboratories across various life science disciplines. The company develops and manufactures modern laboratory equipment with a wide range of applications, from instruments for DNA/RNA sample preparation in genetics laboratories to products widely used in biotechnology, biochemistry, diagnostics, and veterinary laboratories.
