TARRC’s biotechnology consultancy services are run by the Head of the Unit, Dr Maria Kolesnikova-Allen.

Today more than ever, the introduction of any improvements into an organism requires a deep understanding of its structure, function and behaviour. Furthermore, comparison of an organism’s detailed genetic characteristics, both between clones and across species, can also provide valuable information that may be used to derive crop improvement. The application of modern biotechnological methods has a key role to play in facilitating such improvements and in their monitoring.

Our main areas of expertise include:

plant genomics (with specific focus on the genomes of organisms. The area includes activities aiming to determine the entire DNA sequence of organisms, as well as fine-scale genetic mapping efforts);
plant molecular biology / genetics (investigating the roles and functions of single or complexes of genes);
plant proteomics (consisting of comprehensive study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions);

with advice and practical assistance available in troubleshooting and results interpretation.

A wide range of both routine and specialised analytical techniques is available for nucleic acid and protein studies. Application of these techniques is generally common to all plant species and therefore can be used in improvement of a wide range of economically important crops.

TARRC’s geographical location, in the centre of the UK’s ‘Biotech Triangle’, facilitates opportunities for training and collaborative work with a wide range of the UK’s leading research centres and companies.

The first phase of a new purpose built biotechnology laboratory has recently been completed. Space in the fully equipped laboratory can be offered on a ‘bench fee’ basis.

Our analytical services are already recognised extensively in the polymer sector and the pharmaceutical industry. Complementing this new biotech facility, techniques can be applied to any commodities where structure, trace elements, contamination and packaging are the subject of investigation. Our analytical laboratories are equipped with a wide range of instrumentation and experienced staff. This facilitates the analysis of a wide range of materials from low molecular weight volatiles to complex molecules, mixtures and polymers. We can provide certification of compliance with European regulations.

For further information please contact Dr Maria Kolesnikova-Allen