Tobie
TOol for BIodegradation Evaluation
The TOBIE automated system simplifies biodegradation measurement for chemicals and polymers by monitoring oxygen consumption (OECD 301F). Its 48 reactors equipped with oxygen sensors enable rapid and easy screening of a large number of substances.
Thanks to its intuitive touchscreen interface, programming, calibration and test launch can be completed in just a few taps. Results are available in real time throughout the test and can easily be retrieved via Wi-Fi for further processing.
Thanks to its intuitive touchscreen interface, programming, calibration and test launch can be completed in just a few taps. Results are available in real time throughout the test and can easily be retrieved via Wi-Fi for further processing.
Product benefits
Measurement method
Oxygen consumption within the reactors is measured non-invasively by fluorescence using oxygen-sensitive optical sensors and an optrode, then converted into a biodegradability percentage. Measurement is fully automated throughout the test.
Accessibility
TOBIE’s ease of use, together with its test preparation, protocol generation and data processing software, makes biodegradability measurement accessible regardless of the user’s level of microbiology expertise.
Measurement versatility
TOBIE can also be used to measure BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), assess respiration inhibition, or monitor bacterial respiration kinetics.
FAQ
The measurement is performed using sensor spots containing ruthenium salts, whose fluorescence varies with the oxygen concentration in the reactor. These spots are individually attached to the bottom of each reactor. The signal is read at regular intervals by a probe from outside the reactor, enabling highly accurate, non-invasive measurement of oxygen consumption.
No. The entire test preparation and data processing workflow is simplified by the software tools provided. During the initial delivery and installation, we also train your teams to perform biodegradability tests.
Depending on the sensor range selected, their lifetime varies from 1 to 3 years, with the option to recalibrate them at any time. When the sensors reach the end of their service life, we provide replacement pre-patched reactors ready for use in exchange for the old ones, subject to the cost of the associated supplies.
Yes. TOBIE is a respirometer and can therefore monitor the activity of any microbial inoculum, provided that it consumes oxygen (isolated bacterial strains, seawater, activated sludge, etc.).