Professor Mark Blaskovich, CEAStAR Centre Director, Professor Darren Trott, CEAStAR Centre Deputy Director, and Dr Bicheng Yang, Director of MGI Australia(from L to R)
"CEAStAR employs a 'One Health' approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment in combating antimicrobial resistance," said Professor Blaskovich. "Our goal is to deliver new antimicrobials for animal use, alternative treatments, and advanced detection methods to mitigate the spread of resistant microbes across sectors."
MGI's proprietary DNBSEQTM technology, renowned for its high accuracy and efficiency in genetic sequencing, plays a pivotal role in CEAStAR's efforts. This technology, integrated with MGI's automated laboratory systems, enables portable, on-site sequencing solutions. These solutions empower rapid detection, surveillance, and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance ("AMR") in diverse environmental settings, including wastewater and agricultural environments.
"We have successfully collaborated with UQ, utilizing our cutting-edge sequencing technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater," said Dr. Bicheng Yang, Director of MGI Australia. "We look forward to expanding this partnership, continuing to develop and apply innovative solutions to combat AMR."
As part of the CEAStAR initiative, on World Food Day 2023 MGI announced support for an industry-driven graduate research project focused on developing sequencing-based surveillance to monitor antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the water environment. Through a collaboration between The University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide, and MGI, this project aims to develop innovative methods to reduce the adverse impacts of AMR in engineered or natural aquatic environments, potentially contributing to improved water quality and food safety.
CEAStAR, supported by funding from the Australian Research Council and industry partners, represents a collaborative effort involving leading academic institutions and industry innovators like MGI. Together, MGI and CEAStAR aim to foster a healthier future by safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics and developing alternative treatments for livestock and companion animals.
About MGI
MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and a full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other industries.
Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. MGI stands out as one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers with varying throughput capacities, ranging from Gb to Tb levels. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.
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