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.

About Tecan

Tecan (www.tecan.com) is a leading global supplier of solutions for the biopharma, forensic and diagnostic industries. The company is a leader in the development, production and distribution of advanced automation and detection solutions for the world’s leading life science laboratories. Through its REMP subsidiary (www.remp.com), Tecan is the premier supplier of large-scale automated laboratory storage and logistics systems. Founded in Switzerland in 1980, the company has over 1100 employees, owns production, research and development sites in both North America and Europe and maintains a sales and service network in 52 countries. In 2006, Tecan achieved sales of CHF 405.9 million (USD 324.7 million; EUR 258.6 million). Shares of the Tecan Group are traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (TK: TECN/Reuters: TECZn.S/Valor: 1210019).

For further information please contact:

Tecan Group Ltd.
Seestrasse 103
CH-8708 Männedorf

T +41 44 922 81 11
F +41 44 922 81 12
www.tecan.com