Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria, for example, wound bacteria in a sample, by contacting a sample with a peptide substrate derived from the modification of the reactive site loop (RSL) domain of the ?1-proteinase inhibitor. In the current invention, we have demonstrated that these peptide substrates without the alpha 1 protein can be efficiently used as peptide substrates. The modification or the absence of modification of this peptide substrate by the enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, can serve as an indicator for the presence or absence of the bacteria in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: Described herein is a substrate comprising at least one colorimetric component attached to a peptide, as well as methods for detecting a modification of said substrate. Also described are methods of detecting the presence or absence of a protein, for example, a protein produced by a microorganism, by contacting a substrate with a sample. If the sample contains the protein of interest, the substrate is modified and a visible color change results, indicating the presence or absence of the protein in the sample. The present invention also features biosensors and kits for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms and/or proteins in a sample.

Abstract: Described herein are substrates, methods, articles, and kits that are useful for detecting a condition in a female mammal. The substrates interact with one or more proteins (e.g., an enzyme) produced by a microorganism or the female animal. The substrates are labelled in order to produce a visible signal (e.g., a fluorescent glow and/or a visible change in color or hue) when modified by a protein produced by a microorganism of interest. The visible signal is used to assess a condition in the female mammal.