Abstract: A method to propagate, enumerate and quantify bacteriophage(s) in a water sample or other aqueous sample was designed which contains ingredients to stimulate the growth of select bacterial species which are susceptible to infection by specific bacteriophage(s), in which interfering background organisms are either inhibited or inconsequential. Important features of the medium include oxidation-reduction compounds producing colored and/or fluorescent products, chromogenic and/or fluorogenic enzyme substrates, and temperature-independent gelling agent(s). A preferred combination is the growth medium containing 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-B-D-galactoside, and appropriate gelling agents, which (when properly used) produces a dark red bacterial lawn containing teal blue-green, irregularly circular spots representing individual phage plaque, all discernible to the eye in visible light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to capture and release microbe particles using amino-functionalized silica substrates are described. An example apparatus adapted to capture a microbe particle includes a silica substrate and a positively charged material to at least partially coat the silica substrate. The positive charged material includes an aminopropyl functional group.

Abstract: A method to propagate, enumerate and quantify bacteriophage(s) in a water sample or other aqueous sample was designed which contains ingredients to stimulate the growth of select bacterial species which are susceptible to infection by specific bacteriophage(s), in which interfering background organisms are either inhibited or inconsequential. Important features of the medium include oxidation-reduction compounds producing colored and/or fluorescent products, chromogenic and/or fluorogenic enzyme substrates, and temperature-independent gelling agent(s). A preferred combination is the growth medium containing 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-B-D-galactoside, and appropriate gelling agents, which (when properly used) produces a dark red bacterial lawn containing teal blue-green, irregularly circular spots representing individual phage plaque, all discernible to the eye in visible light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to capture and release microbe particles using amino-functionalized silica substrates are described. An example apparatus adapted to capture a microbe particle includes a silica substrate and a positively charged material to at least partially coat the silica substrate. The positive charged material includes an aminopropyl functional group.