Charm Sciences, Inc.

Robert S Salter

Stanley E Charm

Robert J Markovsky

Steven J Saul

Richard T Skiffington

Cheryl B Francisco

Paul E Graham

Gregory W Durbin

Martin T Rossi

Jovo Djuragic

Byron D Roberts

Benjamin Mathieu

Byron A Roberts

John F Fitchen

Alan C Tran

Ryan N Sullivan

Robert J Markovski

Culture medium devices and systems are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a culture medium adapted for test fluid inoculation without the concerns associated with a spreading step. In particular examples, a printed grid on the outer surface of a culture device is visible on the inner surface for colony counting after a test has been developed. The result is a device that allows for detection, identification, and transportation of various microorganisms without preparation or spreading steps, and more particularly to a culture medium in which a test fluid inoculated thereto diffuses rapidly.

Culture medium method and device

Reader observation and monitoring of the imaging of biological development is shown and described. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring biological growth includes identifying an alert from comparing a background value identified on a plate to a non-background value identified on a plate. In particular examples, a pre-filter, threshold, and histogram analysis identifies an alert count.

Plate reader observation methods and operation

Peel plates and plate assemblies are shown and described. In one embodiment, a peel plate assembly includes a semi-rigid plate, a removable cover seal, and an adhesive to provide a moisture vapor barrier. In particular embodiments, the moisture vapor barrier provides less than about one pound peel adhesion and a stiffness for reapplication without wrinkling. The result is a peel plate, assembly, and method for the enumerating a microorganism, when present, in a sample.

Peel plate assembly

Reader and plate methods, operations, and systems for observing a biological sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a reader device includes selecting a plate type between at least two plate type selections on a user interface. One embodiment includes aligning a peel plate within a tray holder nest to define a semi-fixed processing position. One embodiment includes transporting a peel plate from a loading position into a focal alignment with an imaging device for monitoring biological growth, when present.

Plate reader

Phages can be detected as rapid indicators of the hygienic quality of a sample. Both continuous flow methods and devices, single sample methods and devices, of various volumes, can be used. Single samples may be tested by single or multi-step testing methods. Test kits can be provided in easy-to-use formats. Certain phages, such as coliphage, are useful as indicators of fecal contamination.

Test kit and method for detecting bacteriophage

An aspect of the disclosure is a method and device for the detection of antibiotics in a sample. Embodiments include a microbial culture with growth indicators and sensitivity adjustment reagents. Adjustment reagents include a variety of antibiotic binders that can be added to microbial culture to reduce sensitivity to certain antibiotics. Some embodiments include multiple buffers with a variety of pKa ranges. Some embodiments also include a complete self-contained apparatus for sampling and testing.

Inhibition assay method and device for detection of antibiotics

Methods are provided for detection of concentrations of less than 3.4 picomolar of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) using recombinant luciferase in the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Aspects include a low pH composition for use in detecting the presence of ATP. The low pH composition can include low concentrations of detergents and can be used in combination with methods for reading, calculating and interpreting luminescence generated by the ATP-luciferin-luciferase reaction.

Method for detecting ATP

Disclosed herein is test device and method for detection of sample analytes in which after sampling has occurred a closure is provided. Such a test device and method can be usefully employed to detect a variety of analytes including microorganisms.

Sampling method and device

The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a microbial culture to an antibiotic. The method employs a substance derived from a bacterial species with sensitivity to the antibiotic. Such bacterial species include the same species used in the culture or a different species.

Method for adjusting antibiotic sensitivity of a test culture

Methods are provided for sensitive detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in samples using the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Aspects include using a pH composition that maximizes a signal to noise ratio. The maximum signal to noise ratio can be particularly useful with recombinant luciferase including recombinant Coleoptera luciferase.

Sensitive method for detecting low levels of ATP

Methods, devices and systems are provided for detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in samples using the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Aspects include a low pH composition for use in detecting the presence of ATP. The low pH composition can include low molarity buffers and detergents and can be used in combination with methods for reading, calculating and interpreting luminescence generated by the ATP-luciferin-luciferase reaction. Both the low molarity and low pH composition, and the methods for reading, calculating and interpreting luminescence, can be used with a single service hygiene monitoring format.

A test method and test device for hygiene monitoring of a test sample from a biological material or a surface with a biological material to detect the presence of phosphate and glucose as a measure of hygiene by employing a swab-type, puncturable-membrane test apparatus or a lateral-flow or capillary-flow test apparatus.

Method for monitoring hygiene

Methods, devices and systems are provided for detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in samples using the luciferin-luciferase reaction. An aspect of the invention includes a low molarity and low pH composition for use in detecting the presence of ATP. The low molarity and low pH composition can be used in combination with methods for reading, calculating and interpreting luminescence generated by the ATP-luciferin-luciferase reaction. Both the low molarity, low pH composition and the methods for reading, calculating and interpreting luminescence can be used with a single service hygiene monitoring format.

Growing community of inventors

Reading, MA, United States of America

Robert S Salter