In Vitro Toxicity Testing

The MARA assay (Microbial Assay for Risque Assessment) is based upon the use of a standardized array of 11 microbial strains, belonging to a diverse range of taxonomical groups, lyophilized in a microplate, that are subjected to a gradient of the compound of which the toxicity is to be tested. The toxicity is evaluated by the integrative response of the array to the compound. The microplates may be read with a microplate spectrophotometer or with a normal flat bed scanner. Especially developed software determines the toxic activity and the toxic “fingerprint” of the tested compound . Fingerprints of compounds with unknown toxic properties can be compared to a data base of toxic fingerprints derived from compounds with known biological effects, and the outcome of the test would not only include a measure of toxicity, but also a predictive assessment of possible ecotoxicological effects.

For orders and questions regarding the MARA system for toxicity testing, contact:

NCIMB, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 711100
Fax: +44 (0) 1224 711299
mara@ncimb.com