QACS uses DNA technology to provide fast & cost effective cosmetic testing services to the personal care industry. Our molecular services on Microbiome analysis, Microbiological surveillance and Authenticity testing for cosmetics make sure your product is safe, is absent of pathogen and substantiate your cosmetic product claims. Learn more

Our Lab uses molecular technology to provide pharmaceutical testing services in rapid turnaround times. DNA Microlab, member of QACS assists pharmaceutical manufacturing and monitoring processes in order to secure the absence of microbial contamination via Microbial Species Identification, Pathogen detection & Environmental monitoring testing services. Learn more

At QACS we deliver Microbiome Balance, Microbiome Friendly and Skin Friendly Preservation testing services. Cosmetic Microbiome studies are supported by years of clinical efficacy testing experience and molecular biology know-how. Studies, adopted to your product’s needs and budget, are provided in the form of customized protocols. Learn more

Increasing legislative demands and regulatory bodies, challenge microbial free production procedures. Sometimes, the use of antibacterial, bacteriostatic or bactericidal preservatives are not enough. The quality system must ensure the absence of microbial contamination from production areas and subsequently from finished products. To do so, a constant monitoring system should be established and corrective actions should be taken for continuous improvement. We undertake the Environmental monitoring by swabs, air monitoring, microbiological analysis of raw material or water by our specialized personnel.

Microbes isolated from finished products, ingredients, water samples and production areas are candidates for identification. Particularly if their numbers exceed alert or action limits. The name of the species of the microorganism could play a significant role in the investigation of its source and in the root cause analysis. We offer scientific guidance and solutions to further facilitate the microorganism’s investigation and proceed to root cause analysis of any microbial contamination.

The DNA identification method is globally recognized as the most reliable for the classification of microorganisms. At QACS, we assist you with Microorganism Identification, specifying the species level, via DNA technology. Microorganism Identification service is accredited and offered in rapid turnaround times (24h). Bacteria, Yeast and Molds are identified to the species name. In addition to the micro-organism species name, information about the ecology, classification, growth conditions and possible pathogenesis is provided. We test Colonies of microorganisms derived from Food, Drugs, Cosmetics or Εnvironmental Samples.

Along with above, a description of the microorganism is included to facilitate targeted corrective actions in the analysis report.  Express analysis is available, upon request.

Animal Species detection (Real Time PCR), Real Time PCR analysis for the sensitive detection of meat DNA. Pork, Sheep, Goat, Bovine, Horse, Chicken, Turkey and other animal species in food is provided.

Botanical, fish or animal authenticity can be detected via DNA Barcoding. The product or raw material acquires a “seal of authenticity” to protect producers & distributors from counterfeiting and increases product value. The TAT is 10-15 working days.

Organisms profile (NGS analysis), in biological mixtures such as cosmetic herbal mixtures or food composed of many ingredients such as sausage, cheese or pie, Next Generation sequencing (NGS) is used to identify any organism that is contained at the species level qualitatively and quantitatively. TAT 30 working days.

Worldwide pathogenic bacteria are a growing public health concern and pose a great risk to industry reputation. Protect your brand from costly product recalls by proceeding to Pathogen Detection testing.

We perform rapid and accurate pathogen detection via Real Time PCR to ensure product safety. Pathogenic bacteria of the genus Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella and others after enrichment are detected in 24h.

GMO testing is crucial for producers who want to verify the Authenticity of their products, fulfill labeling requirements and comply with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1830/2003 and EU Regulation (EC) No. 619/2011. Qualitative and Quantitative GMO analysis makes sure you reach testing & industry needs.  QACS examines genetic modification presence on seeds, flour, feed and food.

We offer a wide range of accredited genetic modifications tests for soya, corn, cotton and other plant species.

• Genetic Isolation & Detection
• Genetic Quantification
• Common genetic modifications Detection
• Accredited GMO testing for soya, cotton, corn

Τhe MMS approach from QACS, combines the long standing microbiology experience of our experts on plant and production areas. With the power of NGS and metagenomic analysis you can accurately :

• Map and monitor the complete microbiome of your production facility.
• Pinpoint pathogens and contaminants in the environment.
• Identify their routes and biofilms.
• Track their sources proactively.
• Gain full insight of the microbial populations in your production environment before it affects your products.
• Use the data retrospectively to identify possible sources of contamination in case of QC failure.

 Untargeted approach: You only find what you look for…
Although bacteria can be found anywhere, their presence in production environments, such as cosmetics/drug manufacturing and food processing plants, poses a constant threat.

When harmful or spoilage bacteria enter a product, QA/QC managers face a huge challenge to control/prevent recalls. Since production processes nowadays are well designed and automated, to control unwanted bacteria, you mostly need to control the environment of your production.

The classical approach with swabs and culture plates only detects a limited number of microorganisms that are able to grow in the conditions used, and with a variable performance. Their results are often difficult to interpret or even meaningless.

MMS gives an untargeted approach to this procedure revealing the full picture:

• Samples are taken from all important sources in the production environment.
• Total DNA is isolated from all samples and sequenced with NGS.
• The full depth of the microbiome of each sample is revealed from each sample analysis.
• Combining the results of each sample a full microbiome map of the production environment is revealed.
• Metadata analysis, heatmaps and most of all our expert’s insight results in a comprehensive report with clear interpretation of the finding and suggestions for corrective actions.

Quorum Sensing is the process of communication between bacterial cells via signaling molecules. This happens based on population density and enables behavior coordination. Bacterial behavior is expressed in biofilm creation, virulence, genetic competence, antibiotic production, swarming mobility. Quorum quenching is the process of disrupting or inhibiting quorum sensing in microorganisms. This can be achieved by using natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the production, detection, or response to quorum sensing molecules.

Quorum Quenching Analysis can become a valuable tool in laboratory cosmetic testing services to aid in enhancing the skin microbiome through cosmetic formulas.

How

Our skin, home to a diverse array of microorganisms, plays important roles in skin health maintenance and protection against pathogens. These microorganisms, collectively known as skin microbiome, are essential to skin health. Quorum sensing has been shown to play a catalytic role in the behavior of the skin microbes as it is used to coordinate the production of biofilms on the skin surface.

In the context of the skin microbiome, quorum quenching has been proposed as a potential strategy for modulating the behavior of skin microbes and promoting skin health. For example, several studies have suggested that quorum quenching could be used to disrupt the biofilms formed by pathogenic skin microbes, making them more susceptible to immune clearance and antimicrobial agents.

We have developed QQA Service so our customers could roll out breakthrough quorum quenching technology products (eg. anti-acne), that can inhibit the communication of “bad” skin bacteria and rebalance skin microbiome.

This is done by a protocol developed for screening constituents or formulations, for their ability to inhibit quorum sensing of targeted microbes such as P.acnes and S.aureus. In summary, constituent or formulation is applied at ranging concentrations and at different stages of bacterial cultures (ATCC) known for biofilm formation.

Quantification of biofilm formation is performed using a modified and optimized methodology of biofilm staining and measurement in microtiter plates, which has been widely applied in literature, in various formats and for a variety of microorganisms. A suitable candidate substance should be able to inhibit biofilm formation by inhibiting quorum sensing under these in-vitro conditions.

In the context of laboratory cosmetic testing, researchers can employ quorum quenching analysis to identify and assess cosmetic ingredients or formulations that possess quorum quenching properties. This analysis involves studying the effects of these substances on microbial communication, determining their ability to interfere with quorum sensing and potentially shift the microbial balance in favor of skin beneficial properties.