Following the devastating floods that struck Thessaly, this new project focuses on monitoring the water quality in the region. The endeavor is supported by the Ministry of Environment & Energy, including the Natural Environment & Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A).

Understanding Microbes:  Μicrobes can adapt to environmental conditions in every water system worldwide, making disinfection challenging. As they grow, they form biofilms and become highly resistant to disinfectants and antibiotics. Our project aims to explore the overall microbial community across various regions of Thessaly.

Metagenomics Approach: Our cutting-edge technology in DNA sequencing combining our experience in the detection of microorganisms, gives us the ability to identify a huge range of different microbial species, greatly surpassing the standard microbiological testing of drinking water. In addition, our custom-built bioinformatics platform offers additional advantages, such as detecting the presence of genes that are associated with virulence and antibiotic resistance.
🔬 Exciting News at DNA Sequence SRL Hellas! 🔬

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for DNA Sequence SRL Hellas, as we proudly share that our laboratory services have received ISO 17025:2017 accreditation! 🏆🌐

We are honored to be the FIRST company in Greece and Europe to achieve this accreditation for our work in metagenomics, bioinformatics, and the identification of microorganisms in a variety of samples (surfaces, air, soil, and water). This accomplishment speaks volumes about our commitment to excellence, precision, and innovation in the field of molecular biology.

🔍 What does ISO 17025:2017 accreditation mean for our clients and partners?

✅ Unparalleled Quality: Our laboratory services adhere to the highest international standards, ensuring accuracy and reliability in the identification of microorganisms.

✅ Commitment to Excellence: This accreditation demonstrates our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions and maintaining the highest levels of proficiency.

✅ Industry Leadership: As pioneers in the industry, we are setting a new benchmark for laboratory services, showcasing our commitment to advancing scientific capabilities in global markets.

🎉 We owe this success to our incredible team at DNA Sequence SRL Hellas, whose dedication and expertise have made this achievement possible. A special thanks to our clients and partners for trusting us on this journey!

We are excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to push boundaries and contribute to advancements in metagenomics and microbial identification. 🚀
We are pleased to announce that DNA Sequence has been honored as an innovative company in the 5th "Thales the Milesios" Business Awards - Ode to Innovation.

The award in the "Health" category was presented by the Deputy Minister of Health, Dimitris Vartzopoulos, to Christos Karapiperis, co-founder and CTO of DNA Sequence.

The awards were given to Greek companies that stand out in the field of innovation and managed to revolutionize their sector, significantly enhancing the transformation of the Greek Economy.

 

DNA SEQUENCE, with a sense of responsibility and respect, listening to the needs in the field of the conservation of cultural goods and our cultural heritage in general, is pleased to announce the realization of a project, in collaboration with the Conservation Department of the National Gallery, on the study of the identification of microbial diversity in a cultural asset, and specifically in a work by Konstantinos Maleas (1879-1928). DNA Sequence, on samples obtained in a non-invasive way, carried out an analysis of the microbial footprint on the surface of the work, using metagenomic and bioinformatics methods.

The generated results of the metagenomic analysis of the samples taken provide an insight into the microbial footprint of the panel. The results of the analyses provided us with information to enable the assessment of the microbial status of the project, the correlation of the microbial biodiversity developed between the different surfaces and the definition of a biological reference point as a comparison of future samples taken from the same panel after the restoration works.

DNA SEQUENCE would like to thank the National Gallery for their trust and cooperation.
DNA Sequence SRL is pleased to announce the realization of a Biosafety audit with Metagenomics at the Athens Naval Hospital. The audit and sampling was carried out with great success in catering areas. Our company would like to thank the management and staff of the Athens Naval Hospital, for the cooperation and the trust shown in our technology and our qualified staff.
Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or other purposes. Improved water supply and sanitation in drinking and wastewater treatment plant network, and better management of water resources, can enhance a country’s economic growth. Therefore, the detection and monitoring of all factors, infectious or not, is necessary to ensure public health as well as to improve the supply of high quality water. CONSTRAT LTD is a company focused on water and wastewater industry. The use of state-of-the-art metagenomics and bioinformatics technologies by DNA Sequence SRL Hellas  is applicable, inter alia, to the bio-monitoring of drinking water supply systems and biological treatment plants. The cooperation agreement between the two companies is the beginning for the application of innovative bio-monitoring technologies in water supply systems and wastewater treatment plants throughout the country.

The pilot - project started with two drinking water supply systems and two biological treatment plants in Aigio, Achaia and Aghios Nikolaos, Crete.
The implementation process includes:
-the design and development of sampling procedures
-the design and elaboration of the isolation and analysis of the genetic material (DNA) of the samples
- bioinformatics analysis of the data
-the interpretation of the extracted results and their distribution to the stakeholders

The sampling took place in April 2021 by specialized personnel of DNA Sequence  and Constrat with guidance at the sampling points by personnel of the municipalities of Aigio and Aghios Nikolaos respectively. For the water supply network, water samples were collected from representative points throughout the network "from source to tap" (boreholes, tanks, settlements’ faucets), while for the biological treatment plant water samples were collected from its entrance and exit to the unit, as well as from all the intermediate stages of treatment. The samples were transferred to the DNA Sequence  laboratory where the genetic material (DNA) for each sample was isolated and sequenced. Laboratory analysis of all samples was based on WGS (Whole Genome Sequencing) and 16S rRNA technology which are important tools for the determination of microbial communities in water and wastewater. DNA sequencing was performed using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) nanofilm technology.
The large volume of data (raw data) was processed and analyzed through the company's bioinformatics platform so that the results are available for quality evaluation. At the end of the procedures, all the information about the project implementation process was communicated to the interested parties via a report. The results were then presented to the stakeholders with the help of a user-friendly online interactive platform, in which the user can navigate and explore the microbial biodiversity that characterizes the sampled point as well as get informed about the detected species (pathogenicity, biofilm formation trend, etc.). Constrat  in turn, utilizing the produced results will reinforce and specialize its services in the field of water supply and wastewater systems.

Regarding the results of the analysis, the quality of water reaching the consumer, the effectiveness of chlorination in selected points of the water network, the possibility of sludge bulking occurrence which is caused by the excessive growth of filamentous bacteria extending outside the flocs resulting in decreasing the wastewater treatment efficiency and deteriorating the water quality in the effluent, the comparison of the efficiency between the conventional activated sludge systems and the membrane bioreactors (MBR) methods, were also assessed.

Conventional monitoring methods that target selected, well characterized microorganisms, in addition to the longer time required to yield results, exclude microorganisms that either cannot be cultured or do not pose a high health risk (e.g. unspecified or minor infectivity and/or pathogenicity). The complete metagenomics analysis, offered by DNA Sequence, enables the whole genome of all the microorganisms present in a sample to be sequenced, while through bioinformatics analysis it can distinguish species at strain level and even identify known genes for resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, the ability to detect the entire microbial spectrum in water and wastewater using methods of metagenomics technology comes to complement the already implemented necessary controls to ensure water high quality and safety. The result is to strengthen and expand the ability to make timely decisions where this is deemed appropriate not only to ensure public health but also the proper maintenance and performance of water supply facilities and wastewater treatment plants.
Water and Waste is the one in the magazine dealing with environmental management. In the article that is signed by Dr. Anastasia Chasapi it is described the innovative solutions offered by DNA Sequence in water biomonitoring:

"The detection of microbial load in water supply and wastewater treatment systems are constantly evolving processes, necessary for the protection of public health and safety. The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the need to develop effective biomonitoring methods and the need to broaden the targeted detection of a specific microbial spectrum in water, as defined by current safety protocols (ISO / TC 147 / SC 4). Especially during the last year, urban wastewater has been used as a trustworthy indicator of SARS-CoV-2 strains, both nationally and globally (Alygizakis 2021, Peccia 2020).

DNA Sequence takes microbial detection to the next level, adopting state-of-the-art technologies that allow the identification of all known and unknown microorganisms found in water, air or surface samples, as opposed to the routine control that is usually performed. The approach followed, which is based on innovative methods of Metagenomic analysis and bioinformatics data processing, is very fast. This allows microbial monitoring at checkpoints in almost real time, allowing for timely mediation and action if deemed necessary.

The company, in its two years of life, has established commercial and research collaborations in a wide range of activities, such as health, animal husbandry, water quality control, tourism and the food industry, where it implements the novel Biosurveillance
system it offers. Indicatively, DNASequence has collaborated with INTRAKAT AETE where it evaluated the microbial imprint on the ground of the old airport Ellinikon which is currently under urban reconstruction, while it has signed a collaboration agreement with
the company Constrat that operates in the field of water supply - sewerage, for bio-monitoring of selected water supply and biological treatment in Greece. Sampling isperformed in selected boreholes and wastewater treatment plants in order to identify all
microorganisms and the findings are used complementary to the required indicators to ensure water quality and safety. The future goal is to adopt this model systematically and on a large scale, in order to create an integrated control system for timely detection of the
spread of pathogenic microorganisms throughout the water supply chain.

New generation DNA sequencing technologies, one of which is Metagenomics, are the
future of Biosafety and Bio-monitoring applications. These technologies have already moved
dynamically from purely research towards commercial applications, with examples in critical areas such as water quality assurance (Brumfield 2020), nosocomial infection control(Greninger 2017), and even the International Space Station (Be 2017). The use of
Metagenomics in combination with the effective analysis of complex data produced by Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence methods, compose a powerful tool in the detection of unknown biological threats that until recently were invisible through traditional control
techniques."