Articles and news

Microbiological contamination is not limited to a non-compliant result. In R&D development, quality control, an industrial process or biological production, it immediately raises concrete questions: where does the contaminant come from, is it isolated or recurrent, what is its impact, and how can its reappearance be prevented?

The response is not simply to identify the bacterium and then restart the process. To achieve lasting control of bacterial contamination, the investigation must be able to connect laboratory observations with the real operational context: samples, flows, raw materials, equipment, cleaning, disinfection and field practices.

At Smaltis, we approach these situations as a structured microbiological investigation: understanding the problem, isolating the contaminants, identifying and comparing the isolates, preserving useful material, and then testing appropriate prevention solutions.

The skin microbiome is not mere scenery. It is a functional component of the skin, involved in protection against pathogens, immune dialogue, and the modulation of inflammation. It is a dynamic ecosystem shaped by subtle interactions between bacteria, yeasts, the host, and the environment.

Our approach is grounded in a simple conviction: understanding a microbiome is not merely about identifying it. It is about knowing how to culture it, interrogate it, and generate scientifically defensible data.

This is precisely how we approach the skin microbiome: as a complex ecosystem whose actors, dynamics, and mechanisms must be mastered before attempting to modulate its balance.

Once upon a time, in the hospitals of the twenty-first century, there was an infection that even antibiotics could no longer silence. An opportunistic infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridioides difficile, it often appeared in patients who were already vulnerable… and, above all, already heavily treated. Let us look back at the history of this infection, which gave rise to new therapeutic approaches.

Probiotics are often presented as a simple category. In reality, their characterization has become a demanding scientific and regulatory exercise. It is no longer enough to identify a species or to invoke a favorable history of use: the demonstration must now be conducted at the strain level, in a way that is consistent with the intended use, the target population, and the applicable regulatory framework. In the main reference frameworks, a microorganism can be qualified as a probiotic in the strict sense only if it is sufficiently characterized, safe for its intended use, alive at a relevant dose until the end of the product’s shelf life, and associated with a documented health benefit. [1,5,7,8]

The key question therefore becomes: what can we robustly demonstrate about its identity, safety, and functional activity? This is particularly true for new or poorly documented strains, for which taxonomy alone is not sufficient. The EFSA, GRAS, and Canadian frameworks converge on one central point: useful characterization is strain-level characterization interpreted in light of the final use. [1-6]

The construction of bacterial mutants is a cornerstone of microbiology. Historically used to decipher gene function, it now plays an equally strategic role in bioproduction, biotechnology, and the development of therapeutic bacteria, where the engineered strain itself may ultimately become the final product.

This shift has profoundly changed how mutagenesis projects are approached. Today, the objective is no longer simply to modify a gene, but to design a strain aligned with its final application, operational constraints, and regulatory expectations.

Once upon a time, an invisible battle was raging deep inside our noses. A microscopic battlefield, where bacteria fought relentlessly to defend their territory. Picture a small village of indomitable Gauls, surrounded on all sides… but instead of Romans, it’s microbes. And in this surprisingly strategic setting, a most unexpected antibiotic was discovered: lugdunin.

As we step into 2026, the entire Smaltis team sends you our warmest wishes. May this new year bring clarity, creativity, meaningful collaborations — and a few scientific breakthroughs that get the attention they deserve.

Every day, antimicrobials face their natural adversaries: bacteria.
But in this silent war, nothing remains static — bacteria learn, adapt, defend themselves… and develop increasingly sophisticated resistance mechanisms.
Smaltis is a microbiology CRO specialized in the study of antimicrobial resistance and the preclinical development of antimicrobials.
We support the developers of new antibiotics, peptides, biocides, and other anti-infective agents with a comprehensive panel of in vitro assays designed to meet the most demanding R&D challenges.

Smaltis at the Key Industry Events of Autumn 2025! From medical devices to biotherapies, from fundamental research to industrial production, we meet project leaders to better understand microbiology needs and build new collaborations.

At Smaltis, our ambition remains unchanged: bringing microbiological excellence to your innovations.
To better address the diversity of your needs, we have structured our offer around 2 complementary Business Units, true pillars of our scientific and technical commitment.

Some yeasts are particularly resistant… especially Malassezia restricta.

This lipophilic yeast, naturally present on human skin, is involved in various imbalances of the skin microbiota, notably those linked to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. But cultivating it in the laboratory is no easy task!

Once upon a time was cheese, a high place of communication between fungi and bacteria.

Attracted by the smell of French cheeses, a team from Tufts University published work on how, in Camembert, Roquefort and other festivities, bacteria use compounds produced by fungi and adapt their behavior.

Once upon a time, the English bacteriologist Ernest Hankin demonstrated for the first time the presence of anti-bacterial entities in the waters of Indian rivers, putting humanity on the path to a promising anti-infectious therapy that is more relevant than ever.

Smaltis attends the 34th edition of the ECCMID international congress, renamed ESCMID Global, in Barcelona from April 27 to 30, 2024. This clinical microbiology and infectious diseases event is one of the largest and most important congresses in the field of infection, bringing together over 16,000 participants from all over the world to contribute to the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

Smaltis attends the Sanofi Vaccines R&D Day, organized by Sanofi in partnership with Lyonbiopôle, Enosis Santé and Polepharma!
This event aims to foster partnerships around 5 themes: antimicrobial approaches, therapeutic vaccines and antibodies, mucosal or skin delivery of vaccines, immunology, and antigen design. Quite a program!

Cédric Muller will be present at this event, which will take place on April 11, 2024, at 14 Espace Henry Vallée in Lyon.

Smaltis is delighted to be taking part in the 7th edition of Microbiota & Health Day, organized by Lyonbiopôle and Alliance Promotion Microbiote, on March 26, 2024 in Lyon. The aim of this day is to bring together academic, clinical and industrial players to discuss topical issues that are driving innovation in the field of microbiota and their impact on health.

Smaltis is happy to participate to the 8th edition of AMR Conference in Basel from March 6th to 7th 2024, a platform for SMEs, start-ups, big pharma, academia, investors and public institutions to discuss strategies and specific challenges faced by the innovation ecosystem in bringing new antimicrobial treatments and diagnostics to the market.

The year 2024 marks the 10th anniversary (already!) of the Smaltis adventure! 10 years of microbiology, 10 years of molecular biology, 10 years of passion, 10 years of twists and turns, 10 years of growth, 10 years of self-reflection, 10 years of continuous improvement, 10 years of scientific spirit, 10 years of ambition, 10 years of collaboration, 10 years of human relationships…

It was necessary to celebrate this milestone, and not just by blowing out the candles.

Smaltis is delighted to have participated in and sponsored, for the fourth consecutive year, the Polepharma Microbiomics Days, held in Rouen on November 22 and 23, 2023.

Once upon a time, more than a century ago, Elie Metchnikoff hypothesized that health could be improved, and senility delayed by modulating the intestinal microbes thanks to bacteria present in yogurt. This zoologist and microbiologist was thus one of the first scientists to take an interest in gut microbiota and what we now call probiotics, the consumption of which he claimed helped to fight against aging.

This is the story of “the man who wanted to extend lifespan”.

In this new year that begins, let’s take the time…

Let’s take the time to extend our best wishes to you, from the bottom of our hearts. It seems essential to us, during these periods conducive to gratitude, to prioritize human relationships as the most important aspect of our lives.