One of the most common microbiological analyses is the quantification of microorganisms, often expressed as total bacterial count or colony-forming units. In many cases, the sample must first be diluted to reduce the number of microorganisms to a countable level.
The available range of diluents, including MRD, NACL, BPW, EP, and DW, together with the standard 9 mL cup volume, makes the Dilucup® System suitable for serial dilution in a wide range of industries.
Food microbiology
With the Dilucup® System, serial dilutions are prepared in accordance with the requirements of ISO 7218:2024 for microbiology of the food chain and ISO 6887-1:2017/Amd 1:2024 for the preparation of samples, initial suspensions, and serial dilutions in food microbiology.
To ensure the quality and safety of food and feed, products are commonly tested using chemical and microbiological analyses.
For solid matrices such as meat, fish, whole egg, vegetables, animal feed, milk powder, and cream, an initial dilution is usually prepared in a stomacher bag before further serial dilution.
Recommended diluents for food microbiology:
- Dilucup® Elegance MRD (Maximal Recovery Diluent)
- Dilucup® Elegance BPW (Buffered Peptone Water)
- Dilucup® Elegance NACL (saline solution)
- Dilucup® Elegance EP (Eau peptonée / Peptone Water)
Dairy industry
Food safety
Animal feed
Probiotics Industry
Accurate diluent volume is especially important when enumerating probiotic strains, as small volume deviations can accumulate across dilution steps and affect the final result.
Dilucup® offers ready-to-use diluents with a highly accurate volume of 9 mL ± 0.5% (read the latest analysis here).
Recommended diluents for probiotics:
- Dilucup® Elegance MRD (Maximal Recovery Diluent)
- Dilucup® Elegance BPW (Buffered Peptone Water)
- Dilucup® Elegance NACL (saline solution)
Probiotic strains enumeration
Probiotics Industry
Highly accurate diluent volumes - perfect for counting probiotics
Bio Industry
Biotechnological processes, particularly fermentation processes, require control and monitoring at several stages.
Recommended diluents for the Bio industry:
- Dilucup® Elegance MRD (Maximal Recovery Diluent)
- Dilucup® Elegance BPW (Buffered Peptone Water)
- Dilucup® Elegance NACL (saline solution)
Control of purity and concentration of the starters (bacteria, yeasts)
Quantification of microbiological populations in reactors, fermenters...
Assessment of the quality of the final products
Paper Industry
Slime-forming bacteria are undesirable in and around paper machines, and their growth is commonly controlled using effective combinations of biocides and dispersing agents.
Recommended diluents for the paper industry:
- Dilucup® Elegance MRD (Maximal Recovery Diluent)
- Dilucup® Elegance NACL (saline solution)
Count of microorganisms present in tanks
Paper manufacturing
Control of microorganisms present in pipes, ponds, cooling towers, and related systems
Water analysis
Biological wastewater treatment uses microorganisms to help break down contaminants and improve water quality, supporting safer and more sustainable water management.
Recommended diluents for water analysis:
- Dilucup® Elegance MRD (Maximal Recovery Diluent)
- Dilucup® Elegance NACL (saline solution)
- Dilucup® Elegance EP (Eau peptonée / Peptone Water)
- Dilucup® Elegance DW (Deionized Water)
Biological wastewater treatment
Wastewater treatment and reuse
Quantification of microorganisms
Cosmetic Industry
Preservatives or antimicrobial agents are commonly used in cosmetic products to help prevent microbial growth. Their effectiveness is verified using microbiological test methods.
Recommended diluent for cosmetics:
- Dilucup® Elegance EUGON
Control of initial concentrations of test microorganisms
Challenge test in cosmetics
