Comparative phenotype analysis
First Claim
1. A method for comparing at least two cell preparations, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a testing device comprising a plurality of testing wells, wherein said wells contain at least one test substrate selected from the group consisting of nitrogen sources, phosphorus sources, sulfur sources, and auxotrophic supplements;
b) preparing a first suspension comprising a first cell preparation, in an aqueous solution, and a second suspension comprising a second cell preparation in an aqueous solution;
c) introducing said first and second suspension into said wells of said testing device;
d) detecting the response of said first and second cell preparations to said testing substrate; and
e) comparing the response of said first and second cell preparations.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A method for comparing at least two cell preparations, comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a testing device comprising a plurality of testing wells, wherein said wells contain at least one test substrate selected from the group consisting of nitrogen sources, phosphorus sources, sulfur sources, and auxotrophic supplements;
b) preparing a first suspension comprising a first cell preparation, in an aqueous solution, and a second suspension comprising a second cell preparation in an aqueous solution;
c) introducing said first and second suspension into said wells of said testing device;
d) detecting the response of said first and second cell preparations to said testing substrate; and
e) comparing the response of said first and second cell preparations. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for comparing the function of a gene in at least two cell preparations, comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a testing device comprising a plurality of testing wells, wherein said wells contain one or more gel-initiating agents, and at least one testing substrate selected from the group consisting of nitrogen sources, phosphorus sources, sulfur sources, and auxotrophic supplements;
b) preparing a first suspension comprising a first cell preparation, in an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, and a second suspension comprising a second cell preparation, in an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, under conditions such that said first and second suspensions remain ungelled;
c) introducing said first and second suspension into said wells of said testing device under conditions such that said first and second suspensions form a gel matrix within said wells, such that said first and second cell preparations are within said gel matrix;
d) detecting the response of said first and second cell preparations to said testing substrate; and
e) comparing the response of said first and second cell preparations. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A kit for determining the phenotype of at least two organisms, comprising:
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i) a testing device containing a plurality of wells, wherein said wells contain one or more testing substrates selected from the group consisting of nitrogen sources, phosphorus sources, sulfur sources, and auxotrophic supplements;
ii) a first aqueous suspension; and
iii) a second aqueous suspension. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification