Patent ID: 7183073
Filing Date: 2007-02-27
Classification: C12M,C12Q

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting microorganisms comprising: providing a device for culturing microorganisms comprising a container and within said container an immobilization layer made of an interconnected network of polymer chains, wherein interstitial spaces between said interconnected network of polymer chains are of a size on average less than an average size of microorganisms to be cultured; adding a fluid sample to said device, said sample containing microorganisms and being of a volume at least 0.04 ml per each square centimeter of surface area of said immobilization layer; allowing said sample to be completely absorbed and immobilized within said immobilization layer, while substantially all microorganisms present within said sample are immobilized on a top surface of said immobilization layer; incubating the device with said sample for a period of time so as to allow for growth of any microorganisms present; and detecting any microorganisms present on said immobilization layer.