Abstract: Methods and systems for purifying one or more microbial cells and/or viruses from a biological sample are provided. The biological sample is added to a well disposed in a medium. A potential is applied across the medium to cause the contaminants to enter one or more walls of the well, and retain the microbial cells and/or viruses in the well. The microbial cells and/or viruses can be removed from the well, and optionally adhered or fixed to a surface, or detected. In one embodiment, the microbial cells and/or viruses are retained in the well by embedding in the medium. The medium including the embedded microbial cells and/or viruses may be excised or otherwise removed and transferred to a glass slide or other solid surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for purifying one or more microbial cells and/or viruses from a biological sample are provided. The biological sample is added to a well disposed in a medium. A potential is applied across the medium to cause the contaminants to enter one or more walls of the well, and retain the microbial cells and/or viruses in the well. The microbial cells and/or viruses can be removed from the well, and optionally adhered or fixed to a surface, or detected. In one embodiment, the microbial cells and/or viruses are retained in the well by embedding in the medium. The medium including the embedded microbial cells and/or viruses may be excised or otherwise removed and transferred to a glass slide or other solid surface.