Abstract: An isolated mutated green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene for chromosomal insertion into a bacterium, wherein the gene is capable of being expressed in bacteria and produce sufficient fluorescence under illumination from a UV lamp in a bacterial colony to be seen by the naked eye. A gene cassette for inserting a gene into a chromosome.

Abstract: A method for forming a substantially solid product containing a desired quantum of bioparticle, the method comprising (a) providing a sample of bioparticle in liquid form; (b) selecting a desired quantum of the bioparticle; and (c) forming a substantially solid product containing the desired quantum of the bioparticle, wherein the product is capable of being transferred between containers in its solid form without loss of bioparticle, and wherein the product is capable of releasing the bioparticle in a liquid.

Abstract: A flow cytometer capable of forming a drop containing two or more particles comprising: (a) means (38) for moving particles in a liquid flow stream (35); (b) detector or analyser means (46A, 46B) adapted to detect or analyse particles in the flow stream; (c) waste route (39) disposed down stream from the detector or analyser means for receiving waste liquid; (d) collection route (41) disposed downstream from the detector or analyser means for receiving collection liquid containing desired particles; (e) drop forming means for dispensing a drop containing two or more particles from the collection route; and (f) controlling means (42) for directing the liquid stream to the waste route or to the collection route.

Abstract: Processes for preparing controlled samples of particles, including microorganisms and cells are described. A sample of particles is provided and separated into a predetermined number of desired particles by particle separation means. The predetermined number of particles is dispensed into a receptacle or onto a surface in accordance with a sorting instruction, with the receptacle or surface being positioned by collecting means so as to receive the dispensed particles. A sorting instruction from the particle dispensing means activates the collecting means such that when a sorting instruction has been actuated, so as to deliver a predetermined number of particles into a receptacle or onto a surface which is positioned accurately for sufficient time to collect all sorted particles, the collecting means advances and positions a subsequent surface or receptacle for receipt of particles, the collector means thereafter signaling the particle separation means to commence the next sorting instruction.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of internal quality control in diagnostic analysis, particularly in the analysis of microorganisms or other small particles, such as the detection of bacteria, protozoa, yeast, fungi, viruses, prions and the like, in water or other potable fluids, food, blood, urine, faeces, cerebro spinal fluid, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of internal quality control in diagnostic analysis, particularly in the analysis of microorganisms or other small particles, such as the detection of bacteria, protozoa, yeast, fungi, viruses, prions and the like, in water or other potable fluids, food, blood, urine, faeces, cerebro spinal fluid, and the like.

Abstract: A method for the production of a product containing a quantum of bioparticles, for example bacterial cells, is provided, as are products obtained thereby. In one embodiment, the products contain a defined quantum of bioparticles, preferably presented in a viable state. Products made in accordance with the invention may be usefully put to applications where having knowledge of the number of bioparticles present may be important or at least advantageous.