A Maltese company, which is focused on research in the field of microbiology, has created an innovative method through the analysis of microbiomes which can assist better doctors in the therapeutic care they provide to their patients relating to an array of diseases, including COVID-19.
While visiting the company at its premises, the Life Sciences Park, Minister for Research, Innovation and the Co-ordination of post Covid-19 Strategy Owen Bonnici stated that, “It is of great satisfaction for us to be showing our support to this company which is based in Malta building a solid reputation in the field of research in the areas of health and life sciences, even abroad, by working with important international entities to find innovative solutions we can all benefit from”.
The minister went on to say that, besides its invaluable research work, BioArte Ltd also offers employment opportunities to a number of highly qualified researchers from Malta and the European Union.
Prof. Manuele Biazzo explained that the company carries out research on genetics – which is the branch of biology concerned with the study of the DNA of organisms, how their DNA manifest as genes, and how these genes are inherited by offspring – as well as on microbiota. Prof. Biazzo explained that microbiota are different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses found in many organisms ranging from plants to animals. Such microorganisms can be found in all areas of our body which come into contact with the outside world such as the skin, eyes, nose and the digestive system.
“In order for us to feel good and healthy, we need our microbiota to be well-balanced. When it is not, a variety of pathological conditions can occur. Factors that can influence the balance of our microbiota can be genetic, but they can also be environmental, like our diet or the use of antibiotics”, stated the professor.
He also explained that through the innovative research which Bioarte Ltd has undertaken, they are in a position to correlate the analysis of the microbiota with the health of a person. “Therefore we assist doctors to provide solutions to their patients in order to either maintain good health or assist them in situations where a patient has health problems”, Prof. Biazzo continued to explain.
BioArte is licensed by the Maltese Government as a medical diagnostic laboratory certified for the processes of research and development. BioArte participates in international programs for molecular testing including testing for COVID-19 and co-operates with a number of leading institutions.
