Abstract: A system for detecting microorganisms in a test sample is provided that includes a fluorescently detectable product having both acidic and basic species, wherein the fluorescently detectable product is the reaction product of (a) an enzyme substrate that comprises an enzymatically hydrolysable group and a fluorescent group and (b) a test sample comprising a microorganism having an enzyme that hydrolyzes the hydrolysable group from the fluorescent group of the enzyme substrate. The fluorescently detectable product has an excitation isosbestic point Ex?iso where the absorbance of the acid species is the same as the absorbance of the basic species. The system also includes a first light source having a wavelength of Ex?iso for irradiating the fluorescently detectable product, The fluorescently detectable product emits light at a wavelength of Em?1, and the quantity of light emitted at the wavelength Em?1 is substantially constant across a pH range of 2.5 to 8.0.

Abstract: Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions.

Abstract: Compositions that comprise water, a first indicator reagent that can be converted by a first biological activity to a first biological derivative, and a plurality of particles are provided. The first indicator reagent can comprise a fluorogenic enzyme substrate having a fluorophore selected from the group consisting of umbelliferone, 7-aminocoumarin, ?-naphthylamine, ?-naphthol, fluorescein, resorufin, 9H-(1,3-dichloro-9,9-dimethyl acridin-2-one), rhodamine 110, a derivative of any of the foregoing fluorophores, and a combination of any of the foregoing fluorophores. The particles are capable of receiving and retaining the first biological derivative from an aqueous liquid. The first biological derivative can be indicative of a microorganism. The compositions further can comprise a gelling agent. Methods of using the compositions to detect the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of determining the amount of microorganisms present in a test sample.

Abstract: Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions.

Abstract: Methods and kits are disclosed for detecting microorganisms that produce glucose oxidase. The method includes providing a culture medium and a hydrogen peroxide indicating reagent comprising a chromogenic substrate that can provide a detectable chromogenic reaction indicating the presence of a microorganism that produces glucose oxidase, and additional methods are disclosed for differentiating microorganisms by the detection of an additional chromogenic reaction.

Abstract: A method of detecting microorganisms in a test sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) incubating the test sample with a growth media to form an incubated sample, wherein the growth media includes an enzyme substrate and the enzyme substrate includes an enzymatically hydrolysable group and a fluorescent group, wherein microorganisms present in the test sample include an enzyme that hydrolyzes the hydrolysable group from the fluorescent group to form a fluorescently detectable product, wherein the fluorescently detectable product has both an acidic and basic species; b) exciting the fluorescently detectable product with light having a wavelength of Ex?iso for a time sufficient for the fluorescently detectable product to emit light, wherein Ex?iso is the absorbance isosbestic point of the fluorescently detectable product; and c) detecting light emitted at a wavelength of Em?1.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of a target microorganism in a liquid sample are provided. Methods comprise the steps of passing the liquid sample through a surface filter, placing the surface filter into contact with a culture device, incubating the culture device for a period of time and detecting the presence of a target microorganism. Methods may be used with an automated detection system.

Abstract: Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing a sample for target microorganisms of interest are described. In particular, the methods are useful for detecting a variety of yeast and mold microorganisms based on the presence of a ubiquitous cell wall component, such as zymosan. Methods of analyzing a sample for fungal microorganisms using liposomes and/or culture media are also described.

Abstract: Methods for detecting target biological analytes within sample material using acousto-mechanical energy generated by a sensor are disclosed. The acousto-mechanical energy may be provided using an acousto-mechanical sensor, e.g., a surface acoustic wave sensor such as, e.g., a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensor (e.g., a LSH-SAW sensor). The detection of the target biological analytes in sample material are enhanced by contacting the target biological analyte and/or the sensor surface with liposomes that amplify the sensor sensitivity by (1) modifying the rheological properties of the fluid near the sensor surface; (2) changing the mass attached to the surface; and/or (3) modifying the dielectric properties of the fluid near the sensor surface, the sensor surface itself and/or any intervening layers on the sensor surface.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly, and an IR transmissive window for thermographic analysis of a surface of the membrane electrode assembly is described. The test fuel cell provides a method of monitoring a fuel cell, and capturing a thermographic profile of said fuel cell with an IR detector array, while simultaneously measuring the electrochemical output of the cell, including current, voltages and half cell potentials.

Abstract: A system for measuring diffusion of a compound across a membrane generally comprises a membrane held between a first base having a plurality of outwardly extending hollow projections and a second base fastened to the first base and having a plurality of recessed tapered openings therein adapted to engage the plurality of hollow projections. Methods for measuring membrane diffusion using such systems are included. The system components are also provided in kit form.

Abstract: Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: A method of optical infrared thermography, and the use thereof in monitoring and characterizing the polymerization of the three dimensional sample is described.

Abstract: Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.

Abstract: A combinatorial array comprises fluid-impervious, sealed or sealable, flexible, self-supported pouches, each pouch comprising therein one or more members of a library of materials. A method for producing the members of the library is also disclosed. The method can utilize an automated process for introducing components into the pouches. Analysis of products can be by destructive or non-destructive methods.