LifeScale is a new and unique, automated system for microbiology research. Powered by MEMS technology, LifeScale allows for cell counting, mass measurement, and visual observation of liquid samples. Individual particles, cells and organisms can be detected down to 1fg in liquids with 1% precision. LifeScale is being used for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing yielding results in under three hours.
Rapid, Quantitative Results
The plot below shows LifeScale measured concentration data for E. coli ATCC 10978. After 90 mins., with the E. coli in the growth phase, two of the wells were exposed to ampicillin. One above the MIC and one below. During the very next measurement, within a single growth cycle, the effect of the ampicillin can be seen on the sample.
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Simple Sample Preparation
Samples are prepared in the same manner as samples for the "reference method" using standard broth dilution techniques.
Low Sample Volume and Concentrations
LifeScale accepts samples in either 5ml vials or a variety of 96-well plates. 5ml of sample, used for instance in long-term growth studies, enable LifeScale to make in excess of 300 individual measurements. If data were collected every 30 min., you would be able to measure the growth characteristics of a sample for over 6 days. At the other extreme a 96-well plate, offering a sample volume of 25-50ul, is an ideal form factor for antibiotic susceptibility testing and drug discovery.
Live Video with Magnification
The LifeScale instrument has an integrated video microscope that records everything that passes through the sensor. This video information, in addition to LifeScale's standard mass and count information, may be used for instance to confirm sample morphology. The video below shows red blood cells suspended in Lauria broth as they pass through the sensor.
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