Capturing carrier, capturing device, analysis system using the same, and method for capturing and testing microorganisms

Abstract

In order to make a process of capturing and testing air-borne microorganisms more convenient and quick, a capturing device which comprises the capturing carrier comprising a polymer which is in a gel phase at the time of capturing the microorganisms but undergoes a phase transition under heating to a sol phase at the temperature at or less than 40° C. (especially in the temperature range between 15° C. and 37° C.), and a vessel to contain the capturing carrier is used. Further, by comprising a test reagent in the polymer, the test reagent can be eluted upon said phase transition from a gel phase to a sol phase. By heating the capturing carrier, a phase transition to a sol phase can occur at or less than 40° C. As such, since recovery of microorganisms and addition of a test reagent to the microorganisms can be carried out simultaneously, the process can be simplified and the process time can be shortened.