device Qualicon (DuPont) RiboPrinter Microbial Characterization System A device that generates an automated genetic fingerprint of a bacterium from a bacterial suspension. an automated system that takes a purified bacterial suspension, lyses the cells, extracts the DNA, restriction endonuclease digests the DNA, separates the digest on a gel, transfers the DNA bands to a membrane, probes the bands with non-radioisotope-labeled, 5S-16S-23S rRNA-specific probes (Southern hybridization), photographs the membrane, and finally compares the bar code-like pattern to databases in order to identify the genus and species.