Detection of micro-organisms

Abstract

Improved methods and devices for detecting microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria in mixtures, are disclosed. Methods include passing a sample mixture thorough a filter device, which has been pretreated with detergent resuspending the filtrand from the filter membranes and detecting the presence of microorganisms in the filtrand.

1 . A filter device for recovering microorganisms from a sample mixture, the filter device comprising:
 a plurality of hollow fiber filter membranes which have been pre-treated with a detergent for increased retention of the microorganisms onto the membranes for re-suspension;   the membranes having a first and a second end and an outer surface and an inner surface defining a lumen, the first end of each of the membranes being open and communicating with a sample inlet and the second end being closed such that the flow of the sample mixture is restricted and filtered through the membranes, leaving a filtrand in the lumen of the membranes.   
     
     
         2 . The filter device according to  claim 1 , wherein the membranes having an average pore diameter of 0.2 μm. 
     
     
         3 . The filter device according to  claim 1 , wherein the membranes comprise polypropylene or polysulfones. 
     
     
         4 . The filter device according to  claim 1 , wherein the detergent comprises a non-ionic detergent. 
     
     
         5 . The filter device according to  claim 1 , wherein the microorganisms include yeast or bacteria.