GB-LONDON: RBGKEW1374 - Microbial Multimode Plate Reader

Overview

The laboratories at RBG Kew are seeking a solution to allow microplate-based spectrophotometric readings and automated microbial growth recording in a single device. This multimode plate reader should enable microplate-based readings for multiple labels used in drug discovery based on absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence and automated recording of microbial growth curves in microplates. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ('RBG Kew') is a world-famous centre for botanical and mycological knowledge, with two inspiring gardens at Kew in west London and Wakehurst in Sussex. The scientific mission of RBG Kew is to 'Stop Biodiversity Loss'. This requirement for a microbial multimode plate will support the following two research threads. (1) Drug discovery. Researchers using the Biochemistry facilities within the Jodrell Laboratory (Kew site) study the small molecules in plants and fungi to demonstrate the value plant and fungal chemodiversity, for example as a source of useful compounds. An existing multimode plate reader that supports this research is obsolete and requires replacement. (2) Microbiology. An increased focus on fungal biodiversity at RBG Kew has prompted equipping a laboratory in the Jodrell Laboratory specifically to support microbiological methods. One need of this laboratory is to record the growth curves of microorganisms. Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.