Online Microbial Monitoring System
“Don‘t bring your sample to the lab, bring your lab to the sample.”
From Days to Minutes: Rethinking Microbial Detection with BactoSense
BactoSense by bNovate is transforming water safety using flow cytometry, an advanced measurement technique that detects and counts individual microbial cells in real time. Unlike traditional laboratory methods that can take days to yield results, flow cytometry employs laser-based optics and fluorescence markers to analyze cells as they flow through a microchannel. This allows for the instant detection of bacteria, protozoa, and other microorganisms with exceptional speed and accuracy, making it the fastest and most reliable option for continuous water quality monitoring. With BactoSense, you benefit from lab-grade science delivered at operational speed, providing the confidence to act without delay.


Turning Water Data into Powerful Decisions
Why use flow cytometry? Because time matters. In critical water systems, delays in microbial detection can lead to health risks, compliance violations, and costly downtime. BactoSense by bNovate brings a radical shift to water microbiology with flow cytometry, which is an advanced laser-based technique that detects and counts individual microbial cells in real time. Unlike traditional HPC lab methods, which take 3 to 5 days to deliver results due to manual sampling, transport, and incubation, BactoSense delivers accurate readings in just 25 minutes in a closed-loop and fully automated system with no lab dependency.

It has been proven that plating methods (HPC) only detect 1% of bacteria present in a on sample. BactoSense technology makes it possible to count 99.9% of them with a high repeatability.



With an IP65 protection and a compact footprint, BactoSense is designed for industrial applications. It can be mounted directly on the wall or placed on a table, anywhere in a water supply or in a laboratory. It can be transported and used in the field.
The cartridge system of BactoSense removes the manipulation of toxic substances and avoids any contact with chemicals and their waste. The cartridge is hermetically sealed and reusable. It contains all you need for up to 1,000 measurements, giving your instrument a full autonomy for 3 weeks to 9 months depending on the frequency of your analyses. The cartridge replacement is then easily done within short time.
Application Examples
Contamination detection
While the TCC/ml remains relatively steady (blue curve), a distinct increase of the HNAP level is discernible (red curve), due to a contamination that occurred in the tubing. The online monitoring shows after a few hours that a cleaning is needed. Thanks to the quick reaction, time and money.
Error detection in desinfection system
This graph shows ICC/ml increasing significantly at a specific point (red curve), while TCC/ml remains relatively stable (blue curve). This allows a fast and precise understanding of the system failure in the water installation, which leads to highly efficient troubleshooting. BactoSense enables process enhancement and ensures that your systems functions flawlessly.

Total Cell Count (TCC) – Measuring Principle

Sample Preparation

Cell Staining & Detection System

TCC Fluorophores – Spectra Properties
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▪SYBR Green detection (FL1) between 525 and 545 nm for TCC & ICC cartridges and in the low pass range (red light = FL2) above 715 nm. ▪Propidium iodide emission with the same light source at 488 nm for ICC cartridges. ▪FL2 is also measured in the same low pass range above 715 nm for ICC cartridges. ▪SSC detection for size and complexity of the cells/events |
Flow Cytometry Analysis – Fluorescent Diagram
