Abstract: A method for monitoring hydrocarbon and water production from different production zones/sections in a hydrocarbon reservoir and/or injection wells and detection of different phenomena such as e.g. local variations in pH, salinity, hydrocarbon composition, temperature, pressure, microorganisms, and the difference between production of formation and/or injection water from various zones/sections. The method includes dividing regions around wells in the reservoir into a number of zones/sections, and injecting or placing specific tracers with unique characteristics for each zone/section into the formation in these regions such that tracers are placed as integrated parts of the well completion or placed and immobilized in these regions through injection, squeeze or by other techniques. The tracers can also be immobilized or placed on a filter, a casing or other constructions surrounding the well in each zone/section. The tracers are specific or introduced to give specific information from each zone/section.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for preventing and treating Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a subject, wherein the subject is either a human or non-human animal. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a non-toxigenic strain of C. difficile or a combination of strains. A suitable non-toxigenic strain is selected from the M, T, C, P, S and AP group as defined by restriction endonuclease analysis. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms comprising a single strain or a combination of strains selected from a non-toxigenic C. difficile group and a method for selecting non-toxigenic C. difficile strains.

Abstract: A device for culturing microorganisms and its use are described. The claimed device comprises a substrate having a top side, a pedestal mounted on the top side of the substrate and comprising a non-absorbent culture surface, a flexible cover sheet attached to the substrate and comprising a bottom surface, the cover sheet being configured to cover the culture surface, and a culture medium deposited on one or more surfaces selected from: the culture surface, and the cover sheet bottom surface. An aqueous sample is spread and contained by the claimed device without additional equipment or manipulation by the end user.

Abstract: A method for measuring the responses of sets or subsets of lymphocytes to mitogens or antigens in a sample is disclosed comprising incubating a population of cells with a mitogen or antigen, separating the desired subset of cells by means of the interaction of a specific binding reagent that is attached to the solid phase with a cell surface determinant that is present on the cell subset of interest, lysing the separated cells, and measuring an intracellular component that is increased if the cells have responded to the stimulus. The method provides a convenient, simple, and reliable method for measuring immune function in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for quantitative and/or qualitative determination of the microbial contamination of suspensions, emulsions or dispersions containing minerals and/or pigments and/or fillers and/or fiber materials wherein following the addition of one or more substances which can be degraded by microorganisms, mixing and optionally subsequent incubation a sample of the suspensions, emulsions or dispersions is centrifuged to separate the microorganisms from the minerals and/or fillers and/or pigments and/or fiber materials and the number and/or size and/or type of the microorganisms is determined in the aqueous supernatant phase after one or more incubations.

Abstract: A method for collecting a microbiological substance utilizes a microfabricated biochip having a collection chamber. A fluid sample containing a microbiological entity of interest is delivered to the collection chamber in the biochip. Then a non-uniform electric field is generated in the collection chamber, to retain the microbiological entity of interest in the collection chamber. The microbiological entity is retained through dielectrophoresis induced by the energization of the electrodes by a periodically applied, alternating current.

Abstract: The invention relates to the efficient transport of a small fluid sample such as that may be required by analytical devices such as mass spectrometers configured to analyze small samples of biomolecular fluids. Such transport involves nozzleless acoustic ejection, wherein analyte molecules are introduced from a reservoir holding a fluid into an ionization chamber of an analytical device or a small capillary by directing focused acoustic radiation at a focal point near the surface of the fluid sample. This facilitates the analysis of various types of analytes such as biomolecular analytes having a high molecular weight.

Abstract: Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Bacteria are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antibacterial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antibacterial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antibacterial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antibacterial reagent.

Abstract: A method for determining the affinity between binding partners, or a property of one of the binding partners dependent on the affinity, comprising the steps of: (i) contacting the binding partners, one of which is immobilised on a surface; (ii) oscillating the surface at increasing amplitude; and (iii) detecting a dissociation event. An analogous method can be used to separate a target analyte from a composition. The subject invention also pertains to an apparatus for determining the affinity between binding partners, and comprises: a surface (10) having one binding partner (16) immobilised thereon; means for oscillating the surface at increasing amplitude; and a device (14, 15) for detecting a dissociation event.

Abstract: Gamma sterilizable culture medium for the selectively identification of yeasts and fungi with an addition of ciprofloxacin and, if necessary streptomycin or other antibiotics.

Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: There is provided an assay suitable for the typing of bacterial strains. In the assay a predetermined amount of phage is combined with a bacterial isolate of unknown strain, the mixture being located in a suitable container. The mixture of phage and bacteria is conveniently held in a liquid or semi-liquid medium facilitating interaction of the two species. The extent of bacterial growth in the presence of the phage is measured by conventional means, preferably by means of an OD reading. Desirably the phage is retained in the selected container, which is conveniently a micro-titer plate, through use of a fixant such as 5% gelatin.

Abstract: For direct and on-line study of the physiological states of cell cultures, a robust flow injection system has been designed and interfaced with flow cytometry (FI-FCM). The core of the flow injection system includes a microchamber designed for sample processing. The design of the microchamber allows not only an accurate on-line dilution but also on-line cell fixation, staining, and washing. The flow injection part of the system was tested by monitoring the optical density of a growing E.coli culture on-line using a spectrophotometer. The entire growth curve, from lag phase to stationary phase, was obtained with frequent sampling. The system is thus particularly useful since it operates automatically without direct operator supervision for extended time periods.

Abstract: In qualitative or quantitative assays which employ a test device comprising a test strip pretreated for detection of a specified target analyte dissolved in a liquid medium, the presence of solid, semisolid and/or colloidal materials in the liquid medium may interfere with the assay results. The present invention involves collecting the sample from a flowing or quiescent pool of liquid also containing solid, semisolid or colloidal material with a swab comprised of a handle and a mass of fibrous material or foamed, open cell material which, when immersed in and thoroughly wetted by the liquid, entraps solid, semisolid and/or colloidal material and delivers only the liquid to the sample receiving zone of the test strip.

Abstract: A method for the production of a product containing a quantum of bioparticles, for example bacterial cells, is provided, as are products obtained thereby. In one embodiment, the products contain a defined quantum of bioparticles, preferably presented in a viable state. Products made in accordance with the invention may be usefully put to applications where having knowledge of the number of bioparticles present may be important or at least advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for testing the formation of biofilms on various materials. The apparatus includes a lid and a vessel, wherein the lid may be configured to accept various materials for the testing of biofilm formation. For example, the lid may contain a plurality of projections onto which materials may be coated or disposed. The vessel is adapted to receive the lid in a fluid tight communication and to retain a liquid growth medium therein. After a material has been disposed upon the projections, the material is suspended within the vessel containing the liquid growth medium. The material is allowed to incubate for a period of time in which a biofilm forms upon the material. The material is then removed from the liquid growth medium and the biofilms formed thereupon are used to test the efficiency of various biocides.

Abstract: The presence or absence of one or more target microbial analytes in a substance, such as a biological or environmental substance, is assayed by inoculating a growth medium with a sample of the substance. The medium may be combined with a labeled analyte-specific material (LASM) which can migrate through the substrate and which is homogeneously distributed throughout the medium. The LASM may be premixed with the medium, or may be added to the medium after inoculation with the substance. The nature of the medium is such that it will support target analyte reproduction so as to form target analyte colonies in or on the medium, and it will not allow the target analyte colonies to migrate on or within the medium. After the sample to be assayed is added to the medium, growth of the target analyte colonies in the sample will bind increasing quantities of the LASM, thereby creating localized intensely labeled areas in the medium which can be visually or photometrically detected.

Abstract: A cassette suitable for the sampling of ambient air to determine if it contains particulate matter made up of an in-port cap that has a detachable tubing extending therefore; an intake cap longitudinally attached to the in-port cap; a cassette insert longitudinally attached to the intake cap on a side thereof opposite to the side of the intake cap attached to the in-port cap; a filter assembly longitudinally proximate to an end of the cassette passageway opposite to the end attached to the intake cap, and in operative relationship with the cassette passageway such that air passing through the cassette passageway must pass through said filter; and air exit means longitudinally attached to the cassette insert and housing the filter assembly, wherein said cassette passageway comprises a substantially circular entry end proximate to said intake cap and an elongated end proximate to said filter assembly; wherein the intake cap has at least one internal passageway communicating with the detachable tubing and commun

Abstract: A process of sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles comprising the steps of disposing a receptacle in fluid communication with the elucidate from the comestibles, transporting the elucidate in the receptacle, dispensing the sample of elucidate from the receptacle, and analyzing the sample. A device for sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles includes a fluid flow conduit having two ends where the first end is designed to communicate with the elucidate and the second end is disposed in fluid communication with the sampling means.

Abstract: An air sampler device and method for collecting airborne pathogens and psychrometric data for room or remote air samples wherein the sample volume is electronically controlled. Particulates in the air are caused to impact the surface of the growth/inhibitor media contained in the pathogen dish thereby depositing pathogenic microorganisms in the media. The growth/inhibitor media may be a solid, liquid, gel, or mixture thereof. After the pathogen dish is incubated, colony forming units are counted for determination of air quality parameters. A chip-based sensor measures psychrometric properties of the air sample.

Abstract: Cell based screens for studying drug transport are described and improved methods for the preparation of cell monolayers for use in such screens are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a cell or cells by suppressing non-biological movement. The method includes the steps of placing the cell or cells in a solution having a viscosity enhancement medium. There can be the step of measuring the motility of the cell, or other desired attributes of the cell or cells.

Abstract: Method for detection of a biological material in a sample. The method includes the steps of liquifying the sample (if necessary) and pouring the liquified sample into the incubation plate. The incubation plate has a generally flat horizontal surface and the surface is divided into a plurality of at least 20 recessed wells. Each well is adapted to hold an aliquot of liquid and is sized and shaped, and formed of a suitable material, to hold the aliquot within the well by surface tension. Any excess liquid from the liquified sample is poured from the surface of the plate. The method then involves incubating that incubation plate until the presence or absence of the biological material is determined.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from a surface. The system is designed to use particles having means thereon which are capable of selectively binding to a contaminant or contaminants of interest. The particles are applied to the surface whereupon the contaminants bind to the particle. When the particle is removed, the desired contaminants are also removed. Preferably, the present invention utilizes magnetic particles having iron therein. The particles may then be readily removed using magnets. The means for binding the contaminant to the particle preferably comprise a ligand or a charge specifically designed to remove the contaminant of interest. The particles may be included in a carrier to facilitate their application to the surface. The invention is especially useful for the removal of contaminants from skin.

Abstract: This concerns a device whose filtering membrane (4) is gripped annularly at the periphery between a first member (9) forming part of an intake body (2) and a second member (32) forming part of a drainage body (3) with one out of the first member and second member having an elastomer seal (13) by means of which it comes into contact with the membrane (4), and whose locking means (7, 31) are adapted to allow the opening of the device by requiring only a separation movement between said first member (9) and said second member (32).

Abstract: An improved cell carrier grid. The grid is capable of containing and retaining individual living cells in an array discrete locations and includes a body that defines having an ordered array of holes arranged according to an organizational plan such that each of the holes is identifiable. Each of said holes can contain at least a portion of an individual living cell. According to some embodiments of the invention, individual cells contained within said holes reside substantially in a single focal plane so that accuracy of data collected is increased. According to some embodiments of the invention, said body is at least partially coated with a biologically active material. According to some embodiments of the invention, said body is designed and constructed such that said individual cells contained within said holes are recoverable by a recovery device.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate precise and efficient evaluation of biomaterials using direct contact cell culture techniques. The apparatus positions the biomaterial and creates the potential to form a fluid-tight seal between the biomaterial and the apparatus, at which point the biomaterial is exposed to cells and/or media. An assay method based on the apparatus is claimed.

Abstract: A method for increasing the percentage of mammalian offspring of either sex which comprises contacting a semen sample with an antibody specific for the spermatozoa determinative of one sex and separating said spermatozoa from spermatozoa determinative of the other sex, said antibody being bound to a non-porous magnetic bead support having a diameter of 0.1 to 2 microns.

Abstract: A method for identifying and isolating cells which produce secreted proteins. This method is based upon a specific characteristic or the expression level of the secreted protein by transiently capturing the secreted protein on the surface of an individual cell, allowing selection of rare cell clones from a heterogeneous population. Also provided is the use of this method to generate cells which produce a desired level of secreted protein or secreted protein of a particular characteristic(s), and organisms which possess such cells. In particular, the method allows rapid isolation of high expression recombinant antibody-producing cell lines, or may be applied directly to rapid isolation of specific hybridomas, or to the isolation of antibody-producing transgenic animals. This method is applicable for any cell which secretes protein.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: A method is provided for modifying cells retained in a high gradient magnetic cell separation column (HGMS). Selected cells within a heterogeneous mixture are labeled with a label comprising a magnetic particle and specific for the selected cells. The labeled, selected cells are applied to the magnetic cell separation column, which retains the selected cells. The selected cells are then modified while retained in the column and then removed to the original suspension or to a purified, homogenous suspension.

Abstract: A system which can analyze compounds with high efficiency, such as in a high throughput drug screening system. The high throughput drug screening system which can test the action of a drug candidate upon a group of cells in a monolayer. A microspace corresponding to a microscopic field area, for example on the order of 100-200 microns in diameter, is isolated from the other cells on the monolayer by creating a seal between a drug delivery perfusion unit and the cells to create the microspace for analysis. A drug candidate is then provided into the isolated microspace. The interaction between the drug candidate and the cells in the isolated microspace can then be evaluated. With the high throughput drug screening system the vast majority of cells on a monolayer can be used for drug testing. The high throughput drug system also makes it more readily available to use primary cells in addition to immortal cells as the cell layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating cells using immunorosettes. The method involves contacting a sample containing nucleated cells and red blood cells with an antibody composition which allows immunorosettes of the nucleated cells and the red blood cells to form. The antibody composition preferably contains bifunctional antibodies or tetrameric antibody complexes.

Abstract: A method for screening candidate antimicrobial compounds is described that utilizes a human vaginal xenograft engrafted in a non-human host. The method may be performed by using pathogen inoculated human vaginal xenografts in order to screen a wide range of candidate antimicrobials administered topically or systemically.

Abstract: A method for holding samples for analysis and an apparatus thereof includes a testing plate with a pair of opposing surfaces and a plurality of holes. Each of the holes extends from one of the opposing surfaces to the other one of the opposing surfaces. The holes are arranged in groups, where each group has at least two rows and two columns of holes. The groups are arranged in sets, where each set has at least two rows and two columns of groups. To analyze samples, at least one of the opposing surfaces of the testing plate is immersed in a solution to be analyzed. A portion of the solution enters openings for each of the holes in the immersed opposing surface. Once the holes are filled with solution, the testing plate is removed and is held above a supporting surface. Surface tension holds the solution in each of the holes. The solution in one or more of the holes is then analyzed and the solution in one of these holes is identified for further study.

Abstract: An automated system and method for loading individual cells into individual discrete locations. The system includes a cell carrier grid, a cell carrier grid holder, a vacuum source, a liquid reservoir and a loading device facilitating communication between the above components. Application of vacuum via a port causes cells to move into individual discrete locations. The method includes the steps of placing the grid holder into a loading device, automatically filling a space in the grid holder with a liquid, automatically adding to an upper surface of the grid and automatically applying a force to the cells in so that individual cells enter at least some of the individual discrete locations. Further disclosed is an automated system for collection of data from cells further including an electro-optical scanner capable of illuminating the cells and collecting at least a portion of photons therefrom and a computerized control mechanism further controlling same.

Abstract: A device particularly suited for constructing frozen tissue microarrays. The device comprises: a cooling chamber for receiving at least one frozen material and for maintaining the frozen material in a frozen condition; the cooling chamber moveable in an x and y direction relative to a horizontal surface; at least one coring needle comprising a cutting surface and a lumen for receiving a core of frozen material cut by the cutting surface; and at least one coring needle positioning element, for positioning the at least one coring needle over said frozen material for cutting said frozen material. Frozen tissue microarray blocks and methods of generating these are also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a test microorganism is a known microorganism, involving use of an agent that specifically affects the growth of the known microorganism. The invention also features a method of identifying E. coli O157:H7 that are based on following criteria: a test microorganism is E. coli O157:H7 if the microorganism is (i) E. coli, (ii) incapable of fermenting sorbitol, and (iii) susceptible to infection by AR1 phage.

Abstract: Increased expression of DR6 is associated with drug resistance of certain cells (e.g., cancer cells). The invention provides methods for identifying drug resistant cells by measuring the expression or activity of DR6, methods for identifying modulators of drug resistance, and methods for modulating drug resistance by modulating the expression or activity of DR6.

Abstract: Invention methods employ the use of acoustic waves to transfer small amounts of fluid in a non-contact manner. In invention methods, acoustic waves are propagated through a separated pool of a source fluid in such a manner that causes the ejection of a single micro-droplet from the surface of the pool. The droplet is ejected towards a target with sufficient force to provide for contact of the droplet with the target. Because the fluid is not contacted by any fluid transfer device such as a pipette, the opportunities for contamination are minimized. Invention methods may be employed to transfer fluids from an array of source sites to an array of target sites, thereby enabling the precision automation of a wide variety of procedures including screening, and synthesis procedures commonly used in biotechnology.

Abstract: A comprehensive and integrated system for monitoring (identifying, tracking and analyzing) an individual patient's malignancy or hyperproliferative syndrome through the duration of a malignancy or hyperproliferative syndrome as to a specific patient is provided. Specimens of a patient's cells are collected and mechanically separated into cohesive multicellular particulates. A tissue culture monolayer is grown from the multicellular particulates to form a prime culture, and the tissue culture is monitored over a period of time. The invention allows for study of the effect of various treatment methods on cellular production of vascular endothelial growth factor.

Abstract: Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections by providing a flow of liquid growth medium across projections, the direction of the flow of liquid being repeatedly changed, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Biofilm forming organisms are incubated to form a biofilm on projections arranged in rows, with several projections in each row, while providing a flow of liquid growth medium across each row of projections, and an assay made of the resulting biofilm. Sensitivity of the biofilm to antimicrobial reagent may be determined by treating the projections with antimicrobial reagent before carrying out the assay, by treating each row of projections with a different antimicrobial reagent, and each of the projections in a row with a different concentration of antimicrobial reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing plasmid pools by growing colonies in discrete wells of a semi-solid or gelatinous medium. This method may facilitate colony collection, reduce colony overgrowth, reduce contamination by adventitious microorganisms, and increase the efficiency of plasmid screening techniques.

Abstract: A test device and a method for assessing the biocidal efficacy of a liquid are disclosed.

Abstract: A cell activity assay apparatus (“CAAA”) and method using electromagnetic radiation detection beams to measure the cell activity, e.g., chemotactic response, includes an opaque membrane having a plurality of off-axis pores which prevent experimentally significant amounts of the electromagnetic radiation from traversing the membrane. The membrane is fabricated from opaque films that have been either ablated with substantially off axis excimer laser electromagnetic radiation to form pores, or bombarded by substantially off-axis charged particles and then etched to form pores.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for isolating a microbe whereby a sample of microbe cells is encapsulated in agarose gel particulates, wherein some of the particulates contain a single cell, and the other particulates contain more than one cell; incubating the particulates in nutritional and environmental conditions that enable the microbe contained in the sample solution that can grow on a plate of a plate culture method to grow in the agarose gel particulate; and isolating the particulates having single cells from the group of the particulates having more than one cell.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. The method may include a variety of steps including: 1) suspending the cells in a detergent-like compound, 2) isolating the washed cells by centrifugation or filtration, 3) resuspending the cells in a solution that contains a preservative, a fluorescent dye and a compound such as dequalinium which can be taken up by the cells, 4) measuring the fluorescence increase over time of the cell-dye mixture with a simple fluorometer, and 5) measuring the native fluorescence of the cells. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly usefull in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) is provided having an elongate handle (12) with a distal paddle head (14). An absorbent material (20) is placed about the paddle head, and a score line (18) is located along the handle at a location adjacent the padded head. A method of use is provided in which the paddle head (14) and absorbent material (20) are inserted into a flexible wall sample bag. The head is then grasped from the exterior of the sample bag so as to avoid direct contact with the absorbent material. The handle is then broken away from the head at the handle score line. The absorbent material (20) is preferably sized to encompass the exposed score line after the paddle head (14) is snapped from the handle (12).

Abstract: A multi-slide assembly includes various components that alone or in combination facilitate testing of test samples with minimal manipulation of assay components. Moreover, the various device components permit centrifugation, culturing and analysis of each test sample to be performed in the same assembly. A frame retains a plurality of reaction vessel assemblies between a pair of opposing channels that are configured to slidably receive the opposing ends of each reaction vessel assembly. A strip cap seals the openings in each reaction vessel using cap members having sealing rings circumscribing the external walls thereof to form compression seals with internal walls of the reaction vessels. Furthermore, in a method of making a multi-well slide assembly, an ultrasonic welding process removably bonds a plurality of wells to a slide plate to provide an adequate seal therebetween during centrifugation, yet still enable separation thereof by an operator.

Abstract: Compositions, formulae, devices and methods for the detection of target microorganisms, such as by visual immunoprecipitate assay, enzyme linked immunoassay, chemiluminescence, immunoblotting, or similar detection technology, wherein detection requires the discrimination among closely related genera, species and strains of antigenically related microorganisms based on immunological reactivity of a highly conserved antigen epitopes with a reagent system comprised of an antibody linked to a detecting reagent. The invention permits a detectable event to occur by exposing inaccessible but highly conserved and specific antigen epitopes to the detecting reagent. Exposure of such antigen epitopes without inactivating microbial metabolism allows for specific detection.