Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric sampling swab for obtaining samples of an analyte of interest from solid surfaces or from liquid substances. The polymeric material of which the swab is composed is characterized by a high resistance to chemical and mechanical degradation. The sampling swab of the present invention is further characterized by a high internal void volume and a high absorptive capacity for fluids. The swab of the present invention is particularly suited for obtaining samples for use in chemiluminescent assays for, among other analytes of interest, microbial contamination. Also disclosed is a polymeric disc for loading with reagent mixtures suitable for use in bioluminescent assay procedures. The reagent disc of the invention is characterized by high resistance to chemical and mechanical degradation. In addition, the disc has a high void volume and high absorptive capacity.

Abstract: A hand-held assay device measuring chemiluminescence generated by as ample of ATP or other entity capable of chemically reacting to generate photoluminescence includes a photodiode detecting light which is emitted from the sample to produce a sample signal, another photodiode generating a reference signal in response to environmental changes, switched integrators amplifying the sensor signal over a controllable integration time to detect an output signal indicative of the presence of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the chemiluminescent assay of a variety of analytes of interest. The methods are adaptable to the determination of microbial species in both liquid samples and on solid surfaces. The disclosed methods can be used with rapid, self-contained chemiluminescence assay devices, or can be used with novel sampling devices and conventional microbial analysis techniques involving growth of microbial samples on appropriate culturing media. The specificity of the methods can be enhanced with the use of immunospecific reagents. The sensitivity of the technique can be increased by 3 to 6 orders of magnitude by first converting all DNA in the sample to inorganic phosphates before generating the emission signal. The breadth of applicability of the disclosed methods can be enhanced through the selection of appropriate enzyme-catalyzed reactions where one of the products of enzymatic oxidation is hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system. The method for sampling disclosed herein comprises the steps of pre-wetting the sampling swab to a level below that of absorptive saturation; wiping a surface to be sampled with the swab with sufficient pressure to expel the wetting solution onto the surface; and, after reducing the pressure exerted on the sampling swab, further wiping the surface-to re-absorb the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system. The method for sampling disclosed herein comprises the steps of pre-wetting the sampling swab to a level below that of absorptive saturation; wiping a surface to be sampled with the swab with sufficient pressure to expel the wetting solution onto the surface; and, after reducing the pressure exerted on the sampling swab, further wiping the surface-to re-absorb the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system. The method for sampling disclosed herein comprises the steps of pre-wetting the sampling swab to a level below that of absorptive saturation; wiping a surface to be sampled with the swab with sufficient pressure to expel the wetting solution onto the surface; and, after reducing the pressure exerted on the sampling swab, further wiping the surface to re-absorb the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system. The method for sampling disclosed herein comprises the steps of pre-wetting the sampling swab to a level below that of absorptive saturation; wiping a surface to be sampled with the swab with sufficient pressure to expel the wetting solution onto the surface; and, after reducing the pressure exerted on the sampling swab, further wiping the surface to re-absorb the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method to detect the presence of potentially inhibitory species that could interfere with a chemiluminescent assay procedure for determination of an analyte of interest. According to the disclosed method, a surface to be analyzed for the presence of an analyte of interest is first sampled by wiping the surface with a polymeric sampling swab. The sample thus obtain is mixed with a known amount of the analyte of interest and the chemiluminescence generated by a reaction with a suitable reactant system is measured. The resultant emission level is then compared with the expected level of emission based on the known amount of the analyte of interest mixed with the sample. If the emission level is below that expected based on the known amount of analyte, then the sampled surface is contaminated with inhibitory species.

Abstract: A microorganism culture tray (10) including a cover (11) and base (12) are described. The base and cover have polygonal preferably hexagonal, walls (14, 15) which allow the cover to be mounted on the base either opening a recess (17) or closing the recess.

Abstract: A dry, powdered culture medium for use in repair of microbial cells is described. The method involves combining fatty acids, an emulsifier and a carbon source to form a powder which is then mixed with a nutrient medium, yeast extract, an antioxidant and a buffering salt as a dry powder. Preferably the ingredients are milled together.

Abstract: The invention pertains to culturing ascoscarps or fruitbodies of species of the genus Morchella. Mycelia are provided with nutrients and subsequently produce nutrient-primed mycelia, such as nutrient-rich sclerotia or nutrient-rich hyphae, in which are stored sufficient nutrients to supply the ascocarps that develop later. The fungus is induced to give rise to ascocarp development by initially maintaining the fungus in an environment that is poor in exogenous nutrients, and by exposing the fungus to a high level of water. After induction, primorida appear. The period from primordia appearance until midway to maturation of the fruitbodies represents a critical period during which the fruitbodies are prone to abort. During this critical period, particular attention is directed to maintaining favorable conditions. The fruitbodies, which may be grown to maturation, are ultimately harvested.

Abstract: Novel monoclonal antibodies to an aflatoxin B.sub.1 and G.sub.1 in a test kit and used in a method of testing are described. The method for producing the monoclonal antibodies uses repeated administration of aflatoxin B.sub.1 or the related analog compound as a 1-position polypeptide to a murine and production of a hybridoma to generate the novel monoclonal antibodies. The novel antibodies have limited cross-reactivity to aflatoxins B.sub.2, G.sub.2 and M.sub.1. Aflatoxin B.sub.1 or aflatoxin G.sub.1 are detected in foods and the like using the test kit and method.

Abstract: A method for producing monoclonal antibodies to a trichothecene mycotoxin which are used in a test kit and method of testing are described. The method for producing the monoclonal antibodies uses repeated administration, preferably subcutaneously of a trichothecene polypeptide to a murine and production of a hybridoma to generate the monoclonal antibodies. Trichothecenes are detected in foods and the like using the test kit and method.

Abstract: The invention pertains to culturing ascoscarps or fruitbodies of species of the genus Morchella. Mycelia are provided with nutrients and subsequently produce nutrient-primed mycelia, such as nutrient-rich sclerotia or nutrient-rich hyphae, in which are stored sufficient nutrients to supply the ascocarps that develop later. The fungus is induced to give rise to ascocarp development by initially maintaining the fungus in an environment that is poor in exogenous nutrients, and by exposing the fungus to a high level of water. After induction, primordia appear. The period from primordia appearance until midway to maturation of the fruitbodies represents a critical period during which the fruitbodies are prone to abort. During this critical period, particular attention is directed to maintaining favorable conditions. The fruitbodies, which may be grown to maturation, are ultimately harvested.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a vaccine immune response in mammals, including mice, equines, canines and felines using leukokines, particularly mixed leukokines, is described. The leukokines can be administered separately or admixed with the vaccine. The method and vaccine compositions are particularly effective where equine influenza vaccine or canine parvovirus vaccine and mixed leukokines are administered together to the equine or canine.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a vaccine immune response in equines using leukokines, particularly mixed leucokines, is described. The leukokines can be administered separately or admixed with the vaccine. The method and vaccine compositions are particularly effective where equine influenza vaccine and mixed leukokines are administered together to the equine.