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US 2006/0134728 A1Published application
Microbial detection and quantification
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worlwide, Inc.
InventorsJohn MacDonald, Stephanie Martin, Jason Lye
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AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worlwide, Inc.
InventorsJohn MacDonald, Stephanie Martin, Jason Lye
Estimating the term…
A method for semi-quantitatively or quantitatively detecting the presence of a microbe in a sample is provided. The method utilizes a test dye that undergoes a detectable color change in the presence of one or more microbes. For example, in one embodiment, the test dye is a solvatochromic dye (e.g., Reichardt's dye) that responds to differences in polarity between microbe components (e.g., cell membrane, cytoplasm, etc.) and the environment outside the cell. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be wholly or partially responsible for the interaction between the dye and the microbe, such as acid-base reactions, redox reactions, and so forth. Regardless, the color of the test dye may be compared to the color of a control dye, wherein the color of the control dye corresponds to a known microbe concentration.
A method for semi-quantitatively or quantitatively detecting the presence of a microbe in a sample, the method comprising:
A method for semi-quantitatively or quantitatively detecting the presence of a microbe in a sample, the method comprising:
A substrate for semi-quantitatively or quantitatively detecting the presence of a microbe in a sample, the substrate defining a detection zone and a control zone, wherein a test dye is contained within the detection zone that is capable of undergoing a detectable color change in the presence of the microbe, and wherein a plurality of control dyes are contained within the control zone, the color of each control dye corresponding to a different known microbe concentration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.