MDG News and Updates

Sona Son, Technical Manager at Microbial Discovery Group, presents a new MDG Technology Development at the Aquaculture America Conference Feb 9-12th, 2014.  See poster abstract below.  If you’re dealing with problems associated with Vibrio aquaculture pathogens, we look forward to discussing our work with you.  Please contact us at info@mdgbio.com. COMBINING THE USE OF WHATMAN FTA CARDS AND DIAGNOSTIC PCR ASSAYS TO DETERMINE THE PATHOGENIC POTENTIAL OF SHRIMP WATER SAMPLES SHIPPED OVERSEAS Sona Son, Amy Lange, Heather Behn and Michael King Microbial Discovery Group and JBS United Pathogenic Vibrio spp. are a major economic concern in the shrimp industry causing global losses of approximately $3 billion USD annually. To find potential Vibrio minimizing strategies, a thorough and regular study of virulent Vibrio species collected from shrimp ponds is required. Studies of virulent Vibrio from the field is impeded by changes in the microbial community during sample transport and current field testing methods that do not accurately assess Vibrio virulence. In this study, the use of Whatman FTA (fast technology for analysis of nucleic acids) cards to preserve Vibrio community DNA during transport was combined with a Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio campbellii haemolysin virulence gene based multiplex PCR assay1. Successful protocols will later give rise […]

Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) LLC celebrated the expansion of their R&D and production facility with a ribbon cutting on August 5th.  Microbial Discovery Group (MDG), founded in 2007 in their current location in Franklin, WI, needed to expand to meet demand for new opportunities for microbial-based products and solutions. MDG added a second laboratory and expanded the MDG facilities and workspaces to double the number of possible employees and accelerate the rate of technology development.  This expansion was on the heels of manufacturing expansion and processing changes that almost doubled capacity the year before.  According to MDG founder, Michael King, Ph.D., “As MDG continues to scale-up to meet demand; the number of team members has grown from 2 to 20 employees making this expansion an absolute necessity.  We needed to make room for the second laboratory but most importantly needed to house our most valuable asset, our people.”  MDG’s talented team includes scientists, engineers, technical support, production, business development and customer service. The $500,000 expansion and facility update added an additional 3500 square feet of laboratory and office space for two recently hired microbiologists, one admin position and additional interns. MDG is currently recruiting two more scientists, a production manager and a regulatory/international registration […]

I am amazed by all of the studies and tests taking place in our lab to develop new and improved products. This really keeps our customers on the cutting edge of new technology. Just when I think we have found the final solution to a major problem area for one of our partners, we continue working to find something even better. It seems like everyone at Microbial Discovery Group has an obsession with solving problems, while others just seem to stop working after they find one solution that works pretty well. This year alone, we have developed so many new products, some we currently offer, and others should be available shortly. Don’t hesitate to ask if we have a product that works in a particular situation, you may be very surprised to find out that we have it currently on stability testing. I look forward to your call! – Michael Davis

If your customer is smelling the result of decomposing organic matter, such as feces, other bodily fluids, dairy, meat, or plant-based materials, chances are they’re smelling a Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA). Figure 1. Common odors associated with VFAs. VFAs are organic acids produced by the microbial metabolism of biomass and food waste; such as dietary fiber, starch, protein, and amino acids. To beat these odors, certain strains of Bacillus have the ability to breakdown VFAs, thereby helping to reduce the problem at the source. At Microbial Discovery Group (MDG) an in-vitro study was conducted to measure the growth of our Bacillus strains in the presence of VFAs. SporActiv® Foundation was grown in media containing acetate and a combination of common VFAs found in the I&I market; acetate, butyrate, propionate, valerate, isovalerate, and isobutyrate. These VFAs were chosen because of their known connection to unpleasant odors.   RESULTS Figure 2. Increase in growth of SporActiv® Foundation grown in media containing acetate, or a combination of six VFAs. The results show that growth of SporActiv® Foundation Bacillus increased by more than 50% when acetate was present, and by more than 100% when the six VFAs were present (Figure 2). The addition of these VFAs allowed for increased Bacillus growth, indicating the […]

As consumers, we constantly search for a particular level of quality in everything we purchase. From toilet tissue, cleaning products, or microbial products, there is an expectation to deliver upon standards. Those standards are established through trust, and it’s incredibly important to uphold that trust to keep the customer coming back. MDG is passionate about delivering a product that meets that high and personal standard. A standard we achieve each time through our trusted processes and quality control (QC) testing. Compatible ingredients such as preservatives, dyes, surfactants, and fragrances are recommended from a list of stability tested ingredients guaranteeing a two-year shelf life. Once an existing or newly formulated product is created, its blended and the SPECs (specifications) are tested via our quality control lab. SPECS such as the effective amount of bacteria for the application, factors that prevent spoilage (pH and preservatives), and making sure there are no unwanted organisms such as pathogens present in the final product. The SPECS are essential to consider the level of quality when QC checks a concentrated Bacillus product, see below:   CFU: AKA, CFU/g or ‘Colony Forming Units’ per gram.  This value represents the actual number of culturable cells in a gram of material. This […]

MDG has completed its obligation to notify under the New Substance Notification Regulations (Organisms) for Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on strains of Bacillus. Once imported into Canada the strains will be added to the Domestic Substance List (DSL) increasing MDG’s product offering into Canada. Adding these additional strains to the DSL will allow for more products from MDG to be available, focusing on core brands, Biotifx® for Wastewater Treatment and SporActiv® for the Industrial and Institutional market, to be sold in Canada. What is the Domestic Substance List: The Domestic Substance List (DSL) is an inventory of all chemical (and microorganism) substances manufactured in, or imported into, Canada on a commercial scale. 1 The DSL does not cover microorganisms that are regulated by other agencies such as those in food, feed, and fertilizer. The list was originally published in May 1994 with 23,000 substances included. 1 Today the list is at 28,000 substances, including microorganisms, and growing. 3 MDG Bacillus Strain on the DSL: Microorganisms, like MDG’s Bacillus, already exist on the DSL. Each microorganism strain is a unique substance, and each must be reviewed on its own merits for safety. The New Substance Notification (NSN) risk assessment includes general information on the strain, its ecological and biological characteristics, […]

It’s been a tough few years for the pulp and paper (P&P) industry. With an increase in foreign competition and a lowered demand for paper, many facilities have had to tighten their belt. One of the most probable victims of these cuts are the wastewater treatment systems. Wastewater needs to be cleaned while sludge continues to build up. What was once full capacity-lagoons ready to handle a lot of wastewater are now full of sludge. With limitations on a budget, land to build more lagoons and time allotted for dredging, the sludge and holding capacity concerns have fallen to the wayside to be dealt with another time. Maybe that time is now.  Those full lagoons are rearing their ugly heads and maybe you’re realizing that you shouldn’t have ignored that sludge after all. You have no time to build an extra lagoon or dredging may not be a quick enough or a financially viable option. Enter a third possibility: Bioaugmentation. With the help of hardy Bacillus bacteria, you can treat the incoming sludge as you go, while also reducing your current sludge blanket. With bioaugmentation, you can experience results over time and restore treatment capacity. This buys you time and improves water treatment simultaneously. Pulp […]

In the large-scale liquid bacterial fermentation world, there are two primary ways to grow bacteria: as individual strains or in combination with others. At Microbial Discovery Group, we grow one strain at a time as it has served us well over the past decade. Truth be told, if I could find a way to grow multiple strains in one batch that was produced through a consistent process, resulting in high yield and uniformity in strain ratio, was guaranteed for purity, and ensured maximum sporulation – I would use it for our wastewater treatment products. Over the years we have experimented in finding different ways to accomplish this large task, but sadly none of the results measured up against our 5 criteria for success. Therefore, we are leveraging our expertise in growing one strain at a time to consistently meet our customers’ needs. Growing one strain at a time ensures: Highest strain yield Guaranteed purity Process consistency Uniformity of strain ratio Maximum % sporulation Highest Strain Yield Throughout the years we have found ways to get extremely high yields when growing one strain at a time. I believe our record is just under 3 x 1010 CFU/mL in the fermentation broth. I […]

Many wastewater distributors are faced with finding an efficient product to combat common challenges such as sludge, fats, oils, and grease, and odors. Bacillus-based products have been proven highly effective and reliable to reduce, eliminate, and alleviate these challenges in the wastewater market. Did You Know These Products Come in Liquid Form?   MDG formulates liquid products that include Bacillus strains scientifically selected for their ability to degrade a broad range of organic material and reduce odors like volatile fatty acids and hydrogen sulfide. These systems include lagoons, sludge tanks, aeration basins, grease interceptors, collection systems/sewers, small wastewater treatment plants, and septic systems. Benefits of Liquid Dosing Liquid dosing can help keep systems in check while controlling a wastewater system regularly and with less manpower. Additionally, liquid dosing: Is compatible with any size pump to dispense specific volumes. Can be released at predetermined times allowing frequent dosing (automation). Improves treatment effectiveness by standardizing treatment. Reduces manual labor. How We Can Help Biotifx® Liquid Max is our highest strength and ready-to-use liquid dosing product containing 3X the number of bacteria and micronutrients as the average competitive liquid product. This liquid product is one of the most powerful and impactful products on the market. Biotifx® Liquid Max […]

MDG’s Manager of Administration, Jean Carlo “JC” Mercado Fajardo, wins the Initiative and Responsibility Award. What about the work you do at MDG that drives and fulfills you? Every day looks different for me. Its almost like a surprise as to what fun or challenging task will I encounter today. This gives me the opportunity to use my skillsets to problem solve, collaborate with team members to achieve a task or goal, or learn something new. What is your favorite thing about being a part of the MDG Team? Everyone I work with are more than talented and equipped individuals, they are passionate team members, leaders in the field, looking for innovative ways to support and work towards our vision to FEED, CLEAN, and SAVE THE WORLD. What is something at work that you’re passionate about? It depends on what day you’re asking. If I must narrow it down to one thing, I am passionate about learning. Learning a new skill or gaining knowledge about a specific topic. Learning about a problem and seeking ways to solve them or be a part of the solution. My favorite is learning about my colleague’s personal life. It helps me connect with other people, […]