Using DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, microorganisms and microbiota can be identified and characterized with high precision in products, processes, clinical and biological samples, as well as in the environment. We support all stages of your sequencing project—from experimental design to translating complex sequencing data into decision-making.

DNA is the foundation of most microbial biology, making sequencing a powerful tool with many applications. It can be used to trace microbial contamination in production facilities, analyze microbiota composition in clinical samples, identify infection biomarkers and vaccine candidates, or detect resistance genes in isolated bacteria. Beyond harmful microbes, we also work with beneficial microorganisms in products, processes, microbiota, or the environment (e.g., food production microbes or bacteria that degrade persistent compounds). For example, we can monitor microbiota changes during fermentation or product storage.

A key advantage of sequencing is the ability to analyze the entire microbiome—not just cultivable organisms.

How RISE can support your sequencing project?

We conduct sequencing projects involving viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and molds, as well as antimicrobial resistance and other traits. Our expertise spans sampling and DNA extraction from complex samples, with deep understanding of customer needs. Our knowledge is built through in-house research and close collaboration with industry in applied and contract research.

We can also complement genomics or metagenomics with other omics approaches (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics) to gain deeper insights. Multi-omics enables solving complex problems previously out of reach, especially when integrated using advanced data analysis and AI.

We offer full or partial project support, including:

• Study design and planning: methodology, sampling strategy, sequencing technique selection, and analysis planning.
• Sampling from complex environments, products, and biological materials.
• Sample preparation and DNA extraction in Bio Safety Level 2 (BSL2) labs.
• Sequencing using short-read (e.g., Illumina) and long-read (e.g., Oxford Nanopore) technologies:
  • Whole genome sequencing of bacterial isolates for identification, outbreak tracing, resistance gene detection, virulence markers, novel functions, etc.
  • Amplicon sequencing (e.g., 16S rRNA, ITS) for microbiota composition analysis.
  • Shotgun metagenomics for characterizing unknown microorganisms and microbiota.
• Bioinformatics analysis (e.g., strain comparison, SNP analysis, MLST, cgMLST, genome assembly from metagenomes) for product development, quality control, benchmarking, outbreak tracing, microbiome profiling, biomarker discovery, etc.
• AI-driven integration of genomics/metagenomics with other omics data for interpretation and decision support.
• Customized training

We use modern high-throughput sequencing technologies, including Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS, e.g., Illumina) and third-generation sequencing (e.g., Oxford Nanopore). Depending on project needs, we apply and adapt microbiological methods from sampling and DNA extraction to sequencing and data interpretation.

We can also integrate other omics methods such as transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics, and lipidomics.

Project overview DNA sequencing

1. Sample collection
   Representative samples are collected from products, processes, clinical materials, or environments. Microorganisms are isolated or microbial DNA is extracted, purified, and quality-checked.
2. Library preparation and sequencing
   Extracted DNA is prepared for sequencing and processed in sequencing instruments that read the DNA sequence.
3. Bioinformatics
   Powerful computing tools filter and analyze the large volumes of sequencing data. Genomes are reconstructed and compared to reference databases (e.g., ENA, GenBank) to identify organisms and genes of interest (e.g., resistance, virulence).
4. Analysis and interpretation
   Our research team interprets the findings, studying genetic variants and their implications using databases, literature, and custom scripts tailored to the project.
5. Results
   A report is produced summarizing the sequencing findings and analyses. If needed, we also provide oral presentations to support decision-making.

The results are summarized in a report and presented orally to the client.

By using dissolving pulp as a raw material, textile companies can play an active role in the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy. By investing in research and development of dissolving fibers and production methods, the industry can contribute to promoting a more sustainable future for textile production and consumption.

The quality of dissolving pulp is crucial for the resulting fiber's properties, such as strength, elasticity, and color fastness. Therefore, it is important to carefully characterize and test the pulp before it is used in the production process to ensure that it meets specific requirements and standards for the intended use.

RISE has extensive experience and expertise in the characterization and testing of dissolving pulp and can assist companies in the textile and cellulose industries in evaluating and optimizing their raw materials for the production of high-quality fibres and products.

In the viscose pilot plant, along with the analyses mentioned below, individual pulps, as well as the suitability of various cellulose blends for viscose production, can be evaluated. Screening experiments can be conducted to investigate the influence of different process parameters on various dissolving pulps and to test how well a cellulose performs under given process settings. It is also possible to evaluate different process chemicals, test various additives for fibre properties, and so on.

Common pulp analyses:

• α-, β- och γ-cellulose – A widely used course measurement of the distribution of the degree of polymerisation (DP) of the pulp. High values of α-cellulose is seen as favourable.
• Acetone Extract – Low content of material extracted with acetone is favourable, but constant levels can be more preferable to ensure stabile processing. Many surface active additives will show up here.
• Carbonhydrates –Characterisation of the sugar moieties of which the pulp consists, which provides information about e.g. the hemicellulose content.
• Ash content – Measurement of the inorganic content in the pulp.
• Metals (Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu) – Measurement of the metal content in the pulp (specifically those found to have effect on the processability).
• SiO₂ content –Often measured on pulps to ensure levels are below a set threshold, as too much silica can disturb the spinning.
• Lignin content (Klason or acid soluble) – Measurement of the lignin content of the pulp.
• Molecule weight distribution

RISE offers a report that includes data in Excel format along with relevant images and diagrams. It is carefully compiled using standard methods for the analyses performed.

If a more detailed report is required, RISE has the capacity to provide a comprehensive scientific report based on the results and background information supplied by the customer, available upon request and quotation.

The delivery of results is scheduled based on our order backlog and the scope as well as the complexity of your assignment. We aim to ensure that your results are delivered on time, taking into account the specific requirements of your project. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to provide you with the best possible service.

We offer the possibility of express delivery for analysis results to our customers. With our express delivery service, you can receive your results even faster, enabling you to take action or make decisions without unnecessary delay. Please note that express delivery is available at an additional cost. Feel free to contact us for more information on pricing and availability for the express delivery option. We are here to assist you and provide your analysis results in a timely manner according to your preferences.

ISO 14453, SCAN CM 49, SCAN-CM 71, ISO 1762, ISO 692

Some textiles are given an increased product performance by adding a water-repellent treatment to their functional surfaces. The method can be used to assess the effectiveness of such finishing.
At our Textile Laboratory, "spray test" is one of the methods we can offer to evaluate water-repellent ability.

The method aims to analyse the ability of fabrics to reject water.
For materials that are to have a water-repellent surface, the method is a guide for assessing the suitability of the material for its intended application. The higher the class, the better the material resists splashes of water and water-like liquids.

The method can also be used to compare different treatments and provide information about the durability of such a treatment after, for example, washing.

The method is not intended to be used to evaluate waterproof properties of fabrics, as it does not measure the penetration of water through the fabric

A specified volume of distilled or fully deionized water is sprayed on a test specimen that has been mounted

on a ring, placed at an angle of 45° so that the centre of the specimen is at a specified distance below the spray nozzle. The spray rating is determined by comparing the appearance of the specimen with a rating scale in text and a photo scale.

3 test specimens/material are required.

A report in Swedish or English with the received results.

Normal delivery time is 5-10 working days. A more accurate delivery time is stated in the order confirmation which is sent after received order and test material.

SS-EN ISO 4929

SS-EN 29865

SS-EN ISO 6330

SS-EN ISO 15797

RISE tests, certifies and perform manufacturing inspections of hatches of tongued and grooved boards.

To show that the hatches you manufacture meet the requirements of BBR (the Swedish building authoritys' regulation of building), we can help with a type approval. Today, there is no harmonized EN standard for the product, which makes it more difficult to CE mark it. We can also test and verify hatches properties in terms of step through safety to show that you comply with the Swedish Work Environment Authority's rules

When issuing a type approval, the manufacturer and the hatch are checked against the parts relevant to the product in the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning's regulations BBR and EKS. A type approval also means that the product is placed under ongoing production control in the factory.

Step through safety is tested according to SP method 0487. In short, the method involves testing the hatches at the weakest point three times (on different hatches). The average value of the three load points must be at least 220 kg, and no point must be less than 200 kg.

Certificate

SP-method 0487

Metals exposed to hydrogen can after some time suffer from hydrogen embrittlement, which will result in a significant reduction of strength in the material. The step loading technique in ASTM F1624 allows that a test for evaluating a material´s susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement can be performed in a couple of days instead of several months.

Hydrogen embrittlement is a problem that affects metals. This means that a metal subjected to hydrogen risks absorbing the hydrogen. If the metal is loaded, cracks can slowly start to grow and cause failure with a brittle type of fracture – for that reason the name hydrogen embrittlement. The hydrogen can come from the surrounding environment or from surface treatments. The susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement of a metal depends on the alloy composition. Generally, high strength steels are more susceptible than low strength steels.

A considerable problem involving hydrogen embrittlement is that it can appear first after long time in service, which leads to large costs and difficulties. To ensure that selected materials will not suffer from hydrogen embrittlement, testing might be required. Testing methods taking several months will cause problems in the design process.

Test specimens with a notch are loaded in a test rig for four-point bending in a tensile testing machine. The bending moment is then constant over the notch between the two inner supports. Initially, the nominal ultimate strength stress is determined for at least three test specimens without being affected by hydrogen. To test with hydrogen, test specimens are continuously charged with hydrogen by use of electrolysis. This is accomplished by attaching a cylinder over the notch, so an open container is formed holding the electrolyte.

The loading is increased stepwise until fracture occurs. Each step has a duration between 1 to 4 hours (depending on steel hardness), to allow for the hydrogen to affect the material. The step load levels are at first determined from non-hydrogen charged tests and thereafter from the preceding hydrogen charged test. This increases the accuracy of the step loading, and after only three tests a good estimation of the fracture stress in a hydrogen environment is achieved.

Ten specimens are enough to perform the testing. The size of the specimens can be adjusted somewhat, with the length around 300 mm, the width 50 mm and the thickness 10 mm.

The results are delivered in a report including a description of the method.

ASTMF1624

Metal powders intended for powder-bed based additive manufacturing (AM) have properties critical for ensuring robust processes with high product quality. The water content/moisture of the powders is one of these properties. RISE offers analysis of the water content in metal powder with great accuracy using Karl Fischer Titration.

Typical storage conditions of metal powders always cause water to adsorb onto the surface of powder grains. In common additive manufacturing processes (e.g. PBF-LB) water affects the flowability of the powder and changes the porosity of the end product. The mass of water in relation to the mass of powder is often very small which requires high-precision analytical equipment to be detected accurately. The Karl Fischer titration device at RISE has a lower limit of detection of a few ppm and can also investigate the temperature dependence of the water adsorption.

Water content analysis is performed with a Karl Fischer 740 sample processor and 831 coulometer by Metrohm.

As requested by the customer. Usually, the results are presented in the form of a technical report and/or as an oral presentation together with Power Point slides.

Additive manufactured material’s (AM) oxidation properties are evaluated at different temperatures (>300°C) by means of oxide thickness measurements and mass gain or loss determinations after laboratory exposures. The exposure can by carried out in air or reactive gas depending on the application.

Oxidation tests give information on how fast, how thick and how stable an oxide layer forms on a metallic alloy at high temperature. High oxidation rate means that the metal will quickly be consumed and transformed into a metal oxide (corrosion product). This can have a direct impact on the mechanical and structural properties of components. The oxidation rate of AM materials can differ from conventional manufactured material because of AM materials’ complex microstructure and therefore need to be investigated separately. Laboratory exposures we offer quantifies the oxidation resistance of your material in an environment which usually resembles the application.

Sample coupons are placed in a tube furnace which is heated up to desired temperature. Synthetic air or any other active gas is flowed through the tube. Samples are weighed before and after exposure to determine the mass change and the thickness is measured to evaluate changes in thickness caused by oxidation.

It is also possible to deposit salts or other expected corrosive deposits from the targeted application to determine their impact. Thermal cycling can be added and compared with isothermal tests to investigate the effect of varying temperature.

Oxides or corrosion products can then be further analysed with microscopy or chemical characterisation methods to gain better understanding of the corrosion mechanism.

A report with summarised data in graphs and results from calculated oxidation rate.

As an independent partner, RISE conduct air quality measurements of trichloramine in indoor swimming pool facilities according to the recommendations from Folkhälsomyndigheten.

The characteristic scent of indoor swimming pool is trichloramine. Thichloramine is formed when nitrogen containing contaminations from e.g. urine and sweat reacts with chlorine used for cleaning of the water. Trichloramine is volatile and evaporates from the water into the air where it can cause health issues as irritated respiratory tract and eyes. Asthma can worsen from exposure to trichloramine.

According to Folkhälsomyndigheten the indoor swimming pool practice needs to have routines to control the indoor air quality at indications or risk for elevated levels of thichloramine.

 https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/publicerat-material/publikationsark…  

https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/publikationer-och-material/publikationsarkiv/f/folkhalsomyndighetens-allmanna-rad-hslf-fs-2021-11/

Thichloramine is measured from air pumped through a quartz filter.

Folkhälsomyndigheten recommends measurements above the water surface. If the facility uses recycled air, also the maximum recycled air need to be measured.

In addition, RISE suggests measurements next to the pool to better reflect levels for personnel.

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Chemistry and Applied Mechanics is accredited as a testing laboratory according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (Accreditation certificate nr 1002).

A report is obtained after measurement and evaluation.

At confirmation of quotation

The construction must be able to withstand a fully developed fire and prevent the fire from spreading between, for example, two apartments.

Testing is performed according to EN 1364-1 which describes a method for determining the fire resistance of non-load-bearing walls . The standard must be read together with EN 1363-1. To get the most out of tests, RISE is happy to help you choose what to test to reach as wide field of application as possible.

The method can be applied to non-load-bearing inner walls with or without glazing, walls consisting mostly of glass and other inner or outer walls with or without glazing. The method is also applicable to fixed windows.

The test specimen is mounted in a supporting construction, usually a standard frame with an opening of 3 meters x 3 meters, with a vertical side free and the remaining three sides attached to the supporting construction. If any of the dimensions, length or width of the test object is in practice less than 3 meters, this dimension shall be tested in full scale.

The test specimen must be constructed as in practice. According to the standard, different design solutions may not be mixed in a test, such as different types of glass, if it does not conform to the design solution used in practice.

For walls and windows that must meet the requirements for insulation, thermocouples are mounted on the non-fire-exposed side of the wall. For constructins where the temperature on the non-fire side can exceed 300 °C, the radiation can also be measured. During the test the deformation shall be measured for later use as basis for assessments.

The test specimen with the supporting construction is placed on a vertical furnace which is then heated according to the standard fire source curve which is described in EN 1363-1. The test lasts as long as you wish to get it approved for. You can also extend the test time slightly and then get better conditions for subsequent assessments of similar constructions. During testing, the following requirements for the product are investigated:

E = Integrity (tightness) i.e. flames, openings and hot gases

I = Thermal insulation

W = Radiation

For certain walls, mechanical action is required and then the impact test according to EN 1363-2 must be used. Impact tests are performed using a 200 kg heavy bag that is swung towards the wall at the end of the test, see photo below. After passing the impact test, index M is given to the classification.

Testing takes place in Borås or Trondheim.

After testing, a test report with the results is delivered in Swedish/Norwegian or English. The report can be used as a basis for a classification according to EN 13501-2, which in turn can be used in declaring fire performance in connection with CE-marking or a Swedish type approval. Read more about CE-marking of doors here.

The classification standard EN 13501-2 defines the classes that can be used in Europe and the classes in the table below can be applied to non-load-bearing walls and fixed windows. National authorities in the member states can choose not to use all classes, which is why it is important to check which classes are of interest before testing.

EN 1363-1

EN 1363-2

EN 1364-1

EN 13501-2

We can offer a broad selection of analyses and tests combined with good experience with concrete assessment and applied science in the fields of concrete durability, alkali silica reaction (ASR), chemical attack etc.

We do evaluation of concrete´s condition and it´s properties. The structural analysis is used in different types of investigations, i.a. evaluation of the extent and the causes of deleterious processes, which lead to cracking of the concrete.

Examples of our expertise:

• Damage assessment.
• Concrete petrography, analysis of thin and polished sections.
• Control of quality and composition of concrete, water-cement ratio, air content, etc.
• Evaluation of how the cracks affect the durability of the concrete
• Assessment of ASR in order to appoint a suitable life prolonging measures for a construction.
• Microstructural analysis in SEM, semi-quantitative chemical analysis of building materials.
• Assessment of risks of sulphate attack on concrete in marine environment.
• Evaluation of degree of leaching in concrete exposed to a high moisture load.

Structural analysis of concrete and other cement-based materials

According to the approved offer