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Microbial growth detector

  • US 20110275112A1
  • Filed: 12/23/2010
  • Published: 11/10/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting carbon dioxide, the apparatus comprising:

  • (a) a vessel comprising a wall, the wall defining (i) a detection region in the vessel and (ii) a growth region in the vessel;

    (b) a semi-permeable matrix disposed in the detection region of the vessel, the matrix comprising a pH indicator distributed throughout the matrix;

    (c) a gas-permeable membrane disposed inside the vessel, the gas-permeable membrane defining a boundary between the detection region and the growth region of the vessel; and

    (d) optionally, a culture medium disposed in the growth region of the vessel, the culture medium being capable of supporting the growth of a microorganism;

    wherein;

    (i) the gas-permeable membrane and the semi-permeable matrix are permeable to carbon dioxide, thereby permitting diffusive transport of carbon dioxide present in the growth region to the detection region;

    (ii) the gas-permeable membrane is impermeable to liquid and solid materials present in the growth region;

    (iii) the gas-permeable membrane is substantially free of any pH indicators present in the semi-permeable matrix; and

    (iv) the wall of the vessel is at least partially transparent in the detection region.

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