HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Palmer, J. M. A. Articles by Kosikowski, F. V. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Palmer, J. M. A. Articles by Kosikowski, F. V.

Simple Ultrasensitive Test for Detecting Penicillin in Milk

Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

ABSTRACT

A simple procedure for screening large numbers of milks to detect traces of penicillin is outlined. Detection of .002 IU penicillin per ml within 4 to 6 hr was demonstrated. The method is based on the growth of B. subtilis spores fixed on to nutrient-spore-dye paper discs, residing in a small quantity of test milk evaporating in air. The evaporation increases penicillin in the milk, if any exists, and the color change of tetrazolium chloride dye in the disc reflects this concentration change.

Dextrose and sucrose discs gave similar sensitivities, but sucrose discs retained their stability for long periods of time and are favored. Environmental factors which affect the ultrasensitive test for penicillin are described.

¹ Present address: An Foras Taluntais, Moore-park, Fermoy, Ireland.