Biolog gives biotechnology a boost

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, May 4, 2004 | by Nicholas Yulico, BUSINESS WRITER

HAYWARD -- With the aid of technology developed by Biolog Inc., researchers at local labs are examining the cellular properties of different strains of bacteria -- including possible bioterrorism agents -- at a much faster rate.

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory both recently purchased Biolog's technology.

The company's Phenotype MicroArrays, or PM, enable scientists to test hundreds to thousands of cellular traits simultaneously.

Previously, researchers could only examine a few properties at a time.

That data can be used to determine the effect of genetic changes on cells and the effect of drugs on cells -- key uses for biotechnology and drug companies.

Biolog's OmniLog System, which analyzes the PM data, was also installed at both labs.

Lawrence Livermore is employing the technology to measure the cells of Yersinia pestis (the bacteria that causes the human plague), anthrax and other microorganisms that are potential bioterrorism agents.

The Berkeley lab is using the technology to examine the properties of Desulfovibrio vulgaris, a sulfate-reducing bacteria that eliminates harmful metals occurring in the environment.

By using Biolog's technology, researchers can identify 2,000 unique cellular properties of the bacteria in one day. Such a process previously took more than a month, said Terry Hazen, head of the Center for Environmental Biology at the Berkeley lab.

The OmniLog System costs $90,000, and the PM technology costs $500 for every set of 2,000 cell readings.

Lawrence Livermore said it spent $136,000 on the technology.

Biolog President and CEO Tim Mullane said the company has been conversing with the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. FDA on possible future partnerships.

Nicholas Yulico can be reached at (510) 293-2465 and nyulico@angnewspapers.com .