BioLab

PCR METHOD
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a fast, sensitive, and specific method for detecting pathogenic microorganisms in food. In fact, PCR represents in vitro amplification of a defined DNA sequence (imitation of the DNA replication process). The Real – Time PCR method implies the detection of PCR products during the exponential phase, when the process of DNA multiplication occurs the fastest, and the reaction itself is highly specific and accurate in this phase. The principle of the method is based on the detection and quantification of a fluorescent reporter dye, the emission of which is directly proportional to the amount of the PCR reaction product. The advantages of the Real – Time PCR method are analytical and diagnostic accuracy, high sensitivity, speed of analysis, universality of sample preparation for analysis, etc.

LC-MS/MS METHOD
Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a hybrid of two techniques used for the separation, detection, quantification, and identification of trace components in mixed samples. There is a wide range of possibilities for the analysis of complex compounds such as: pesticides, mycotoxins, antibiotics, vitamins, polyphenolic compounds, additives, and many others, in different samples of plant and animal origin.

NDVI MAPPING
NDVI, short for “normalized differential vegetation index,” is used to determine plant health. Our drone is equipped with two sensors, RBG and Parrot Sequoia. The RBG sensor can record HD video and high-quality photos and is used for easier visual inspection (checking) of crops (vegetation) planted on a given site. Sequoia is an assembly of 4 sensors that take photos in 4 bands: green, red, red edge and near – infrared (NIR). Through software processing of captured photos within the specified four ranges, TechLab can generate maps featuring various vegetative indices for the targeted locality. Analyzing the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) maps produced by the drone facilitates the identification of areas with less advanced vegetation, offering valuable insights for further analysis and decision-making.

XRF METHOD
XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. XRF analyzers determine the chemistry of a sample by measuring the fluorescent (or secondary) X-ray emitted from the sample when it is excited by a primary X-ray source.
The laboratory has a Bruker Titan S1 800 XRF instrument for detecting and quantifying the elemental composition of soil. This apparatus is highly mobile, has the possibility of direct on-site analysis (prediction assessment of accessible macroelements K and P, content of exchangeable secondary elements Ca and Mg and accessibility of microelements – Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn).

Monitoring devices for the use of pesticides
Correct application of chemical agents has a great impact on yields per hectare, production costs, as well as environmental conditions. The effectiveness of the applied means for plant protection depends on the application process, above all on the condition and correctness of the machines and equipment, as well as on the knowledge and skills of the users of the machines. Biotechnology laboratory BioLab Tehnopolis is authorized to carry out professional work for checking the technical correctness of devices for the use of plant protection products, for the needs of the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Affairs. The monitoring was carried out in 2021, 2022 and 2023, which included the review of 70 devices on the territory of Montenegro. Implementation of Monitoring for 2024 is ongoing.

Monitoring the vegetation cycle with a drone
After each completed drone flight, software processing of the collected crop data using the Pix4Dfields program produces reports in the form of index maps for crop performance analysis. The results of this monitoring show and locate potential problems in a timely manner, in order to help agricultural producers react quickly and consider solutions to improve quality and prevent yield loss. In the course of 2021, activities related to the implementation of the support program, which is reflected in the monitoring of the vegetation cycle by drone for 10 agricultural producers in the territory of the Municipality of Niksic, were implemented. Three flights were performed for each user. The total monitored area for 6 crops (potato, cabbage, onion, alfalfa, apple, and strawberry) was about 5 ha (50,000 m2).

Detection of pathogenic bacteria in animal – origin products
The Biotechnology laboratory BioLab Tehnopolis, in accordance with the 2020 Laboratory’s work and development Plan, implemented a support program in the form of performing free analyzes for pathogenic bacteria detection in animal origin food using the PCR method. The analysis was done for the purpose of internal control of the producers themselves. Through the support program, 730 analyses were performed for 25 users.