Reagentless detection of microorganisms by intrinsic fluorescence.
Quick and accurate detection of microbial contamination is accomplished by a unique combination of leading-edge technologies described in this and the accompanying paper. In this contribution, a hand-held prototype instrument is described which is capable of statistically sampling the environment for microbial contamination and determining cell viability. The technology is sensitive enough to detect very low levels ( approximately 20 cells/cm(2) or cm(3)) of microbes in seconds.
Estes
Cory
C
Department of Electrical Engineering, National Center for the Design of Molecular Function, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-4155, USA.
Duncan
Andrew
A
Wade
Brad
B
Lloyd
Christopher
C
Ellis
Walther
W
Powers
Linda
L
D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D004581:Electronics; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008904:Miniaturization; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D014780:Viruses / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D007202:Indicators and Reagents