Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device.

Abstract: A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: A process is provided for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay. The process includes providing an adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent, providing a sample including at least one microorganism strain, and contacting the adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent. The adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent is prepared by a process including contacting at least one inorganic concentration agent with at least one cation-containing salt solution, so as to wet at least a portion of the inorganic concentration agent, and drying the resulting wet inorganic concentration agent.

Abstract: A bismuth-containing concentration agent for microorganisms is provided. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device.

Abstract: A concentration agent for capture of microorganisms, including diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof, and methods for making the concentration agent.

Abstract: A process comprises (a) providing (1) at least one sample suspected of comprising at least one coliform strain, (2) at least one culture device comprising at least one culture medium that is hydrated or hydratable, and (3) at least one particulate concentration agent that is substantially optically transparent when in contact with the culture medium in the culture device when the culture medium is hydrated; (b) placing the particulate concentration agent in contact with the sample such that at least a portion of the coliform strain is bound to the particulate concentration agent to form coliform-bound particulate concentration agent; (c) placing the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium; (d) incubating the culture device comprising the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium, the culture medium being hydrated; and (e) optically detecting the presence of the coliform strain without separating the coliform strain from the part

Abstract: A process comprises (a) providing (1) at least one sample suspected of comprising at least one coliform strain, (2) at least one culture device comprising at least one culture medium that is hydrated or hydratable, and (3) at least one particulate concentration agent that is substantially optically transparent when in contact with the culture medium in the culture device when the culture medium is hydrated; (b) placing the particulate concentration agent in contact with the sample such that at least a portion of the coliform strain is bound to the particulate concentration agent to form coliform-bound particulate concentration agent; (c) placing the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium; (d) incubating the culture device comprising the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium, the culture medium being hydrated; and (e) optically detecting the presence of the coliform strain without separating the coliform strain from the part

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A concentration agent for capture of microorganisms, including diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof, and methods for making the concentration agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising (1) a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and (2) a plurality of particles of at least one concentration agent that comprises a metal silicate, the particles being enmeshed in the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one target cellular analyte; (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one target cellular analyte is bound to or captured by the concentration device; and (d) detecting the presence of at least one bound target cellular analyte.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration agent that comprises diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration agent.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising (1) a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and (2) a plurality of particles of at least one concentration agent that comprises diatomaceous earth, the particles being enmeshed in the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one target cellular analyte; (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one target cellular analyte is bound to or captured by the concentration device; and (d) detecting the presence of at least one bound target cellular analyte.

Abstract: A process for limiting the growth of microorganisms comprises (a) providing an antimicrobial agent comprising fine-nanoscale gold on a support medium comprising nanoparticulate titania, the fine-nanoscale gold having been deposited on the support medium by physical vapor deposition; and (b) contacting at least one microorganism with the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing an adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent that is prepared by a process comprising (1) contacting at least one inorganic concentration agent with at least one cation-containing salt solution, so as to wet at least a portion of the inorganic concentration agent and (2) drying the resulting at least partially wet inorganic concentration agent; (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.