The next generation of Petri culture technology is providing the opportunity to revolutionize the world of medical device diagnostics. By sandwiching a permeable, polymeric nanopore membrane in between two layers of agar, deadly microorganisms such as E.coli, Salmonella, Anthrax, Group B-Strep, and others can be successfully detected in a few hours. By contrast, it takes many hours or days to detect such organisms by conventional Petri and DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The technology enables viable microorganism detection, identification, and antibiotic sensitivity results at speeds up to 4–12× faster. By eliminating the need to wait longer for results, this technology slows the growth of antibiotic resistance by giving physicians the information they need faster, which allows them to make specific treatment decisions quickly.

Traditionally, labs have had to wait between 24 and 72 hours for culture-based proof of bacteria growth. Meanwhile, PCR testing methods have not lived up to their promises regarding speeds and diagnoses. While seeming to take less time on paper, many require an enrichment process of the sample at least overnight before the sequencing can be conducted. Other challenges include increased expenses, specialized training and equipment, and the fact that PCR does not distinguish between live and dead microbes. Because only living microbes are a true health threat, this determination is critical for a viable diagnosis. In addition, PCR is unable to provide information on antibiotic sensitivity or antibiotic resistance of the microbe detected in the sample.

Therefore, Petri culturing still remains the gold standard for viable detection and identification of microorganisms. This lengthy process can force healthcare practitioners to wait for conclusive results before beginning treatment, costing valuable time and potentially adverse health effects. On the other hand, these wait times can force physicians to treat empirically. This either exposes patients and microorganisms to broad-spectrum antibiotics unnecessarily (when other more targeted antibiotics would be more effective) or exposes healthy patients to antibiotics they may not need at all. Either way, this unnecessary exposure can lead to a development of antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains, making them more difficult and costly to treat in the future. The Center for Science in the Public Interest estimates the bottom line of these practices is an annual cost of $30 billon to treat antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, waiting for results in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and beverage industries can increase public health risks by delaying the identification of contaminated or spoiled products as inflate supply line and shipping costs.

How it works
NanoLogix technology starts with a standard Petri dish filled with nutrient agar and an extremely thin, permeable, polymeric nanopore membrane sandwiched within the agar. Tiny microorganisms grow on the membrane, pulling nutrients from the agar above and below. After a fraction of traditional incubation time, this BioNanoPore membrane is peeled off of the nutrient agar and transferred to a second staining plate. Capillary action brings the staining agent through the membrane and into contact with the microcolonies growing on the membrane. After a few minutes of contact with the staining agent, the microcolonies become visible.

To further identify target bacteria, the BioNanoFilter technology includes a filtration process based on an immuno-enzymological method that uses HRP antibody conjugates to remove unwanted microbes. This target identification process increases sensitivity to as low as one cell.

The material of the membranes is nonpermeable to cell structures, nontoxic, hydrophilic, and nonfluorescent. Additionally, the membranes are capable of working with organic and nonorganic molecules and proteins. By concentrating on this inexpensive, permeable membrane method, the test kits are designed to detect and identify hazardous bacteria and assorted yeasts quickly, accurately, and cost effectively.

Packaging
The test kits have a long shelf life similar to conventional culture products. However, traditional packaging exposes plates to cracking and contamination by wrapping stacks of dishes in thin-film plastic. The NanoLogix packaging addresses these challenges. It uses a flat pack method to vacuum seal single or double layers of BNP/BNF test kits in a nitrogen environment between two sheets of three- or four-mil plastic. The process of vacuum packaging protects the kits from damage and creates an aseptic environment to prevent contamination from the outside air. In addition, the flat surface of the flat pack allows for easy storage and visibility of product quality.