Abstract: Devices for the propagation or storage of microorganisms are provided including a first layer that has a first portion of a surface of the first layer, to which a first water-swellable gelling agent comprising a first clay is affixed. The devices further include a second layer that is separable from the first layer and has a first portion of a surface of the second layer, to which a second water-swellable gelling agent is affixed. Methods for detecting and enumerating at least one microorganism in a sample are provided. The methods include providing a device, separating the first layer from the second layer, adding an aliquot of a sample containing at least one microorganism onto the first or second water-swellable gelling agent to form an inoculated device, laminating the first layer back to the second layer, and incubating the inoculated device. Kits and methods of making the devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Salmonella microorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by ?-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.

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: A culture system for culturing a microaerophilic or an anaerobic microorganism is provided. The culture system can include effective amounts of i) an enzyme of an oxidoreductase family and ii) a substrate for said enzyme, a container, and a predetermined volume of aqueous medium that supports growth of said anaerobic or microaerophilic microorganism. The enzyme can be selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid oxidase and laccase. The effective amounts are effective to deplete dissolved oxygen in the predetermined volume to a concentration that facilitates growth of a microaerophilic microorganism or an obligately-anaerobic microorganism. A method of using the system is also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Salmonella microorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by ?-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.

Abstract: A self-contained anaerobic environment-generating culture device is provided. The culture device includes a first substrate having opposing inner and outer surfaces, a second substrate having opposing inner and outer surfaces, a growth region disposed between the inner surfaces of the first and second substrates, an effective amount of a substantially dry enzyme component of an enzyme-mediated oxygen depletion system, an effective amount of a substantially dry enzyme substrate component of the enzyme-mediated oxygen depletion system, and a dry, cold-water-soluble gelling agent disposed in the growth region. The enzyme and enzyme substrate components are disposed in coatings in the growth region. The first and second substrates are substantially nontransmissible to gaseous oxygen. Methods of making and using the culture device area also provided.

Abstract: A composition is provided for detecting a Salmonella microorganism in sample. The composition comprises at least one first selective agent that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive microorganisms, a first differential indicator system comprising at least one first differential indicator compound that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second differential indicator system comprising a second differential indicator compound that is converted by urease enzyme activity to a second detectable product. Optionally, the composition may comprise a third differential indicator system comprising a third differential indicator compound that is converted by a ?-galactosidase enzyme activity to a third detectable product. Methods of using the composition to detect a Salmonella microorganism are also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Salmonella microorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by ?-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.