Abstract: A selective microbial detection device and methods of use are provided. The device includes a water-proof pouch that includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a porous membrane filter disposed in the pouch between the first and second wall portions. The filter membrane divides the pouch into first and second compartments. The microbial detection device also includes an effective amount of a dry nutrient disposed in the first compartment, which contains sodium lauryl sulfate in an amount of 1.75 milligrams or greater per twelve square inches of the first wall portion. A dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the pouch in the first compartment and an absorbent pad is disposed in the second compartment. A sealable sample port provides access to deposit a liquid into the first compartment.

Abstract: A device for culturing anaerobic microorganisms is provided. The device comprises a body comprising a waterproof base, a waterproof coversheet attached to the base, and a growth compartment disposed between the base and the coversheet. The growth compartment has a perimeter and an opening that provides liquid access to the growth compartment. A portion of the perimeter is defined by a waterproof seal. The portion includes >50% of the perimeter. A dry cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the base in the growth compartment. A dry first oxygen-scavenging reagent is disposed in the growth compartment.

Abstract: Devices for microbial detection of microorganisms are provided including a body member including a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. The device further includes a substantially dry, first microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface, a first adhesive composition adhered to the first microbial growth nutrient composition, and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition. The device also includes a cover sheet attached to the body member, where the cover sheet includes a first major surface facing the body member. Devices including a water-proof pouch are also provided. Methods for detecting and enumerating at least one microorganism in a sample are additionally provided, using the devices.

Abstract: A device for growing microorganisms. The device includes a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate having upper and lower surfaces; a hydrophobic spacer element adhered to the upper surface of the substrate forming side walls to retain a predetermined amount of liquid in contact with the substrate, wherein the hydrophobic spacer element has a hole therein; a fluid control film in the hole of the hydrophobic spacer element; a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the body member; and a substantially dry, first microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the cover sheet; a first adhesive composition adhered to the first microbial growth nutrient composition; and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition.

Abstract: A method. The method includes providing a device, the device comprising: a body member comprising a self-supporting, waterproof substrate having upper and lower surfaces; and a layer of adhesive-coated on the upper surface of the substrate, the adhesive being non-inhibitory to the growth of microorganisms; and a cold-water-soluble powder adhered to the adhesive, the powder comprising: guar gum; one or more nutrients for growing microorganisms; and a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the body member; incubating a sample in the device to form a gel; and counting colonies between 24 hours to 72 hours and/or determining if the gel surrounding a colony is degraded.

Abstract: Sample partitioning devices and methods of making and using the same are described. A sample partitioning device includes a first film having an array of discrete stems each extending from a first major surface thereof, and a second film having an array of discrete wells formed into a second major surface thereof. The stems of the first film and the wells of the second film are mated with each other. The mated stems and wells are separable from each other, and during the removal of the stems from the wells, one or more voids are created inside the wells to suction an aqueous test sample into the wells.

Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and polyvinyl acetal polymer composition, wherein the film comprises a structured layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a device. The device includes a body comprising a waterproof base, a waterproof coversheet attached to the base, and a channel disposed between the base and the coversheet. The channel has a perimeter and an opening that provides liquid access to the channel. A portion of the perimeter is defined by a waterproof seal. A dry first oxygen-scavenging reagent and an indicator reagent for detecting sulfate reduction by a sulfate-reducing bacterium are disposed in the device between the base and the coversheet. The waterproof base comprises a plurality of open microcompartment structures facing the coversheet.

Abstract: Cartridges for sample partitioning and methods of making and using the cartridges are provided. The cartridges include a pouch to receive a mated stem-well film and a sealing film covered by a release liner. The stem film and the sealing film can be respectively separated from the well film and sealing film simultaneously by pulling a pull tab.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a culture device for enumerating colonies of microorganisms. The device can comprise a base, a coversheet, and a nonporous spacer member disposed therebetween. The spacer member comprises an aperture that defines a growth compartment. Disposed in the growth compartment are a cold water-soluble gelling agent, a dry oxygen-scavenging reagent, a dry buffer system, and an effective amount of a dry carbon dioxide-generating reagent. The buffer system is selected such that, when the growth compartment is hydrated with a predetermined volume of deionized water, an aqueous mixture with a pH less than or equal to 6.35 is formed.

Abstract: A microbial detection device and methods of use are provided. The device comprises a water-proof pouch that includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a porous membrane filter disposed in the pouch between the first and second wall portions. The filter membrane divides the pouch into first and second compartments. A dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the pouch in the first compartment and an absorbent pad is disposed in the second compartment. A release liner removably adhered to the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: A selective microbial detection device and methods of use are provided. The device includes a water-proof pouch that includes a first wall portion, a second wall portion, and a porous membrane filter disposed in the pouch between the first and second wall portions. The filter membrane divides the pouch into first and second compartments. The microbial detection device also includes an effective amount of a dry nutrient disposed in the first compartment, which contains sodium lauryl sulfate in an amount of 1.75 milligrams or greater per twelve square inches of the first wall portion. A dry, cold water-soluble gelling agent is adhered to the pouch in the first compartment and an absorbent pad is disposed in the second compartment. A sealable sample port provides access to deposit a liquid into the first compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device that includes a base comprising a substrate having a first major surface, a pressure sensitive adhesive adhered to at least a portion of the first major surface, a polymeric cover film coupled to the substrate via the adhesive, a plurality of isolated closed compartments disposed between the substrate and the cover film, and an aqueous liquid disposed in two or more of the closed compartments. The cover film is a composite film comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a linear copolymer of ethylene and a higher alkene, and a tackifier. Each compartment of the plurality is defined by a seal that prevents liquid communication with at least one other compartment of the plurality. Methods of using the device for partitioning a sample, for analyzing a sample, and for culturing a microorganism are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a culture device for enumerating colonies of sulfate-reducing microorganisms. The device includes a body having a waterproof base, a waterproof coversheet attached to the base, and a growth compartment disposed therebetween. The growth compartment has a perimeter and an opening. A portion of the perimeter is defined by a waterproof seal. The portion can include >50% of the perimeter. Disposed in the growth compartment are a dry cold water-soluble gelling agent, a dry culture medium selected to facilitate growth of a sulfate-reducing bacterium or indicator reagent for detecting hydrogen sulfide production by a sulfate-reducing bacterium, and a dry first oxygen-scavenging reagent.

Abstract: Methods for using a hollow, rotating stencil roll to deposit flowable dry powder particles onto a moving substrate and to adhesively bond the particles to a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a culture device for enumerating colonies of microorganisms. The device can comprise a base, a coversheet, and a nonporous spacer member disposed therebetween. The spacer member comprises an aperture that defines a growth compartment. At least one adhesive layer is adhered to the base or the coversheet in the growth compartment. A cold water-soluble gelling agent and an effective amount of a dry carbon dioxide-generating reagent are adhered to the at least one adhesive layer. The carbon dioxide-generating reagent consists essentially of particles having a diameter of less than 106 microns.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a culture device for enumerating colonies of microorganisms. The device can comprise a base, a coversheet, and a nonporous spacer member disposed therebetween. The spacer member comprises an aperture that defines a growth compartment. Disposed in the growth compartment are a cold water-soluble gelling agent, a dry oxygen-scavenging reagent, a dry buffer system, and an effective amount of a dry carbon dioxide-generating reagent. The buffer system is selected such that, when the growth compartment is hydrated with a predetermined volume of deionized water, an aqueous mixture with a pt less than or equal to 6.35 is formed.

Abstract: Assay devices are provided including a receptacle having a sample entry port; a plunger disposed within the receptacle; at least one reagent; a membrane attached to a first surface of the plunger; a wick providing capillary force; and a detection zone. The membrane includes a target conjugate zone in which affinity components are disposed. Capture compounds are immobilized in a detection zone, which is located between the target conjugate zone and the wick. A method of detecting a target analyte is also provided, including providing the assay device; providing a sample suspected to contain a target analyte; adding the sample onto the device; allowing the sample to travel along the membrane until the sample reaches the detection zone; immobilizing the target analyte through reaction of the target analyte with the capture compounds; reacting the immobilized target analyte with a reagent to generate a detectable signal; and detecting the generated signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest. The method can include providing a container (102) adapted to receive a sample (152). The container can include a microstructured surface (130). The method can further include positioning a sample in the container; adding an H2S probe and an enzyme substrate to the container; centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample; inverting the container, after centrifuging the container, to remove at least a portion of the supernatant from being in contact with the microstructured surface; and interrogating the concentrate in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest.

Abstract: Devices for microbial detection of microorganisms are provided including a body member including a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. The device further includes a first adhesive composition adhered to a portion of the first major surface. A number of particles of a substantially dry first microbial growth nutrient composition are distributed in the first adhesive composition, and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition is adhered to the first adhesive composition. The device also includes a cover sheet attached to the body member, where the cover sheet includes a first major surface facing the body member. Devices including a water-proof pouch, further comprising a porous membrane filter are also provided. Methods for detecting and enumerating at least one microorganism in a sample using the devices are additionally provided.