Abstract: In some examples, a system for detecting inhibition of a biological assay includes a detection device configured to amplify and detect a target nucleic acid. The detection device is configured to receive a sample comprising a matrix and a quantity of the target nucleic acid and to amplify the target nucleic acid within the sample over a nucleic acid amplification cycle. The detection device is configured to capture a data set including measurements of the nucleic acid collected during the amplification cycle. The system further includes a computing device configured to receive the data set and to apply a machine-learning system to the data set to detect inhibited biological assays that tested negative for the target nucleic acid due to matrix inhibition.

Abstract: In some examples, a system for amplifying and quantifying a target organism present in a sample includes a detection device configured to amplify and detect a nucleic acid associated with the target organism. The detection device configured to receive a sample and to amplify nucleic acid in the sample over an amplification cycle. The detection device is configured to capture a data set including measurements of the nucleic acid collected during the amplification cycle. The system further includes a computing device configured to receive the data set and to apply a machine learning system to the data set. The machine learning system is trained to estimate a quantity of the target organism present in the sample based on the measurements in the data set.

Abstract: Salts of Fe (II), Zn (II), or both used in methods for enriching food matrices containing antimicrobial compounds. A kit comprising salts of Fe (II), Zn (II) useful for such methods.