Abstract: A method of detecting a target organism in a sample mixture comprising preparing at least one complex sample mixture, performing primer directed nucleic acid amplification of the complex sample mixture; and examining the primer directed nucleic acid amplification result to detect for presence or absence of amplification product of the target organism, wherein the presence or absence of the amplification product is indicative of the presence or absence of the target organism in the sample mixture. Preparing the complex sample mixture comprises adding to a container at least one sachet containing at least a nutrient concentrate and a sample mixture suspected of containing the target organism.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for the detection of a specific target bacteria in a complex sample mixture. The sample mixture may contain a variety of components including non-target or background microorganisms as well as other organic contaminants such as food debris. The method proceeds by first culturing the complex sample mixture in a non-selective growth medium, followed by isolation and detection of target bacteria DNA. Target DNA is detected via a DNA amplification protocol with a primer pair selected to amplify a specific, identifying portion of the target bacteria DNA. A control DNA is amplified concurrently with the target bacteria target DNA. The control DNA is specifically designed to be amplified with a single primer that is identical to one of the primers used in the amplification of the target genomic DNA. Use of this control validates the amplification reaction. Detection of the amplified target DNA and the control is accomplished by gel electrophoresis or by fluorescent means.

Abstract: A method of electrophoretically separating bioorganic molecules is disclosed. The method uses a slab electrophoresis gel and positively or neutrally charged dyes to prevent the dyes from interfering with the gel readout.