Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for automated antimicrobial testing. In particular, the systems and methods provided herein are directed to automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing platforms and methods for identification of synergistic antimicrobials that are faster, more precise, and less expensive than gold standard susceptibility methodologies.

Abstract: Embodiments allow for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) at a low cost. Embodiments may use changes in the pixel intensity from reflected light to determine microorganism growth and antimicrobial resistance. Dilutions of an antimicrobial are added to a standard well plate or other array. A pathogen or other microorganism may be added to the dilutions in the well plate. The well plate may be incubated for a time period less than 3 hours. The well plate may then be imaged and the resulting image data may be analyzed. Wells where the microorganism is able to grow may appear darker than wells where the microorganism did not grow. Differences pixel intensity of the wells is used to determine the susceptibility or resistance of the microorganism to the antimicrobial. The image data may be used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the lowest dilution concentration of antimicrobial that inhibits growth.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, provided herein are mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for automatically interpreting and classifying images of Gram-stained biological samples.

Abstract: An aerosol can puncturing machine comprising a lower housing section which is adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol can, and an upper housing section which is removably attachable to the lower housing section. The upper and lower housing sections fully encase the aerosol can when attached to each other. Connected to the lower housing section is a locking mechanism which is movable between an unlocked position wherein the upper housing section is detachable from the lower housing section, and a locked position wherein the upper housing section is maintained in locked engagement to the lower housing section. Also connected to the lower housing section is a puncturing mechanism which is operable to selectively puncture the aerosol can encased within the attached upper and lower housing sections.