Abstract: The present invention provides a test medium comprising a test microorganism, an indicator and a metal in ionized form, wherein the valence of said metal is at least 2 and the concentration of said metal is between 0.001 M and 1 M. Furthermore, there is provided a method for the determination of the presence of an antibiotic characterized in that a metal salt is added to said test medium and/or to said sample of fluid. Finally, there is provided a kit suitable for the determination of an antibiotic in a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of isolating or extracting fluid from a tissue comprising treating the tissue with microwaves and collecting the resulting tissue fluid.

Abstract: The present invention described a device which comprises: a first container having at least one hole or outlet means present in the bottom and/or sides of the first container; a second container; and a compressor or means to apply pressure where the device is constructed in such a way that it is able to squeeze or compress a sample present in the first container, and hence releases forces or separates fluid from the sample where the first container is constructed in such a way that some or all of the fluid separated from the sample will pass through the hole or outlet into the second container. The device allows the preparation of fluid samples from tissue in a reliable, reproducible inexpensive manner.

Abstract: A substrate for mushroom cultivation comprises a polyene fungicide, in particular, natamycin. Mushrooms cultivated in such substrates can be harvested earlier than mushrooms cultivated in substrates which do not include polyene fungicides. Alternatively, mushrooms grown in a substrate comprising a polyene fungicide achieve a greater size than mushrooms grown for the same amount of time in a substrate which does not include a polyene fungicide.

Abstract: A complex comprising natamycin complexed to one or more proteins. Processes for producing the same. Compositions containing the same. Use of the complexes as a preventative antifungi treatment for natural products. A method for preventing the infection of a natural product by fungi, the method comprising treating the natural product with the complex.

Abstract: A complex containing natamycin complexed to one or more proteins. Processes for producing the same. Compositions containing the same. Use of the complexes as a preventative antimycobacterial treatment for natural products. A method for preventing the infection of a natural product by mycobacteria the method containing treating the natural with the complex.