Detection method

Abstract

A method of analysis of a hydrocarbon fuel for the presence of a micro-organism comprises contacting a fuel sample with an aqueous diluent and with an antibody reactive with the micro-organism, or reactive with a metabolite of breakdown product produced by the micro-organism, to detect the presence or absence of the micro-organism.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of analysis of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel for the presence of a micro-organism, the method comprising mixing a fuel sample with an aqueous diluent containing an emulsifier and contacting the mixture or one phase thereof with an antibody raised to the micro-organism which has been grown in contact with the hydrocarbon fuel, or raised to a metabolite or breakdown product of the micro-organism which has been grown in contact with the hydrocarbon fuel, to detect the presence or absence of the micro-organism. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises vigorously mixing the fuel and aqueous diluent before contact with the antibody. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the emulsifier is a non-ionic detergent. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the emulsifier is polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4 , wherein the emulsifier is used at a concentration of 0.01-10% by volume. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is light-middle distillate fuel having a boiling point below 390° C. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the micro-organism is  Hormoconis resinae.    
     
     
         8 . A kit for analyzing a liquid hydrocarbon fuel for the presence of a micro-organism comprising a sample of antigen specific to a micro-organism capable of growing in hydrocarbon fuel, the antigen having been prepared from the micro-organism grown in contact with the hydrocarbon fuel; an antibody reactive with that antigen; and an aqueous diluent containing an emulsifier. 
     
     
         9 . An antibody which has been prepared by exposure to a metabolite or derivative of a micro-organism which has been grown in liquid hydrocarbon fuel.