Abstract:
Methods and systems for detecting the presence of a target microorganism in a liquid sample are provided. Methods comprise the steps of passing the liquid sample through a surface filter, placing the surface filter into contact with a culture device, incubating the culture device for a period of time and detecting the presence of a target microorganism. Methods may be used with an automated detection system.
Abstract:
Methods for detecting target biological analytes within sample material using acousto-mechanical energy generated by a sensor are disclosed. The acousto-mechanical energy may be provided using an acousto-mechanical sensor, e.g., a surface acoustic wave sensor such as, e.g., a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensor (e.g., a LSH-SAW sensor). The detection of the target biological analytes in sample material are enhanced by contacting the target biological analyte and/or the sensor surface with liposomes that amplify the sensor sensitivity by (1) modifying the rheological properties of the fluid near the sensor surface; (2) changing the mass attached to the surface; and/or (3) modifying the dielectric properties of the fluid near the sensor surface, the sensor surface itself and/or any intervening layers on the sensor surface.
Abstract:
A system for detecting microorganisms in a test sample is provided that includes a fluorescently detectable product having both acidic and basic species, wherein the fluorescently detectable product is the reaction product of (a) an enzyme substrate that comprises an enzymatically hydrolysable group and a fluorescent group and (b) a test sample comprising a microorganism having an enzyme that hydrolyzes the hydrolysable group from the fluorescent group of the enzyme substrate. The fluorescently detectable product has an excitation isosbestic point Exlambdaiso where the absorbance of the acid species is the same as the absorbance of the basic species. The system also includes a first light source having a wavelength of Exlambdaiso for irradiating the fluorescently detectable product, The fluorescently detectable product emits light at a wavelength of Emlambda1, and the quantity of light emitted at the wavelength Emlambda1 is substantially constant across a pH range of 2.5 to 8.0.
Abstract:
Methods of analyzing a sample for target microorganisms of interest are described. In particular, the methods are useful for detecting a variety of yeast and mold microorganisms based on the presence of a ubiquitous cell wall component, such as zymosan. Methods of analyzing a sample for fungal microorganisms using liposomes and/or culture media are also described.