The invention provides methods, devices and kits for rapid detection and identification of one or more live target microorganisms in a liquid sample or grown on plates containing solid nutrient media. The invention includes mixing one or more target microorganisms with one or more aptamers and/or one or more antibodies, each conjugated to a reporter compound and specific for a first site on one or more target microorganisms to form a mixture. The mixture is placed on a permeable membrane having immobilized thereon one or more aptamers linked to an amine compound, and/or one or more antibodies, each specific for a second site on one or more target microorganisms or a site on the aptamer conjugate and/or antibody conjugate. A detection solution is added to the membrane and detection and identification of one or more target microorganisms is achieved in about one hour or less.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
2.
METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RAPID DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF LIVE MICROORGANISMS OR THEIR SECRETED PROTEINS BY APTAMERS AND/OR ANTIBODIES ON PERMEABLE MEMBRANES
The invention provides methods, devices and kits for extremely rapid detection and identification, with great specificity and sensitivity, of live target microorganisms, such as Group B Streptococcus, Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), E. coli, Salmonella, Yersinia pestis (plague), Vibrio cholera and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or their secreted proteins, in a liquid sample or grown on nutrient media-containing plates. The invention includes capturing and identifying the live microorganisms or their secreted proteins on permeable membranes via binding to aptamers and/or antibodies. Rapid detection and identification is achieved in two hours or less.
The present invention provides an improved flat package of petri dishes and method of producing the same for prolonging shelf life and preservation of sterility of the petri dishes. The flat package is comprised of an optically clear, high-barrier, moisture-, gas- and microbial-resistant pouch. A plurality of petri dishes located adjacent one another are placed in an interior cavity of the pouch, after which the pouch is vacuum-packed, optionally flushed with an inert gas and then heat sealed. The placement and immobilization of the petri dishes in the pouch allow for prolonged shelf life and preservation of sterility, greatly reduced breakage rates, and enhanced visibility of the petri dishes by a user.
B65D 81/28 - Applications of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
B65B 31/04 - Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
4.
DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS ON TRANSPARENT PERMEABLE MEMBRANES
This invention describes rapid detection and identification of colonies or micro- colonies of microorganisms after regular or short (several hours) growth periods on light pellucid, molecule-permeable membranes installed on solid nutrient media. Colonies or micro-colonies appearing on a membrane can be easily transferred from a growth plate to another media such as, pure agar or paper filled with indicator substances or substrates. Filterable and non-filterable samples can be analyzed by this method. A multitude of different methods of detection and identification can be realized using this invention in a micro-colony format: detection and enumeration of all live cells or specific live cells; detection and simultaneous identification of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms; different immunological methods of detection; detection and enumeration using machine analysis such as automated image identifiers.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
5.
APPARATUS FOR MAKING A SOLID NUTRIENT MEDIUM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
The present invention provides an apparatus comprised of devices for simple, fast and cost-effective storage and plating of solid nutrient medium (SNM) for various uses in the field of microbiological analysis. The devices consist of a container which can be aseptically filled with SNM and equipped with a plunger to accurately press out needed amounts of the SNM; a cutting means to cut, hold and transfer SNM; a measuring means to measure the amount of SNM exiting the container; and a growth plate for storage of SNM, growth of microorganisms on SNM, and introduction of indicator substances to SNM for analysis of microorganisms.
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for the production of hydrogen based on the capture of metabolic by-products of hydrogen-producing microbacteria, in which a bioreactor is maintained in an environment conducive to the growth of hydrogen-producing microbacteria and the production of hydrogen and at the same time is restrictive to the growth of undesirable microorganisms such as methanogens and the production of methane. The present invention utilizes concentrated growth of hydrogen-producing microbacteria such as Klebsiella oxytoca. The invention provides a simple and cost-effective way to produce hydrogen by selectively harnessing hydrogen-producing microbacteria utilizing glucose-based solutions while substantially eliminating methane-producing microbacteria.
C12P 1/00 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes
7.
METHOD FOR SUSTAINED MICROBIAL PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN GAS IN A BIOREACTOR USING KLEBSIELLA OXYTOCA
The present invention provides a method of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from Klebsiella oxytoca and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. Klebsiella oxytoca metabolizes organic material at elevated temperatures and pH levels that are detrimental to methanogens. Particularly, the environment in the bioreactor is preferably maintained between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH. Further, the Klebsiella oxytoca metabolizes organic material in the organic feed material and produces hydrogen in substantially a 1:1 ratio with carbon dioxide.
The present invention provides a system of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from Klebsiella oxytoca metabolism and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. Klebsiella oxytoca metabolizes organic material at elevated temperatures and pH levels that are detrimental to methanogens. Fixed colonies of Klebsiella oxytoca are contained within the bioreactor, providing a sustained level of hydrogen production. The Klebsiella oxytoca metabolizes organic material in the organic feed material and produces hydrogen in substantially a 1:1 ratio with carbon dioxide. The environment in the bioreactor is preferably maintained between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH.
C12P 1/00 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes
C12P 1/04 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes by using bacteria
C12P 3/00 - Preparation of elements or inorganic compounds except carbon dioxide
9.
METHOD OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION UTILIZING SAND FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A HIGH BIOMASS BACTERIA IN A HYDROGEN BIOREACTOR
The invention provides a method for producing hydrogen through the concentrated growth of hydrogen producing microorganisms. The method comprising: providing a receptacle, introducing a material that contains hydrogen generatig microorganism into the receptacle, introducing a substrate that contains a baiting material into the receptacle, and baiting the hydrogen generating microorganisms to the substrate thereby allowing for the growth of the hydrogen generating microorganisms on the substrate.
This invention discloses an apparatus for the concentrated growth of hydrogen generating microorganisms. The apparatus includes a receptacle with an interior cavity that contains a material in which the hydrogen generating microorganisms are located as well as one or more substrates that are used to facilitate the growth of hydrogen generating microorganisms.
The present invention provides a method of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from hydrogen producing microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The method further includes an equalization tank that provides improved control of flow rates, particularly when combining the hydrogen production system with an industrial process such that organic feed material obtained from the industrial process is utilized in the hydrogen production system. The environment in the bioreactor is preferably maintained between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH.
C12P 1/04 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes by using bacteria
C12P 3/00 - Preparation of elements or inorganic compounds except carbon dioxide
A method of growth of selected microorganism cultures by selectively baiting paraffinophilic microorganisms for concentrated growth is provided. The method includes providing a receptacle containing an aqueous solution and adjusting the solution to mimic the environmental conditions conducive to enhancing growth of the target microorganisms. The method then further includes inoculating the solution with a sample taken from an aqueous or terrestrial environmental site, or by seeding the aqueous solution with the paraffinophilic microorganism, chosen for its affinity for degrading organic waste or producing certain by-products and then placing in the receptacle one or more paraffin coated substrates to bait the paraffinophilic microorganism. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.
The present invention provides a system of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from hydrogen producing microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The hydrogen production system further includes an equalization tank that provides improved control of flow rates, particularly when combining the hydrogen production system with an industrial facility such that organic feed material obtained from the industrial facility is utilizes in the hydrogen production system. The environment in the bioreactor is preferably maintained between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH.
The present invention provides a method of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from hydrogen producing microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The environment adjusted to a pH conducive to the growth and metabolism hydrogen producing microorganisms within the bioreactor, wherein the pH of the organic feed material is preferably between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH, and by heating the organic feed material prior to entry into the bioreactor. The method further includes a circulation system to create directional flow within the bioreactor.
The present invention provides a method and apparatus of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from hydrogen producing microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The method and apparatus includes substrates contained within the bioreactor for growing biofilm thereon, wherein the substrates may be affixed or may be buoyant such that they float to a surface of organic feed material contained in the bioreactor, the biofilm providing a source of continuous hydrogen production.
C12P 1/04 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes by using bacteria
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
C12M 1/14 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with means providing thin layers or with multi-level trays
C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
16.
PRODUCTION OF HYDROGEN GAS IN A BIOREACTOR WITH COATED SUBSTRATES
The present invention provides a system of baiting and growing microorganisms on a gelatinous matrix. A bioreactor is provided wherein the bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the breakdown of organic aqueous material and the production of hydrogen from microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The bioreactor includes substrates coated with a gelatinous matrix.
The present invention provides an apparatus for the production of hydrogen from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from hydrogen producing microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The environment is adjusted to a pH conducive to the growth and metabolism of hydrogen producing microorganisms within the bioreactor, wherein the pH of the organic feed material is preferably between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH. The method further includes a circulation system to create directional flow within the bioreactor.
The present invention provides a system of hydrogen production from microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from hydrogen producing microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The environment is controlled by providing a pH controller for controlling the pH of an organic feed material that is metabolized by the hydrogen producing microogranisms held within the bioreactor, wherein the pH of the bioreactor is preferably between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH, and by heating the organic feed material prior to entry into the bioreactor. Futher, the ORP of reaction occurring within the bioreactor are maintained at about -300 to -450 mV.
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
C12M 1/14 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with means providing thin layers or with multi-level trays
C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
C12P 1/04 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes by using bacteria
C12P 3/00 - Preparation of elements or inorganic compounds except carbon dioxide
The present invention provides a system of baiting and growing microorganisms on a gelatinous matrix. A bioreactor is provided wherein the bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the breakdown of organic aqueous material and the production of hydrogen from microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The bioreactor includes substrates coated with a gelatinous matrix, wherein the gelatinous matrix coating is replenished by additional coating material pumped into interior channels of the substrates wherein the substrates are permeable by the coating.
The present invention provides a method identifying nonparaffinophilic microorganisms suitable for antibiotic screening. The method provides the growing of nonparaffinophilic microorganisms on substrates in a bioreactor, wherein the bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the metabolism of many nonparaffinophilic microorganisms while being restrictive to methanogens and methane production. The method may further include substrates coated with a gelatinous matrix, wherein the gelatinous matrix coating baits the nonparaffinophilic microorganisms.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
21.
METHOD FOR UTILIZING NONPARAFFINOPHILIC MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING SPECIFIC WASTE DEGRADATION
The present invention provides a method of identifying nonparaffinophilic microorganisms suitable for biodegradation or bioremediation that do not substantially produce methane. The method provides the growing of nonparaffinophilic microorganisms on substrates in a bioreactor, wherein the bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the metabolism of many nonparaffinophilic microorganisms while being restrictive to methanogens and methane production. The method may further include substrates coated with gelatinous matrix, wherein the gelatinous matrix baits the nonparaffinophilic microorganisms.
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12Q 1/24 - Methods of sampling, or inoculating or spreading a sampleMethods of physically isolating an intact microorganism
The present invention provides a method of hydrogen production from hydrogen producing microorganisms, wherein a bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the production of hydrogen from hydrogen producing microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The hydrogen producing microorganisms metabolize an organic feed substrate, wherein the organic feed material in preferably maintained between about 3.5 and 6.0 pH while contained within the bioreactor. The organic feed material is further heated prior to entry into the bioreactor to substantially deactivate or kill methanogens.
The present invention provides an apparatus for the dual production of hydrogen, wherein organic feed material of a primary hydrogen production apparatus is heated with excess or diverted heat from a secondary hydrogen production apparatus, thereby substantially deactivating or killing methanogens within the organic feed material. Hydrogen producing microorganisms contained or added to the organic feed material metabolize the organic feed material in a bioreactor to produce hydrogen in a primary hydrogen production apparatus. As the methanogens are no longer substantially present to convert produced hydrogen to methane, a biogas that contains hydrogen without substantial methane can be produced.
The present invention provides a dual method of hydrogen production, wherein organic feed material is heated with excess or diverted heat from a secondary hydrogen production method, thereby substantially deactivating or killing methanogens within the organic feed material. Hydrogen producing microorganisms contained or added to the organic feed material metabolize the organic feed material in a bioreactor to produce hydrogen in a primary hydrogen production method. As the methanogens are no longer substiantially present to convert produced hydrogen to methane, a biogas that contains hydrogen without substantial methane can be produced.
The present invention provides a method of hydrogen production, wherein organic feed material is heated with excess or diverted heat from a nuclear reactor, thereby substantially deactivating or killing methanogens within the organic feed material. Hydrogen producing microorganisms contained or added to the organic feed material metabolize the organic feed material in a bioreactor to produce hydrogen. As the methanogens are no longer substantially present to convert produced hydrogen to methane, a biogas that contains hydrogen without substantial methane can be produced.
C12P 3/00 - Preparation of elements or inorganic compounds except carbon dioxide
C12P 1/04 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes by using bacteria
26.
HYDROGEN PRODUCING APPARATUS UTILIZING EXCESS HEAT FROM AN INDUSTRIAL FACILITY
The present invention provide a hydrogen production apparatus, where a bioreactor is combined with an industrial facility such that the industrial facility heats an organic feed material prior to conveyance of the organic feed material into the bioreactor. The apparatus includes a bioreactor, a feed container, a heating means such as a heat exchanger and an industrial facility with a heat waste source.
The present invention provides a method of hydrogen production, wherein organic feed material is heated with excess or diverted heat from an industrial facility, thereby substantially deactivating or killing methanogens within the organic feed material. Hydrogen producing bacteria contained or added to the organic feed material metabolize the organic feed material in a bioreactor to produce hydrogen. As the methanogens are no longer substantially present to convert produced hydrogen to methane, a biogas that contains hydrogen without substantial methane can be produced.
C12P 1/00 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes
28.
METHOD OF HYDROGEN PRODUCTION COMBINING A BIOREACTOR WITH A POWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS
The present invention provides a method of hydrogen production, wherein organic feed material is heated with excess or diverted heat from a power plant, thereby substantially deactivating or killing methanogens within the organic feed material. Hydrogen producing microorganisms contained or added to the organic feed material metabolize the organic feed material in a bioreactor to produce hydrogen. As the methanogens are no longer substantially present to convert produced hydrogen to methane, a biogas that contains hydrogen without substantial methane can be produced.
C12M 1/00 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology
C12M 1/14 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with means providing thin layers or with multi-level trays
C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
C12P 1/04 - Preparation of compounds or compositions, not provided for in groups , by using microorganisms or enzymesGeneral processes for the preparation of compounds or compositions by using microorganisms or enzymes by using bacteria
C12P 3/00 - Preparation of elements or inorganic compounds except carbon dioxide
This invention describes a device consisting of a micro-channel plate, filter, and porous holder for filter, which is substituted by a pure agar block during method performance, and supportive structural elements. The device is intended for rapid detection and/or identification of microorganisms. Microorganisms are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, microchannels that are open from both sides and attached to a filter from one side. A micro-channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro-channels (possible diameter of each channel=1-30 쎽m, length 100-1000 쎽m, and number on centimeter2-100,000-1,000,000). The micro-channel plate with cells trapped n the surface of the filter is attached to an agar block of the artificial substrate(s) so that the molecules of the artificial substrates will fill all micro-channels. Trapped cells produce colored or fluorescent molecules from artificial substrates. These molecules are collected in the very small volume of a micro-channel. The extremely small volume of a micro-channel (1/25 million part of a milliliter) allows it to collect a detectable concentration of color or fluorescent substances in a very short time (several minutes). Even one cell from a filtrated sample can be detected by the enzyme - artificial substrate method and/or identified by enzyme immunoassay.
C12Q 1/00 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions
B01L 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
C12M 1/34 - Measuring or testing with condition measuring or sensing means, e.g. colony counters
C12M 1/36 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology including condition or time responsive control, e.g. automatically controlled fermentors
C12M 3/00 - Tissue, human, animal or plant cell, or virus culture apparatus
C12Q 1/04 - Determining presence or kind of microorganismUse of selective media for testing antibiotics or bacteriocidesCompositions containing a chemical indicator therefor
C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids
G01N 1/00 - SamplingPreparing specimens for investigation
G01N 1/18 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state with provision for splitting samples into portions
G01N 15/06 - Investigating concentration of particle suspensions
G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
G01N 21/75 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated
patents
