Section: New Software and Platforms

Platforms

Smart experimental platforms to automate microbiology experiments

Models play a central role in our work, either to test our understanding or to guide the design of novel systems. Model development and parameter calibration necessitate informative experiments. We develop methods to assist with the optimal design of experiments. In consequence, we have to perform, in sequence or in parallel, experiments with possibly complex input profiles. This led us to develop experimental platforms that allow for flexible and automated stimulations and measurements. Three platforms are being developed, based on (i) a microplate photometer, (ii) a bioreactor platform coupled with a flow cytometer, and (iii) a microscope equipped with microfluidic systems, respectively. In all cases, the real-time measurement and actuation capabilities allow for making reactive experiments, notably including real-time control experiments.