Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biosensors useful for detecting bacteria. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell or biosensor and its use in a phage-based method and kit for the detection of bacteria.

Abstract: A method, device and system for detecting the presence of microorganisms in an air sample taken from either a gaseous or liquid environment are described. The method including the steps of a) capturing with a filter microorganisms from the air sample; b) recovering from the filter with a liquid at least some microorganisms captured by the filter in step a); and c) detecting the presence of the at least some microorganisms in the liquid. The device and system include a chamber through which the air sample to be examined is circulated; a filter for capturing microorganisms susceptible to be present in the air sample; a liquid cooperating with the filter for recovering captured microorganisms therefrom; and a detector for detecting the presence of microorganisms in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention describes peptides capable of specifically binding to preselected micromolecules or to their natural receptor. The preselected molecules include but are not limited to drugs, vitamins, neuromediators and steroid hormones. Methods of using the phage display libraries to identify peptide compositions in preselected binding interactions are also disclosed. The retrieved peptides mimicking a natural receptor binding site to preselected molecules are used as is or as ligands to re-screen the same or different libraries to find and/or derive new receptor ligands, or are used to elicit the production of antibodies capable of binding to the natural receptor. The two categories of effector molecules (peptides or antibodies) may find diagnostic, therapeutic or prophylactic uses. The peptides directly derived from the phage display libraries may be used as drug detectors or antidotes.