Selective workflows for vaginal swabs/secretions prioritize strict anaerobiosis and enriched media reflecting F. vaginae nutritional needs. We build a curated strain bank and screen phenotypes relevant to BV—e.g., biofilm capacity (mono- and co-culture with Gardnerella), growth at elevated pH, and stress survival—to supply standardized isolates for downstream assays.
We combine 16S rRNA (variable-region) and whole-genome sequencing with MALDI-TOF to distinguish F. vaginae from BV-associated commensals (e.g., Gardnerella, Prevotella, Megasphaera). Outputs include strain-level typing, SNP-based clustering, and phylogenies to avoid mixed-culture confounders and elevate reproducibility in clinical and in vitro studies.
Assay development targets species-specific loci and 16S signatures to deliver qPCR/ddPCR primers and probes validated for specificity, LOD/LOQ, and dynamic range—engineered for complex backgrounds with multiple anaerobes. We also design FISH/PNA-FISH probes for spatial mapping of F. vaginae within polymicrobial biofilms.
We quantify BV-relevant phenotypes: biofilm formation (alone and with Gardnerella), adhesion/mucus interactions, survival under pH >4.5, lactic acid and H2O2 pressures, and nutrient limitations. Data clarify mechanistic roles of F. vaginae in dysbiosis and enable screening of anti-biofilm strategies and clearance-supporting regimens under RUO conditions.
Using estrogen-supplemented human vaginal epithelial models (with mucus analogues), we measure adhesion, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), mucin gene expression, and competition with Lactobacillus (e.g., L. crispatus). Co-culture assays help evaluate "suppress F. vaginae/restore Lactobacillus dominance" strategies in a controlled, RUO framework.
We profile cytokines and pathways triggered by F. vaginae (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α; TLR2/TLR4/NF-κB reporter readouts) across MOIs, planktonic vs biofilm states, and metabolic contexts. Results benchmark inflammatory potential and quantify immunologic impacts of candidate interventions (e.g., enzymes, peptides, phages) without clinical claims.
We determine MIC/MBC and time-kill kinetics for BV-relevant agents (e.g., metronidazole, tinidazole, clindamycin), plus anti-biofilm adjuvants (surfactants, enzymes, chelators) and natural products. Reports include resistance phenotypes, synergy indices (checkerboard), and biofilm vs planktonic contrasts to inform RUO optimization.
For vaginal delivery concepts, we prototype gels, suppositories, films, and microencapsulates aimed at reducing F. vaginae burden and reinstating Lactobacillus-dominant states. We assess pH/osmolality compatibility, rheology, residence, release profiles, co-formulation stability with Lactobacillus, and accelerated/long-term stability with critical quality attributes.
