The MicroCycler.
Weber Scientific sent word of a new kit it has developed to rapidly detect major spoilage micro-organisms within three hours directly from a contaminated beer sample or two hours following a 24- to 48-hour enrichment step for clear beer. This is a huge deal for those of you looking to build out and improve your quality control on a budget.
The test allows for simultaneous detection of:
- Bretanomyces,
- Lactic Acid Bacteria (including hop-resistant strains),
- Megasphaera,
- Pectinatus,
- Saccharomyces diastaticus and
- Zygosaccharomyces.
The detection of spoilage organisms in contaminated beer is 100 cells per mL (CFU). Detection by enrichment is 1 to 10 CFU.
An eight-well, portable Microcycler, a first in the industry, is available for $600. It can be used for immediate processing of samples on-site. Features include wireless connectivity, straightforward programming and software with real time display. For larger users, a 96 well gradient PCR thermocycler is offered for $3,600.
Tom Boudreau, market specialist at Weber Scientific, shared: “Six tests for the price of one is extraordinary. Before this new test breweries typically paid more for just one parameter. And having a Microcycler for only $600 makes advanced testing affordable for every operation.”
Chris Treanor