Symcel Launches caloTrace® for Rapid Microbial Testing and Biocalorimetry Applications

Stockholm, Sweden, 2026-06-04 -  Symcel announces the launch of the caloTrace®, designed for rapid, easy-to-use microbial testing and a broad range of R&D and biocalorimetry applications. The larger volume and sensitive system enables testing of virtually any type of biological sample. 

Building on Symcel’s proven isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) technology, caloTrace introduces larger sample volumes, independent sample loading, and streamlined workflows while maintaining the exceptional sensitivity that characterizes Symcel’s biocalorimetry platforms for microbial testing and biological activity measurements.

By measuring the heat produced by living cells and microorganisms, the system delivers direct, label-free detection of biological activity without the need for optical measurements, reagents, filtration, or disruptive sample preparation steps.

Designed for flexibility and ease of use
The system features 30 independently loaded calorimetric channels with complete random-access operation and support for sample volumes up to 10 mL, enabling larger and more representative samples across a broader range of applications.

Together with the new calView® software, caloTrace provides guided sample setup, continuous monitoring, and automated result interpretation for both routine testing and research applications.

"With caloTrace, we have built on the strengths of our proven biocalorimetry technology while making it even more flexible and easier to use," said Malin Suurkuusk, Product Director at Symcel. "By combining independently loaded channels, larger sample volumes, and streamlined workflows, we are opening new opportunities across research, product development, and quality control."

Faster microbial testing for faster response and product release
The caloTrace is designed for rapid, flexible and reliable microbial testing across consumer goods, food and beverage products, ingredients and industrial applications.

Traditional methods are often slow and labor-intensive, while alternative rapid methods may require extensive sample preparation, struggle with complex matrices, or risk false results from detection of non-viable microorganisms.

With caloTrace, products can be tested directly or combined with growth media in sample volumes of up to 10 mL without filtration, lysis, or other complex handling steps. Continuous monitoring provides immediate notification of detected contaminations, while automated pass/fail analysis simplifies routine testing workflows.

“The sooner issues are identified, the sooner corrective actions can be taken. Traditional microbial testing methods often require several days to deliver results, and even many rapid alternative methods may still take days to generate actionable results," said Dr. Kasper Kragh, Director R&D Applications at Symcel. "With caloTrace, many microorganisms can be detected within a few hours, and continuous real-time monitoring automatically flags contamination as soon as microbial presence exceeds a set threshold, enabling faster response and corrective actions."

Broadening the applications of biocalorimetry
The combination of larger sample volumes and independently loaded channels expands the flexibility of biocalorimetry across a broad range of applications. The caloTrace platform supports research involving eukaryotic cell metabolism, tissue biopsies, biofilms, microbial communities, environmental samples, biomaterials, plants, grains, soils, and other complex biological systems.

By enabling direct, continuous, and non-destructive measurement of metabolic activity, caloTrace provides new opportunities to study biofilm formation and antimicrobial efficacy, microbial and host-microbe interactions, tissue viability, material interactions, and the behavior of complex biological ecosystems in real time.

These capabilities open new opportunities across life science, environmental, clinical, and industrial research applications.

About Symcel
Symcel is leading a new era in metabolic measurements for microbial testing, biological research, and diagnostics. The company's biocalorimetry platforms provide a novel approach to 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 biofilm, microbiome, and cell research. Founded by leading authorities in microcalorimetry, Symcel is headquartered at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Learn more at symcel.com. 

Media contact:
Per Lidén, Marketing Manager
per.liden@symcel.com