FOR WHAT?
Experiments based on locomotor activity and viability measurements in liquid culture. MINI measures small organisms in 96-well flat-bottom or U-bottom microplates, with one infrared microbeam per well.
Automated locomotor activity · Liquid medium
WMICROTRACKER MINI
A simplified, cost-effective system for measuring locomotor activity and monitoring the behavior and viability of small animal populations in liquid medium, using 96-well microplates.
Designed for straightforward, real-time data acquisition with non-invasive infrared detection and dedicated analysis software.
WMicrotracker MINI at a glance
WMicrotracker MINI combines an infrared microbeam reader and software to quantify locomotor activity of small organisms. It is suitable for C. elegans, mobile-stage parasites, Artemia salina and small insects.
FOR WHOM?
Research and teaching laboratories looking for an accessible, simplified, cost-effective system for automated behavioral measurements. Suitable models include C. elegans, motile-stage parasites, Artemia salina and small insects.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An array of 96 infrared microbeams and photosensors detects changes in light intensity caused by organisms moving in each well. The software calculates activity events over successive time blocks.
How does MINI work?
The system uses 96 infrared microbeams. Movement of organisms in each sample creates small changes in the detected light intensity. Software processes these changes during acquisition and calculates activity events in successive time blocks.
- 96-well flat-bottom plates: 1 IR beam per well
- 96-well U-bottom plates: 1 IR beam per well
Check accessory availability and suitability for your intended protocol.
Detection ranges reported for C. elegans
The brochure presents linear-response examples for young adult N2 worms, with different ranges depending on the microplate geometry.
25–100N2 young adult worms · flat-bottom wells · R² ≈ 0.99
5–25N2 young adult worms · U-bottom wells · R² ≈ 0.98
These values are results of the specific characterization assays, not guaranteed ranges for every species or experimental condition.
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS & APPLICATIONS
Selected peer-reviewed studies illustrating applications of WMicrotracker MINI in pharmacology, plant protection, neurodegeneration and oxidative-stress research. Each reference links to the published article.
- Plant-parasitic nematodes2025
Eco-Friendly Management of Root Lesion Nematodes Using Volatile Allelochemicals
Uses WMicrotracker MINI in a 96-well motility assay to evaluate the effects of candidate compounds on root-lesion nematodes, with relevance to sustainable crop protection.
Read publication ↗ - Alzheimer's disease models2025
Cannabidiol as a multifaceted therapeutic agent: mitigating Alzheimer's disease pathology and enhancing cognitive function
Measures the locomotor response of C. elegans larvae exposed to cannabidiol using MINI; additional movement-path analysis was performed with SMART.
Read publication ↗ - Oxidative stress & antioxidant defense2026
Natural monoterpenoid geraniol promotes antioxidant defense and stress tolerance via SKN-1/Nrf2 activation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Uses MINI to monitor worm locomotion and movement under oxidative challenge, investigating geraniol and stress-response signaling.
Read publication ↗ - Natural extracts & neuroprotection2026
Effect of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Alzheimer's Disease-like Symptoms in Caenorhabditis elegans
Uses MINI to quantify locomotor activity in an amyloid-β C. elegans model following treatment with Rhodiola rosea extract and selected constituents.
Read publication ↗
The publications concern distinct experimental methods and conditions. References are provided for research context, rather than as universal performance guarantees for MINI.
Technical information & included components
| Detection | 96 infrared microbeams with photosensors |
|---|---|
| Microplate formats | 96-well flat-bottom and U-bottom |
| Dimensions | 13.5 × 27 × 7.5 cm |
| Power | 5 V DC from USB port |
| Connection | USB-A to USB-B cable |
| Included | Microplate reader, USB cable; acquisition software available from PhylumTech |
Computer and environmental requirements
IBM-compatible PC, at least 512 MB RAM, a free USB port and at least 200 MB available disk space. Windows 7 or higher.
Recommended operating environment in the brochure: 15–37 °C, relative humidity below 50%, no direct bright light, and reduced vibration/dust. Note: Disable automatic shutdown, sleep and hibernation during acquisition.
Interested in WMicrotracker MINI?
Contact PhylumTech for software compatibility, accessories and experimental guidance.