Methods and apparatus and assays of bacterial spores
US8173359B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/6408
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sample of unknown bacterial spores is added to a test strip. The sample of unknown bacterial spores is drawn to a first sample region on the test strip by capillary action. Species-specific antibodies are bound to the sample when the unknown bacterial spores match the species-specific antibodies, otherwise the sample is left unbound. DPA is released from the bacterial spores in the bound sample. The terbium ions are combined with the DPA to form a Tb-DPA complex. The combined terbium ions and DPA are excited to generate a luminescence characteristic of the combined terbium ions and DPA to detect the bacterial spores. A live/dead assay is performed by a release of the DPA for live spores and a release of DPA for all spores. The detection concentrations are compared to determine the fraction of live spores. Lifetime-gated measurements of bacterial spores to eliminate any fluorescence background from organic chromophores comprise labeling the bacterial spore contents with a long-lifetime lumophore and detecting the luminescence after a waiting period. Unattended monitoring of bacterial spores in the air comprises the steps of collecting bacterial spores carried in the air and repeat…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.