Detection method
AssigneeConidia Bioscience Limited
InventorJoan Kelley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of analysis of a hydrocarbon fuel for the presence of a micro-organism comprises contacting a fuel sample with an aqueous diluent and with an antibody reactive with the micro-organism, or reactive with a metabolite or breakdown product produced by the micro-organism, to detect the presence or absence of the micro-organism.
Claims10
1 A method of analysis of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel for the presence of a micro-organism, the method comprising contacting a fuel sample with an aqueous diluent and with an antibody reactive with the micro-organism, or reactive with a metabolite or breakdown product of the micro-organism, to detect the presence or absence of the micro-organism.
2 A method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises contacting the fuel and antibody in the presence of an emulsifier.
3 A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the emulsifier is a non-ionic detergent.
4 A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the emulsifier is polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate.
5 A method according to claim 4, wherein the emulsifier is used at a concentration of 0.01-10% by volume.
6 A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is light-middle distillate fuel having a boiling point below 390° C.
7 A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the micro-organism is Hormoconis resinae.
8 A kit for use in the method according to any preceding claim, the kit comprising a sample of antigen specific to a micro-organism capable of growing in hydrocarbon fuel;
- an antibody reactive with that antigen;
- and an aqueous diluent containing an emulsifier.
9 A method, kit or use according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the antibody has been prepared by exposure to a micro-organism, antigen, metabolite or derivative of that micro-organism which has been grown in hydrocarbon fuel.
10 An antibody which has been prepared by exposure to a micro-organism, antigen, metabolite or derivative of that micro-organism which has been grown in liquid hydrocarbon fuel.