News

Witterswil, 2. September 2020 – Hygiene masks are now an everyday product. However, masks of varying quality are found in circulation. This fact was also discovered on 1. September by the Swiss program “Kassensturz”.

If you would like to check whether your masks have been stored properly and whether the regulations according to ISO standards have been fulfilled by the producer, we are the right partner.

For medical protective masks of type II, a test of the germ content according to EN14683 with examination of the microbiological purity according to ISO11737-1 is required for official marketing. The test according to ISO 11737 also determines the presence of mould and fungi.

We can offer the following analyses: Microbiological purity (bioburden) according to ISO11737-1

An identification of morphologically different moulds can then be carried out using mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS). A classification of the pathogenic potential for the detected moulds is also possible afterwards.

Further analyses:
– Bacterial filter performance according to EN14683 Appendix B
– Determination of breathability (differential pressure) according to EN14683 Annex C
– Testing against penetration/ splash protection according to ISO22609
– Biocompatibility test for medical devices: Cytotoxicity test according to ISO10993-5

Quelle:
– Kassensturz – Hygienemasken vom 2. Sept 2020 (in German)- https://srf.ch/play/tv/redirect/detail/359852c4-4410-4984-b88f-741fb6a774a6
Photo by Noah on Unsplash

Witterswil, 15 July 2020 – Since mid-June 2020 many measures to combat the new coronavirus in Switzerland have been relaxed by the Federal Council, but a residual risk still remains.

The restrictions and additionally implemented hygiene rules required process adjustments in many companies. The individual rules of conduct as well as the absence of numerous customer visits have changed the daily business routine for many companies.

With the notification dated 24. June 2020, the federal government, based on the updated sampling strategy of the FOPH, assumes the costs of molecular biological and serological analyses performed on an outpatient basis and related services for SARS-CoV-2 for persons who meet the suspicion, sampling and notification criteria of the FOPH dated June 24, 2020.

Unfortunately for many companies and enterprises the criteria of the FOPH are not fulfilled, but the daily business must continue nevertheless; Biolytix has put together a special offer for exactly these affected companies.

Companies that want to combine preventive corona measures with a systematic and pragmatic monitoring of their employees can contact us. This ensures not only the safety of the employees, but also the general process safety of the company.

Example of a Possible Monitoring Process

We examine your throat swab samples, which are taken by your company physician, for SARS-CoV-2 using molecular biological methods and thus detect acute infections or potential virus excretion.

In addition, we can also test blood samples taken by your in-house medical team for specific SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies. These indicate survived infections and thus a possible existing immunity.

We would be pleased to prepare a customer-specific offer for the systematic testing of your employees.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Enabling independent onsite production of test kits anywhere and on demand

Baar, Switzerland – 30 June 2020 – GobiX GmbH, a MedTech start-up, and Biolytix AG, an ISO 17025-accredited service laboratory based in Switzerland, announce their partnership to address the global shortage of COVID-19 test kits.  This initiative is empowered by Formlabs, a leading 3D printing company.  The partnership will allow GobiX GmbH to quickly provide COVID-19 nasal testing swabs, virus-deactivating and conserving lysis buffer for fluid collection and knowledge transfer to ramp up independent testing facilities anywhere in the world where they are needed.

The multi-disciplinary team of experts from GobiX GmbH and Biolytix AG quickly came together in Switzerland following a shortage of COVID-19 test kits – particularly the nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs – during the peak of the outbreak in Switzerland in March.  In less than a month, Switzerland had sufficient means and know-how to produce its own test kits to cover the testing of people with COVID-19 symptoms.

The swabs and viral-collection fluid normally used in Switzerland prior to the COVID-19 crisis were produced in other countries, leaving Switzerland vulnerable to supply chain disruption. Because of global shortage, and in order to be independent of international supply chains, the Surgeon General of the Swiss Armed Forces, responsible for coordinating preparations and the deployment of Swiss public health resources in special and exceptional situations, launched a collaborative effort to develop production inside Swiss borders.

Thanks to swift collaboration between the Swiss Armed Forces, GobiX GmbH, its partner Biolytix AG, and volunteer healthcare experts, Switzerland now has a COVID-19 test production chain enabled by Formlabs 3D printing technology within its borders that was put in place in less than a month.

During this time, GobiX GmbH applied its medical and engineering expertise, and tapped into its network to create a scalable, fast system for swab and transportation fluid production. The swab design – developed by GobiX GmbH co-founder Patrice Gobat, a mechanical engineer and 3D printing expert from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) – can be printed at scale on demand, with each office-printer sized printer having a capacity of up to several hundred swabs per day.

Physician and GobiX GmbH co-founder, Michel Bielecki, said that who lead the prototyping and deployment of the solution, said, “Two of the big problems with COVID-19 testing are 1 –  the availability of testing kits because we rely on external production and 2 –  accuracy and comfort since the use of a cotton swab, currently widely-used due to no other options, can be very unpleasant and is highly inaccurate for diagnostic purposes. Our solution doesn’t completely solve the shortage, but it ensures that we have an efficient and comfortable swab and can bypass short-term shortages during times when timing is crucial.”

The swabs, designed by GobiX during the first Swiss COVID-19 outbreak in Ticino, Switzerland, and clinically-tested by a team of ten doctors and medical laboratory analysts for collection efficiency, testing ease, and patient comfort, are CE-certified as a Medical class I device and in full production.  GobiX GmbH produces and packages the swabs for distribution among test locations across the country.

Adrian Härri, CEO, Biolytix AG, said, “Today, the key to fighting COVID-19 is simply identifying those who are infected as early as possible.  This is the motivation behind our collaboration with GobiX and Formlabs – we are teaming to address the critical need for tools and equipment needed to safely collect and transport viral samples.  One of the big challenges is getting the test samples to the analysis facility, without the risks involved of transporting a pathogenic virus.  Our sample collection fluid deactivates the virus upon contact, preserves the viral RNA for up to four days and does not require cooled transportation – greatly facilitating testing in remote locations and the safety of anybody involved.  Additionally, comparative tests have shown that the 3D printed swabs yield a higher amount of RNA, compared to its traditional counterparts, significantly improving the accuracy of the real-time PCR tests. We are extremely proud that our solution will contribute to accurate testing during this global crisis.”

Stefan Holländer, General Manager of Formlabs EMEA, explained, ““A single Form 3B printer can produce hundreds of swabs a day using our Surgical Guide resin, a certified biocompatible Class 1 material. The Form 3B printer enables fast, localized production of critical tools needed to support healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are delighted that 3D printed swabs by GobiX GmbH in Switzerland have now become a segue to expand COVID-19 testing to save lives in hard-hit areas, around the world, quickly and economically.”

GobiX GmbH is now spearheading a partnership with Inqaba Biotechnical Industries (Pty) Ltd to distribute swab production systems throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Dr Oliver Preisig, Executive Director of Inqaba Biotechnical Industries (Pty) Ltd, explained, “All of the African continent is impacted by the shortage of COVID-19 test components, compounded by border closing. We have a unique ability to make widespread testing possible throughout Africa thanks to this strategic partnership with GobiX GmbH for the swab production systems and our own infrastructure with offices in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania and staff in Namibia, Uganda, Cameroon, Mali and Zimbabwe. This unique network for a life science company is currently essential to support the COVID-19 testing efforts in sub-Saharan Africa as we have team members in each of these countries. We are poised to implement the swab production system immediately and without delay, get people tested and help control the pandemic.”

Prof. Patricia Schlagenhauf, Co-Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers’ Health, at the University of Zurich (UZH) and COVID-19 research collaborator with GobiX co-founder M. Bielecki, said “Having access to tests and test kits is so important especially in resource limited, vulnerable countries. Without tests, developing countries will not be able to monitor and control the spread of COVID-19.”

Press Release (EN)

Swiss law defines dietary supplements as foodstuffs intended to supplement the normal diet. They consist of single or multiple concentrates of vitamins, minerals, or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect and are marketed in dose form.

The law also makes a distinction between dietary supplements (for example low dose vitamin products and enriched foodstuffs) and medicinal products (for example high dose vitamin products and their claims of medicinal effects).

Many food supplements, nutritional additives and other non-regulated dietary supplements go through cycles of popularity. Biolytix observes these cycles through the different customer requests it gets. One particularly common question is to verify the purity content of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide or NMN.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is often sold through internet marketplaces, with promises to slow down the pace of ageing and claims to promote a longer life. Because of high demand and cost of this compound, it seems that some untrustworthy companies have begun selling fake NMN supplements.

Testing Purity of NMN and the absence of Heavy Metals

We offer NMN purity analysis and strongly suggest to also test for heavy metals, to make sure that the product contains what it promises.

• Nicotinamide mononucleotide Analysis (HPLC-MS/MS): 250 CHF /sample
• Heavy Metal Screening: 350 CHF /sample

We analyze the following elements:

Disclaimer / Sources

• For the analysis we need ca 30 grams per sample. The result is ready in 5-10 working days. All prices above are excluding VAT.

• https://www.admin.ch/opc/de/classified-compilation/20143410/index.html

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide_mononucleotide

• Photo by Angel Sinigersky on Unsplash

Our laboratories will be closed on 1. May 2020 – Labor Day. Please note the adjusted dates for your planning and logistics:

Water and food samples – Microbiology
In order to guarantee results Labor Day, we require drinking water and food samples by Monday, 27 April 2020 until 12:00 noon:

Water samples to test for drinking water hygiene:
– Samples received Monday, 27. April 2020 -> Analysis report 30. April 2020
– Samples received from Tuesday, 28. April – 30 April 2020 -> Analysis report 4. May 2020

Sampling Water – Microbiology
Water samples for testing for drinking water hygiene and legionella can be accepted in the week of the 27. April until Thursday 30th April at 15:00.

Allergen and GMO samples
Friday, 1. May 2020: no reception, analysis and processing of EXPRESS and NEXT-DAY samples

From Monday, 4 May 2020 we will be back with normal opening hours!

Thank you for your understanding and stay healthy!

-Biolytix Team

Due to the Easter holidays Biolytix AG will be closed on Friday, 10 April 2020 and on Monday, 13 April 2020.

For your planning and logistics we therefore ask you to observe the following information:

Microbiology – water and food samples 
Please note that in week 15 (before Easter) we can only accept drinking water and Legionella samples until Thursday, 9 April 2020 at 16:00 for the corresponding analyses.

Microbiological results will be available for completed orders from Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Express: Allergen food samples, as well as feed and seed samples
24-hour express: If samples are received by Wednesday, 8 April 2020, the result can be guaranteed on Thursday, 9 April 2020

8 hours super express: If samples are received by Thursday, April 9, 2020 by 11:00 a.m., the result can be guaranteed on Thursday, April 9, 2020 in the evening.

From Tuesday 14 April 2020 we will be back with normal opening hours!

Summary
Biolytix is closed on the following days:
– Friday, 10 April 2020 Good Friday
– Monday, 13 April 2020 Easter Monday

Biolytix AG remains open and offers its services as usual. We do not expect any significant delays.

– Xylella fastidiosa causes major damage to cultivated plants in Europe, especially in Italy, Spain and France
– Real-time PCR analysis kits for Xylella fastidiosa available on request

Witterswil, 20 November 2019 – Xylella fastidiosa, a vector-transmitted bacterial plant pathogen, is currently causing major problems in parts of Europe. Xylella fastidiosa was first detected on olive trees in southern Italy in Europe in 2013. Since then, the pathogenic bacterium has also been reported in France, Spain and Germany.

In Salento in southern Italy, the pathogenic bacterium has led to the so-called “Olive Quick-Down Syndrome” (OQDS), which results in the death of the leaves and branches of the olive tree, so that the trees can no longer produce olive plants.

“Plant pathogens such as Xylella fastidiosa can have serious effects on the economy of entire regions, especially if the disease is transmitted to important crops,” says Dr. Ralf Seyfarth, CSO of Biolytix.

The speed and presentation of symptoms on the plant depends very much on the following factors: host plant species, the level of bacterial inoculum, the subspecies involved and even the specific recombinations within the same or different subspecies as well as climatic conditions. (see Agroscope Fact Sheet (in German): Das Feuerbakterium – Xylella fastidiosa)

Thanks to our team of dedicated scientists, we are able to offer an analytical method for the detection of Xylella fastidiosa. If Xylella is suspected and you want to make sure that it is not Xylella fastidiosa – contact us!

For analytical laboratories and institutes: We also manufacture Xylella fastidiosa real-time PCR analysis kits for all common PCR devices.

Sources:

• https://www.blw.admin.ch/blw/en/home/nachhaltige-produktion/pflanzenschutz/pflanzengesundheit-eidg-pflanzenschutzdienst/schutz-vor-besonders-gefaehrlichen-schadorganismen/xylella-fastidiosa.html

• https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Xylella-fastidiosa-the-causal-agent-of-Pierces-and-other-diseases-Credits-Dr_fig1_237746731

• https://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/plant_health_biosecurity/legislation/emergency_measures/xylella-fastidiosa_en

• https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/xylella-fastidiosa

• http://www.confor.org.uk/media/246789/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-x-fastidiosa.pdf

The management and board of directors of Biolytix have the painful duty to inform that Prof. Dr. Oreste Ghisalba, founding member of Biolytix, board member and longtime friend, unexpectedly died on 4. December 2018 at the age of 72.

The entire Biolytix team express their sincere condolences to Oreste’s wife and family.

With Oreste Ghisalba we lost a good friend and competent colleagues. His many years of experience and his network have shaped the Biolytix from the beginning and were essential for the success of the company.

The board of directors will announce Oreste’s replacement in due course.

– Federal Office of Public Health informs: Unexplained accumulation of listeriosis cases
– Listeriosis is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes
– Biolytix routinely analyzes foods for Listeria monocytogenes

Witterswil, 18 October 2018 – Since mid-2018, the weekly statistics of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health have shown an unusual increase in listeriosis cases. The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is found almost everywhere in the environment and can lead to listeriosis in humans.

Transmission takes place through the consumption of contaminated food. Listeriosis is a rare infectious disease, but it can have severe consequences in immunocompromised individuals. In women who become infected with Listeria during pregnancy, it can also lead to infection of the child.

The sources of infection are animal foods such as meat, sausages, fish, raw milk and dairy products (e.g., soft cheeses), but also vegetable foods (e.g., precut salads or fruits).

Biolytix routinely analyzes various foods for Listeria monocytogenes and can offer qualitative and quantitative test methods.

The result is available within 3-4 days. If interested, send us your food samples using the order form attached below.

Detection of Listeria monocytogenes

Method:
real-time PCR, after enrichment acc. EN / ISO 11290-1, qualitative
Duration: 3-4 days
Analysis code: Lmo

Method:
Germ count according to EN / ISO 11290-2, quantitative
Duration: 3-4 days
Analysis code: Lmo quant

(Source in german: BAG Bulletin 42/18: https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/de/home/das-bag/aktuell/news/bag-bulletin.html)

Other microorganism analyses.

– Anniversary celebration in the Technology Center Witterswil with over 100 invited guests
– New logo, new website, new customer portal – were unveiled and presented at the anniversary
– Speeches by Christoph Keigel (President of the Board – Biolytix AG), Dr. Remo Ankli (Kanton Solothurn Governing Council) and Adrian Härri (Founder and CEO Biolytix AG).

Witterswil, 2 July 2018 – Biolytix AG celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Technology Center Witterswil on June 29, 2018 with a big party. The service laboratory for molecular and microbiological analyzes has made a name for itself nationally and internationally over the past two decades and was able to thank over 100 international invited guests for their trust and loyalty.

What began twenty years ago with two employees and an idea is today a company with over 20 employees. In order to reflect the innovative progress of recent years in the appearance, Biolytix unveiled their new brand at the festival in front of gathered audience.

«The new appearance of Biolytix transports the old logo into a new and digital world. It stands for the digitization and modernization of the company, “says Adrian Härri, CEO and founder of Biolytix.

At the same time, the Biolytix website was re-launched with the new brand and a new customer portal was announced for the customers. The new customer portal will be presented to selected customers for the first time in the third quarter of 2018 and should significantly facilitate and improve data transfer and communication.

Christoph Keigel, President of the Board of Biolytix AG, highlighted in his address various bright spots of the last 20 years of Biolytix and thanked the management and the employees.

Dr. Remo Ankli, Kanton Solothurn governing councilor for education and culture, was able to underline the importance of the SME role in the Swiss economy.

Media requests to:

Marco Ferraro
+41 61 725 20 70
marco.ferraro@biolytix.ch

Ethoxyquin is a Antioxidant that delays the oxidation of lipophilic Vitamins (Carotine, Xanthophylle, Vitamin A und Vitamin E). It was widely used for the preservation of fishmeal (especially feed for fish farms). Prior to its ban as a plant protection product, ethoxyquin was also used as a post-harvest treatment against tan in apples and pears.

In June 2017 the European commission has formally suspended the authorization for the antioxidant ethoxyquin (EQ) as a feed additive with the publication of Regulation (EU) 2017/962.

Biolytix can help check the Ethoxyquin values in fish feed and fish meat. The detection limits are extremely sensitive (µg/kg = parts per billion).

Detection Limits

Ethoxyquin + Ethoxyquin-Dimer: 2 µg/kg + 5 µg/kg
BHA (Butylhydroxyanisol / E320):  10 µg/kg
BHT (Butylhydroxytoluol / E321):  10 µg/kg

(Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2017.145.01.0013.01.ENG)

According to a newspaper article in the Basellandschaftliche Zeitung, arsenic was found in the soil in the municipality of Liesberg.

The authorities warn against eating and growing vegetables in the affected areas.

“Unfortunately, it often happens that we find harmful substances in everyday life.” says CEO Adrian Härri, “We can provide certainty with our analyzes.”

We support in soil analysis. If you want to analyze your soil (for example, earth, sand, mud, ..), or even vegetables or fruits, send us 10 gram. You will receive the result in 2-5 working days. The cost is CHF 60 (excluding VAT).

Offer is valid until the end of June 2018.

(Source: https://www.bzbasel.ch/basel/baselbiet/arsen-in-boeden-von-liesberg-verzicht-auf-gemueseanbau-empfohlen-132600705)

Spring is here and summer is around the corner. Time to clean up the allotment garden and sow the first salad and carrots.

However, caution should be exercised when applying pesticides. In Switzerland, up to 200 tonnes of pesticides are used annually for private purposes.

“We have often measured elevated pesticide levels in regional gardens.” says CEO Adrian Härri, “Unfortunately, hobby gardeners are often unaware of how many pollutants are in their soil.”

Biolytix analyzes the vegetables and soil for pesticides and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, copper and zinc) to make sure that the hard-working vegetables can be enjoyed without worry.

(Source in German: www.zeit.de/2018/16/schrebergaerten-schweiz-umweltschutz)

We are pleased to announce that on 1 April 2018 the Dentalytix business of Prochema AG, Allschwil, was handed over to Biolytix AG.

As a regional ISO17025 accredited service laboratory, Biolytix has established itself in the field of molecular and microbiology analyses in Switzerland over the last 20 years. Especially in hygiene control and monitoring, Biolytix has a lot of experience.

“Dentalytix was professionally managed and built by Prochema. We are pleased to continue the good work and expand the range of services for our customers” said Adrian Härri, CEO.

In the future, we look forward to offering hygiene monitoring in dental surgeries under the Dentalytix name. We not only offer the monitoring of surfaces and equipment hygiene, but also test the water quality and the hygiene status of the staff’s hands.

Adrian Härri, head of Biolytix, a company that conducts molecular biological and microbiological analyzes, repeatedly proves the poison in biofish.

“We have never had a sample that did not contain ethoxyquin,” says Härri. Anyone who thinks that the organic salmon is free of pesticides is wrong. “In fact, consumers are misled with the organic label,” says Härri.

Evira (Finnish food safety authority) has published on their web page on April 27th, 2017, that genetic engineering changes could be detected in petunia. These were petunias with orange-colored flowers which are merchandised in Finland under the trade names Pegasus Orange Morn, Pegasus Orange, Pegasus Table Orange, Potunia Plus Papaya, Go!Tunia Orange, Bonnie Orange, Sanguna Patio Salmon and Sanguna Salmon.

Biolytix AG is now able to carry out appropriate analyses for testing for GMO petunias in its ISO 17025 accredited laboratory. All it takes is 10 g of plant material. In addition to plant parts, seed can also be examined to determine whether the corresponding GMO markers are detectable. The analysis is carried out in 2-5 working days for 162 CHF. Express analyses are possible upon agreement within 24 hours or within 8 hours as a super express analysis.

Offer is valid until end of December 2017

On 14 January 2016 Biolytix was invited to be part of the television program Einstein as a bacteria expert. (Biolytix appearance at 04:34)