Device for rapidly detecting microorganisms

Abstract

The disclosure includes: a coating composition, comprising a powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent and surface-modified nanoparticles disposed in the powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent; a coated film that includes a transparent film coated with the coating composition; and a device for growing microorganisms, including the coated film releasably attached to at least a portion of a body member that includes a self-supporting and water-proof substrate.

1 . A coated film, comprising:
 a transparent film having an adhesive layer on a major surface thereof, wherein the adhesive is non-inhibitory to the growth of microorganisms; and   a coating composition adhered to the adhesive layer, wherein the coating composition comprises (a) a powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent; and (b) surface-modified nanoparticles disposed in the powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent in a range from 0.00001 wt. % to about 0.1 wt. % of the coating composition, the surface-modified nanoparticles having an average primary particle diameter of less than about 100 nanometers.   
     
     
         2 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the average primary particle diameter is less than 50 nanometers. 
     
     
         3 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the average primary particle diameter is in a range from about 3 nanometers to about 20 nanometers. 
     
     
         4 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the transparent film is selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and silicone. 
     
     
         5 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the transparent film is biaxially oriented polypropylene. 
     
     
         6 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the transparent film is about 25 to 380 microns thick. 
     
     
         7 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         8 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is substantially transparent when wetted with water. 
     
     
         9 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and algin. 
     
     
         10 . The coated film of  claim 9 , wherein the gelling agent is guar gum, xanthan gum, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the surface-modified nanoparticles include nanoparticles selected from the group including silica, titania, alumina, zirconia, vanadia, ceria, iron oxide, antimony oxide, tin oxide, calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, aluminum/silica and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the surface-modified nanoparticles include surface groups selected from the group including hydrophobic groups, hydrophilic groups and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The coated film of  claim 1 , wherein the surface groups are derived from an agent selected from the group including silane groups, organic acid groups, organic base groups and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A thin film culture device comprising the coated film of  claim 1 .