Key Features of the new Implen OD600®

Built-in OD600 & McFarland Applications to Measure Bacterial Growth

The Implen OD600® device comes equipped with two built-in programs: OD600 and McFarland, complemented by a built-in Sample list function for effortless data management and export. The OD600 program enables the monitoring of bacterial growth in liquid culture media by measuring the optical density at 600 nm (OD600), crucial for determining the stage of growth and ensuring optimal harvesting conditions. With the McFarland program, users can estimate cell suspension density by comparing it to a series of standard turbidity solutions, simplifying tasks such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing and bacterial inoculum preparation. These built-in functions streamline the measurement process, providing accurate and reliable results for a variety of laboratory applications.

The Implen OD600® features an intuitive, user-friendly interface based on the app system used in the NanoPhotometer® line. The device supports various cuvettes and test tubes without the need for an adapter, including DiluCells, 10 mm macro and semi-micro cuvettes, and 10, 12, 16, and 18 mm glass/falcon tubes.

Weighing only 0.6 kg and measuring 140 x 110 x 70 mm, this compact device is easily portable and fits any scientific setup. Its unlimited mobility makes it ideal for use in incubation cabinets and under anaerobic conditions.*

High Precision & Versatile Measurement

Measures growth rates of diverse cell types using OD600 and McFarland methods. The photometric range covers
OD600: 0 – 4 A and McFarland: 0 – 16 MFU.

Reliable and accurate measurements for various cell types, including E. coli and yeast, with an accuracy of
OD600: @ 1A: < ±0.01 A and
McFarland: @ 0 – 8 MFU: ≤ ±0.1 MFU.

No Maintenance Needed EVER!

The device ensures lifetime accuracy and precision without the need for maintenance or recalibration, ever!

The Implen OD600® also features a multilingual interface accessible in English, Chinese, Japanese, German, Spanish, and French, catering to a global user base.

The Implen OD600® instrument features simple data export via USB in .csv and .xls formats, with advanced connectivity options like USB C for charging and USB A port for data export. The device features LIMS integration via WiFi, LAN/Ethernet (REST API PUSH).

Implen OD600® Technical Specifications

Compatible Sample Containers

*Depends on tube being used. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice

Implen OD600® Applications

Built-in Applications to Measure Bacterial Growth

The Implen OD600® device comes equipped with two built-in programs: OD600 and McFarland, complemented by a built-in Sample list function for effortless data management and export. The OD600 program enables the monitoring of bacterial growth in liquid culture media by measuring the optical density at 600 nm (OD600), crucial for determining the stage of growth and ensuring optimal harvesting conditions. With the McFarland program, users can estimate cell suspension density by comparing it to a series of standard turbidity solutions, simplifying tasks such as antimicrobial susceptibility testing and bacterial inoculum preparation. These built-in functions streamline the measurement process, providing accurate and reliable results for a variety of laboratory applications.

The McFarland method is a widely recognized technique for estimating the concentration of bacterial suspensions by comparing the turbidity of the sample to a set of predefined standards. These standards, known as McFarland standards, are based on the light scattering properties of solutions with known bacterial concentrations. This approach provides a simple yet effective means of ensuring consistency and accuracy in microbiological experiments.

McFarland standards are crucial for various applications, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where precise bacterial concentrations are necessary to determine the efficacy of antibiotics. They are also used in the preparation of inocula for culture inoculation and other microbiological assays, ensuring that bacterial suspensions have a consistent and reproducible density.

The simplicity and reliability of the McFarland method make it an essential tool in clinical laboratories, research facilities, and industrial settings, where precise bacterial quantification is critical for experimental success.

Our Implen OD600® device, paired with the advanced McFarland App, delivers unparalleled accuracy and convenience for McFarland standard measurements. This integration ensures precise turbidity measurements and streamlines the process for researchers.

The Implen device is highly adaptable, supporting various cuvettes and test tubes without the need for adapters, including DiluCells, 10mm macro and semi-micro cuvettes, and 10, 12, 16, and 18 mm glass/falcon tubes. This versatility allows seamless operation across different sample types and experimental setups.

OD600 Applications (Cell Density, Bacterial Growth, Yeast Growth)

The OD600 Method

OD600 measurements provide crucial insights into cell density—whether it’s cells, bacteria, or yeast—within liquid cultures. Unlike methods relying on light absorption, our technology measures light scattering, taking into account factors like cell size, shape, and the presence of debris. This ensures reliable readings, even among different cell types at similar densities.

Throughout the growth phases—lag, log (exponential), stationary, and decline—our device tracks the progression accurately, enabling scientists to harvest cells at peak vitality. Typically, cultures are cultivated until reaching an OD600 of approximately 0.4 before induction or harvesting, marking the optimal point in the growth cycle for maximum yield and quality.

The Beer-Lambert Law and OD600

Experience the power of the Beer-Lambert Law with Implen’s advanced Optical Density (OD) measurements. This fundamental principle, also known as the Lambert-Beer Law, empirically links light absorption to sample properties, providing essential insights for microbiological research. OD measurements, synonymous with estimates of bacterial concentration, utilize this law to accurately gauge turbidity resulting from microbial growth in liquid cultures.

Our technology applies the Beer-Lambert Law with precision, ensuring accurate readings even at lower microbial densities. This capability enables scientists to monitor growth dynamics effectively, determining optimal harvesting times and enhancing experimental reliability in microbiological studies.