Abstract: The present disclosure presents methods and systems for the spectral identification of microorganisms using reflection infrared spectroscopy. A background spectrum is acquired to measure a water vapor level of an ambient atmosphere in the absence of a sample. The sample containing the microorganism is brought into contact with an infrared reflective substrate, the sample has intact microbial cells. Spectral data is acquired from the sample using reflection infrared spectroscopy no more than a predetermined time after having acquired the background spectrum. The background spectrum and the spectral data are combined thereby producing modified spectral data. The microorganism is characterized using the modified spectral data.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents methods and systems for the spectral identification of microorganisms using disposable or recyclable transflection and internal reflection infrared substrates. A background spectrum to measure a water vapor level of an ambient atmosphere in the absence of a sample is acquired. The sample containing the microorganism is brought into contact with a disposable infrared internal reflection substrate. The sample has intact microbial cells. Spectral data is acquired from the sample using internal reflection infrared spectroscopy or transflection infrared spectroscopy no more than a predetermined time after having acquired the background spectrum. The background spectrum and the spectral data are combined thereby producing modified spectral data. The microorganism is characterized using the modified spectral data.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents methods and systems for the spectral identification of microorganisms based on controlled water activity. The water content of a sample is fully retained and no drying treatments are applied prior to spectral acquisition. Spectral acquisition of the sample is immediately preceded by a measurement of a water vapor level in the ambient atmosphere around the sample through a background spectrum. The spectral data and the background spectrum are combined and the combined data is used for analysis.

Abstract: A process for treating a protein before hydrolytic digestion, the process comprising exposing the protein to at least one cycle of microwave irradiation to produce a microwave treated protein containing one or more bioactive peptides. Further hydrolyzing the microwave treated protein to release at least one of the one or more bioactive peptides. A pharmaceutical composition, supplement and food product including the microwave treated protein or the one or more released bioactive peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial agents, methods for the production of these agents, and the use of these agents. The antimicrobial agent of the present invention includes a water-soluble polymer and oligodynamic metal ions which interact with counter-ions of the polymer such that the metal ions are bound to corresponding counter-ions. The water-soluble polymer controls a sustained release of the metal ions. The oligodynamic metal ions preferably include small size metal particles (e.g., nano-sized silver particles) that interact to the water-soluble polymer as well as metal ions derived from one or more water-soluble oligodynamic metal compositions (e.g., metal sulfates and/or metal nitrates). The agent may also include one or more acids, including organic acids (such as sulfates, carboxylic acids, amines, hydroxyls, nitrates, and phosphates) and/or non-organic acids (such as boric acid and dioctylborate).

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent includes a metal ion in a hydrophilic polymer binder or carrier. The metal ion is preferably a silver ion and the hydrophilic polymer preferably comprises a sulfonated polyurethane or sulfonated polystyrene. According to a method of the invention, the antimicrobial agent is dissolved in dimethyl acetamide DMA, applied to paper by spraying, squeegee or the like and dried in an oven to flash off the solvent. The antimicrobial agent can be applied to other products by spraying and/or dipping and then drying to flash off solvent. According to another embodiment of the invention, the antimicrobial agent includes a water soluble polymer, at least one organic acid (e.g., one or more carboxylic acids such as acetic acid, formic acid, citric acid, malefic acid, ascorbic acid, salicyclic acid), and oligodynamic metal ions which react with counter-ions of the polymer such that the metal ions are bound to corresponding counter-ions, and the polymer controls a sustained release of said metal ion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for controlling and extending the performance of lubricating fluids, such as lubricating oils. The method comprises simultaneous detection of multiple additives and contaminant levels in the lubricating fluids and measured input of selected additives to the lubricating fluids. The additive and contaminants levels are simultaneously and quantitatively determined using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, and any drop in additive levels below pre-specified limits automatically triggers corrective action whereby a computer-controlled delivery system is employed to replenish the depleted additives. The system can also be employed to detect irreversible degradation of the lubricating fluids and direct the degraded fluids to a holding area where they may undergo treatment or disposal and add new fresh lubricating fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an homogeneous immunoassay system for the determination of an antibody or an antigen in a sample which consists of an interferometric signal emitted from an infrared source, a waveguide coated with an antibody or an antigen and having at least one region immersed in an aqueous sample, whereby the corresponding antigen or antibody can be complexed on the surface of the waveguide, a detector adapted to measure the interferometric signal after its propagation through the waveguide, and a measuring device to take the Fourier transform of the interferometric signal for determining the degree of attenuation of the interferometric signal at a wavelength corresponding to an absorption characteristic of an infrared label incorporated into the antigen-antibody complex, whereby determining the concentration of antigen or antibody in the sample.