BaseClear is proud to be part of the ‘Van Vrouwen voor Vrouwen’ (By Women for Women) research consortium, a unique citizen science project focused on vaginal health. In this project, women contribute to finding solutions for urogenital infections and retain co-ownership of their own isolated bacterial strains.
A new study published in PLOS ONE outlines the protocol for this initiative, where women collaborate with researchers to investigate the role of Lactobacillus crispatus in maintaining vaginal health and to develop a vaginome-friendly product.
Participants provided vaginal swabs, which were analyzed in our lab for bacterial diversity. BaseClear contributed by sequencing Lactobacillus crispatus colonies, analyzing microbiome samples, and identifying different L. crispatus strains within participants using a shotgun metagenomic approach. This essential data enabled scientists from Vrije Universiteit to explore the diversity of L. crispatus strains. Based on these findings, several strains were selected and cultivated, then dried into a powder. The ultimate goal is to use this powder in products that help prevent common recurring vaginal issues, like bacterial vaginosis.
To provide more insight into this project, a podcast series called “Van Vrouwen Voor Vrouwen” delves into the research and the importance of healthy vaginome. In Episode 1, our team shares how genomic research is advancing our understanding of vaginal health.
The consortium includes the Vrije Universiteit, BaseClear, Yoni, Crispatus Foundation, and Winclove Probiotics, with additional funding provided by Health Holland.
