초록 ▼

This invention presents methods for detection and evaluation of metabolic activity of microorganisms based upon their ability to consume dissolved oxygen. The methods utilize a fluorescence detection system which makes use of the sensitivity of the fluorescent emission of certain compounds to the pr

This invention presents methods for detection and evaluation of metabolic activity of microorganisms based upon their ability to consume dissolved oxygen. The methods utilize a fluorescence detection system which makes use of the sensitivity of the fluorescent emission of certain compounds to the presence of oxygen, which quenches (diminishes) the compound\s fluorescent emission in a concentration dependent manner. Respiring microorganisms will affect the oxygen concentration of a liquid medium in which they are immersed. Thus, this invention provides a convenient system to gather information on the presence, identification and metabolic activity of microorganisms by determining their effect on the oxygen concentration of the media in which they are present.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for detecting the presence of respiring microorganisms in a fluid comprising: (i) contacting said fluid with a sensor composition which comprises a fluorescent compound that exhibits a reduction in fluorescent intensity, when irradiated with light containing wavelengths which cause said com

A method for detecting the presence of respiring microorganisms in a fluid comprising: (i) contacting said fluid with a sensor composition which comprises a fluorescent compound that exhibits a reduction in fluorescent intensity, when irradiated with light containing wavelengths which cause said compound to fluoresce, upon exposure to oxygen, wherein the presence of the sensor composition is non-destructive to the microorganism; (ii) irradiating said sensor composition with light containing wavelengths which cause said fluorescent compound to fluoresce; (iii) measuring or visually observing the fluorescent light intensity from said fluorescent compound while irradiating said sensor compound with said light; (iv) comparing said measurement to that of a control not containing a respiring microorganism, wherein said control is selected from the group consisting of: a reagent control not in contact with respiring microorganisms and a calculated threshold, wherein a change in fluorescent intensity relative to the fluorescent intensity of the control is indicative of the presence of respiring microorganisms; and (v) in the event that no such increase is measured or observed, repeat steps (ii), (iii), and (iv) as needed, to detect the presence of respiring microorganisms in said fluid.