Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a sterilization indicator and a process to concentrate signal generated by constraining it to a minimal surface, in a minimal volume and minimal pH and growth buffering or mediating influences. The sterilization indicator may comprise a carrier 12, the carrier having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16; a support 20, the support having a first section 22 and a second section 24, the carrier 12 overlying the first section 12 of the support 20, the second surface 16 of the carrier being adhered to the first section 22 of the support 20; and a biological indicator 30 supported by the carrier 12. The second section 24 of the support 20 may be of sufficient dimension to permit handling the sterilization indicator 10 without contacting the biological indicator 30. A process for making the sterilization indicator is disclosed. Processes for using the sterilization indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an indicator composition comprising at least one iodide salt, at least one binder, at least one carbonate salt and/or at least one sulfate salt, and at least one antioxidant. The indicator composition may contain at least one dye, complexing agent, inhibitor, and/or solvent. A sterilization indicator comprising the foregoing indicator composition is disclosed. The sterilization indicator may be used for monitoring sterilization processes involving oxidative chemistries.

Abstract: A biological indicator for monitoring the effectiveness of a sterilizing, disinfecting, etc., compound or condition is disclosed which comprises a substrate having a surface layer containing functional groups thereon desirably free of silicone linking groups. The functional groups are desirably in the form of a monolayer of a uniformed distribution and of a selected quantity. Various types of microorganisms such as spores and/or etiological agents are covalently bonded to the surface layer functional groups through a crosslinking reagent and thus form a uniform number and distribution of the microorganisms and/or etiological agents. After being subjected to sterilization or other similar treatment, etc., along with various articles such as instruments, the indicator can be cultivated to determine the effectiveness of the sterilization, disinfection, etc. process.

Abstract: A biological indicator for monitoring the effectiveness of a sterilizing, disinfecting, etc., compound or condition is disclosed which comprises a substrate having a surface layer containing functional groups thereon desirably free of silicone linking groups. The functional groups are desirably in the form of a monolayer of a uniformed distribution and of a selected quantity. Various types of microorganisms such as spores and/or etiological agents are covalently bonded to the surface layer functional groups through a crosslinking reagent and thus form a uniform number and distribution of the microorganisms and/or etiological agents. After being subjected to sterilization or other similar treatment, etc., along with various articles such as instruments, the indicator can be cultivated to determine the effectiveness of the sterilization, disinfection, etc. process.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a genetically engineered biological indicator, comprising: at least one test organism and at least one reporter gene suitable for producing an indicator enzyme, the reporter gene being taken up by the test organism; and at least one repressor gene that inhibits expression of the reporter gene until the reporter gene is exposed to at least one inducer. A process and an apparatus for using the biological indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a sterilization indicator and a process to concentrate signal generated by constraining it to a minimal surface, in a minimal volume and minimal pH and growth buffering or mediating influences. The sterilization indicator may comprise a carrier 12, the carrier having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16; a support 20, the support having a first section 22 and a second section 24, the carrier 12 overlying the first section 12 of the support 20, the second surface 16 of the carrier being adhered to the first section 22 of the support 20; and a biological indicator 30 supported by the carrier 12. The second section 24 of the support 20 may be of sufficient dimension to permit handling the sterilization indicator 10 without contacting the biological indicator 30. A process for making the sterilization indicator is disclosed. Processes for using the sterilization indicator are disclosed.

Abstract: A device is able to simultaneously transport a plurality of biological samples. The device has a plurality of strips of bibulous material extending from a body of the device with a regular spacing between the strips. By manipulating the device the effective spacing between the extremities of the strips changes. This enables the strips to pick up fluid biological samples from a laboratory appliance in which the samples are located at a first spacing and then deposit the biological samples onto another laboratory appliance which accepts the samples at a different spacing. A version of the device for robotic manipulation also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and kit for purification of m-RNA from a cell are disclosed. Guanidine containing moieties, at high molarity, are use to quickly lyse the cell. They also act to inhibit RNase activity. Without the need for isolation of total RNA, the lysate can then be directly purified from the lysate using oligo dT (or U) by reducing the guanidine concentration via a dilution step.

Abstract: An apparatus, for simultaneously separating multiple samples into their constituents, includes a column manifold which has a plate with a plurality of apertures therethrough. A plurality of support tubes extend from the plate and each support tube has a passage in communication with one of the apertures. The column manifold also includes a fitting to which a vacuum source can the connected, thus enabling the apparatus to be used with both a centrifuge and a vacuum source. A separate separation column is removably received in each support tube and projects through the associated aperture. A collection plate has a plurality of wells arranged so that each well is aligned with a different support tube when the column manifold is placed against the collection plate. This alignment enables each well to receive material expelled from the separation column received in the corresponding support tube.

Abstract: A bacterial preparation capable of packaging phage .lambda. DNA is disclosed. This preparation is in lyophilized form and is stable at ambient temperature. In a preferred form, the preparation contains an over-expressed terminase protein, is prepared from the bacterial strain E. coli Cla [.lambda. c/857 Sam7 .DELTA.(cos-Nu1-A)::Kn.sup.r ]/.lambda. pTER and is capable of a packaging efficiency of at least 1.times.10.sup.8 pfu/.mu.g wild type .lambda. DNA. The present invention is also a method of creating a phage .lambda. DNA packaging extract comprising the steps of preparing a bacterial extract capable of packaging phage .lambda. and lyophilizing said extract.

Abstract: A method kit for purification of m-RNA from a cell are disclosed. Guanidine containing moieties, at high molarity, are use to quickly lyse the cell. They also act to inhibit RNase activity. Without the need for isolation of total RNA, the lysate can then be directly purified from the lysate using oligo dT (or U) by reducing the guanidine concentration via a dilution step.