The Biobanking Analysis Resource Catalogue (BARCdb): a new research tool for the analysis of biobank samples

Abstract

We report the development of a new database of technology services and products for analysis of biobank samples in biomedical research. BARCdb, the Biobanking Analysis Resource Catalogue (http://www.barcdb.org), is a freely available web resource, listing expertise and molecular resource capabilities of research centres and biotechnology companies. The database is designed for researchers who require information on how to make best use of valuable biospecimens from biobanks and other sample collections, focusing on the choice of analytical techniques and the demands they make on the type of samples, pre-analytical sample preparation and amounts needed. BARCdb has been developed as part of the Swedish biobanking infrastructure (BBMRI.se), but now welcomes submissions from service providers throughout Europe. BARCdb can help match resource providers with potential users, stimulating transnational collaborations and ensuring compatibility of results from different labs. It can promote a more optimal use of European resources in general, both with respect to standard and more experimental technologies, as well as for valuable biobank samples. This article describes how information on service and reagent providers of relevant technologies is made available on BARCdb, and how this resource may contribute to strengthening biomedical research in academia and in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Has the biobank bubble burst? Withstanding the challenges for sustainable biobanking in the digital era

“…Redefining commercialisation activities and focussing on the creation of knowledge rather than commodities realigns commercialisation with notions of public good. Qualitative research using deliberative democracy methodology has shown that it is possible to counter the ‘natural prejudice’ that many people have against commercialization through independent governance of biobank resources and transparency with regard to commercial involvement [ 98 ]. This is notwithstanding that public trust in biobanks is inevitably reduced where there is a commercial partner, particularly an international commercial partner [ 94 ].…”

“…However, if numbers of applications increase significantly, this may reinvigorate attempts to introduce a cost-recovery model. In addition, in Sweden the BARCdb alongside a database of samples, plans to offer guidance in standardising state of the art processes to increase value and utility in samples [ 98 ]. This, or similar standardisation, may provide sufficient basis for a virtual model to exist and promote increased usage.…”

Biobanks and biobank networks

“…Among them BARCdb, platform developed in Sweden, links biobanks to molecular technology platforms in the worldwide -omics scenario. 31 (www.barcdb.org) Other examples could be the EGC (Estonian Genome Centre) and SciLifeLab (Science for Life Laboratory), a state of the art national initiative of large-scale molecular analyses. SciLifeLab offers services to both academia and industry and provide also, apart for new developed technologies, bioinformatics support.…”