Abstract: A method of enriching micro-organisms, in a metagenomics workflow, is disclosed. In an aspect of the disclosure, the method includes obtaining the sample suspected to contain micro-organisms; concentrating the micro-organisms from the sample; and processing the micro-organisms to obtain genetic information specific to the micro-organisms. In another aspect, for concentrating the micro-organisms from the sample, the method includes separating plasma from the whole blood sample; selectively removing white blood cells from the plasma; and isolating the micro-organisms from the plasma after selectively removing the white blood cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enrichment and detection of low abundance pathogens are provided. The method includes adding one or more proteins containing pathogen binding domains to the sample. The sample is incubated to form a complex thereby. The complex is separated from the sample, and an apparatus is provided for enriching pathogen DNA that achieves pathogen detection levels as low as 1 cfu/ml. The method further includes adding a lysis buffer to the separated complex and incubating to form a mixture. A buffer containing guanidine thiocyanate is added to the mixture. The mixture is connected with a matrix to form a bound entity, and the bound entity is separated from the mixture.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for enriching pathogen DNA. The method includes adding a selective lysis buffer to a sample, incubating the mixture formed thereby, and filtering the mixture. The apparatus for enriching pathogen DNA includes: a lysis chamber; a reservoir containing selective lysis buffer, connected to the lysis chamber; and a filter connected to the lysis chamber; that achieves a limit of detection of pathogens of 500 cfu/ml or less.

Abstract: A process for separating prokaryotic DNA from eukaryotic DNA in a whole blood sample infected by pathogen is provided. The process includes extracting prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA from the whole blood sample, contacting the prokaryotic DNA in the whole blood sample with a motif that specifically binds to the prokaryotic DNA, and generating a bound pair. The process also includes separating the bound pair. The whole blood sample is transfected with bacteriophages genetically modified to contain a defined DNA sequence having a selectable marker DNA. The DNA sequence integrates into the prokaryotic DNA, and the motif is an oligonucleotide specific to the defined DNA sequence in the engineered bacteriophages.

Abstract: A process for separating prokaryotic DNA from eukaryotic DNA in a whole blood sample infected by pathogen is provided. The process includes extracting prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA from the whole blood sample, contacting the prokaryotic DNA in the whole blood sample with a motif that specifically binds to the prokaryotic DNA, and generating a bound pair. The process also includes separating the bound pair. The whole blood sample is transfected with bacteriophages genetically modified to contain a defined DNA sequence having a selectable marker DNA. The DNA sequence integrates into the prokaryotic DNA, and the motif is an oligonucleotide specific to the defined DNA sequence in the engineered bacteriophages.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for enriching pathogen DNA. The method includes adding a selective lysis buffer to a sample, incubating the mixture formed thereby, and filtering the mixture. The apparatus for enriching pathogen DNA includes: a lysis chamber; a reservoir containing selective lysis buffer, connected to the lysis chamber; and a filter connected to the lysis chamber; that achieves a limit of detection of pathogens of 500 cfu/ml or less.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enrichment and detection of low abundance pathogens are provided. The method includes adding one or more proteins containing pathogen binding domains to the sample. The sample is incubated to form a complex thereby. The complex is separated from the sample, and an apparatus is provided for enriching pathogen DNA that achieves pathogen detection levels as low as 1 cfu/ml. The method further includes adding a lysis buffer to the separated complex and incubating to form a mixture. A buffer containing guanidine thiocyanate is added to the mixture. The mixture is connected with a matrix to form a bound entity, and the bound entity is separated from the mixture.