MICBUSTERS brings rapid, on-site qPCR to MIC fieldwork
Faster, decision-ready microbiology for Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) — right at the sample point.
Who is MICBUSTERS?
MICBUSTERS is a technology and services provider focused on the microbiology that drives corrosion in industrial systems. We help operators detect, quantify, and trend MIC-relevant microorganisms so that mitigation decisions are based on evidence rather than assumptions. Our team combines corrosion engineering, field sampling, and molecular biology expertise to make advanced measurements practical outside the central lab.
Why on-site qPCR for MIC?
- Speed: Turn samples into quantitative results in hours instead of days or weeks.
- Quantification: Measure gene copy numbers for key functional groups (e.g., sulfate reducers, nitrate reducers, methanogens) to understand who is active and how much.
- Decision-ready: Use thresholds and trends to support dosing, pigging, and inspection plans.
- Field practicality: A rugged, compact setup designed for platforms, terminals, and remote sites.
- Complements existing methods: Aligns with culture-based tests and metallurgy data; not a replacement, a force-multiplier.
The MICBUSTERS on-site qPCR kit
What’s included
- Portable qPCR instrument & field power options
- Rapid DNA extraction for produced water, biofilms, or solids
- Pre-aliquoted reagents & consumables (cold-chain ready)
- Assay panel for MIC-relevant functional targets
- Controls & standards for QC (NTC, positive, internal)
- Step-by-step field protocol & safety guidance
Sample types
- Produced & injection water
- Biofilm swabs, coupons, and pig debris
- Tanks, separators, and pipeline fluids
If your matrix is unusual or challenging, we can pre-validate extraction and inhibition controls.
Outputs & reporting
- Gene copies per mL (or cm2) with QC flags
- Run log and traceability for auditability
- CSV/XL export for trending & dashboards
Sample-to-answer workflow (≈90–120 minutes)
- Collect: Field sampling with clean technique and chain-of-custody.
- Extract: Rapid DNA prep with inhibition control.
- Set up: Load assay mix, samples, standards, and controls.
- Run: Thermocycling with real-time fluorescence monitoring.
- Interpret: Automatic standard curve, QC checks, and result sheet.
The kit ships with a pocket guide, a full SOP, and a training module available through Euro-MIC.
Our initiative: the Euro-MIC Industry Course in Groningen
To accelerate high-quality MIC diagnostics across the community, MICBUSTERS initiated and serves as local organizer for the Euro-MIC Industry Course in Groningen. The course connects corrosion engineers, microbiologists, and integrity specialists to practice sampling, on-site qPCR, data interpretation, and mitigation decision-making together. It’s hands-on, vendor-neutral, and designed for immediate impact in the field.
Whether you’re new to molecular tools or looking to standardize workflows across assets, the course offers a practical pathway to embed on-site qPCR into MIC programs.
Where this makes a difference
- Chemical dosing optimization: Track microbial response to nitrate/biocide programs and avoid over- or under-treatment.
- Turnaround & pigging campaigns: Rapidly screen hotspots before, during, and after interventions.
- Failure investigations: Add quantitative microbiology to metallurgical and process findings.
- Remote assets: Bring the lab to the field when shipping samples is slow or risky.
Get involved
Interested in piloting the on-site qPCR kit or joining the next Euro-MIC Industry Course in Groningen?
- Schedule a field demo with the MICBUSTERS team.
- Bring the training to your site or operations center.
- Work with us on SOPs, QC, and data standards tailored to your assets.
Contact: Please reach out via Euro-MIC or your usual MICBUSTERS contact to discuss dates and availability.
MICBUSTERS specializes in measuring microbiological processes that lead to the degradation of metals.