Bio-Rad BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit

The BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit brings cellular communication to light through the captivating natural phenomena of quorum sensing and bioluminescence. The kit allows students to explore the Lux signaling pathway in Vibrio bacteria and witness firsthand how bacteria "talk" to each other. This inquiry-based activity combines hands-on co-plating experiments and modeling exercises to fit easily into your high school or college curriculum.

Quorum sensing is how certain bacteria use cell signaling to sense population density and coordinate group behaviors. The Lux pathway in Vibrio is one of the best-studied examples, producing a bright bioluminescence that makes signaling easy to observe. The BacTalk Cell Signaling Kit brings this classic pathway into the classroom as a safe, teacher-friendly, hands-on teaching tool where students don’t just learn about cell signaling - they see it in action.​

Designed with biosafety and ease of use in mind, this kit uses non-pathogenic Vibrio strains that were developed to require specific nutrients to grow (auxotrophy). You see vibrant, glowing results from a bacterial system that is safe for students and the environment.

• Non-pathogenic, auxotrophic V. campbellii strains - safe for the classroom and the environment
• No special imaging or culturing equipment needed - can be used in any teaching environment
• One agar medium for all activities - simplifies preparation, allows workflow flexibility
• Flexible workflows - versatile kit components, workflows, and choice of pathway detail allow easy customization
• Standards-aligned curriculum - students gain skills and knowledge they need for assessments and beyond
• Anchored Inquiry Learning (AIL) integration - incorporates research-based best teaching practices to build student understanding
• Each kit contains materials for 8 student workstations (2 to 4 students per workstation):
• Vibrio campbellii WT, lyophilised
• Vibrio campbellii luxM-, lyophilised
• Vibrio campbellii luxB-, lyophilised
• 75mL 10x Vibrio media supplement
• 30mg ampicillin, lyophilised
• QStatin inhibitor, dried
• 25g LB nutrient agar powder
• LB broth capsule, makes 50mL LB broth
• 60 x Petri dishes, sterile
• 120 x inoculation loops, sterile
• 5 x culture tubes, sterile
• 85 x 2.0mL microcentrifuge tubes, multicolour
• Easy start guide
• Instructor answer guide