Infinite™ 200 in search of biological insecticides

Scientists at the Microbial Ecology and Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory (EMIP), of the INRA Institute in Montpellier, France, have chosen Tecan’s monochromator-based Infinite™ M200 microplate reader to monitor real-time gene expression in insect pathogens. The researchers are studying bacterial virulence genes, aiming to develop a new means of biological control using insect pathogens for the integrated pest management of crops.

Dr Alain Givaudan, head of the Virulence Factors and Bacterial Genomics group, explained: “During real-time monitoring of gene expression, the Infinite M200 simultaneously monitors optical density (bacterial growth) and fluorescence (gene expression) of shaken bacterial cultures in 96-well microplates over 48 hours. The Infinite M200 is very easy to use, and it allows us to obtain plenty of results in a short space of time. Various parameters, like the temperature, agitation or the frequency of measurements, can all be programmed very easily using Tecan’s Magellan™ software.”

Available with a monochromator or a filter system, the Infinite 200 series of instruments offers the choice of fluorescence, luminescence or absorbance detection modes to suit individual needs. It is designed with a modular concept, which allows later upgrades and integration with other systems.