3M Innovative Properties Company

Christine A Binsfeld

Michael R Plumb

Doyle T Potter

Patrick A Mach

Jason W Bjork

Peter D Wickert

Michael G Williams

Henry J Lubrant

Michael E Hughes

Mara S Celt

Robert F Young

Adam J Stanenas

Mara S Reif-Wenner

A method of detecting amicroorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by amicroorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by &#x3b2;-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.

Method of detecting amicroorganism

The disclosure provides culture devices and methods useful for detecting acid-producing bacteria in a sample. The devices include a nutrient medium and a pH indicator to detect and differentiate acid-producing microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating acid-producing microorganisms. The methods further provide for the detection of gas-producing acid-producing bacteria.

Detection of acid-producing bacteria

The invention is directed to counting techniques for counting biological agents on a biological growth plate or similar medium. In order to automate the counting of biological agents, a biological growth plate is inserted into a biological scanning unit. Upon insertion of the biological growth plate, the biological scanning unit generates an image of the plate. Then, the amount of biological agents that appear in the image, such as a number of bacteria colonies, can be counted or otherwise determined using image processing and analysis routines performed either by the scanning unit or an external computing device, such as a desktop computer, workstation or the like. A variety of counting rules are described herein that can be used to improve the accuracy of automated counts of biological agents on a biological growth plate.

Counting biological agents on biological growth plates

Disc assay devices and methods for the detection and enumeration of microorganisms are disclosed. The devices and methods include a plurality of discs attached to a substrate and a reflector on one surface of each of the discs to reflect electromagnetic energy of selected wavelengths after the energy has passed through the disc. The reflector may be useful to improve the accuracy of detection and/or enumeration of target microorganisms on the assay devices. A system for detecting and/or enumerating target microorganisms on disc assay devices is also provided.

Reflective disc assay devices, systems and methods

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Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Christine A Binsfeld