Comparison of Cellulose and Polycarbonate Membrane Filters for Detection of Microbial Cells.

摘要

Two types of membrane filters, cellulose ester and polycarbonate, were evaluated for their application in the chromophoric detection of bacteria based on reduction of an oxidation-reduction indicator (resazurin). The cellulose filters gave superior results attributed to their depth-type structure which provided a greater surface area of adsorption of nutrient media. Both filters retained 99.9% of all bacteria. Resazurin reduction was detected for a hundredfold lower concentration of bacteria on cellulose filters than on the polycarbonate filters. These results were consistent with better accessability of substrate to the indicator on cellulose filters, thereby enabling more rapid and sensitive color changes. (Author)