Applied Enzymology and Glycochemistry

  • Industry, Life science, Sea / ​​environment
Back

Our services are based on a combination of state-of-the-art expertise in enzymology and glycoscience.

Enzymology and the glycosciences field (coupling glycochemistry and glycobiology) inspire many and varied academic and industrial innovations. Our experts in these fields develop powerful molecular tools for applications in agri-food, health, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, biotechnology and green chemistry.

Our core skills are to be found in the field of glycochemistry, focussing on the following areas: the synthesis and study of the structure of sugars, oligosaccharides and glycans; glyco-enzymology, specialising in the activity of glyco-specific enzymes; glyco-recognition (or glyco-binding).

Summary

Services

Screening

Modeling and simulations

Molecular design

Chemical synthesis

R&D projects

Whatever your challenges, our experts deliver functional and innovative solutions.

Biocatalysis: enzymatic assay and transformation

We cater for the chemical and biotech industries, as well the agri-food and health sectors, with a view to: validating an enzymatic assay method, improving the physico-chemical and rheological properties of an industrial product, and creating a functioning extraction process.

In a nutshell

SCREENING

ENZYME IMMOBILISATION

MOLECULAR INTERACTION

PROTEINS

LIGANDS

ENZYMATIC ASSAY

High-throughput screening strategy of enzymatic activities

  • Collection of 300 strains: marine fungi, bacteria and microalgae
  • Search for innovative enzymatic candidates that are free to exploit
  • Analysis of genomic databases and phylogeny (ancestral genes)
  • Identification of candidate enzyme genes
  • Design of screening strategies for enzymatic diversity
  • Screening of enzymatic activities (FACS-FRET)
  • High throughput screening by cell sorting or medium throughput

Immobilization of enzymes

  • Analysis of the immobilization matrix and the type of immobilization
  • Covalent enzymatic immobilization
  • Chemical activation of commercial matrix surfaces
  • Co-immobilization and colocalization of enzymes on porous matrix

Modeling of protein-ligand interactions

  • Structural prediction
  • Docking, molecular dynamics and deep learning
  • Screening of candidates: chemical reactivity, duplicates, physicochemical properties
  • Classification of molecules: drug design, interaction modeling (ligand-protein)

Optimization of enzymatic activities

  • Directed evolution: random mutagenesis, directed and semi-directed mutagenesis
  • Creation of mutant libraries
  • Development of biocatalytic processes
  • Integration of biocatalysis strategy into existing production processes
  • Development of enzymatic assays
  • Enzyme inhibitor testing

Development of enzymatic inhibitors

  • Characterization of inhibitors on model enzymes
  • Development of new methods for the determination of enzymatic activities
  • Analysis of enzyme-substrate interaction and affinity measurements
  • Measurement of functional performance and enzymatic activities on different formulations

Production of functional enzymes

  • Identification of the expression gene
  • Study of the adaptation of strains to culture conditions
  • Stability improvement, recycling and DownStream Process
  • Optimization of enzyme production conditions: temperature, pH, salinity

Principales réactions enzymatiques utilisées pour des synthèses moléculaires

  • Hydrolyse (hydrolases)
  • Isomérisation, addition, élimination (isomérases, lyases, hydratases)
  • Création de liaisons C-N (transaminases)
  • Formation d’esters sulfate (sulfotransférases)
  • Formation et hydrolyse d’esters phosphate (phosphorylases, phosphatases)
  • Formation d’esters ATP-dépendant (kinases)
  • Formation de liaisons glucoside (glycosyltransférases, glucosidases)
  • Formation de liaisons C-C (aldolases, transcétolases)
  • Oxydation (oxydases, peroxydases)
  • Oxydoréduction des alcools et cétones (déshydrogénases)
  • Liaison amide : amidases (protéases, acylases)
  • Liaison ester (estérase, lipase)

Recombinant protein production

Our experts, who are specialised in producing recombinant proteins and synthesising peptides, possess outstanding know-how in protein engineering and bioinformatics.

From structural modelling to the genetic modification of enzymes, Capacités offers tailor-made services: screening enzyme strains, developing and refining new enzymes and producing functional and modified enzymes.

There are innumerable fields of application that cover not only the agri-food sector, but also extend to chemistry, biotechnology, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and health.

In a nutshell

MOLECULAR CLONING

MUTAGENESIS

AMINO ACIDS

PROTEIN CHARACTERISATION

PROTEIN PURIFICATION

FUNCTIONALISATION

Molecular cloning

  • Molecular cloning and subcloning of vectors
  • Custom design of strain-dependent expression vectors: host-specific promoter, selection gene, tag insertion
  • Study of strain adaptation to culture conditions
  • Optimization of enzyme production conditions: temperature, pH, medium
  • Stability improvement and DownStream Process

Directed mutagenesis and directed evolution

  • Sequence analysis: in silico structure/activity study
  • Molecular modeling: regioselectivity improvement
  • Generation of mutant libraries
  • Screening of enzymatic activities / substrate
  • Substrate characterization
  • Random mutagenesis
  • DNA shuffling

Incorporation of non-natural amino acids

  • In vitro incorporation: by pre-coupling of tRNA or by chemical synthesis
  • In cellulo incorporation, via cellular tRNA synthetases: residue-specific method and site-specific method
  • Optimization, development of specific strains

Protein characterization and purification

  • Protein purity evaluation: electrophoresis, spectroscopy (Nanodrop), Bioanalyzer
  • Structural prediction
  • Candidate screening: chemical reactivity, duplicates, physicochemical properties, docking, molecular dynamics and deep learning
  • Molecule ranking: drug design, interaction modeling (ligand-protein)

Functionalization of proteins and biomolecules

  • Click chemistry and macromolecular engineering
  • Bioconjugation (biodetection, FRET, …)
  • Chemical/electrochemical modification of residues in situ (Lys, Tyr, Cys)
  • Incorporation of activatable chemical functions
  • Modification of the physicochemical properties of biomolecules by enzymatic way
  • Immobilization or biological marking

Glycochemistry

In the form of either a service or a collaboration, we provide the chemical synthesis and functionalisation of saccharide structures. Our activities are centered on developing glycoconjugates, glycoclusters and glycovaccines, as well as lectin and glycosidases modulation.

In a nutshell

GLYCOSIDE SYNTHESIS

CREATING GLYCOCONJUGATES

GLYCOMOLECULE ASSAY

FUNCTIONALISATION

BIOCONJUGATION

Synthesis of glycosides

  • Orthogonal protection/deprotection
  • Selective functionalizations
  • O, S, C, N-glycosides
  • Cyclodextrin chemistry
  • Multivalence/polymers
  • Glycosidase inhibitors/activators
  • Glyco-nanoparticles

Development of glycoconjugates

  • Lys, Tyr, Cys functionalizations by bioconjugation
  • Electrochemical functionalizations
  • Affinity-guided bioconjugations
  • Site-selective conjugation (site-directed mutagenesis, incorporation of non-natural amino acids, metabolic functionalization)

Determination of glycomolecules

  • Analysis of reaction mixtures
  • Capillary electrophoresis
  • HPAEC-PAD…

Glycobinding

Sugar/protein (enzyme/lectin) interactions are at the heart of cellular communication: with cell-cell, cell-matrix and host-pathogen interactions on an extracellular level; and GlcNAcylation, as a post-translational modification, on an intracellular level.
Our teams are renowned for their expertise in the fields of Glycobinding and sugar-protein interaction analysis.

In a nutshell

MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS

CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS

LECTINS/GLYCOSIDASES

MOLECULAR AFFINITY

ENZYME ACTIVITY

Modeling of molecular interactions

  • Drug design
  • Docking, molecular dynamics
  • Virtual screening
  • Structural (molecular and protein)

Chemical synthesis of glycoligands/glycoconjugates

  • Synthesis of lectin/glycosidase inhibitors
  • Synthesis of oligosaccharides by glycosylations
  • Chemical/electrochemical methods of bioconjugation

Production of lectins/glycosidases

  • Production of recombinant proteins
  • Truncation: production of protein fragments or domains
  • Mutagenesis
  • Incorporation of non-natural amino acids
  • Structural integrity analysis
  • Stability analysis

Molecular affinity measurements

  • Chemical library screening
  • Activity and inhibition measurements
  • IC50, Ki measurements (interaction inhibition)
  • Isothermal microcalorimetry, Surface Plasmon Resonance, FRET
  • Fluorescence polarization
  • Technology a, label free

Measurement of enzymatic activity

  • Determination of kinetic constants
  • Characterization of substrate specificity
  • Enzyme activity screening: lipases, glycoside hydrolases, sulfatases, sulfotransferases, monooxygenases
  • Enzyme stability/reactivity studies (temperature, pH…)

Cyclodextrin micro-encapsulation

The formation of inclusion complexes allows for the modification of a molecule’s physical, chemical and biological characteristics.
Our experts in sugar chemistry and encapsulation constantly strive to provide answers to the complex issues of stability and solubility, as well as the prolonged and controlled release of active ingredients over time. Our specialisation lies in optimising the affinity of cyclodextrin for the ligand. We chemically modify the properties of the cyclodextrin in order to obtain a precise encapsulation of the ligand.

In a nutshell

INCLUSION

COMPLEXATION

CYCLODEXTRIN-LIGAND AFFINITY

SOLUBILITY

STABILITY

CAPTURE

Improvement of inclusion properties

  • Selective functionalization of cyclodextrins
  • Chemical modification of commercial cyclodextrins
  • Monofunctionalization of cyclodextrins
  • Synthesis of anionic, cationic and ambiphilic cyclodextrins

Complexation studies

  • Preparation of inclusion complexes
  • Encapsulation of molecules of biological interest/active principles, ingredients, agro-foods, peptides
  • Kneading, freeze-drying, co-precipitation, microwave methods
  • Formulation in powders to be reconstituted
  • Characterization of association constants

Determination of cyclodextrin-ligand affinity constants

  • Titration by 1H-NMR
  • Determination by UV
  • Determination of the stoichiometry of complexes
  • Higuchi’s method

Study of the aqueous solubility by phase diagram

  • Setting up of adapted protocols
  • Determination of the types of phase solubility diagrams (Ap, Al, An, Bs)
  • Solubility of complexes formed in aqueous solution
  • Release kinetics under different conditions (pH, temperature)

Stability study of encapsulated molecules

  • Thermal and photochemical degradation
  • Degradation kinetics by HPLC, NMR
  • Thermal analysis: TGA, DTG

Entrapment of active ingredients: antagonistic cyclodextrins

  • Design of cyclodextrins for decorporation
  • Decontamination of water and soil
  • Control of aroma release and entrapment
  • Cyclodextrins for the formulation of cosmetic products or drugs

Engineering at CAPACITÉS

Our chemistry and enzymology experts perform their engineering duties in the very research laboratories of Nantes Université themselves, most notably at US2B and CEISAM. They strive to combine technical resources and scientific discovery to meet your R&D needs.

Challenges we’ve met

Incorporating a biocatalyst into a food product

Controlling and Maintaining Enzyme Activity from Manufacture to Use
Lire plus
biocatalyseur produit agroalimentaire

Capacités develops an enzyme for biotech company DNA Script

Sourcing, modeling and high-throughput screening of DNA synthesis enzymes
Lire plus
ingénierie enzymatique - enzyme ADN

Enzymes at the Heart of Cell Therapy

From modeling to genetically engineered enzyme
Lire plus
Ingénierie enzymatique - thérapie cellulaire
All our expertises

Need an innovative and resourceful partner?

Capacités teams inspire, harness and couple numerous cutting-edge skills covering a wide range of applications and expertise to meet all of your innovation needs with passion and commitment!

or send us a message:






    Required fields

    Analytical chemistry : NMR, 2D NMR, IRMS

    • Industry, Life science, Sea / ​​environment
    Back

    Our experts in analytical chemistry provide your projects with exceptional technical resources and know-how.

    Our Capacités experts in analytical chemistry have developed an exceptional know-how in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1D NMR and 2D NMR) and in Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS).
    Access to a large pool of equipment allows us to support industrial projects, from sample preparation to characterization.

    We are specialized in very high precision quantification projects and in the analysis of complex matrices. We help our clients to innovate in the study of metabolism, the fight against counterfeiting, the determination of the purity of active molecules, or the monitoring of chemical transformations.

    Summary

    Services

    Strategy and consulting

    Diagnosis and selection

    Process development

    Quality control

    Development of methods

    Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses

    Validate a therapeutic target or refine the description of a pathology through the identification and qualification of biomarkers responsible for changes between two states.

    Our experts master different types of analyses of biological samples. They perform targeted and non-targeted profiling and highlight changes between states of the biological matrices studied.

    In a nutshell

    Targeted analysis

    Metabolomic profiling

    Metabolic Footprint

    Analysis of matrices

    Data processing

    Targeted analysis

    • Structural elucidation by screening of unknowns: NMR, mass spectrometry (low and/or high resolution), mainly in LC-MS: HPLC-MSn base resolution, HPLC-DAD-MSn high resolution, HPLC-UV, HPLC-FLR, GS-MS, UV-vis and NIR
    • On-line monitoring of chemical and biochemical transformations by benchtop NMR
    • Dosing : pigment by spectrometry, proteins by colorimetric method, total bones by colorimetric method
    • Performing statistical analyses such as PCA and PLS-DA

    Metabolomic profiling

    • Compound profiling: polar by GCMS and water-soluble by HPLC
    • Class profiling by HPTLC
    • Family profiling by FTIR
    • One dimensional (1D) and/or two dimensional (2D) NMR profiling of biological matrices. Targeted or non-targeted analyses

    Metabolic Footprint

    • Possible biomarkers identification
    • Targeted quantification of key metabolites in biological samples

    Analysis of matrices

    • Metabolic or lipidomic extracts obtained from animals or plant matrices, bacteria, etc.
    • Biofluids: urine, blood, plasma, culture supernatants, etc.
    • Validation of regulatory status for commercial pure molecules
    • Synthesized or manufactured molecules not available on the market
    • Internal reference substances

    Data processing

    • Pre-processing of NMR and MS spectra for statistical analysis
    • Statistical analysis of mass spectrometry and NMR data

    Quantitative NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance)

    Our expertise is to qualify reference substances, determine the purity of molecules and certify their compliance with international quality standards.

    Our experts assist pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies in certifying the purity of their reference molecules using NMR methods.

    In a nutshell

    NMR acquisition parameters

    NMR processing parameters

    Method validation and parameter verification

    Product origin authentification

    Optimization of the NMR tool

    NMR acquisition parameters

    • Measurement of longitudinal relaxation time
    • Recording of NMR spectra with a very high signal/noise ratio
    • 13C decoupling to avoid the appearance of satellites, etc.
    • Quantitative 1H NMR with very high precision and accuracy (<0.1%)
    • High precision multi-dimensional quantitative NMR

    NMR processing parameters

    • Manual phasing of spectra
    • Baseline correction
    • Spectra deconvolution
    • Score correction if 13C satellites are present

    Method validation and parameter verification

    • Selectivity
    • Repeatability (precision)
    • Uncertainty calculation

    Product origin authentification

    • Non-targeted profiling by high field or benchtop NMR
    • Isotopic analyses on target molecules
    • Quantitative and targeted NMR analysis
    • Development of metabo-isotopomic approaches

    Optimization of the NMR tool

    • Ongoing European Research Council project: SUMMIT (Site-specific Ultrasensitive Magnetic resonance of Mixtures for Isotopic Tracking). Development of an analysis workflow based on two NMR methods: dynamic nuclear polarization by dissolution and ultrafast 2D NMR
    • Development of new rapid multi-dimensional methods for targeted and non-targeted metabolomics studies
    • Development of new methods for real-time monitoring of transformations

    Publication

    Didier G. Diomande, Estelle Martineau, Alexis Gilbert, Pierrick Nun, Ariaki Murata, Keita Yamada, Naoharu Watanabe, Illa Tea, Richard J. Robins, Naohiro Yoshida, and Gérald S. Remaud Position-Specific Isotope Analysis of Xanthines: A 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Method to Determine the 13C Intramolecular Composition at Natural Abundance.v

    Analytical Chemistry 2015 87 (13), 6600-6606. DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b00559

    Quantitative 2D NMR (2D nuclear magnetic resonance)

    Development of fast and quantitative 2D NMR acquisition methods.

    Our experts have developed a protocol for the implementation of targeted and non-targeted metabolic and lipidomic studies.

    In a nutshell

    Rapid quantification for metabolomics and lipidomics

    Quantification of polysaccharides by 2D NMR

    • Concentration measuring of the small molecules in complex samples
    • Exploitation of standard addition methods
    • Development of quantitative approaches for polysaccharide analysis
    • Profiling of biological matrices
    • Targeted and non-targeted analyses

    Rapid quantification for metabolomics and lipidomics

    • Production of accurate quantitative data
    • Optimal separation between overlapping resonances
    • Development of fast acquisition methods
    • Representative and complementary experiments: UF COSY, ZF-TOCSY with irregular sampling
    • HSQC with irregular sampling

    Quantification of polysaccharides by 2D NMR

    • Characterization of molecular structures
    • Development of powerful quality control methods
    • Measurement of polysaccharide concentration
    • Molecular behavior studies
    • Development of the quantification method
    • Definition of the optimal analytical workflow

    Publication

    Estelle Martineau, Serge Akoka, Renaud Boisseau, Benoît Delanoue, and Patrick Giraudeau. Fast Quantitative 1H–13C Two-Dimensional NMR with Very High Precision. Analytical Chemistry 2013 85 (9), 4777-4783

    Estelle Martineau, Kamel El Khantache, Marion Pupier, Patricia Sepulcri, Serge Akoka, Patrick Giraudeau, Non-linear effects in quantitative 2D NMR of polysaccharides: Pitfalls and how to avoid them, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Volume 108, 2015, Pages 78-85, ISSN 0731-7085

    Estelle Martineau, Jean-Nicolas Dumez, Patrick Giraudeau. Fast quantitative 2D NMR for metabolomics and lipidomics: A tutorial Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry. 04 June 2019

    IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry)

    To analyze the 13C, 15N, 2H, 18O and 34S isotopes present in organic matter, for a better understanding of metabolism in the fields of health and nutrition.

    The mastery of compound-specific analysis allows to obtain 13C and/or 15N profiles of different matrices.

    In a nutshell

    Average isotopic composition by EA-IRMS

    GC-IRMS analyse

    Average isotopic composition by EA-IRMS

    • Sample preparation
    • Analysis 13, 15N, 2H, 18O, 34S

    GC-IRMS analyse

    • 15N profiling of amino acids (after hydrolysis of proteins, derivatization, chromatography separation and 15N determination

    Publication

    Tea, I., Martineau, E., Antheaume, I. et al. 13C and 15N natural isotope abundance reflects breast cancer cell metabolism. Sci Rep 6, 34251 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep34251

    Olivier L Mantha, Caroline Goupille, Jean-François Dumas, Richard Robins, Philippe Bougnoux, Régis Hankard, Arnaud De Luca, Natural isotopic abundances as markers of compliance in clinical trials, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 111, Issue 5, May 2020, Pages 1109–1110

    Tea I, Le Guennec A, Frasquet-Darrieux M, Julien M, Romek K, Antheaume I, Hankard R, Robins RJ. Simultaneous determination of natural-abundance δ15N values and quantities of individual amino acids in proteins from milk of lactating women and from infant hair using gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2013 Jun 30;27(12):1345-53.

    Engineering at CAPACITÉS

    Our Analytical Chemistry experts perform their engineering duties in the very research laboratories of Nantes Université themselves, most notably at CEISAM. They strive to combine technical resources and scientific discovery to meet your R&D needs.

    Challenges we’ve met

    Quantification of polysaccharides by 2D NMR

    Developing a quick quantitative method in two-dimensional NMR
    Lire plus
    CAPACITES x Sanofi Pasteur_Quantification des polysaccharides par RMN 2D
    All our expertises

    Need an innovative and resourceful partner?

    Capacités teams inspire, harness and couple numerous cutting-edge skills covering a wide range of applications and expertise to meet all of your innovation needs with passion and commitment!

    or send us a message:






      Required fields

      A unique translational expertise in gene therapy

      • Life science

      Our experts in viral vector production work in the gene therapy laboratory in Nantes to support you in the development of new drugs.

      CAPACITÉS’ teams in monitoring host immune response, preclinical assays and viral vector production offer a complete range of support for the development of drug candidates.

      With internationally recognized know-how in the field of gene therapy, our experts offer the responsiveness of a CRO (Contract Research Organization) in the discovery and development phases of gene therapy products.

      Summary

      Services

      Proof of concept

      Preclinical data

      Manufacturing

      Preclinical assays

      Technology platforms

      Viral vectors manufacturing

      In close collaboration with TaRGeT UMR 1089 gene therapy laboratory (UMR INSERM-Nantes Université), we propose the development of processes for the production and characterization of viral gene transfer vectors derived from adenoviruses and AAV. These vectors are intended for applications ranging from basic research to preclinical trials.

      In a nutshell

      AAV vectors

      vector plasmids

      analysis processes

      R&D

      Production of recombinant AAV vectors

      • Testing and proof of concept
      • Testing and proof of concept
      • Hybrid vectors (ITR AAV2)
      • Serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, rh 10
      • Variants (2i8, DJ, …)
      • Single-stranded and self-complementary rAAV
      • 400 lots per year

      Custom construction of vector plasmids

      • Strategy and design of plasmids
      • Production of plasmids
      • Molecular cloning
      • Amplification de plasmides pour la production de vecteurs

      Development of analysis processes and techniques

      • Development of GMP compatible processes for small/medium scale manufacturing of viral vectors (rAAV)
      • Evaluation of innovative platforms for viral vector amplification (upstream, USP) and purification (downstream, DSP) processes
      • Development of production processes in adherent and suspension cells
      • Development of adapted analytical methods: purity, identity, titre, infectious power
      • Production and characterization of rAAV batches for preclinical efficacy, dose assessment and toxicity studies
      • ICH S6 Directive
      • Biocompatibility studies in final GMP containers

      R&D

      • Research center dedicated to innovation in viral vector production
      • Development of high-performance custom processes for vector production
      • Improved efficiency of rAAV genome wrapping
      • Development of analytical tools based on next generation sequencing and bioinformatics
      • Characterization of genomes and contaminant residues from viral vector manufacturing processes

      Vector production center – CPV

      The research teams and the vector production center of TaRGeT UMR 1089 Gene therapy laboratory work together to ensure reliable, high-quality production and characterization of viral vectors. They can also develop custom analytical tests and new innovative characterization tests.

      In a nutshell

      Upstream technologies

      Downstream technologies

      Upstream technologies

      • HEK293 adherent cells – Cellstacks® vessels (CS) – Up to 24 CS10 per batch for small and medium rAAV production
      • Sf9 cells / BEV platform from 2 to 50 liters per batch for small and medium productions of rAAV
      • HEK293 cells in suspension. Process development phase, cell line screening…
      • 2 benchtop bioreactors: Biostat® B benchtop for 2L/10L scale

      Downstream technologies

      • Clarification: deep filtration, low speed centrifugation, HP homogenization (C55 cell disrupter)
      • Purification: Ion exchange column (IEX), immuno-affinity chromatography (Akta Ready, Akta Pilot, Akta Purifier
      • Akta Explorer), density gradient ultracentrifugation, TFF (KR2i – Spectrum Labs)
      • Formulation, filling in cryovials (multipette/X-Stream®)

      Immune monitoring analyses

      Experts in the monitoring of host immunity in gene therapy protocols, we provide analyses for monitoring immune responses directed against the vector and against the transgene product. We assist in the development of your gene therapy products, from the research project to toxicology studies and clinical trials.

      In a nutshell

      Humoral immunity

      Cellular immunity

      Sample preparation

      Humoral immunity

      • Search for neutralizing factors (AAV, Adenovirus)
      • Detection of anti-AAV and anti-transgen antibodies
      • Cytokines quantification

      Cellular immunity

      • Assessment of the T cell response
      • Multiparametric cell phenotyping

      Sample preparation

      • Isolation of plasma or serum
      • Cell isolation (from whole blood, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow)

      Tests available for :

      • Different vectors: AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10 and Adenovirus
      • Several types of samples: PBMC (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells), Splenocytes, Lymph node cells, Plasma, Serum, Spinal fluid
      • Adaptable to your needs, in close collaboration with the CPV and TaRGeT UMR 1089 Gene therapy laboratory research teams

      Gene Therapy Immunology Core – GTI

      Analyses for monitoring the immune response against the vector or the transgene product are carried out by the GTI (Gene Therapy Immunology Core) platform of TaRGeT UMR 1089 Gene therapy laboratory. This platform has complete technical means for the Immune monitoring  of gene therapy studies.

      In a nutshell

      ELISpot

      Cell proliferation test

      Tetramer

      flow cytometry

      Cellular neutralization test

      ELISA

      Western Blot

      Luminex

      Plate washer

      Multimode microplate reader

      ELISpot reader

      Turbo gel transfer system

      • ELISpot
      • Cell proliferation test
      • Tetramer
      • Multi-parametric phenotyping by flow cytometry (in collaboration with the Cytocell platform)
      • Cellular neutralization test
      • ELISA
      • Western Blot (WB)
      • Quantification of cytokines by Luminex
      • Plate washer
      • Multimode microplate reader (Spectrophotometry, Fluorescence, Luminescence)
      • ELISpot reader
      • Turbo gel transfer system

      Preclinical analysis

      Evaluation of the biodistribution and expression profile of transgenes is necessary to understand the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of a therapeutic product. We are recognized as experts in the molecular and biochemical analyses required to assess the efficacy and biosafety of gene therapy products.

      In a nutshell

      Evaluation of functionality

      Evaluation of biodistribution

      Expression Profile Assessment

      development of preclinical studies

      Absolute quantification

      • Evaluation of the functionality of therapeutic products
      • Evaluation of biodistribution and dissemination of gene therapy products after administration
      • Expression Profile Assessment:
      • RT-qPCR (relative quantification of the transgenic messenger)
      • Western-Blot or ELISA on tissues or fluids (specific detection of the transgenic protein)
      • Absolute quantification of the transgenic genome: qPCR on tissues and biological fluids
      • Global coordination and expertise for the development of preclinical studies to evaluate a therapeutic product

      Preclinical analysis core – PAC

      Our leading expertise, in the evaluation of biodistribution and expression profiles of transgenes, is implemented using multiple tools and equipment available on PAC (Preclinical Analytics Core) platform of the Nantes UMR1089 gene therapy laboratory.

      In a nutshell

      Tissue shredder

      Pipetting machine

      Nanophotometer

      microplate reader

      Colorimetric and fluorimetric reader

      Electrochemiluminescence reader

      PCR and qPCR instruments

      Turbo gel transfer system

      • Tissue shredder (Qiagen, Tissue Lyser II)
      • Pipetting machine (Hamilton, Microlab Star)
      • Nanophotometer and microplate reader (Thermo Scientific, Multiskan FC)
      • Colorimetric and fluorimetric reader (Tecan, Spark microplate reader)
      • Electrochemiluminescence reader (MSD, quickplex reader)
      • PCR and qPCR instruments (96 and 384 wells, Applied Biosystems, Biorad)
      • Turbo gel transfer system (Trans-blot turbo system, Biorad)

      Engineering at CAPACITÉS

      Our gene therapy experts carry out their engineering work directly in the research laboratories of Nantes Université, particularly in TaRGeT UMR 1089 Gene therapy laboratory
      On a daily basis, they combine technical resources and scientific discoveries to meet your R&D challenges.

      Need an innovative and resourceful partner?

      Capacités teams inspire, harness and couple numerous cutting-edge skills covering a wide range of applications and expertise to meet all of your innovation needs with passion and commitment!

      or send us a message:






        Required fields

        Robotic Innovation and Automation

        • Digital / AI, Industry, Life science, Sea / ​​environment

        Our teams create and design innovative, tailor-made robotics solutions for all lines of business.

        Using robotics increases autonomy and performance, and it provides sustainable innovation in a wide range of fields: industry, agriculture, construction, civil engineering, etc
        We engineer state-of-the-art robotics solutions by combining top robotics research, technological innovation in artificial intelligence and our experience with unique projects.

        Our expertise ranges from industrially automating difficult tasks to using innovative technology in autonomous robots, with careful consideration for the human-machine relationship. Rising to new challenges drives us. Our goal is to boost your competitive edge by advancing your R&D.

        Summary

        Services

        Formalising the need

        Pre-project studies

        Development of a prototype

        Industrialisation of the solution

        On-site visits

        Robotics and Automation Strategies

        We are your partner for automating your machines and incorporating robotics into your operations. Our teams brainstorm ideas with you, conduct on-site visits and carry out the pre-project studies needed to secure your investments. For each innovative project, our experts develop a robotic system adapted to your business.

        Autonomous Robotics in Uncertain Environments

        Our mobile robotics engineers have a broad range of experience with different lines of work and fields of application (service robotics): agricultural robotics, under-sea construction, underground construction, defense, etc. They put their expertise to use to design autonomous and intelligent robots that are adapted to complex environments.

        Automating Industrial Processes

        Our teams are highly skilled in industrial robotics, process analysis and manual operations. We design specialized solutions for all lines of work by combining innovative robotics technology with standard industrial equipment. We develop and/or optimize manufacturing processes to increase productivity, enhance performance and improve working conditions.

        Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Industry

        We work closely with the LS2N laboratory and utilize the latest research in AI-data science for your projects, from implementing one autonomous robot to digitizing and automating your workshops (industry 4.0). By using your data, we can improve your processes, anticipate your maintenance operations or even monitor the state of your machines.

        Challenges we’ve met

        A robotic anti-personnal landmine detection system

        Developing a robotic multi-sensor detection system
        Lire plus
        AID

        Anatis: the autonomous mobile agricultural robot

        Lire plus
        Robot agricole mobile et autonome

        Need an innovative and resourceful partner?

        Capacités teams inspire, harness and couple numerous cutting-edge skills covering a wide range of applications and expertise to meet all of your innovation needs with passion and commitment!

        or send us a message:






          Required fields

          Industrial valorisation of microalgae

          • Industry, Life science, Sea / ​​environment

          We offer a complete range of services geared towards the industrial use of microalgae, from strain screening to production scale-up.

          Our teams are there to guide you when it comes to selecting strains and determining the optimal conditions for microalgal cultivation. We launch a battery of tests on various production systems, be they closed or open, and are able to test or develop different types of custom-made photobioreactors.
          We also manage recovery operations up to the extraction-purification of the relevant microalgal compounds: carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.

          Our efforts go a long way towards furthering the development of high-potential innovative products such as bioplastics, biofuels, biomaterials, bio-bitumen, spirulina, etc.
          By means of R&D services and collaborative research projects, Capacités presents manufacturers and laboratories with their GEPEA Laboratory know-how in the industrial use of microalgae: reusing CO2, nitrogen and waste heat from industrial activities that cause pollution in order to create valuable resources.

          Summary

          Services

          Strategy and consulting

          Diagnostics and screening

          Process development

          Biorefining

          Biorefining

          No matter the challenge, our experts deliver practical and innovative solutions

          Microalgae, a revolution for

          Natural compounds

          Microalgae are an innovative source of natural compounds: EPA/DHA, pigments, peptides, proteins, polysaccharides and sterols.

          Nutraceutics | Cosmetics

          More info

          Active molecules

          Microalgae are an innovative source of active molecules with unique properties — perfect for enriching your pipeline.

          Biotechnologies | Pharmaceuticals

          More info

          Biomaterials

          Microalgae enable the development of innovative materials to replace petroleum-based components.

          Chemical industries | Plastics manufacturers

          More info

          Reducing CO₂ emissions

          Microalgae cultivation makes it possible to integrate Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) technologies into plants.

          Heavy industries

          More info

          Screening, selection and optimisation of strains

          Our teams have access to the collections of strains from the GEPEA and MMS research laboratories. Where necessary, they can also make use of the RCC and NCC collections, among others. Due to our expertise in strain characterisation, we are able to guide you through the screening, isolation and purification stages.

          In a nutshell

          STRAIN PORTFOLIO

          SCREENING

          ISOLATION

          CHARACTERISATION

          PURIFICATION

          TORUS PHOTOBIOREACTORS

          • Portfolio of industrial strains
          • Screening of new strains
          • Bioprospecting and sourcing of wild strains
          • Isolation and characterisation of HVA molecules
          • Micromanipulators – purification of strains
          • Strain screening in photobioreactors: EOSS technology
          • Experimental torus photobioreactors in a controlled environment

          Development, testing and automation of cultivation processes

          On the strength of our technical resources, we are able to test, measure and monitor all the relevant cultivation parameters for algal biomass production in real time: carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus levels, quantity of light, quantity of water, biological contamination, weather conditions, etc.

          We also work on automating cultivation processes by designing monitoring tools capable of automatically adjusting the cultivation parameters in photobioreactors.

          In a nutshell

          TECHNOLOGY TESTING

          CONCENTRATION AND HARVESTING

          PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

          GROWTH MONITORING

          WASTEWATER TREATMENT

          Cultivation

          • Characterising existing technologies
          • Developing innovative technologies
          • Optimising solar production
          • Industrial feasibility study
          • Environmental impact
          • Life-cycle assessment
          • Technology testing

          Biomass concentration and harvesting

          • Preconcentration and concentration systems
          • Filtration and membrane separation processes
          • Centrifuges

          Process development

          • Technical and scientific consulting regarding the creation of photobioreactors, as well as harvesting and biorefinery systems
          • Support for the defining and drafting specifications
          • Testing of innovative cultivation technologies in a real-world environment with either artificial or natural light (plug & play mode)
          • Equipment development

          Growth monitoring

          • Monitoring including: dry matter, observation under microscope, counting, etc.
          • Precise characterisation of the microalgal biomass (pigments, lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, etc.)
          • Analysis of organic and inorganic carbons
          • Analysis of the physico-chemical composition of the culture (nitrates, phosphates, ammonium, metals, etc.)

          Treatment and industrial waste recovery

          • Bioremediation of gaseous and liquid wastes
          • Using waste heat
          • Combining cultures – effluents and developing circular economy concepts
          • Optimisation and recycling of the culture medium

          Biorefining, comparative testing and combining unit operations

          Our specialists examine the integration of unit operations, either in the research laboratory or on site, with a view to completely recovering the biomass produced. We develop the process up to the extraction-purification of those biomolecules indicated in your specifications. Our research is validated in real-world conditions and on a representative scale.

          In a nutshell

          HARVESTING

          MILLING – ENRICHMENT

          EXTRACTION

          PURIFICATION

          CONDITIONING

          Harvesting

          • Centrifugation
          • Flotation
          • Decanting
          • Granular filtration
          • Membrane filtration

          Grinding

          • High-pressure grinding
          • Bead milling

          Concentration and enrichment of target metabolites

          • Targeted metabolites: polysaccharides, bioactive lipids, pigments, secondary metabolites
          • Membrane filtration
          • Centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC)
          • Resins

          Extraction

          • Solvent extraction
          • Centrifugal extraction
          • Reactive extraction

          Adsorption

          • Membrane filtration
          • Precipitation
          • Distillation, rectification
          • Purification
          • Centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC, preparative or production)
          • Crystallisation

          Biomass conditioning methods

          • Drying
          • Atomisation
          • Lyophilisation

          Mass balance, biomass analysis

          Along with the unwavering support of the GEPEA and CEISAM laboratories, we possess the expertise and range of analytical equipment necessary for a precise biochemical characterisation of the organic matter present, the metabolites produced and the biomolecules extracted. We are thus able to carry out our analyses in an entirely autonomous and confidential manner.

          In a nutshell

          PROTEIN DOSAGE

          COMPOUND PROFILING

          CLASS PROFILING

          FAMILY PROFILING

          SPECTRO ANALYSIS

          NMR

          Dosage

          • Pigment dosage via spectrometry
          • Protein dosage via colorimetric analysis
          • Total monosaccharide dosage via colorimetric analysis

          Profiling

          • Compound profiling: polar via GC-MS and water-soluble via HPLC
          • Class profiling via HPTLC
          • Family profiling via FTIR

          Types of analysis

          • UV-vis et NIR spectrochemical analysis
          • Online analysis of biomass composition via benchtop NMR
          • Access to the MS and NMR platforms of BiogenOuest (Corsaire network)

          Scaling up the microalgae cultivation processes

          We test and validate the scale-up and industrialisation conditions of the processes. Our wide array of equipment allows us to design pilots and to implement laboratory-scale production, as well as to make and deliver samples destined for trials (consumer, preclinical and clinical).

          In a nutshell

          IDENTIFYING CONSTRAINTS

          PILOT PLANT

          INDUSTRIALISATION

          CUSTOM MANUFACTURING

          Identifying and validating constraints

          • Mass and heat transfer limitations
          • High partial pressure of O2/CO2
          • pH/temperature gradients
          • Substrate gradients
          • Pressure
          • Light

          Industrialisation of the process

          • Tests and trials with a view to scaling up
          • Validation of industrial raw materials on laboratory equipment
          • Characterisation studies of pilot equipment (standard) prior to validation tests
          • Integrating the new process into the existing process chain

          Custom manufacturing

          • Small trials: production from gram to kilogram according to the established protocol
          • Setting up pilot production units in order to monitor various parameters and potential limitations

          Collaborative research activities and R&D projects

          Since we have access to the technical resources and researchers belonging to the GEPEA Laboratory, we are able to develop innovative projects through R&D in the marine bioresources recovery fields, and particularly in microalgae.

          In a nutshell

          INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY

          WASTEWATER TREATMENT

          BIOFUELS

          BATCH PRODUCTION

          INNOVATIVE PROCESSES

          EQUIPMENT TESTING

          • Biofuel production
          • Treatment of liquid waste and industrial fumes
          • Production of active ingredients
          • Production of bio-based materials
          • Biomass batch production
          • Research and testing of cultivation systems
          • Equipment testing
          • Optimisation of cultivation parameters

          ALGOSOLIS technology and R&D facility

          AlgoSolis provides us with the necessary equipment and infrastructure for the controlled, intensive and sustainable use of microalgal resources on a large scale. This platform allows the various stakeholders to develop microalgal cultures in open and closed ponds. The modelling and designing of custom-made photobioreactors is also available. This technology service promotes the development of innovative research projects in the field of blue biotechnology.

          In a nutshell

          PRE-CULTURE ROOMS

          INTENSIFIED PHOTOBIOREACTORS

          AIRLIFT PHOTOBIOREACTORS

          CLOSED RACEWAYS

          OUTDOOR PRODUCTION

          GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION

          BIOREFINERY HALL

          Identifying and validating constraints

          • Mass and heat transfer limitations
          • High partial pressure of O2/CO2
          • pH/temperature gradients
          • Substrate gradients
          • Pressure
          • Light

          Industrialisation of the process

          • Tests and trials with a view to scaling up
          • Validation of industrial raw materials on laboratory equipment
          • Characterisation studies of pilot equipment (standard) prior to validation tests
          • Integrating the new process into the existing process chain

          Custom manufacturing

          • Small trials: production from gram to kilogram according to the established protocol
          • Setting up pilot production units in order to monitor various parameters and potential limitations

          Training in microalgae cultivation

          This professional training course, which is headed up by the research professors of the GEPEA Laboratory and the engineers at Capacités, provides the theoretical and practical elements involved in the entire microalgae production chain, from the preparation of media and inoculums to the ultimate harvesting of the biomass produced in natural light. The course is endorsed by the Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique.

          • Good cultivation practices [1 day]
          • Cultivation engineering [2 days]
          • Harvesting microalgae [1 day]

          Engineering at Capacités

          Our biodegradability experts carry out their engineering work directly in the research laboratories of Nantes Université, in particular at the GEPEA. On a daily basis, they combine technical means and scientific discoveries to meet your R&D challenges.

          Challenges we’ve met

          Microalgae to valorise waste heat and industrial CO2

          Development of a valorisation process for waste gases via microalgae cultivation
          Lire plus
          Cimenterie Vicat de Montalieu

          Biorefining microalgae: successfully scaling up

          Lire plus
          Olivier Lépine

          Microalgae: how to recover CO2 from industrial sites into biomaterials and biofuels

          Lire plus
          Philippe GUY, Directeur général de la SARA

          Producing high value-added molecules from microalgae

          Development and scale-up of the biorefinery process
          Lire plus
          Méthodes de bioraffinage

          Producing cholesterol-lowering microalgae at industrial scale

          Designing and scaling up microalgal culture processes
          Lire plus
          scale-up - culture microlagues

          Microalgae for wastewater treatment

          Coupling water purification with biomass production
          Lire plus
          Microalgues - biprocédés - écologie industrielle

          Need an innovative and resourceful partner?

          Capacités teams inspire, harness and couple numerous cutting-edge skills covering a wide range of applications and expertise to meet all of your innovation needs with passion and commitment!

          or send us a message:






            Required fields

            Preclinical trials for drug development and drug candidate validation

            • Life science

            Our experts lead preclinical testing and support pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the drug discovery and drug development phases: pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology studies.

            Save time in the experimentation phase. We develop the preclinical studies for the validation of drug candidates and food compounds, evaluate the therapeutic or protective effects of molecules of interest and characterize the functional effects of a pharmaceutical product (action, target organ, active dose).

            Associated with the facility core for function exploration Therassay (certified ISO9001: 2015), we operate as a CRO (contract research organization). WE offer a simplified service covering a wide range of functions: neuromuscular, metabolic, vascular, cardiac, pulmonary, digestive, oncology-haematology; as well as consulting services, study design and preclinical trials.

            Summary

            Services

            Benchmarck and consulting

            Study design

            Preclinical assays

            Assessments: Analyses, Recommendations

            Support: development, certification…

            Preclinical research and assays on muscle function

            Physiopathological analyses, muscle fatigue studies and muscle tone measurements are conducted by our experts to study muscle pathologies such as sarcopenia and muscle atrophy.

            Different methods and a high level of expertise are offered to answer specific questions related to the evaluation of muscular strength, the analysis of gain or loss of muscular strength and the improvement of cognitive functions or stress and anxiety states.

            In a nutshell

            evaluation of muscular strength

            analysis of gain or loss of muscular strength

            improvement of cognitive functions

            stress and anxiety states

            Assessment of general behavior and analysis of global motor and muscle function

            Effectiveness laboratory testing of pharmaceutical products and food supplements on neuromuscular function: strength, muscle fatigue, endurance

            • Measurement of limb muscle strength
            • Measurement locomotion and curiosity activities
            • Measurement of endurance and resistance to effort
            • Exploration of motor coordination
            • Training, muscle fatigue and exercise resistance assessment
            • Semi-automated system for gait exploration and qualitative/quantitative analysis of locomotion
            • Exploration of neuromotor function and muscle function

            Measurement of muscle contractions at the organ, muscle cells and calcium homeostasis levels

            Evaluate the efficacy of food supplements or drug candidates: compare a reference product with products on the market (plant extracts, soluble milk proteins, muscle relaxants, etc.)

            • Muscle atrophy and hypertrophy: muscle mass
            • Isolated muscles
            • Permeabilized or intact skeletal muscle fibers

            Pharmacological approach: drug trials, plant extracts, etc.

             

            Neuromuscular evaluation: anxiety, depression

            Preclinical trials for the functional exploration of the muscular system associated with cognitive functions.

            • Locomotion evaluation
            • Anxiety test
            • Spatial memory evaluation
            • Measurement of curiosity
            • Anxiety assessment

            Preclinical evaluation and validation of drug candidates in onco-hematology

            This unique expertise is offered to biotechs, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to evaluate the clinical potential of drug candidates for hematological malignancies : lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, hematological malignancies, etc.

            In a nutshell

            In vitro study

            cell lines

            clinical potential of drug candidates

            hematological malignancies

            • Evaluation of the therapeutic potential of compounds on MM (Multiple Myeloma) and MCL (Mantle Cell Lymphoma) cell lines
            • Dissection of cellular mechanisms induced by compounds
            • Identification of the best combination with approved drugs
            • Cell lines characterization
            • In vitro assays available as standard – others upon request
            • Drug efficacy evaluation using a panel of MM (Multiple Myeloma) xenograft models, recapitulating MM heterogeneity in immunodeficient subjects (tumor volume monitoring)
            • Models development for hematological cancers
            • Monitoring, endpoints and characterization of drug efficacy
            • Measurement of tumor volume
            • Monitoring of clinical parameters (health status, behavioral monitoring, treatment response, weight change…)
            • Samples for further study: e.g. serum, blood, tumor tissue
            • Tumor tissue analysis: e.g. Western blot, qPCR
            • Exploration in hematological malignancies

            Engineering at Capacités

            Therassay is a core facility functional exploration for cardiovascular, metabolic, neuromuscular, digestive, respiratory and cancerous pathologies

            Challenges we’ve met

            Capacités’ study shows that a valerian extract relaxes muscles

            A preclinical study to assess whether a specific valerian root extract can affect muscle function
            Lire plus
            Une étude de CAPACITÉS démontre les effets myorelaxants de la valériane_PiLeJe_CAPACITES

            A Milk Ingredient’s Scientifically Confirmed Benefits

            A Pre-Clinical Study on a Milk Protein’s Functional Benefits
            Lire plus
            Réalisation_étude préclinique_Lactalis Ingrédients2

            Need an innovative and resourceful partner?

            Capacités teams inspire, harness and couple numerous cutting-edge skills covering a wide range of applications and expertise to meet all of your innovation needs with passion and commitment!

            or send us a message:






              Required fields

              scroll