Optical method and device for the detection and enumeration of microorganisms
US8557539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/04
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device comprises a container with at least one section transparent to light, a growth zone located in said container containing a mixture of growth media capable of supporting growth of the microorganisms, and at least one indicator substrate that changes its optical properties due to growth of the microorganisms. A detection zone is located in the container adjacent to the transparent section, and a barrier layer comprising porous solid material separates the two zones, allowing diffusion of molecules and ions of metabolic by-products of the organisms, while preventing microorganisms and particulate matter of the test sample from penetrating into the detection zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.