Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: For the detection of proteins containing phosphorylated tyrosine the sample of a body fluid is incubated with at least two receptors R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 whereby a change in signal is produced by binding of at least the receptors R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 with the substance to be detected in the sample solution and in which in each case one of the two receptors contains an antibody or its derivative capable of specifically binding to the protein to be detected and the other receptor contains an antibody or its derivative capable of specifically binding to phosphorylated tyrosine and the signal change caused by the binding is determined in the sample.

Abstract: The analytical dipstick of the present invention facilitates analyte testing with reduced liquid reagent volumes and provides improved mixing. The dipstick includes an elongated member having a fluid displacing member at one end thereof and a ligand attached to a portion of the elongated member in a region adjacent to the displacing member. The displacing member has a configuration that substantially conforms with the inner side wall of an analytical well in which the dipstick is placed to displace fluid therein. When the displacing member is substantially centered at the bottom of the well, the portion of the dipstick supporting the ligand preferably is spaced from the inner side wall by a distance of at least about twice that between the displacing member and the inner side wall, measured along a line passing through the greatest lateral dimension of the displacing member.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the discovery that a MeOH extract of Anabaena affinis strain VS-1 showed strong cytotoxicity to L1210 murine leukemia cells, and from that extract was isolated the compounds having the following structures, Compounds 1 and 2. These two compounds are believed to be responsible for the cytotoxicity of the marine organism. This is the first report of the isolation and characterization of pyrrolo[3,2-d] pyrimidine derivatives as biosynthetic products.

Abstract: An indirect assay for analyte employs a particle derivatized with a plurality of molecules of one or more compounds to increase assay sensitivity. In an indirect sandwich assay format, at least one of the compounds is a binder for the analyte, and the tracer is comprised of a binder for at least one of the compounds on the particle. In this manner, a plurality of tracer molecules may be indirectly bound to a single analyte molecule which is bound in a complex formed in the assay.

Abstract: A novel .alpha.-glycosyl quercetin, wherein at least equimolar D-glucose residues are attached to quercetin via the .alpha.-bond, has a satisfactory water-solubility, light tolerance and stability, and exerts the inherent activity of quercetin in vivo. The .alpha.-glycosyl quercetin is prepared by a process comprising subjecting a solution containing quercetin and an .alpha.-glucosyl saccharide to the action of a saccharide-transferring enzyme to form an .alpha.-glycosyl quercetin, and recoverying the resultant .alpha.-glycosyl quercetin. The .alpha.-glycosyl quercetin can be advantageously used in combination with other materials in food products, cosmetic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions as a highly-safe and natural vitamin P-enriched agent, yellow-color-imparting agent, antioxidant, deodorant, stabilizer, quality-improving agent, antiseptic, prophylactic agent, therapeutic agent and ultraviolet-absorbing agent.

Abstract: A method for the qualitative or quantitative determination of an analyte in a test sample wherein a labelled reagent is caused to be immobilized in bound form on a solid phase to provide an indication of the presence or quantity of the analyte in the same is disclosed and is characterized in that the labelled reagent comprises a gold sol bound to a substance capable of specifically binding to said analyte or to a specific binding partner therefor, at least 75% by weight of the gold particles of the gold sol having a mean diameter of less than 5 nanometers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a sandwich hybridization assay wherein a nucleic acid capture probe is firstly immobilized on an assay plate via masked receptors on the plate. The capture probe is immobilized by the binding of receptor ligands on the capture probe during this first step. Subsequently, target nucleic acid is hybridized to the immobilized capture probe either before or after the hybridization of an indicator nucleic acid probe onto the target. The target is quantified via detection of the immobilized indicator signal.

Abstract: A simplified measuring apparatus for use in the qualitative or quantitative measurement of substances to be assayed in test samples, such as proteins, antibodies and the like, in a small amount of test samples by a simple and easy operation without requiring a B/F separation step comprises: (a) a liquid permeable porous reaction membrane whose surface having at least one reaction area to which an affinity substance capable of directly or indirectly capturing a substance to be assayed or a soluble agent is immobilized; (b) a porous body arranged on the upper part of the porous reaction membrane, to which a soluble agent capable of being solubilized by the addition of a test sample is adhered in a releasable manner; (c) an absorption member arranged on the lower part of the porous reaction membrane, which contacts with a periphery, excluding the reaction area, of the porous reaction membrane via a liquid non-permeable sheet; (d) a liquid non-permeable transparent cover arranged on the lower part of the absorpti

Abstract: Methods for predicting the clinical course of diabetes in patients diagnosed as having NIDDM are provided. Patients having NIDDM are tested for the presence of autoantibodies to human islet cell glutamic acid decarboxylase. Based on the presence or absence of autoantibodies, the patients are classified as to the predicted course of the disease. These methods can be used to predict the development of IDDM and to guide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides ligand/anti-ligand assays for detecting and/or measuring adherent proteins, including lipophilic serum or plasma proteins, such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and apolipoprotein Al (apoAl); cytokines such as IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF alpha; pentraxins, such as CRP; and globular serum or plasma proteins such as albumin.

Abstract: A method for the non-radioactive determination of circulating red cell volume, total blood volume and red cell survival. Red blood cells are biotinylated and injected into the subject for dilution in the subjects total blood volume. A diluted sample is extracted and incubated with a label, either a radionuclide or a fluorescent moiety complexed with avidin or streptavidin. Detection of the label, as for example by gamma counting in the case of a radionuclide or fluorescence activated cell sorting in the case of a fluorescent moiety, allows calculation of the red cell volume and therefrom, total blood volume. Sequential measurements are possible with this method. Aspects of the method include enhanced biotin labeling and separation of cells by density gradient means.

Abstract: New glycopeptides prepared by biotransformation of a vancomycin-type antibiotic by an Acinomadura citrea culture (NRRL 18382), which are useful intermediates, and methods of preparing the biotransformed intermediates by adding a vancomycin-type glycopeptide to a growing culture of Actinomadura citrea NRRL 18382 and continuing fermentation under submerged aerobic conditions, are provided.

Abstract: An amperometric biosensor for the detection of an affinity reaction is described. The sensor includes an electrode having on its testing surface a hydrogel in which a selective binding unit and redox species are immobilized.

Abstract: The rate of a biomolecular reaction, such as an enzymatic reaction or an affinity binding reaction, is measured using electrochemiluminescence ("ECL"). The reaction is conducted in an electrochemical cell with a mixture of reagents including a luminophore which will relate the concentration of a reactant, a reaction partner or the reaction product of a reaction partner to the ECL intensity. The reaction partner is a reagent which reacts with the reactant and which participates with the luminophore (or its reaction product participates with the luminophore) to cause the emission of ECL. The ECL intensity is modulated with a series of electrical pulses which are applied to the mixture of reagents at a preselected potential and for preselected intervals of time and duration. The ECL intensity is measured at the same intervals to provide a timed series of values (P).

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method involves binding the analyte to the surface of a substrate through a biotin-biotin binding protein interaction, contacting the surface-bound analyte with a quantitatively detectable analyte-binding moiety that binds thereto, measuring the quantity of detectable moiety bound to the substrate surface and deriving therefrom the quantity of analyte in solution. A preferred use for the present method is in conjunction with a piezoelectric surface transverse wave device. Novel reagents useful for carrying out the inventive method are provided as well.

Abstract: The invention involves an immunological method of separating specifically-targeted cells or molecular structures from a mixed population under conditions which minimize damage to the cellular structure or the molecular integrity. The method is based upon the specific interaction of a label and an antibody directed against the label and the ability of a competitor to inhibit the interaction between the label and the antibody.

Abstract: Novel conjugate of the general formulaA--L.sub.1 --L.sub.2 --Bwherein A and B are the substances to be coupled selected from the groups of haptens, proteins, polysaccharides, soluble polystyrenes, or peptides, L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are trivalent linkers and L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 are bound via two thioether. They can be used in immunological assays and exhibit an improved storage stability.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is disclosed which is reactive to Treponema denticola and produced by the hybridoma deposited under ATCC HB 9966. The invention also discloses diagnostic reagents and methods for detecting Treponema denticola utilizing the hybridoma deposited under ATCC HB 9966.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for the detection or quantitation of an analyte suspected of being in a solution comprising: (a) combining said specimen, a first binding component, insoluble particles, and second binding component labelled with a signal generating material in a solid phase retention and separation apparatus having a sufficient pore size such that said particles are trapped within said filter yet permitting rapid passage of fluid therethrough in such a manner that an immunological reaction occurs if analyte is present in said specimen, resulting in the formation of an immunocomplex of insolublized first binding component:analyte:second labelled binding component on or within said filter means; (b) separating bound from unbound material; and (c) determining the presence and/or amount of signal produced which is correlative with the amount of analyte present in the solution.

Abstract: Membranes of liposomes fixing biotin on membrane surfaces thereof can be lysed by a mixed agent comprising a surfactant and avidin. This mechanism can be applied to immunoassay for determining an analyte, e.g. antigen or antibody, wherein liposomes encapsulating a marker and fixing biotin on membrane surfaces thereof are lysed depending on hindrance of an avidin-biotin binding reaction by a specific reaction caused by the analyte.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the detection of an analyte in a sample using a bioelectronic sensor comprising a thin surfactant polymeric electrically conducting layer to which members of specific binding pairs are bound. Specific binding of analyte or analyte competitor to the bound specific binding pair member results in a change in the conductivity of the polymer. The resultant change in conductivity is related to the presence of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved biotin-avidin formulation in which a biotinylated antibody conjugate or an avidin-enzyme conjugate is present in a suitable diluent for immunohistochemical staining. The diluent additionally comprises casein in an amount sufficient to prevent charge interactions of the conjugate with a tissue section and gamma globulin in an amount sufficient to prevent Fc receptor binding and any hydrophobic interaction of the conjugate with a tissue section. In a preferred embodiment, the immunoglobulin is from the same species as the biotinylated antibody conjugate. The formulation effectively reduces overall unwanted binding, irrespective of the source of the binding.

Abstract: The method for detecting the sulfidoleukotrienes sLT of the group LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 by a single immunoenzymatic ELISA assay is based on the interaction between one or several monoclonal anti-sLT antibodies and a sLT conjugated to a revealing enzyme. A biological sample, wherein a content of sLT is assumed, is contacted with a monoclonal anti-sLT antibody bound to a carrier. After the sLTs present in the sample are bound to the said antibody, a conjugate of a sLT with a revealing enzyme is added to the charged carrier. Finally the amount of the conjugate bound to the carrier is evaluated, which amount is in an inverse correlation with the sLT bound to the carrier. The method is useful for in vitro-tests for the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases, as rheumatic diseases, immuno deficiencies, allergies or pseudo-allergies. With a priming of the biological samples with cytokines, e.g. with IL3, IL5 or GM-CSF as priming agents, the sensitivity of the method can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantifying the presence of extracellular LBP in body fluids including blood in a subject comprising conducting an LBP immunoassay on plasma obtained from said subject.

Abstract: A method for preselecting a nucleic acid sequence of interest is provided. The method comprises immobilizing an affinity molecule to a solid support matrix, wherein the affinity molecule is specific for a hapten or target molecule; hybridization of a "hook" comprised of either an oligonucleotide (complementary to the sequence of interest) labeled with a hapten or target molecule to the target recombinant vector containing the nucleic acid sequence of interest; capturing of the vector-hook via the hapten or target molecule by the respective immobilized affinity molecule for which it has binding specificity; liberating the captured vector DNA by enzymatic digestion of either the hook, or of the immobilized affinity molecule; and adding and incubating competent host cells to promote the introduction of recombinant vector DNA into the competent host cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for immobilizing anti-ligands, such as antibodies or antigens, hormones or hormone receptors, oligonucleotides, and polysaccharides on surfaces of solid substrates for various uses. The methods provide surfaces covered with caged binding members which comprise protecting groups capable of being removed upon application of a suitable energy source. Spatially addressed irradiation of predefined regions on the surface permits immobilization of anti-ligands at the activated regions on the surface. Cycles of irradiation on different regions of the surface and immobilization of different anti-ligands allows formation of an immobilized matrix of anti-ligands at defined sites on the surface. The immobilized matrix of anti-ligands permits simultaneous screenings of a liquid sample for ligands having high affinities for certain anti-ligands of the matrix. A preferred embodiment of the invention involves attaching photoactivatable biotin derivatives to a surface.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods to detect a compound in the presence of a homolog that is immunologically related to the analyte. The invention is particularly suited for the detection of homocysteine in the presence of cysteine. The methods of this invention involve chemically modifying both the analyte and the homolog to increase their immunogenicity and facilitate antibody recognition. More importantly, this modification is done to make these compounds immunologically distinct. Antibodies to the immunologically distinct compounds are then prepared. An assay protocol comprises chemically modifying the analyte and homolog and then immunochemically detecting the modified analyte by means of the aforementioned antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the immunometric determination of an antigen or hapten.According to this process, contacting takes place (FIG. 1A) between the antigen or hapten (3) to be determined and the antibodies (2) fixed to a solid phase in order to immunologically bond the antigen or hapten with the antibody. This is followed (FIG. 1B) by immobilizing the antigen or hapten (3) by a covalent bond (4) to the solid phase (1) whilst releasing its epitope (FIG. 1C). This is followed by the contacting thereof (FIG. 1D) with labelled antibodies (5) and determination takes place (FIG. 1E) of the quantity of fixed labelled antibodies in order to deduce therefrom the initial hapten or antigen concentration.As a result of this stage of immobilizing and releasing the epitope, a high sensitivity is obtained using a single antibody.

Abstract: A test kit and method for the amplification and detection of specific antigen cells using a probe. The method includes reacting the probe-specific cells with enzyme-conjugated molecules to form separate molecules. The specific antigen cells are mixed with a selected antibiotic which antibiotic is adversely affected by the enzyme in the reporter molecules and incubating the mixture to promote a bacterial chain reaction forming satellite colonies of bacteria microcolonies about the specific cells which amplifies the cells. The method then includes detecting the amplified probe-specific cells by observing the satellite colonies.

Abstract: A method for the detection of the presence of inflammation in a patient by measuring the amount of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule (cICAM-1) in a sample of one or more bodily fluids of the patient and then comparing the amount of cICAM-1 in the sample to standards normal for the bodily fluid or fluids assayed. The amount of cICAM-1 can be measured using anti-ICAM-1 antibodies. Higher than normal amounts of cICAM-1 indicate the presence of inflammation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automated multiplex sequencing of DNA with an integrated automated imaging hybridization chamber system. This system comprises an hybridization chamber device for mounting a membrane containing size-fractionated multiplex sequencing reaction products, apparatus for fluid delivery to the chamber device, imaging apparatus for light delivery to the membrane and image recording of fluorescence emanating from the membrane while in the chamber device, and programmable controller apparatus for controlling operation of the system. The multiplex reaction products are hybridized with a probe, then an enzyme (such as alkaline phosphatase) is bound to a binding moiety on the probe, and a fluorogenic substrate (such as a benzothiazole derivative) is introduced into the chamber device by the fluid delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic separator for isolating magnetically-labeled substances of interest, such as immunological agents, from a non-magnetic test medium using a method of high gradient magnetic separation. The target substance is contacted with microscopic magnetic particles having a receptor for binding with the target substance. The test medium containing the magnetic particles is held in a non-magnetic container and placed into a gap within an arrangement of magnets for causing the magnetic particles to adhere to selected locations upon the interior wall of the container. The quantity of magnetic particles may be controlled to cause the magnetic particles collected upon the interior wall to form a monolayer. The magnets are arranged upon a yoke which may provide linear, surrounding multipolar, or partially surrounding multipolar configurations of magnetic pole faces about the gap.

Abstract: A phosphorescence assay system. The phosphorescent label for immunoassays is palladium (II) octaethylporphine alphaisothiocyanate. The labeling agent has a Stokes shift of not less than 150 nanometers. Method for preparing the palladium (II) phosphorescent label is also shown.

Abstract: For the determination of vitamin B12 a sample solution is incubated with at least two receptors R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 of which R.sub.1 mediates the binding to the solid phase and R.sub.2 is labelled, whereby a receptor is used as one of the receptors R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 which contains a monoclonal antibody capable of specific binding to B12 that has an affinity constant of at least 5.times.10.sup.9 l/mol and a receptor is used as the other receptor R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 which contains B12 or an analogue thereof, the two phases are separated and the label is measured in one of the two phases.

Abstract: Fluorescent tagging compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is a member selected from the group consisting of an aromatic ring, a heteroaromatic ring, and a heterocyclic ring, and R is a linking moiety having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, optionally containing nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, oxygen atoms, carbonyl groups, carboxyl groups, and/or amide groups, as well as fluorescent tagged oligosaccharide adducts derived therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: A first solution containing Tris-HCl, MgCl.sub.2, a homopolymer of 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonate (AMPS) and agarose is applied to a filter having alkaline phosphatase to be detected. A second solution containing Tris-HCl, MgCl.sub.2, homopolymer of AMPS, 5-bromo-4-chloroindoxyl phosphate, nitroblue tetrazolium and agarose is applied onto a film formed by the first solution.

Abstract: Method for the immunological determination of a ligand in which the ligand to be determined is reacted witha) at least 2 molecules of a specifically bindable substance P2 of which at least one of these molecules carries a label andb) a receptor R which consists of a binding partner P1 which is capable of monovalent binding to P2 and a binding site R.sub.1 for the ligand to be determined and then the label is determined,as well as a reagent for the immunological determination of a ligand which contains a specifically bindable substance P2 which is present at least partially in labelled form and a receptor R which consists of a binding partner P1 which is capable of monovalent binding to P2 and a binding site R.sub.1 for the ligand to be determined.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a binding assay is described wherein a member of a specific binding pair (sbp) and a sample are combined with a matrix of non-porous beads in a liquid medium under conditions such that the beads bind to the sbp member. The liquid medium is removed from the beads by aspiration using an aspiration tube having one or more orifices each of a diameter smaller than the minimum diameter of the smallest bead thereby allowing removal of the liquid medium while prohibiting aspiration of the beads.

Abstract: Described is a new immunosuppressant, L-687,819, a C-31 demethylated derivative of L-683,795 (FK-523), produced under fermentation conditions utilizing the new mutant microorganism, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. ascomyceticus (Merck Culture Collection MA 6646) ATCC No. 53855, being a blocked mutant of Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. ascomyceticus (MA 6475) ATCC No. 14891. The macrolide immunosuppressant is useful in preventing human host rejection of foreign organ transplants, e.g. bone marrow and heart transplants.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA sequences which are useful for the synthesis of carotenoids such as lycopene, .beta.-carotene, zeaxanthin or zeaxanthin-diglucoside, that is, DNA sequences encoding carotenoid biosynthesis enzymes. These DNA sequences are the sequences 1-6 shown in the specification.Also disclosed is a process for producing a carotenoid or a carotenoid related compound which is selected from the group consisting of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, phytoene, lycopene, .beta.-carotene, zeaxanthin and zeaxanthin-diglucoside, which comprises transforming a host with at least one of the DNA sequences 1-6 described above and culturing the transformant.

Abstract: A method is described for the use of monoclonal antibodies in a sensitive immunoassay for halogenated dioxins and dibenzofurans in industrial samples which contain impurities. Appropriate sample preparation and selective enzyme amplification of the immunoassay sensitivity permits detection of dioxin contaminants in industrial or environmental samples at concentrations in the range of a few parts per trillion.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent reaction, which may be utilized as an immunoassay, carried out by 2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione or its derivative, a peroxidase, and an oxidant, is enhanced by adding a phenolic compound such as (4-cyanomethylthio)phenol thereto. Especially, it is preferred that (4-cyanomethylthio)phenol is added to a mixture of luminol, horseradish peroxidase, and hydrogen peroxide to provide a significantly enhanced and stabilized luminescent reaction. Involving this enhanced luminescent reaction to an immunoassay, the sensitivity of the assay may be increased.

Abstract: Described are plants not naturally capable of reducing dihydrokaempferol and containing a DNA sequence inserted according to recombinant DNA techniques which DNA sequence encodes a protein with the enzymatic activity of a dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) with extended substrate specificity for dihydrokaempferol. Furthermore, methods for the production of said plants, recombinant vectors and the use of said plants for the breeding of plants and parts of plants with modified flower colour are described.

Abstract: 2-O-.alpha.-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascrobic acid is crystallizable in its supersaturated solution. Crystalline 2-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid is substantially nonhygroscopic, free flowing, free of deliquescence, consolidation and direct reducing activity, but is readily soluble in water. Because of these, characteristics crystalline 2-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid is handleable with an ease, and superiorly high in stability and physiological activities. Thus, crystalline 2-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid is favorably useful in vitamin C-enriching agents, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Abstract: A unique class of chemiluminescent labels containing biotin substitution that are suitable for chemiluminescent assays using inter alia a streptavidin and/or avidin conjugate. The chemiluminescent labels of the invention have the ability to bind to streptavidin and/or avidin per se or to streptavidin and/or avidin conjugated with an analyte. Label structures are disclosed that have hydrolytic stability to meet the most demanding commercial assay conditions. The invention encompasses conjugates containing associated versions of the labeling compounds, assays and kits for performing such assay utilizing the conjugates.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved assay device and assay for detecting or quantitating the presence or absence of a substance in a sample. The device has multiple layers comprising a permeable layer (a) having a capture reagent attached to less than the entire membrane, a selectively permeable layer (b) which does not allow assay reagents to pass through (b) and an absorbent layer (c). Layer (b) is in communication with layers (a) and (c). Layer (b) has at least one hole extending therethrough and the hole or holes are directly below the capture reagent in layer (a). The area of the hole or the combined area of the holes is less than the area covered by the capture reagent. This invention also relates to a method of reducing background color development in an absorbent layer of an assay device.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a ligand analog comprising a dicarboxylic acid oxidation product of a immunologically reactive mono-or a polysaccharide having vicinal diols, to which a label or a support is appended through an amide or thioester linkage.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting bacteria by forming an immunoassay ladder sing a biological substance (Ag) adsorbed onto a surface, to which has been added an immunological biochemical ladder (Ab) and beta-galactosidase enzyme (gal) to form a Ag-Ab-gal system. The system is added to an aqueous solution of an enzyme selected from ortho-nitrophenylgalactopyranoside and ortho-nitrophenylgalactosidase enzyme. The enzyme reacts with the gal to produce ortho-nitrophenol (ONP) such that the amount of ortho-nitrophenol (ONP) produced may be detected by measuring the vapor pressure generated by the ONP using an ion mobility spectrometer monitor. The pressure of the ONP is in proportion to the amount of biological substance present in the system. In a preferred embodiment, the ion mobility spectrometer monitor includes display means for indicating the quantity of bacteria measured.