Abstract: Apparatus for microbial disruption, comprises a cylindrical transducer having a beat conducting, solid transmission layer disposed along at least a part of the inner longitudinal surface thereof, said transmission layer or said transducer and transmission layer defining a channel for receipt of a liquid sample, and means capable of delivering an alternating potential to said transducer at a frequency and voltage exciting resonance and inducing cavitation in said liquid sample.

Abstract: A targeted approach is described for the production of biological recognition elements capable of fast, specific detection of anthrax spores on biosensor surfaces. Single chain antibodies (scFvs) are produced to EA1, a Bacillus anthracis S-layer protein that is also present, although is not identical, in related Bacillus species. These antibodies detect Bacillus anthracis EA1 protein and intact spores with a high degree of specificity, but do not detect other Bacillus species. Recombinant anti-EA1 scFvs were isolated from an B. anthracis immune library that contained antibody genes raised against B. anthracis spores and purified exosporium. Two approaches for scFv selection are disclosed; standard (non-competitive) panning, and competitive panning. The non-competitive bio-panning strategy isolated scFvs that recognised EA1 from B. anthracis, but also cross-reacted with other Bacillus species.