Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the presence or absence of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in a sample using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mtx-PCR) assay. Furthermore, the present invention relates to oligonucleotide primers and kits for the detection of VRE.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel molecular method for the simultaneous identification and semi-quantification of multiple targeted biological entities from amongst a plurality. This invention discloses a method based on a multiplex nested amplification reaction in a single closed tube. The first amplification reaction relies on a set of large oligonucleotides for the amplification of common loci in all the targeted biological entities. The second nested amplification reaction relies on a set of short oligonucleotide primers that amplifies specific nucleotide sequences from all the amplicons previously produced in the first amplification reaction and generates an amplified product pattern capable of identifying each targeted biological entity. This method offers fast and accurate simultaneous identification of many targeted biological entities in any sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method of making a non-bleeding and edible color film coating for seeds and the like comprising a pigment and an edible film-former polymer which acts as an effective moisture barrier preventing color bleeding. The method includes preparing a pigment suspension in alcohol, with or without the use of a protective colloid, mixing the pigment suspension with a solution of an edible film-former polymer in mixtures of water and alcohol, prepared with or without the use of a plasticizer, and applying the film coating to a seed. Additionally, the invention relates to the method of making a non-bleeding and edible color film coating for seeds and the like using a film-former pigment, without using an edible film-former polymer.