The patent's assignee for patent number 8617874 is Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. (Neenah, WI).
News editors obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: "The ability to rapidly detect microorganisms is becoming an increasing problem in a wide variety of industries, includes the medical and food industries. For instance, rapid detection of a microorganism in the medical field may be crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of an illness. Unfortunately, multiple etiologic agents may be responsible for a particular condition, thereby making it difficult to rapidly identify the cause of the condition. The need for selective identification of the type of microorganism is important for a variety of reasons. For example, the knowledge of which type of microorganism is present may lead one to identify the particular source of contamination and to choose an appropriate treatment. Most of the current diagnostic procedures involve culturing the microorganism for identification, a process that usually requires several days and often gives negative results. Not only is culturing a lengthy process, but certain pathogens (e.g., mycobacteria) are notoriously difficult to grow outside the host. Although 'non-culturing' techniques have been developed, they are typically designed for only a specific pathogen. Thus, several assays are required to obtain a diagnosis, which are expensive and time-consuming.
"As such, a need currently exists for a technique of rapidly and simply detecting the presence of microorganisms, and identifying the particular type of detected microorganism."
As a supplement to the background information on this patent, VerticalNews correspondents also obtained the inventors' summary information for this patent: "In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting a microorganism in a sample is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the sample with an array, the array comprising a plurality of individual array addresses spaced apart in a predetermined pattern on a solid support. The addresses each contain a colorant so that the array produces a visually observable spectral response. The spectral response is detected (e.g., visually) and correlated to the presence of one or more microorganisms.
"In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an array for detecting a microorganism in a sample is disclosed. The array comprises a plurality of individual array addresses spaced apart in a predetermined pattern on a solid support. The addresses each contain a colorant so that the array produces a visually observable spectral response that is distinct for one or more microorganisms.
"Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below."
For additional information on this patent, see: Martin, Stephanie Michelle; MacDonald, John Gavin; Lye, Jason; Sayre, Curt; Thompson, Kimberlee. Array for Rapid Detection of a Microorganism. U.S. Patent Number 8617874, filed May 12, 2009, and published online on December 31, 2013.