Direct labelling of single cells without the need for a time-consuming multiplication stage

Complete packages for defined analyses
Developed to meet specific applications, each labelling kit contains all the materials necessary for a defined microbial analysis.

Kits incorporating either viability markers, for total viable counts (TVC) and yeast and mould counts, or probe-based identification markers for the detection of specific target cells, such as E.coli and Cryptosporidium are available.

Viability labels
Chemunex has developed an advanced fluorescent labelling technology that clearly differentiates living from dead cells.

• Direct labelling of single cells (including spores)
• No cell growth required
• Labelling complete in under 90 minutes
• Direct labels for either total viable counts or specific labelling of yeast and mould.

Within the cytoplasm of metabolically active cells, the initially non-fluorescent substrate is enzymatically cleaved to liberate free fluorochrome. Only viable cells with intact membranes have the ability to perform this cleavage and retain the fluorescent label. This means that living cells can be easily discriminated from dead cells, which do not fluoresce, by the ChemScan RDI and D-Count analysers.

Detecting key pathogens
Chemunex has developed probes that can detect specific single cells

Probes based on nucliec acids, specific enzymes and monoclonal antibodies available.

• Direct labelling of single cells.
• No cell growth or selective enrichment required.
• Results typically available in under 3 hours.

Rapid protocols for the detection of a wide range of target organisms in pharmaceutical, food & beverage, drinking water and cosmetics samples are either currently available, or in development, including: coliforms; E.coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Legionella; Cryptosporodium and Giardia.

Further Information

• Fluorassure Bibliography
• Fluorassure Validation