Rapid CFU Estimate in Bacterial Cultures
Set up your experiments with confidence. Get rapid, CFU-equivalent bacterial counts right before dosing into critical studies or experiments.
CFU-Comparable Results for Your Cultures in 2 Minutes
BactoBox provides a rapid and accurate CFU/mL estimate within minutes, ensuring precise bacterial counts before use in sensitive experiments. The data above shows results for six different genera measured with the BactoBox EasyCount configuration, all in early stationary phase.
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Why Choose BactoBox to Dose Your Active Bacterial Cultures?
| Feature | Plate Counting | BactoBox | OD600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Result | At least 24 hours | 2 minutes | Instant |
| CFU-Equivalent Counts | Direct CFU measurement | Typically within 0.1 log of plate count CFU/mL | Typically within 1.0 log of plate count CFU/mL |
| Measurement Principle | Colony Formation | Impedance Flow Cytometry (counts individual cells based on electrical properties) | Light Absorbance (turbidity) |
| Labor Intensity | High (plating, incubation, counting) | Medium (dilution, cleaning) | Minimal (dilution only) |
| Risk of Operator Variability | High (subject to human error in plating, incubation, and colony counting) | Low (automated measurement reduces human variability) | Low (but dependent on calibration) |
Specifications assume BactoBox is used to assess the concentration of a bacterial culture in the exponential or early stationary phase, with best-practice sample preparation applied. Performance depends on proper adherence to these best practices.
Using BactoBox to Enumerate Bacterial Cultures - FAQ
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions when using BactoBox to enumerate bacterial cultures.
Can I use BactoBox directly in my existing workflow?
To accurately assess CFU/mL before dosing into a study, the culture must be actively growing or in the early stationary phase. If your workflow already ensures this, BactoBox can likely be integrated directly. If not, slight adjustments may be needed based on our recommendations to ensure a viable culture.
How much sample do I need to measure on BactoBox?
The standard sample volume used for BactoBox® is approximately 100µL, which is used to make a 1:1,000 dilution (depending on sample concentration) before measuring.
Does BactoBox work with bacteria that form aggregates?
BactoBox counts two closely associated cells as one, just as they would form a single colony on an agar plate. For bacteria that tend to aggregate, we recommend bead-beating the sample according to our protocol to ensure reliable results, regardless of the measurement method.
What is the cost of BactoBox?
BactoBox is available in different configurations based on your needs. For assessing CFUs in bacterial cultures before dosing into experiments, the investment is approximately €10,000 ($10,000) to get started. Contact us for specific pricing details.
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