MBEC Assay® Kits FAQ
Which product would you recommend I use?
The MBEC Assay® Biofilm Inoculator with 96 well base & Hydroxyapatite is used to simulate bone/teeth, so we recommend this product for dental pathogens (Streptococcus mutans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis). Hydroxyapatite coated pegs typically result in greater biofilm growth compared to uncoated pegs, so we also recommend the MBEC Assay® Biofilm Inoculator with 96 well base & Hydroxyapatite for strains that form weaker biofilms (Candida, Citrobacter, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria, Nocardia, , fungus, yeast and anaerobic strains)
The trough base is recommended for strains that prefer the side to side flowing against the MBEC pegs rather than the rotary motion; this typically works well with plant pathogens.
If you are uncertain about which product to order, contact info@innovotech
What is the difference between the 96 well bases and the trough based products?
The 96 well base has separate wells which allow you to test different strains in different wells. The trough base doesn’t have separate wells, it’s a tray with open longitudinal rows where inoculated media would flow from side to side on a rocker shaker, which only allows one strain per plate.
We sell the MBEC Assay® Kits with 96 well bases to 95% of our customers. The trough base is mainly used for plant pathogen strains, where we need larger fluid volume flowing against the pegs.
What is the minimum order for the MBEC Assay® plates? And is there any discount for large orders?
Minimum order is a case of 10 MBEC Assayplates, prices vary between the regular and the coated MBEC Assay® plates. Academic institutions get 10% discount on all MBEC Assay® products. Generally speaking other discount rates apply on larger orders. See link for prices https://www.innovotech.ca/order-products/
Can I get a sample?
To request samples, please email info@innovotech.ca with your name, company name, billing address, shipping address (with a phone number) and the product(s) you are interested in.
Can I get a quote?
Do you have a distributor in my country?
Can you ship via our company's FedEx or DHL account?
If you would like us to ship via your account, please contact us at sales@innovotech.ca .
What are your delivery times?
1-2 business days for North America
3-4 business days for countries outside North America
Delivery times may vary based on country.
What type of ultrasonic cleaners do you recommend?
https://us.vwr.com/store/product/12626090/vwr-ultrasonic-cleaners-220v;jsessionid=CypugE60bBCOtLmyua3WwYnn.estore4a. The size of the sonicator is usually based on the size of experiments you usually running in you lab. Make sure you order the stainless steel tray that matches the sonicator water bath size.
How do I perform the recovery/sonication step?
You need to use a solid tray like this one: Solid Insert Tray for 3510 VWR catalogue# 100491-720. Make sure the water bath of the ultrasonic cleaner is full of water, place the stainless steel tray in the water bath. Place the MBEC Assay® Kits on the stainless steel tray (don’t stack more than two plates high), then turn on the sonicator for 30 min.
How to break the MBEC Assay® pegs off the lid for biofilm growth check or SEM analysis?
I'm having trouble growing a biofilm. What can I do?
Some troubleshooting tips for growing biofilms:
-
-
- Ensure that the humidity in your incubator is 75%-90%, to avoid drying out the wells over the incubation period.
- Place your MBEC Assay® plate on the proper shaker at the proper rpm speed (110 rpm is recommended for 96 well bases)
- Start with the right inoculum concentration (105-106 CFU/mL)
- Use the proper media and growth condition for the strain you are growing (some strains require the use of a 5% CO2 incubator, or specific growth factors i.e. glucose)
- Try using the MBEC Assay® Biofilm Inoculator with 96 well base & Hydroxyapatite coated pegs. Using hydroxyapatite coated pegs typically results in greater biofilm growth, compared to the standard uncoated pegs.
-
If you would like more specific information or additional help, please email info@innovotech.cawith detailed information about the strain(s) and conditions you are using.
What methods of payment do you accept?
Our order page on our website redirects to PayPal. If you would like to pay by an alternative method, please contact sales@innovotech.ca .
For first time customers, we require payment upfront for the first order. However, we make an exception for universities and hospitals. If you are a first-time customer and upfront payment is not possible for you, please contact sales@innovotech.ca or info@innovotech.ca for a credit application.
How much will my customs fee be?
I don't have a PayPal account. Can I still pay with a credit card?
What is the harmonized code of your products?
Our products are made of polystyrene plastic.
My package is delayed in customs. What should I do?
Customs delays typically occur for two reasons: either border agents require additional information about the shipment or customs fees are required to be paid.
Call your country’s courier information center with your tracking number to assess the situation. If you need assistance, please email info@innovotech.ca.
Please note: customers are responsible for customs fees.
What is the safety information for your products?
Our products are not toxic and do not fall under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulation. Our products are not dangerous goods. Here is a link to our SDS.