BugLab LLC has received a US patent for noninvasive optical monitoring technology that measures biomass in small fluid volumes, eliminating the time, labor, contamination risk and inaccuracy associated with sampling and dilutions. Patent No. 8,405,033 includes techniques for measuring particle backscatter using light at wavelengths that travel only a limited distance into culture media, enabling scientists to make accurate measurements in shake flasks with BugLab’s OD scanner. The handheld sensor can measure, within seconds, vessels constructed from glass and plastic materials, with sizes ranging from 250 to 2000 ml. The invention also includes methods for reducing sensitivity to vessel thickness and material type, for preventing or rejecting inaccurate readings, and for calibrating the device to specific organisms such as E. coli, yeast and algae. The device could be used for biopharmaceutical research and production, academic and industrial microbiology, industrial brewing and biofuels research. The privately held company manufactures optical technologies for products that address common measurement challenges in biopharmaceutical, fermentation and cell culture applications. For more information, visit: www.buglab.com