ProtoCOL 3 - Automatic colony counting and zone measuring

ProtoCOL 3

ProtoCOL 3 is the next generation instrument for colony counting, zone measurements, (inhibition and AST), membranes and a range of other applications.

AST Chromogenic ID Colony counting Spiral Plates Zone Reading 3 Year warranty Camera CFR part11 CLSI Eucast ISO 9001:2008 LIMS Operating System TIFF USB XLS

Overview

ProtoCOL 3/ProtoCOL 3 HD is the next generation instrument for colony counting, zone measurements (inhibition and antibiotic susceptibility testing), membranes, PETRIFILM™ plates, CompactDry™ plates and a range of other applications including: spiral plates, OPKA (opsonophagocytic killing assay), SBA (serum bactericidal assay), Multi-sector, Multi-well, SRD (single radial immunodiffusion) and Ames. The new design enables plates of up to 150mm diameter to be automatically read at the press of a button. Designed for use across a wide range of applications, ProtoCOL 3 will count colonies as small as 43 microns (0.043mm) and measure zones accurately to 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 0.1mm.

ProtoCOL 3 has a unique 3 channel LED lighting system configured for exceptional illumination of all sample types. High definition, colour images taken with a 1.4 mega pixel scientific grade CMOS camera ensure that even the smallest colony can be seen and counted, while zone measurements are fast, accurate and reproducible. ProtoCOL 3 HD, the newest addition to the range, has an ultra-HD 5 megapixel camera which captures high definition images and measures zones with >99.9% accuracy, making the ProtoCOL 3 HD a must-have for vaccine potency testing and other laboratories wanting to optimize zone reading accuracy.

The ProtoCOL 3 system is available with a mounted touchscreen processor which enables ease of control while the easy-to-use software produces highly accurate results. Alternatively, the ProtoCOL 3 can now be used with a new or existing stand-alone desktop or laptop computer via USB connection – no additional PCI cards are required.

The ProtoCOL 3 comes inclusive with both colony counting and inhibition zone measuring ability. To extend its range of applications, inexpensive additional modules can be added to the software for Spiral, OPKA, SBA, Multi-sector, Multi-well, Ames and antibiotic susceptibility testing (eAST). Results can be automatically transferred to Excel or a LIMS system. The system can also be used with 1D barcodes. All data generated is GLP/GMP/21 CFR Part 11 compliant with a full audit trail and can be used to produce professional reports. Each system comes complete with 2 validation plates. Additional application-specific validation plates are available on request.

PETRIFILMTM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.

ProtoCOL 3 is being used at a world renowned vaccine research facility for testing and designing new and existing vaccines against serious bacterial diseases. One of the ways scientists there test the efficacy of vaccines is to mix serum from vaccinated participants with bacteria in an SBA assay – click here to view testimonial video.

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Why Buy?

Why buy this product?

  • High throughput
    ProtoCOL 3 is typically used when large numbers of plates need to be counted or measured rapidly and accurately. The ProtoCOL 3 is therefore perfect for high throughput applications. All counting and measuring functions are automatic with results instantly sent to the internal reporting system.
  • Colour imaging
    The unique LED lighting in the system gives full colour images. The colour classification feature of the ProtoCOL 3 software allows for an infinite range of colour options on the same plate. A choice of sample holders is included for both light and dark backgrounds, depending on sample type.
  • Wide range of applications
    The system can be configured for a wide range of plate types. These include pour plates, spiral plates, multi-well, SBA, OPKA, Ames, inhibition zones, AST and SRD. Plates up to 150mm can be used on the standard unit, while an optional external scanning device can be added should larger plates need to be processed.
  • Extensive report generation
    One of the major benefits of an automated system is that reports can be generated within the device. ProtoCOL 3 will produce reports that can easily be exported to Excel at the touch of a button.
  • Traceability
    All the data generated has a full audit trail. All report generation is traceable and has an audit ‘lock’. Data is CFR compliant and the system can be connected to a LIMS if required.
  • Sensitivity
    ProtoCOL 3 uses a highly sensitive CMOS camera with a high resolution. Colonies as small as 43 microns (0.043mm) can be easily counted and zones can be accurately measured to 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 0.1mm.

Specifications

ProtoCOL 3/ProtoCOL 3 Plus ProtoCOL 3 HD/ProtoCOL 3 HD Plus
Design Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam

Integral CMOS camera and lens

ProtoCOL 3 Plus comes with a mounted all-in-one PC

Ergonomic housing constructed in high density foam

Integral CMOS camera and lens

ProtoCOL 3 HD Plus comes with a mounted all-in-one PC

Light shield 2 sliding doors to prevent excessive ambient light 2 sliding doors to prevent excessive ambient light
Camera Integrated, sensitive 1.4 megapixels with f1.2 lens Integrated, high definition 5 megapixels with f1.5 lens
Resolution For standard 150mm Petri dish, smallest detectable colony is 43 microns For standard 150mm Petri dish, smallest detectable colony is 43 microns
Imaging 3 channel capture for colour images 3 channel camera for colour images
Lighting Unique 3 channel (red, green, blue) LED lighting

Multi-array LED lighting (computer controlled)

Lower lighting with upper reflective lighting for all applications

Unique 3 channel (red, green, blue) LED lighting

Multi-array LED lighting (computer controlled)

Lower lighting with upper reflective lighting for all applications

External connections for ProtoCOL 3 Plus/ProtoCOL 3 Plus HD 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12500T (6 Cores/18MB/12T/2.0GHz to 4.4GHz/35W)

8GB (1x8GB) DDR4 Non-ECC Memory

M.2 2230 256GB PCIe NVMe Class 35 SSD

Windows 10 Pro (Includes Windows 11 Pro License) English, Dutch, French, German, Italian

17″ touchscreen monitor featuring 10 touch points and PCAP technology. Due to its glass overlay, it guarantees high durability, scratch-resistance and perfect picture performance

12th Generation Intel Core i5-12500T (6 Cores/18MB/12T/2.0GHz to 4.4GHz/35W)

8GB (1x8GB) DDR4 Non-ECC Memory

M.2 2230 256GB PCIe NVMe Class 35 SSD

Windows 10 Pro (Includes Windows 11 Pro License) English, Dutch, French, German, Italian

17″ touchscreen monitor featuring 10 touch points and PCAP technology. Due to its glass overlay, it guarantees high durability, scratch-resistance and perfect picture performance

Count modes Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode Separation of touching colonies, exclusion areas, colour mode, shape mode, size mode
Software Win7/10 compatible Win7/10 compatible
Database SQL database stores all data and image locations SQL database stores all data and image locations
Dimensions
ProtoCOL 3Dimensions ProtoCOL 3 Plus
450mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w)

700mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w)

450mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w)700mm (h) x 500mm (d) x 400mm (w)
Weight
ProtoCOL 3
ProtoCOL 3 Plus
20kg

30kg

20kg

30kg

Software

Software

  • The ProtoCOL 3 software has an extensive array of features and can cover a wide range of applications. Colony counting and zone measurement are standard on the ProtoCOL 3
  • ProtoCOL 3 software is fully WIN7 compatible and is available in a range of different languages
  • All functions are accessed from a single window for each step
  • Automatic imaging functions ensure perfect images without the need for any optimisation of contrast and sensitivity
  • Automatic separation of touching colonies is included
  • Advanced grid elimination function is included for filters and PETRIFILMTM  plates
  • Colonies can be marked with choice of shapes, including cross, circle, square or triangle, for clear and precise visualisation
  • An advanced polygonal exclusion tool is available to eliminate specific areas
  • The system can be ‘trained’ to exclude writing on plates, debris, bubbles or other unwanted features
  • Full editing functions for the adding or deleting of colonies and the manual measurement of zones are included
  • Colonies as small as 0.043mm can be detected while zones can be measured accurately to 0.5mm with a theoretical detection limit of 0.1mm.
  • A built-in database enables the sharing of results across individuals, laboratories and even facilities
  • All results are automatically archived and can be printed
  • All results are fully traceable and have an audit trail
  • Compliant with the requirements of 21 CFR Part 11

PETRIFILM TM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.

Applications

Wide range of applications

The system can be configured for a wide range of plate types. These include:

  • Pour plates
  • Spiral plates
  • Multi-well
  • SBA (serum bactericidal assay)
  • OPKA (opsonophagocytic killing assay)
  • Ames
  • Inhibition zones
  • AST (antibiotic susceptibility testing)
  • SRD (single radial immunodiffusion)
  • Chromogenic
  • Multi-sector
  • MIC
  • Dilution series

ProtoCOL 3 is being used at a world renowned vaccine research facility for testing and designing new and existing vaccines against serious bacterial diseases. One of the ways scientists there test the efficacy of vaccines is to mix serum from vaccinated participants with bacteria in an SBA assay – click here to view testimonial video.

  • For customers with GFP applications, Syngene (our sister company) has the complete solution – please look at our range of advanced gel doc systems by visiting the website

Choosing & purchasing

Choose your model

ProtoCOL 3 Plus (with all-in-one PC)

ProtoCOL 3 Plus is a fully configured system with a top mounted ‘all-in-one’ touch screen PC. The all-in-one PC has a integral hard drive. Spare USB ports for use with memory sticks or other USB driven devices like bar code readers and scanners are easily accessible on the side of the unit.

The system includes ProtoCOL 3 software for colony counting, zone measurement (inhibition zones and AST), membranes and PETRIFILMTM plates

Additional software modules that can be added are:

Spiral plates
OPKA
SBA
Multi-sector
Multi-well
SRD
AMES
Statistical analysis

ProtoCOL 3 (for use with stand-alone PC)

ProtoCOL 3 is also available as a unit without a processor. This allows the user to simply connect the system to a new or existing PC. ProtoCOL 3 software is complete with set-up and calibration installation instructions. It can be installed onto the PC which is connected to the ProtoCOL via USB.

The system includes ProtoCOL 3 software for colony counting, zone measurements (inhibition zones and AST), membranes and PETRIFILMTM plates

Additional software modules that can be added are:

Spiral plates
OPKA
SBA
Multi-sector
Multi-well
SRD
AMES
Statistical analysis

With your own PC you can decide on the processor and monitor you want and, of course, you can upgrade or add additional hardware of your choice whenever you wish. With your own PC you can also choose your operating system including WIN7.

Stand-alone software

We are now able to supply stand-alone ProtoCOL 3 software which can be loaded onto any PC. A flat bed scanner can be used to capture images. This is a low cost way of getting many of the functions of a ProtoCOL 3 into your laboratory.

Purchasing

ProtoCOL 3 Plus

ProtoCOL 3 for plates up to 150mm, supplied with two plate holders and validation kit
Includes all-in-one PC
Software configured for colony counting, zone measurement, membranes and PETRIFILMTM plates
WIN7 compatible

ProtoCOL 3

ProtoCOL 3 for plates up to 150mm, supplied with two plate holders and validation kit
USB connection to stand-alone computer
ProtoCOL 3 software for colony counting, zone measurement, membranes and PETRIFILMTM plates
WIN7 compatible

Optional application modules:-

Spiral plates
OPKA
SBA
Multi-sector
Multi-well
SRD
Ames
Statistical analysis

PETRIFILM TM is a trademark of 3M Company. 3M Company is not affiliated with Synbiosis and does not endorse or certify Synbiosis’s products.

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