An Automated System for Rapid Non-Destructive Enumeration of Growing Microbes (original) (raw)
Figure 11
Predicted time savings using digital imaging of cellular autofluorescence.
The predicted times required to detect colonies are shown in panel A (visual detection) and panel B (imaging cellular fluorescence). The calculated detection time for a colony – for either the traditional or rapid method – depends on the time before growth begins (pre-growth time) and the doubling times of the microbe (see model in text). For simplicity, calculated results are shown only for microbes with threshold detection parameters similar to those of E. coli. However, these results should also apply to the substantial fraction of strains that have similar colony morphologies and cellular autofluorescence levels. The calculations also make the simplifying assumption that colonies originate from single cells.