Biocalorimetry

If there is life, there is heat

Biocalorimetry transforms how microbial detection, sterility testing, cell research, and antimicrobial product testing are performed and understood.

It enables label-free detection and study of the net effect of all cellular parameters at once and in the correct context, regardless of sample composition and morphology. It reveals when life is present, how it responds, and how it changes — long before visible growth or conventional readouts become available:

Rapid, growth-based measurements with a very low limit of detection
Reliable, continuous phenotypic detection with clear, objective results
Direct, non-destructive testing of even the most complex samples
Relevant, simplified in-situ assessment of antimicrobial responses
Automated analysis, high throughput testing with minimal manual handling

BIOCALORIMETRY DETECTION PRINCIPLE

Biocalorimetry is based on a simple and universal principle: all living cells release heat as a result of metabolic activity. By measuring this heat over time, biological activity can be measured and translated into a continuous readout. The result is a direct, rapid, and highly sensitive, non-invasive microbial and cell detection system.

Based on solid-state heat flow detection without moving parts, biocalorimetry is also intrinsically stable, supporting long-term operation with minimal maintenance.

SPEED AND SENSITIVITY

Isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC), the foundation of Symcel’s biocalorimetry systems, is exceptionally sensitive. It can measure heat flow down to sub-microwatt (µW) levels, making the IMC system ideal for applications where rapid and sensitive detection is required.

Unlike turbidity- or endpoint-based methods that depend on visible growth or optical signals, biocalorimetry measures metabolic heat directly. This enables earlier detection without waiting for colonies to become visible or optical thresholds to be reached.

Even when only a few viable microorganisms are present initially, biocalorimetry can detect their presence through heat production as they multiply, within a few hours. By continuously monitoring metabolic activity, IMC provides real-time insight into microbial growth dynamics across a wide range of sample types and matrices.

VERSATILE, STANDARDIZED, NON-DISTRUCTIVE

Biocalorimetry is versatile across a wide range of sample types, including complex, viscous, or preservative-rich formulations, ranging from advanced pharmaceutical products to challenging industrial and food-related samples where traditional methods often struggle.

Conventional techniques frequently require extensive sample preparation, optical clarity or disruption, which slows workflows and increases the risk of non-representative results. Since heat production is an intrinsic property of life, biocalorimetry enables direct, non-destructive biological detection without altering the sample.

THERMOGRAMS: INFORMATION-RICH READOUTS OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

The detection of metabolic heat is visualized in real-time thermograms, displaying heat flow (µW; µJ/s) versus time. By integrating the heat flow signal over time, the total metabolic heat produced by the sample can be determined. Additional curve parameters can also be extracted to provide further insights into biological activity. In contrast to single timepoint assays, thermograms provide continuous phenotypic information over time, enabling clearer differentiation between biological responses.

This unique heat signature acts as a metabolic fingerprint, revealing the physiological state of the microorganisms or eukaryotic cells, the inoculated concentration, and growth patterns. Different cells and microorganisms exhibit distinct metabolic profiles, resulting in characteristic thermogram patterns that enable detection and support differentiation between organisms.

ACCELERATED RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Biocalorimetry enables rapid, parallel evaluation of multiple cell and antimicrobial hypotheses in a single experiment. By monitoring metabolic activity in real time, researchers can compare conditions side-by-side with far higher throughput than traditional plate-based and compendial growth-based methods, accelerating decision-making while reducing time, labor, and experimental costs.

HISTORY OF BIOCALORIMETRY

Although often considered a recently developed technology, biocalorimetry has origins dating back more than 200 years. In 1782–1783, Antoine Lavoisier and Pierre-Simon Laplace demonstrated that respiration is a slow combustion process, establishing a direct relationship between metabolism and heat production. What was initially a conceptual discovery has since evolved into a quantitative and qualitative analytical method.

Recent advances in the sensitivity of modern microcalorimetric systems have transformed this historical principle into state-of-the-art systems for cellular and microbial research and testing.

CALSCREENER BIOCALORIMETRY SERIES

The calScreener® biocalorimeter series is designed for rapid, high-sensitivity microbial testing and cell research across a wide range of applications. The system can analyze up to 32 samples in parallel over a temperature range of 20 °C to 42 °C. Measurements are label-free and non-destructive, and are performed in glass or titanium vials containing the growth medium of choice.

Continuous detection curves and automated positive/negative results within hours
Non-destructive, in situ detection of microorganisms within intact products
Reproducible, detailed metabolic insight, with heat data revealing effects invisible to standard growth assays

LEARN MORE

ADVANCE YOUR CELL AND MICROBIAL RESEARCH AND TESTING

Biocalorimetry is sample-independent and opens up a wide range of application possibilities. Designed for real-world sample complexity it handles opaque, viscous, and solid samples and enables detection of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and mammalian cells under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. From coated surfaces and biofilms to complex biological and industrial matrices, biocalorimetry supports applications across pharmaceuticals, cell therapies, consumer goods, food, medical devices, environmental samples, and more. Let’s explore what it can do for you.