The Microbial Interaction Laboratory (MIL) at the University of Cape Town is dedicated to advancing microbiome research across Africa, addressing the underrepresentation of African microbiomes in global studies. By fostering innovation and collaboration amongst researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, the MIL aims to build a dynamic research ecosystem.
The laboratory offers state-of-the-art facilities and services, including microbiome profiling, metagenomic analysis, and educational workshops. It also leads key initiatives such as the VIRGO-Africa database and the African Reference Genome Initiative, providing valuable resources for characterising microbial communities and their health implications. Committed to ethical and inclusive research, the MIL adheres to the Nagoya Protocol, ensuring fair benefit-sharing and community involvement in microbiome studies. Through these efforts, the MIL is shaping the future of microbiome science in Africa and beyond.
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Equipment
- Anaerobic Workstation: For cultivating and studying. anaerobic microbes
- Automated Liquid Handler: For high-throughput sample. preparation and processing
- Illumina MiSeq Sequencer: For next-generation sequencing and microbiome analysis.
- Gel Electrophoresis Apparatus: For DNA/RNA/protein separation and analysis
- Pioreactor: For real-time microbial growth monitoring and experimentation.
Additionally, the MIL houses a fully functional BSL2+ tissue culture facility, equipped with various mucosal cell line models to study microbe-host interactions. All equipment is available for shared use to support microbiome research and innovation.
Services
- Microbiome Profiling
- High-Throughput Sequencing
- Data Analysis
- Culturomics Services
- Mucosal tissue culture
- Educational Workshops