Methods and devices for rapid detection and identification of live microorganisms by aptamers and/or antibodies immobilized on permeable membranes

A method for rapid detection and identification of one or more live target microorganisms in a sample, consisting of:

• taking a sample containing at least one live target microorganism and forming a mixture containing the at least one live target microorganism and at least one first aptamer conjugated to a reporter compound and selected for a first binding site of the at least one live target microorganism and/or at least one first antibody conjugated to a reporter compound and specific for a first antigenic site of the at least one live target microorganism;
• adding the mixture to a permeable membrane having immobilized thereon at least one second aptamer selected for a second binding site of the at least one live target microorganism and/or at least one second antibody specific for a second antigenic site of the at least one live target microorganism, said permeable membrane being substantially flat and two-dimensional and having a negligible volume;
• washing any non-bound microorganisms from the permeable membrane;
• adding a detection solution to the permeable membrane, said detection solution reacting with the reporter compound to cause a color reaction in the detection solution in about 3 minutes or less;
• and
• detecting and identifying the at least one live target microorganism based on the color reaction, wherein the method for rapid detection and identification of the at least one live microorganism takes about 30 minutes or less.