Stockholm, Sweden, 2026-03-16 - Symcel announces a collaboration with BioSurface Technologies to enable integrated workflows for the study of surface-attached biofilms using the MicroWell™ Biofilm Plate Assay together with the calScreener® biocalorimetry platform.
Surface-associated biofilms are a major concern in fields ranging from medical devices, food production and industrial processing. Traditional biofilm assays often rely on endpoint methods such as colony counting or staining that require disruption of the biofilm structure. In contrast, biocalorimetry measures heat generated by microbial metabolism, enabling label-free monitoring of biofilm activity without disturbing the sample.
Innovation to enable more relevant, standardized and high throughput biofilm testing
The combined approach allows researchers to grow biofilms reproducibly on standardized material coupons and monitor their metabolic activity in real time using isothermal microcalorimetry. By transferring intact biofilm-bearing coupons from the MicroWell system directly into calScreener measurement inserts, researchers can perform continuous, non-destructive monitoring of microbial metabolic activity directly on the tested surface. Up to 32 samples can be analyzed in one measurement cycle enabling parallel comparison of different materials, antimicrobial treatments, and experimental conditions.
About BioSurface Technologies
BioSurface Technologies Corporation, founded in 1994 and based in Bozeman, Montana, develops laboratory systems for the growth, evaluation, and monitoring of biofilms. The company manufactures a range of research tools including biofilm reactors, microscopy flow cells, and the MicroWell Biofilm Plate Assay. These systems are widely used by academic, industrial, and government laboratories studying biofilm formation, antimicrobial treatments, and surface interactions. Learn more at biofilms.biz
Media contact:
Stephen Pedersen, Vice President, Operations
stephenp@biofilms.biz
About Symcel
Symcel is leading a new era in metabolic measurements for use in microbial and cell research, testing and diagnostics. The calScreener® biocalorimetry system offers a novel method for detecting and analyzing biological activity using isothermal microcalorimetry, with applications ranging from sterility testing of advanced therapies and microbial detection in foods and consumer goods to applied biofilm and cell research. Symcel was founded by leading authorities in microcalorimetry and is headquartered at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Learn more at symcel.com.
Media contact:
Per Lidén, Marketing Manager
per.liden@symcel.com