Microbial detection and quantification
US7399608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/2566
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for semi-quantitatively or quantitatively detecting the presence of a microbe in a sample is provided. The method utilizes a test dye that undergoes a detectable color change in the presence of one or more microbes. For example, in one embodiment, the test dye is a solvatochromic dye (e.g., Reichardt's dye) that responds to differences in polarity between microbe components (e.g., cell membrane, cytoplasm, etc.) and the environment outside the cell. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be wholly or partially responsible for the interaction between the dye and the microbe, such as acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and so forth. Regardless, the color of the test dye may be compared to the color of a control dye, wherein the color of the control dye corresponds to a known microbe concentration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.