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ADAS Biotechnology

Molecular diagnostic services and research into novel immuno-diagnostics

The ADAS Biotechnology team comprises highly experienced scientists working from bespoke molecular biology labs in south Nottingham. Our biotechnology business is run as two distinct strands:

  1. Developing and delivering molecular diagnostic services for species identification
  2. Conducting research into novel immuno-diagnostics and therapeutics

We deliver innovative solutions to diagnostic issues for a range of clients through developing bespoke diagnostic tests for diseases, pathogens other biological markers and contaminants. Our scientists also develop methodology for routine testing or screening purposes.

Service lead

Dr Ben Maddison

Dr Ben Maddison

Managing Director – ADAS Biotechnology

enquiries@adas.co.uk

Species identification

We have developed a range of molecular diagnostic services for clients within the environmental and ecology services. For detecting invasive, protected or at-risk aquatic species, we offer environmental DNA (eDNA) diagnostics both by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) and metabarcoding approaches.

View eDNA services

  • Species specific PCR amphibians: great crested newt, smooth newt, natterjack toad, common toad, common frog, alpine newt
  • Species specific PCR crayfish: white clawed crayfish, signal crayfish, crayfish plague
  • Species specific PCR gastropods: Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis), shining ramshorn snail (Segmentina nitida)
  • Species specific PCR invasive fish: top mouth gudgeon, sterlet, wells catfish, silver carp
  • Species specific PCR invasive mussel: zebra mussel

If a test does not exist, we can develop bespoke PCR-based tests for different species. For enquires, email eDNA@adas.co.uk.

Email our eDNA team

Metabarcoding identifies species diversity in a mixed sample based on high throughput sequencing of a specific DNA marker.

  • Metabarcoding for fish species
  • Metabarcoding for invertebrate species (both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates)
  • Metabarcoding for chordates (mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds)
  • Metabarcoding for unionidae (mussels) and Venerida (bivalve molluscs)

We supply the sampling kit, conduct the analysis and provide detailed written reports.

Prices start from £250 per sample. Turnaround time is 6–8 weeks.

Arrange a metabarcoding

Research into novel immuno-diagnostics and therapeutics

Current research interests

  • Novel phage display methods for peptide/antibody isolation, based around next generation phage display techniques:
    • Novel phage display library construction
    • Epitope mapping of antibody based immune responses for the development of novel sero-diagnostics (infectious disease and autoantibodies)
    • Reverse vaccinology approaches to vaccine antigen discovery
    • Biomarker discovery
    • Novel methods for antimicrobial peptide isolation
  • Immunoassay development (ELISA, Western blot) for a range of analytes
  • Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) of livestock (long standing research into the dissemination, environmental fate, strain typing, pre-mortem diagnostics and in-vitro replication of ruminant prions)
  • Monoclonal antibody isolation
  • Recombinant protein production

Project involvement

Understanding how crop management affects beneficial organisms

Assessing the impact of stricter non-target arthropod protection on European agriculture

Using digital monitoring to transform water use on farms

Using microbial source tracking to improve water quality in Brighton and Hove

Transforming field farm: A strategic approach to countryside stewardship

Enhancing biodiversity and nature market opportunities at Holme Farm

Archaeological fieldwork at Rosegarth Square, Lincolnshire

View all projects

Other research services

Sustainable agriculture
Understanding natural systems
Policy analysis and evaluation