Microbioengineering: Microbe Capture and Detection.

摘要

Recent deaths from outbreaks of microbial contamination particularly in foods but also in water and air the recent threats of biological warfare/ terrorism and the re-emergence of such diseases as tuberculosis have emphasized the importance of quick and accurate assessments of microbial contamination. In addition microbial contamination of sterile surfaces such as those of medical and surgical instruments and devices cause considerable danger. Using a unique combination of leading edge technologies microbe capture chips and a hand-held prototype detector have been developed which are capable of statistically sampling the environmental for pathogens INCLUDING SPORES and exotoxins identifying the specific pathogens/exotoxins and determining cell viability. This system is sensitive enough to detect very low levels APPROX. 20 CELLS/SQ CM of infectious bacteria in minutes.