Abstract: The present invention is directed to kits, methods, and compositions for the characterization of various microorganisms. In particular, the present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments. For example, the kits of the present invention are particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the characterization of various microorganisms. In particular, the present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments. For example, the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi. The methods employ a testing system wherein an aqueous suspension of microorganisms is introduced to one or more test substrates comprising redox purple (8-hydroxy-11-methyldibenz-?b,e!?1,4!oxazepin-2-(11H)-one) and a gelling agent. The methods detect the response of the microorganisms to the test substrates. A testing device comprising a plurality of testing wells is well suited for the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to differential carbon source metabolism in the genus Listeria, metabolic, biochemical, immunological and genetic procedures to measure said differential carbon source metabolism and the use of these products to detect, isolate and/or distinguish species of the genus Listeria as well as detect, isolate and/or distinguish strains of species of Listeria. The present invention also contemplates test kits and enrichment media to facilitate these procedures.

Abstract: Periplasmic proteins are recovered from transformed gram negative bacteria by a process comprising freezing and thawing the cells. Advantages are obtained by culturing the cells in phosphate-limiting media and by killing the cells prior to separation of periplasmic proteins.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there is provided a method for identifying or testing an anaerobic microorganism wherein an aqueous suspension of a culture of the microorganism having a culture density of about 2.times.10.sup.8 cells/ml, is brought into contact with an aqueous solution containing an oxidation-reduction indicator which substantially irreversibly undergoes a change in color upon being reduced and a biodegradable test substrate compound which, when catabolized by a microorganism, will engender reduction of the indicator, said aqueous suspension containing nutrient in a concentration sufficient to support microorganism culture growth without engendering reduction of the indicator when said suspension contacts said solution, and said suspension also containing a compound which reduces O.sub.2 but does not reduce the indicator.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there is provided means for identifying or testing a microorganism by growing a culture of the microorganism in contact with a composition containing: (1) an oxidation-reduction indicator, preferably a tetrazolium compound that undergoes a change in color upon reduction to a formazan compound; (2) a biodegradable compound which when catabolized by the microorganism will engender a reduction of the tetrazolium compound to the formazan compound; (3) a buffer to maintain the pH of the mixture at a level which enables culture growth without itself either engendering or preventing reduction of the tetrazolium compound to the formazan compound; and (4) a nutrient for the microorganism in a concentration sufficient to support culture growth without itself engendering reduction of the tetrazolium compound to the formazan compound.