Abstract: A method of antimicrobial susceptibility testing comprises: preparing samples of microorganisms suspended in an electrolyte, comprising a first sample of the microorganisms unexposed to antimicrobial agents and a second sample of the microorganisms exposed to an antimicrobial agent; passing the first sample through an impedance flow cytometer to obtain a first impedance signal representing one or more components of impedance values of the unexposed microorganisms; passing the second sample through the impedance flow cytometer to obtain a second impedance signal representing one or more components of the impedance values of the exposed microorganisms; comparing the first impedance signal and the second impedance signal; and determining a susceptibility of the microorganisms to the antimicrobial agent based on any differences between the first impedance signal and second impedance signal.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an apparatus for simultaneously filling a plurality of sample chambers. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a common fluid source and a plurality of independent, continuous fluidic pathways. Each independent, continuous fluidic pathway comprises a sample chamber and a pneumatic compartment. The sample chamber is connected to the common fluid source, and the pneumatic compartment is connected to the sample chamber. The sample chamber comprises, in part, an assay chamber. The assay chamber comprises a monolithic substrate and a plug having optically transmissive properties. In some embodiments, the assay chamber contains a magnetic mixing element. In some embodiments, the assay chamber is a double tapered chamber. In some embodiments, a ratio of a volume of the sample chamber to a volume of the pneumatic compartment is substantially equivalent for each fluidic pathway of the plurality of fluidic pathways.

Abstract: A device for detecting volatile compounds. The device includes a substrate and a matrix disposed on the substrate. The matrix includes a carboxyl-rich binder, a clay, and a pH-sensitive indicator dye admixed with the binder and the clay. The pH-sensitive indicator dye is dimensioned and configured to change color in response to contact with a pre-determined concentration of a volatile compound.

Abstract: A method of enumerating gas-producing coliform bacteria present in a cultured dairy product is provided. The method can comprise forming a mixture that comprises a predefined quantity of the dairy product and a predefined volume of a diluent; inoculating a thin film culture device with the mixture to form a hydrogel comprising a nutrient medium for growing coliform bacteria, an effective concentration of lactose, and an effective concentration of MOPS; incubating the inoculated thin film culture device under conditions that facilitate growth of a coliform bacterium; and identifying and counting a gas-producing colony present in the inoculated culture device.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Salmonella microorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by ?-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.

Abstract: The field of the invention is the analysis of target microorganisms in a complex sample. The present invention more particularly relates to a culture medium for the detection of at least one target microorganism including: at least one natural or synthetic fermentation or enzymatic activity substrate, and at least one selective agent, which inhibits non-target microorganisms, constituted by para-amino benzoic acid, one of its derivatives or one of their salts, at a concentration of between 0.05 and 1 g/L.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods of detecting a pathogen of interest and components useful in carrying out these methods, including a pre-enrichment media, and enrichment media and a detection solution.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Salmonella microorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by ?-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.

Abstract: An article for detecting Salmonella microorganisms is provided. The article comprises a highly selective nutrient medium and a plurality of indicator systems. A method of using the article to detect Salmonella microorganisms is also provided.

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: Phages can be detected as rapid indicators of the hygienic quality of a sample. Both continuous flow methods and devices, single sample methods and devices, of various volumes, can be used. Single samples may be tested by single or multi-step testing methods. Test kits can be provided in easy-to-use formats. Certain phages, such as coliphage, are useful as indicators of fecal contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating an article surface. The method comprises removing a metal oxide surface from the metal substrate to expose a metal surface; and delivering particles comprising a dopant from at least one fluid jet to the metal surface to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant. The method also comprises delivering substantially simultaneously a first set of particles comprising a dopant and a second set of particles comprising an abrasive from at least one fluid jet to a surface of an article to impregnate the surface of the article with the dopant.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel multi-targeted microbiological screening and monitoring methods having substantial utility for monitoring and control of microbial growth and contaminants, microbiological processes, predictive microbiology, and for exposure and risk assessment. Microbial markers shared by both target and index microbes are used in novel methods for microbial monitoring, monitoring of microbial performance potential, trend analysis, and statistical process control (SPC) in processes or systems that are receptive to a plurality of genetically distinct microbes.

Abstract: A composition is provided for detecting a Salmonella microorganism in sample. The composition comprises at least one first selective agent that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive microorganisms, a first differential indicator system comprising at least one first differential indicator compound that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second differential indicator system comprising a second differential indicator compound that is converted by urease enzyme activity to a second detectable product. Optionally, the composition may comprise a third differential indicator system comprising a third differential indicator compound that is converted by a ?-galactosidase enzyme activity to a third detectable product. Methods of using the composition to detect a Salmonella microorganism are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to an apparatus having a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. In some examples, the valve is opened by bringing a magnet in proximity to the valve element to provide a magnetic force that delaminates the valve element from the adhesive coating. In particular, the apparatus can be useful for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.

Abstract: A novel type of dye systems comprises a selection of 10H-indolo[1,2-a]indole compounds (henceforth abbreviated as IO compounds) and (5H,7H)-indolo[1,2-a]quinoline compounds (henceforth abbreviated as IQ compounds) showing a solvatochromic effect and exhibiting strong fluorescence in a variety of materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, oils, various solvents, emulsions. Also disclosed are various methods how the IO/IQ compounds can be administered, especially how they can be produced and administered in situ from a precursor, responding to external stimuli such as enzyme activity, temperature and so forth. The response of a precursor to external stimuli can also be used to determine the presence or absence of such stimuli.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence, quantity and identity of one or more microorganisms in a sample and a method for using the same. The apparatus is composed of one or more chambers and a sensing element for sensing microorganisms. In particular embodiments, the sensing element is an array of chemoresponsive dyes deposited on a substrate in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the combination of the dyes have a distinct and direct spectroscopic, transmission, or reflectance response to distinct analytes produced by the microorganism which is indicative of the presence, quantity and identity of the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of analysis, for example biological analysis. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for detecting at least one microorganism present in a sample, the method essentially including the following steps: a) in a first container, bringing the sample into contact with at least one culture medium, b) placing the first container in suitable conditions to permit growth of the microorganism or microorganisms, c) bringing some or all of the mixture being made of the sample and the culture medium into contact with a reaction mixture and a substrate for capturing the microorganism(s) in the first container or in a second container, the reaction mixture having a device for detecting the microorganism(s); d) detecting, within the first or second container, the presence of the microorganism or microorganisms detected by the detecting device and fixed on the capture substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new isolated polypeptide nominated microcin S, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the microcin S polypeptide and primers and probes hybridizing to the nucleic acid molecules. The invention also relates to plasmids and cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules, an antibody binding to the polypeptide, compositions as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. The present invention further relates to medical uses for treating or preventing microbial infections, functional gastrointestinal disorders or treating a tumor. The invention further relates to a method for preserving food and a method for coating dressing material.

Abstract: A method of and test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes micro particles, a substrate in an amount that is sufficient to support log phase growth of the target microbe until a detectable characteristic signal is produced in the test mixture and sample admixture, and an amount of vitamin, amino acid, element and salt ingredients; b) combining the powdered test mixture and sample to form the admixture; and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: An evaluation kit for a microorganism detecting device includes an immobilized microorganism. A manufacturing method for an evaluation kit for a microorganism detecting device includes immobilizing a microorganism. An evaluating method for the microorganism detecting device includes detecting an immobilized microorganism by the microorganism detecting device. The immobilized microorganisms may be dispersed in a solvent. The solvent may be water. The immobilized microorganisms may be immobilized with an aldehyde. The aldehyde may be formaldehyde. The immobilized microorganisms emit, for example, fluorescent light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacteria-targeted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In particular, the present invention relates to bacteria targeted MRI contrast agents that can be used to detect bacteria in vivo or in vitro. In certain embodiments, the contrast agents comprise a metal chelate conjugated to at least two Zn-dipicolylamine groups.

Abstract: A method of tracking and predicting the spread of micro-organisms in an environment relies on the optical detection of the growth of micro-organisms within an analyte containing a growth medium for the micro-organism(s) to be detected. Standardisation of the containers and growth medium for each micro-organism allows rapid detection of the growth pattern of particular organisms and the implementation of a regime of remote self-reporting of results from portable incubator units (1201) in the field which include a memory (1206) to store the results, a GPS unit (1204) to provide location information and a transmitter (1203) to send the results to a central plotting organisation allowing rapid tracking and prediction of the spread of environmentally borne organisms.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample comprising a polydiacetylene (PDA) and a packaging polymer, wherein the sample contacts the PDA and a change of PDA color indicates detection. Also provided herein are methods of making a packaging material comprising a PDA and methods of using the composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: A test kit and test apparatus are provided for the detection of enzymes excreted by broken or ruptured bacteria cells in various environments, such as in the field, soil extracts, produce washing, slaughter houses, food preparation area's and other related or non-related areas where a quick test or rapid test is needed to obtain qualitative results. The method utilizes various components which allow for the collection of a sample from suspected contaminated areas. One method is to collect a sample from a pond or other water source possibly contaminated and by using a clean lab sample tube or clean plastic bag, a field hand mixer, a buffer, a pipette and a test strip with a reagent pad.

Abstract: An affinity ligand-matrix conjugate of the structure Z-Spacer-[NX-A]m-NY-A-NK2 is useful for the isolation, separation, purification, characterization, identification or quantification of endotoxins in an aqueous system, wherein m is an integer of at least one; each A independently represents an optionally substituted linear, branched or cyclic saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; each X independently represents hydrogen or alkyl; Y is X or A-NX2; and Z is a support matrix attached to the ligand through an optional spacer arm (Spacer).

Abstract: The invention includes compositions for treating an animal to inhibit the incidence and growth of E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic bacteria. The composition is a therapeutically effective amount of a Lactobacillus bacterium, or one, or a combination of a number of other probiotic bacteria. An alternative composition is a therapeutically effective amount of a lactic acid producing bacterium such as Lactobacillus bacterium in combination with a lactate utilizing bacterium such as Propionibacterium. One example of the Lactobacillus bacterium is Lactobacillus acidophilus, and one example of the Propionibacterium is Propionibacterium freudenreichii.

Abstract: Methods for detecting concentration target organisms in water. The methods involve adding a tagged reagent to a water sample, wherein the tagged reagent is water soluble; and determining a concentration of at least one bacteria in the water sample based on an intensity of an emission emitted from the water sample in response to exposure to light having a known wavelength. An apparatus including a reaction chamber; a reversible pump, a reagent source comprising a fluorophore-tagged reagent, a light source, an optical detector disposed to detect fluorescence emitted from the reaction chamber in response to light emitted from the light source; a processor configured to communicate with the reversible pump, the reagent source, the light source, and the optical detector, the processor being configured to determine the concentration of one or more target organisms in a water sample.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for treating an animal to inhibit the incidence and growth of E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic bacteria. The treatment method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of Lactobacillus acidophilus or one or a combination of a number of other probiotic bacteria to an animal. An alternative treatment method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a lactic acid producing bacterium such as Lactobacillus acidophilus in combination with a lactate utilizing bacterium such as Propionibacterium freudenreichii.

Abstract: Organic-inorganic nanoflowers, methods of synthesis, and uses of the nanoflowers are described. It has been found that organic-inorganic nanoflowers can be grown in the presence of a solid substrate containing copper without the requirement for added copper ion. The method includes exposing bacteria to a solid substrate containing copper in the presence of an aqueous solution that contains phosphate ions. The aqueous solution can additionally contain chloride ions, similar to that of a phosphate-buffered saline composition. The solid substrate can be an alloy of copper and tin, and the substrate can have phosphorus incorporated into it.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms, for example, wound pathogens in a sample, by contacting a sample with an enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, and detecting modification or the absence of modification of the substrate, as an indicator of the presence or absence of the enzyme in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention features hydrophilic IR-transparent porous membranes, particularly hydrophilic IR-transparent porous polyethylene membranes and methods of preparing the hydrophilic membranes by treatment of hydrophobic IR-transparent porous membranes with plasma. The present invention further features spectroscopic sample holders which incorporate the hydrophilic IR-transparent porous membranes and methods of identifying bacteria and other microorganisms in samples by infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method of and test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes micro particles, a substrate in an amount that is sufficient to support log phase growth of the target microbe until a detectable characteristic signal is produced in the test mixture and sample admixture, and an amount of vitamin, amino acid, element and salt ingredients; b) combining the powdered test mixture and sample to form the admixture; and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting coliform bacteria in water from reflected light, and also includes devices for the measurement, calculation and transmission of data relating to that method.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for detecting pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, the present invention encompasses methods and compositions for catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide radicals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: The invention mainly relates to the mass spectrometric identification of pathogens in blood cultures from blood-stream infections (septicemia). The invention provides a method with which microbial pathogens can be separated in purified form from blood after a relatively brief cultivation in a blood culture flask, without any interfering human proteins or any residual fractions of blood particles such as erythrocytes and leukocytes, and can be directly identified by mass spectrometric measurement of their protein profiles. The method is based on the use of relatively strong tensides to destroy the blood particles by dissolving the weak cell membranes and most of the internal structures of the blood particles; in spite of the fact that tensides are regarded as strong ionization inhibitors in MALDI and other ionization processes required for mass spectrometric measurements.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target microorganism is disclosed. The method comprises providing a culture device with a selective culture medium and a detection article comprising a first indicator system. The selective culture medium facilitates the growth of an indicator microorganism. When an indicator microorganism is detected in a sample contacted with the culture medium, the detection article is contacted with the culture medium to detect the target microorganism.

Abstract: Extracorporeal systems and methods for treating blood-borne diseases in a subject or for developing drugs to treat blood-borne diseases include various environmental and treatment modules that can be tailored to a specific disease or infection. In certain embodiments of the systems and methods, a blood sample is treated with cold plasma and optionally with hydrostatic pressure, a pulsed electrical field, a pharmaceutical agent, microwave, centrifugation, sonification, radiation, or a combination thereof, under environmental conditions that are effective for the treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that drug resistance in microorganisms can be rapidly and accurately determined using mass spectrometry. A mass spectrum of an intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in drug containing, isotopically-labeled media is compared with a mass spectrum of the intact microorganism or one or more isolated biomarkers from the microorganism grown in non-labeled media without the drug present. Drug resistance is determined by predicting and detecting a characteristic mass shift of one or more biomarkers using algorithms. The characteristic mass shift is indicative that the microorganism is growing in the presence of the drug and incorporating the isotopic label into the one or more biomarkers, resulting in change in mass.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting bacteria in fluids, including blood, platelets and other blood products for transfusion, and urine. The methods are based on lysing the bacteria to release ATP and detecting the ATP. Eukaryotic cell contamination is a problem to be overcome, because eukaryotic cell contain large amounts of ATP. Thus, some of the methods involve separating intact eukaryotic cells (e.g., platelets) from intact bacterial cells before lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme that catalyzes a reaction, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Typically, the enzyme is luciferin, and the reaction is monitored by detecting light produced by the luciferin. Other methods of the invention involve contacting a fluid sample with a support surface that binds bacterial cells, lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sampling, testing and validating test lots, comprising: assembling a plurality of product portions from each of a plurality of test lots and combining the portions to provide a corresponding set of test lot samples; enriching the test lot samples; removing portions of each enriched sample, and combining the removed portions to provide a modular composite sample; and testing of the modular composite sample, and individual testing of the enriched test lot samples, using at least one suitable detection assay for a target microbe or organism, wherein when such testing is negative all test lots are validated, and wherein when such testing is positive with respect to the modular composite sample, or with respect to an individual enriched test lot sample, individual test lots may nonetheless yet be validated by further testing of a portion of respective initially-negative enriched test lot samples and obtaining negative results.

Abstract: A first intracellular pathogen in a biological sample that may contain more than one intracellular pathogen is studied by a method comprising the steps of (i) contacting the sample with a population of cells in the presence of an agent inhibiting the reproduction of a second intracellular pathogen; (ii) incubating the cells under conditions that permit the reproduction of the first intracellular pathogen; and (iii) testing material arising from step (ii) for the first intracellular pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention features hydrophilic IR-transparent porous membranes, particularly hydrophilic IR-transparent porous polyethylene membranes and methods of preparing the hydrophilic membranes by treatment of hydrophobic IR-transparent porous membranes with plasma. The present invention further features spectroscopic sample holders which incorporate the hydrophilic IR-transparent porous membranes and methods of identifying bacteria and other microorganisms in samples by infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing among a first group of microorganisms belonging to a first taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the first group of bacteria exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment; a second group of microorganisms belonging to a second taxon of Gram negative bacteria, the second taxon of bacteria being different than said first taxon, and exhibiting a mechanism of resistance to a treatment identical to the mechanism of the first group; and a third group of Gram negative bacteria that is not resistant to the treatment.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing among a first group of microorganisms, belonging to a first taxon of bacteria that is vancomycin resistant; a second group of microorganisms, belonging to a second taxon of vancomycin resistant bacteria that is different than said first taxon; and a third group of microorganisms that is not resistant or has a natural resistance to vancomycin.

Abstract: An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a microorganism which belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae and is able to produce an L-amino acid, wherein the bacterium has been modified to enhance orotate phosphoribosyltransferase activity is enhanced, in a medium to produce and cause accumulation of an L-amino acid in the medium or cells, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium or the cells.

Abstract: Extremely minute amounts of live pathogens are rapidly detected using a piezoelectric cantilever sensor. A single pathogen is detectable in about 30 minutes. Pathogen-specific antibodies are immobilized on the sensor surface. The sensor is exposed to a medium that potentially contains the target pathogen. When target pathogens are contained in the medium, both dead and live pathogen cells bind to the immobilized antibody on the sensor surface. The attached target pathogen cells are exposed to a pathogen discriminator capable of discriminating between live cells and dead cells by increasing the mass of live cells. Example pathogens include Escherichia coli, Listeri monocytogene, and Salmonella enteritidis. Example antibodies include those that bind to the pathogenic bacteria designated as ATCC 43251, ATCC 700375, and ATCC 31194. Example pathogen discriminators include intracellular pH indicating molecules.

Abstract: This invention relates to bioluminescent methods for detecting specific target bacteria, such as E. coli, coliforms, Enterococcus spp, Listeria spp and S. aureus in samples. The sample to be tested is incubated in a non-selective growth medium for up to 8 hours to produce a sample culture and which is then mixed with detection reagents. The detection reagents include a lysis reagent which disrupts bacterial cells in the sample, a pro-luciferin molecule which is specifically converted into luciferin by said target bacteria; and luminescence reagents which produce a luminescent signal in the presence of luciferin. The mixture of sample culture and detection reagents is then incubated and the luminescent signal from the reaction mixture measured.