Contract R&D Services
Laboratory Services
Accelerate Microbial Insights
rqmicro provides specialized contract research and development services to help organizations better understand, characterize, and quantify microbial properties in complex samples. Using advanced flow cytometry-based methods, we deliver rapid, reliable, and highly quantitative microbial data to support product development, process optimization, and scientific investigation.
Microbial behavior in real-world samples is often complex, variable, and difficult to assess using conventional cultivation methods alone. Many organizations require deeper analytical insight than routine testing can provide, especially when developing new products, validating processes, or investigating microbial performance under specific conditions.
rqmicro Contract R&D Services bridge this gap by combining advanced microbial flow cytometry with scientific expertise in water microbiology and applied microbial analysis. We support customers in generating robust datasets that enable better understanding, faster development cycles, and more confident decision-making.
Typical R&D Projects
Product Development and Optimization
Support the development of products where microbial quality, stability, or performance is critical. Generate quantitative insights into microbial contamination, growth behavior, or preservation efficacy under real-world conditions.
Method Development and Validation
Develop and evaluate customized microbial quantification workflows tailored to specific sample types or research questions. Compare flow cytometry-based results with existing reference methods to support validation studies.
Microbial Characterization in Complex Matrices
Analyze challenging samples such as environmental waters, industrial fluids, or treated process streams where cultivation-based methods provide limited insight. Obtain rapid and quantitative information on microbial load and viability.
Treatment and Process Evaluation
Assess the impact of physical, chemical, or operational interventions on microbial populations. Generate time-resolved datasets to evaluate process efficiency and microbial response dynamics.
Project Approach
rqmicro combines advanced microbial flow cytometry technology with deep application expertise in water and industrial microbiology.
This allows us to deliver not only high-quality data, but also meaningful interpretation that supports scientific and technical decision-making. Our services are designed to accelerate innovation, reduce uncertainty in microbial analysis, and provide clear, quantitative answers to complex microbiological questions.
1
Project Definition and Feasibility Assessment
We work closely with you to define the scientific or technical objective of the study. Sample types, analytical requirements, and success criteria are evaluated to ensure a clear and actionable project design.
2
Experimental Design and Method Selection
Based on the project goals, we design a tailored analytical approach using rqmicro flow cytometry platforms. This includes selection of appropriate staining protocols, measurement strategies, and quantification parameters.
3
Sample Analysis and Data Generation
Samples are analyzed using standardized, high-quality workflows to ensure robust and reproducible results. Rapid microbial quantification enables efficient generation of meaningful datasets within short turnaround times.
4
Data Interpretation and Reporting
Results are compiled into structured reports including quantitative data, interpretation of microbial trends, and scientific context. Where needed, we support deeper discussion of findings and implications for product or process development.
Turn Complex Microbial Questions into Clear Quantitative Answers
Contact our team to discuss your project requirements and explore how rqmicro Contract R&D Services can support your research, development, or analytical needs.
rqmicro combines advanced microbial flow cytometry technology with deep application expertise in water and industrial microbiology. This allows us to deliver not only high-quality data, but also meaningful interpretation that supports scientific and technical decision-making.
Our services are designed to accelerate innovation, reduce uncertainty in microbial analysis, and provide clear, quantitative answers to complex microbiological questions.
Access to Advanced Microbial Flow Cytometry Expertise
Leverage rqmicro’s specialized knowledge in microbial flow cytometry without the need to invest in dedicated instrumentation or in-house expertise.
Improved Understanding of Complex Samples
Gain insights into microbial populations that are difficult to analyze using traditional cultivation-based methods, including viable but non-culturable and stressed cells.
Faster Generation of Actionable Data
Obtain quantitative microbial results within hours, enabling faster iteration cycles in research, development, and process optimization projects.
Flexible and Project-Based Collaboration
Engage rqmicro as a scientific partner for targeted studies, feasibility assessments, or longer-term R&D collaborations tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the test method, instrumentation and user requirements.
rqmicro combines three core technologies in a single workflow:
- Microbiological Assays detection and quantification of microorganisms including immunoassays for the selective quantification of target bacteria.
- Microfluidic cartridge technology with integrated immunomagnetic separation (IMS) for automated sample processing.
- Flow Cytometry for rapid detection and quantification of bacteria, including viability assessment.
This integrated approach enables rapid microbiological testing without the need for lengthy cultivation steps.
Single-use cartridges provide several advantages:
- Ensure standardized workflows
- Reduce maintenance requirements
- Minimize the risk of cross-contamination
- Eliminate complex cleaning procedures
- Enable operation by non-specialist users
The cartridge-based design supports both laboratory and field applications.
The rqmicro platform is designed for the detection and quantification of total bioburden and also specific bacteria. Depending on the assay, users can analyze:
- Total viable bacteria (Intact Cell Count)
- Total bacteria (Total Cell Count)
- Legionella (L.p. SG 1, L.p. SG 1-15 and Legionella spp.)
- E. coli (incl. Big 6 and O157)
Traditional culture methods only detect microorganisms that grow on agar plates. Many bacteria can remain viable but fail to form colonies under cultivation conditions.
rqmicro uses cultivation-independent flow cytometry, allowing the detection of viable cells regardless of their ability to grow on culture media. This provides faster results and a more complete picture of microbial contamination.
Flow cytometry is a laser-based analytical method that measures individual cells suspended in a fluid stream.
As cells pass through the laser beam, fluorescent signals are generated and detected by the instrument. Thousands of cells can be analyzed every second, enabling rapid and highly sensitive microbiological testing.
rqmicro uses fluorescence-based flow cytometry together with viability staining. Fluorescent dyes interact differently with live and dead cells based on membrane integrity and physiological status.
The instrument analyzes these fluorescence patterns to distinguish viable cells from non-viable cells, providing rapid live/dead information within the measurement process.
Viability information helps users:
- Assess microbiological risk more accurately
- Evaluate treatment effectiveness
- Detect bacteria that may be missed by culture methods
- Monitor changes in water systems in near real time
This enables faster operational decisions and improved process control.
VBNC stands for Viable But Non-Culturable.
These bacteria are alive and may remain metabolically active, but they do not grow on standard culture media. As a result, conventional cultivation methods can underestimate the true microbial load.
Flow cytometry can detect these cells, allowing a more comprehensive assessment of water quality and microbiological risk.
qmicro.COUNT is designed for routine operation with minimal training.
Users do not need to be flow cytometry experts. The cartridge-based workflow and automated analysis reduce operator dependency and simplify routine testing.
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