| abstract |
Provided is a method and system for the rapid and accurate detection of growth and metabolism of a cellular microorganism in a population of microorganisms in a non-liquid, culture medium. Further provided is a gelled culture medium containing a non-toxic, water-soluble, phosphorescent compound which measures oxygen content (partial pressure) of an microorganism also contained therein, by oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence; or the gel contains a fluorescent pH indicator that demonstrates growth of the microorganism by pH-dependent intensity change or wavelength shift in the emission spectrum. Further provided is a system and method for killing undesirable microorganisms or colonies in the culture medium without harming the surrounding microorganisms. |