The NucleoCounter® YC-100™ automatically counts yeast cells in about 30 seconds, making the manual process obsolete. Like the original NucleoCounter® (automatic mammary cell counting device), the NucleoCounter® YC-100™ combines a fluorescence microscope with a CCD camera and image analysis software for fast and accurate counts.

Monitoring cell counts during a fermentation allows the scientist to activate inducible systems or harvest at optimal times, obtaining the best product yield. The NucleoCounter® YC- 100™ can provide fast and accurate DNA-based volumetric cell counting in a matter of seconds and independent of substrate debris or aggregates in the medium.

This system uses a disposable sampling device, the NucleoCassette™. This small plastic cassette is pre-coated internally with a fluorescent dye (propidium iodide: “PI”), which stains the nuclei of the cells. Since the NucleoCounter® detects signals from these, and not from the cell, the system works regardless of cell size or morphology.

Using the optional NucleoView™ software connected to your PC, you can store and export results, as well as view an image of the stained cells. Results can be graphed as Optical Density (OD600) vs. cell concentration (cells/mL); or Dry Cell Weight (g/L) vs. cell concentration (cells/mL).

The count is approximately 8 x 107/mL. The objects have similar fluorescence intensities and are uniform in size, indicating minimal cell disruption. The yeast cells are evenly dispersed throughout the image. These can be monitored manually in the NucleoCassette™ measuring chamber using fluorescence microscopy with appropriate filters for propidium iodide.

After use, the NucleoCassette™ can be disposed of as biological waste, with the PI dye safely contained. Unlike flow systems and hemacytometers, the system does not require cleaning or calibration.