Utilizing Media Containing Hydrocarbon Patents (Class 435/248)
  • Patent number: 10287536
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for malting grain having a hollow cylindroconical vessel and a first, smaller removable false bottom retaining grain used in cleaning, steeping and resting the grain and a second, larger removable false bottom used in germinating and kilning the grain. The apparatus also includes a pump, a cooling system, a fan, a heating system, a humidifier, an aeration system, valves, tubing and ducting for treating grain with water and air. Sensors communicate with a controller and control the pump, the cooling system, the fan, the heating system, the humidifier, the valves, and the aeration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Sprowt LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Abbott, Mark Emmons
  • Patent number: 9725745
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to the production and extraction of oils and biodiesel from oleaginous yeast, such as a new yeast isolate of the genus Pichia. Also disclosed herein are methods for providing fermentation conditions for the production of yeast in high density using inexpensive raw materials including crude glycerol and corn steep liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: RELIANCE LIFE SCIENCES PVT. LTD.
    Inventors: Vidhya Rangaswamy, Saurabh Saran, Mithra Kannabiran, Meikandhan Thiru, Santosh Sankh
  • Patent number: 8945906
    Abstract: A system and methods for removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from an environment, where the system includes an inert and organic biofilm substrata as biofilm media for dual use: 1) inoculation of microorganisms to degrade POPs and 2) accumulation of POPs on the substrata, effective in maintaining bioavailable concentrations for sustaining microbial activity. Microorganisms capable of degrading or transforming POPs are actively associated with the substrata as a biofilm. Application of this delivery vehicle will enhance the microbial degradation of POPs, while simultaneously adsorbing hydrophobic POPs from the environment making them bioavailable for the microorganisms located in the formed biofilms and additionally lowering the aqueous concentration of POPs that have detrimental effects towards fish and mammals as they bioaccumulate through the food chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: University of Maryland Baltimore County
    Inventors: Kevin R. Sowers, Birthe Kjellerup, Upal Ghosh
  • Publication number: 20130330799
    Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods of enhancing the petroleum degrading abilities of bacteria and the resulting bacterial composition. In certain aspects the bacteria are selected for degradation of a petroleum having a particular composition profile and/or for environmental robustness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: ALTOGEN LLC
    Inventor: Dmitriy Ovcharenko
  • Publication number: 20130189265
    Abstract: Described are parvovirus variants derived, e.g., from H-1PV, showing higher anti-tumor potential compared to the wild type parvovirus, wherein said variant is characterized by (a) an amino acid substitution, alteration or addition, preferably substitution at position Lys96 of NS-2 and/or position Leu103 of NS-2 (together with a amino acid substituion at position Tyr595 of NS-1 in the latter case), or (b) an in-frame deletion in the parvovirus genome, preferably a deletion resulting in a large amino acid deletion in both the central part (aa 96-133) of NS-2 and the C-terminal part (aa 587-624) of NS-1. The present invention also relates to the use of said parvovirus variants for cancer therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: DEUTSCHES KREBSFORSCHUNGSZENTRUM
    Inventor: DEUTSCHES KREBSFORSCHUNGSZENTRUM
  • Publication number: 20130004993
    Abstract: Methods for producing and obtaining natural products from microbial amplification chambers are described. This approach utilizes the concept of green chemistry to synthesize and extract the marine and terrestrial natural products. The method describes techniques to colonize and grow the selected bacteria and to continuously harvest the pharmaceutical agent from the broth without using any commercial solvents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University
    Inventor: Thomas J. Manning
  • Patent number: 7442224
    Abstract: Fertilizer compositions for plant production are described, comprised of decontaminated manure and Bacillus spores, preferably a humic acid derived from lignite and, optionally, one or more of N compounds, P compounds, K compounds, and combinations of two or more of these compounds. Preferred compositions are those wherein the ingredients are blended into an admixture resulting in a granular product. Other preferred compositions are those blended into an admixture resulting in a powdered product. Preferably, the ingredients are formed into hardened prills or pellets. Processes for production and use are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Microbes, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph S. Porubcan
  • Patent number: 7319028
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for efficiently producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies having controlling effects on Scarabaeidae insects, and a control agent and controlling method for Scarabaeidae insects obtained by said production process. In a process for producing sporangia of Bacillus popilliae containing spores and parasporal bodies by culturing Bacillus popilliae in a medium containing an adsorbent, the medium contains 0.2-4.0% by weight of glutamic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignees: Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc., Chiba Prefectural Government
    Inventors: Gaku Ehara, Masaharu Kimura, Hideji Nishihashi, Tomoko Yokoyama, Makoto Hasegawa, Masao Tanaka, Azusa Fujiie, Shinichi Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 6689601
    Abstract: A high growth methanotrophic bacterial strain capable of growth on a C1 carbon substrate has been isolated and characterized. The strain has the unique ability to utilize both methane and methanol as a sole carbon source and has been demonstrated to possess a functional Embden-Meyerhof carbon flux pathway. The possession of this pathway conveys an energetic advantage to the strain, making it particularly suitable as a production platform for the production of biomass from a C1 carbon source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Mattheos Koffas, James M. Odom, Andreas Schenzle
  • Patent number: 6551814
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for the degradation of compounds contained in a liquid or solid waste stream are provided. Genes encoding toluene-degrading enzymes are also provided. The enzymes have homology to the E. coli pyruvate formate lyase and pyruvate formate lyase activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Peter W. Coschigano
  • Patent number: 6537797
    Abstract: The invention includes an isolated bacterium and a consortium of microorganisms including an isolated bacterium of the invention, which is capable of utilizing as a sole carbon source a polychlorinated biphenyl. The invention also includes a recombinant microorganism, such as a bacterium, a yeast or a bacteriophage, transfected with nucleic acid from an isolated bacterium of the invention, which is capable of utilizing as a sole carbon source a polychlorinated biphenyl. The invention also includes an isolated bacterium, which is capable of utilizing as a sole carbon source a chlorobenzoate. In addition, the invention includes an isolated nucleic acid and recombinant enzymes useful in the degradation of a polychlorinated biphenyl. The invention also includes methods for the bioremediation or enhancement of the bioremediation of a PCB-contaminated environment using the bacteria or microorganisms of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Indiana University, Advanced Research and Technology Institute
    Inventors: Flynn W. Picardal, Sanggoo Kim
  • Patent number: 6524842
    Abstract: A method for degrading an undesirable ether-based environmental contaminant by contacting the ether with a hydrogen-oxidizing microorganism to convert the ether to innocuous compounds which are environmentally acceptable, including treating the ether-based contaminants in situ or removing them from the contaminated site for treatment in a bioreactor, examples of the ether-based contaminants being tertiary butyl ethers of the type utilized as gasoline oxygenates, for example, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether, and methyl tert-amyl ether, and also ether solvents, for example, tetrahydrofuran.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Envirogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Vainberg, Robert J. Steffan
  • Patent number: 6461839
    Abstract: Present invention provides a method to efficiently manufacture an oil-containing product including long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, or a high added value oil containing long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The method comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the Genus Labyrinthula. The Labyrinthula microorganism is cultured in a medium containing oil or fatty acid as a carbon source, and the produced long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is recovered from the culture. With the present invention, it is possible to efficiently produce from the vegetable oil and the like, an oil containing product comprising long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexanoic acid having a carbon number of 20 or more, and two or more unsaturated bonds, or an oil containing the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. Further, the method of the present invention may be used to reform oil by converting the plant oil and like to high added value oil containing the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Toshihiro Yokochi, Toro Nakahara, Masakazu Yamaoka, Ryuichiro Kurane
  • Patent number: 6436664
    Abstract: A method for producing shikimic acid, comprising the steps of cultivating a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus which is deficient in shikimate kinase activity and has shikimic acid productivity, or a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus which is deficient in 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase activity and has shikimic acid productivity, in an medium, producing and accumulating shikimic acid in the medium, and collecting shikimic acid from the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yurgis Antanas Vladovich Iomantas, Elena Georgievna Abalakina, Boris Mironovich Polanuer, Tatyana Abramovna Yampolskaya, Tatyana Aleksandrovna Bachina, Yuri Ivanovich Kozlov
  • Patent number: 6410265
    Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of a novel putative efflux gene from Pseudomonas mendocina. The putative efflux gene is useful for probing an organism's efflux system to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of solvent tolerance. The invention further provides a Pseudomonas mendocina strain deficient in this gene. This strain is unable to grow in the presence of chloramphenicol and, compared to the wildtype strain, grows slowly in the presence of high concentrations of PHBA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Kevin Keqin Chen
  • Patent number: 6383798
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of identifying and selecting desiccation tolerant strains of bacteria and a method of producing a desiccated formulation of the identified strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley W. C. Chun
  • Patent number: 6267888
    Abstract: A method for removal of free-floating oil from an aqueous environment by bio-dispersion and bio-utilization comprising the steps of: (i) isolating species/strains of bacteria having an ability to utilize hydrocarbons as the only source of carbon; (ii) admixing the bacteria with a fatty substance and hydrocarbon oil to form an oleophilic suspension comprising a physiologically active bacterial culture of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, the fatty substance comprising an oleophilic nutrient as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for the bacteria, and (iii) applying the oleophilic suspension of the bacteria to a free floating oil in an aqueous environment to disperse and remove free-floating oil therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Ganti Satyanarayana
  • Patent number: 6251657
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for anaerobic biodegradation, bioremediation or bioprocessing of hydrocarbons dissolved in an aqueous matrix, such as wastewater, groundwater, or slurry. Dissolved alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons), alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons), aromatic hydrocarbons and/or halogenated hydrocarbons are metabolized or cometabolized. In one form, the invention involves introducing an aqueous stream comprising at least one dissolved aromatic hydrocarbon (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, or p-cresol) and a dissolved oxide of nitrogen [such as nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O)] to a reactor, and operating said reactor under conditions that support denitrification of the aromatic hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: YES Technologies
    Inventors: Robert M. Hunter, Frank M. Stewart, Tamara Darsow, Macgregor L. Fogelsong
  • Patent number: 6114161
    Abstract: A new bacteria species within the genus Streptococcus is disclosed, designated as Streptococcus sp PT DSM 8747. From this bacteria species a lipoteichoic acid LTA can be isolated which has a lipid anchor, galacto-furanosyl-beta-1-3-glycerol with different rests of fatty acids esterified to the two adjacent hydroxy groups in the glycerol moiety and a non-glycosylated, linear, unbranched GroP chain. The hydrophilic backbone may comprise 10 glycerophosphate units esterified with D-alanine in an extent of about 30%. The invention further concerns a pharmaceutical composition with the LTA, optionally together with a monokine and/or hyaluronidase, a method of treating cancer comprising administrating an antitumor effective amount thereof, a method of producing the LTA, and degradation products of the LTA and their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lunamed AG
    Inventors: Peter Truog, Peter Rothlisberger
  • Patent number: 6106843
    Abstract: A process for the isolation of nontoxinogenic V. cholerae strain and a process for preparing a cholera vaccine from said V. cholerae strain, said process comprising (a) isolating V. cholerae from the stool of a patient suffering from cholera by spreading the stool on a selector medium specific for V. cholerae, (b) separating the non-toxinogenic V. cholerae strain from the population of the V. cholerae strains isolated in step (a), and (c) incorporating immunogenic cholera toxin (ctx) B subunit gene into the chromosome of the strain by conventional methods to produce the vaccine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignees: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Department of Biotechnology
    Inventors: Thungapathra Muthukumarappa, Amit Ghosh, Charu Sharma, Naveen Gupta, Asish Mukhopadhyay, Hemanta Kole, Gopinath Balakrish Nair, Ranajit Kumar Ghosh
  • Patent number: 6080572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to Gram-negative sulfate-reducing bacteria strains which grow under anaerobic conditions at pH values between 3.9 and 9.5 and temperatures between 3.degree. C. and 45.degree. C. and which reduce sulfate to sulfide, utilize methanol as a source of carbon and energy, do not require further carbon and energy sources in addition to methanol, and are tolerant to metals. The present invention further relates to methods of decontaminating sulfuric-acid, metal-containing and radioactively contaminated water, particularly methods of decontaminating pit and flooding water in disused uranium mines or washing water from soil refining plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: UFZ-Umweltforschungszentrum Leipzig-Halle GmbH
    Inventors: Barbara Hard, Wolfgang Babel, Silke Friedrich
  • Patent number: 6054311
    Abstract: After the cryopreservation of living cells, the cells in a post-thaw recovery stage are supported by a gas permeable medium. This medium comprises at least one polyfluorinated compound. This compound may be gassed, for example with oxygen where oxygenation is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: F2 Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Michael Raymond Davey, Kenneth Charles Lowe, John Brian Power
  • Patent number: 5955359
    Abstract: Methods for the in vitro cultivation, propagation, and production of antigens of Ehrlichia phagocytophila genogroup granulocytic Ehrlichia species, including Ehrlichia equi and the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in promyelocytic leukemia cell cultures, such as HL60 and KG-1 cell lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignees: University of Maryland at Baltimore, The Regents of the University of California, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: J. Stephen Dumler, John Madigan, Jesse Goodman
  • Patent number: 5869335
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of culturing rickettsiae in Ixodes scapularis cell lines. The methods of the invention provide for culture of microorganisms such as Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia canis, and Rickettsia rickettsii. A method of the invention involves incubating a rickettsia with an Ixodes scapularis tick cell culture in a culture medium under reduced oxygen and increased CO.sub.2 at a sufficient temperature until growth of the rickettsia is detected. The culture medium comprises a medium suitable for the growth of invertebrate cells supplemented with an organic buffer. The cell culture method can be used in large scale production of rickettsia containing products useful in diagnostic assays and vaccine preparations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Ulrike G. Munderloh, Timothy J. Kurtti, Katherine M. Kocan, Edmour F. Blouin, Sidney A. Ewing
  • Patent number: 5854013
    Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in a specimen taken from a patient includes providing a receptacle containing an aqueous solution that does not contain a carbon source and inoculating the aqueous solution with the specimen. A slide having bound thereto a carbon source is placed into the receptacle. By analyzing the slide after exposure to the specimen, the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in the specimen can be determined. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Infectech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert-A. Ollar, Mitchell S. Felder
  • Patent number: 5807724
    Abstract: Organisms that degrade hydrocarbon-based substances are encapsulated in wax to form organism-containing wax microshells that are used for removing oil-based substances such as oil spills on land and water. The organism is preferably of the genus Candida that produce lipase. The microshell may contain nutrients that sustain the organism. The wax is paraffin wax or beeswax, and the microshell may be coated with talc or carbon powder to provide insulation and to prevent one microshell from sticking to another. When used for remediating an oil spill on water, the microshells are preferably contained in a buoyant container that acts as a flotation device. The flotation device may contain flotation means such as gas-filled microballoons that facilitate flotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph A. Resnick
  • Patent number: 5798237
    Abstract: A recombinant Lactobacillus MONT4 is provided which has been genetically engineered with xylose isomerase and xylulokinase genes from Lactobacillus pentosus to impart to the Lactobacillus MONT4 the ability to ferment lignocellulosic biomass containing xylose to lactic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephen K. Picataggio, Min Zhang, Mary Ann Franden, James D. Mc Millan, Mark Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 5773283
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, halo-nitro-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, said microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55644, 55648, 55645, 55641, 55647, 55642, 55643, 55646, 55649, 55722, 55723, 55726, 55727, 55724, and 55725.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5756317
    Abstract: Heteropolysaccharide biopolymers well adopted as thickening agents are improvedly produced by microbially fermenting a carbohydrate nutrient medium, said nutrient medium comprising an oil-in-water emulsion of a discontinuous oily phase dispersed within a continuous aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Specialities Chimiques
    Inventors: Veronique Leproux, Michel Peignier, Patrick Cros, Jeanine Beucherie, Yves Kennel
  • Patent number: 5721112
    Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in a specimen taken from a patient includes providing a receptacle containing an aqueous solution and inoculating the aqueous solution with the specimen. A slide coated with a carbon source is placed into the receptacle. By analyzing the slide after exposure to the specimen, the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in the specimen can be determined. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Infectech, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert -A. Ollar, Mitchell S. Felder
  • Patent number: 5707825
    Abstract: This invention provides an interface bioreactor system comprising (a) a reaction tank having (1) a reaction solvent placed therein, (2) a plurality of plate-like hydrophilic immobilizing carriers each having a thickness of 1 to 500 mm and packed therein so as to be arranged in a vertical position at intervals of 3 to 100 mm, the hydrophilic immobilizing carriers having a microorganism deposited and immobilized on the surfaces thereof in a growable or viable state and containing a liquid medium composed of water and nutrients necessary for the growth or survival of the microorganism, and (3) a sparger or agitator disposed at the bottom thereof; and (b) an aeration line connected with the reaction tank for supplying oxygen thereto. This system is highly efficient and can be scaled up easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinobu Oda
  • Patent number: 5698414
    Abstract: A method of determining the sensitivity of at least one paraffinophilic microorganism from a specimen obtained from a patient to different antimicrobial agents and predetermined quantities thereof includes providing at least one receptacle containing an aqueous solution and then inoculating the solution with the specimen. The method then includes placing into the receptacle (i) a paraffin coated slide to bait the at least one paraffinophilic microorganism and (ii) a predetermined quantity of an antimicrobial agent to be tested. The slide is then observed for paraffinophilic microorganism growth or lack thereof to determine whether the predetermined quantity of the antimicrobial agent is effective in inhibiting growth of the paraffinophilic microorganisms on the slide. An associated apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Infectech, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert-A Ollar
  • Patent number: 5688685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, the microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55641, 55642, 55643, 55644, 55645, 55646, 55647, 55648 and 55649 More particularly, the present invention relates to the aerobic degradation of organic compounds in fluid or solid phase such that the compounds are bioremediated to products containing CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5641679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, the microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55641, 55642, 55643, 55644, 55645, 55646, 55647, 55648 and 55649. More particularly, the present invention relates to the aerobic degradation of organic compounds in fluid or solid phase such that the compounds are bioremediated to products containing CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corporation
    Inventor: George E. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5639658
    Abstract: Provided are methods for fed batch fermentation of cells to produce a compound of interest. Also provided are methods of preparing a compound of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Amgen Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Mitchell Drobish, Vasuki Nagaraju Satyagal, Raj Kumar Sachdev
  • Patent number: 5633164
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, the microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55641, 55642, 55643, 55644, 55645, 55646, 55647, 55648 and 55649. More particularly, the present invention relates to the aerobic degradation of organic compounds in fluid or solid phase such that the compounds are bioremediated to products containing CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corporaton
    Inventors: George E. Pierce, Christopher V. Smith
  • Patent number: 5571715
    Abstract: The present invention provides for enhanced bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils and waters by treating soil or water with a composition comprising of a metal chelated macrocyclic amido amines or mixtures thereof represented by the structural formula: ##STR1## where R is selected from linear or branched alkanes with 8 to 22 carbons, linear or branched alkenes with 4 to 22 carbon atoms;T.sub.1, T.sub.2 and T.sub.3 are independently selected from ethylene, trimethylene, CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 (NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.x where x is an integer from 1 to 10;MaQb is a metal compound wherein M is a cation selected from cations of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mn; and,Q is an anion selected from nitrate, phosphate anions; and a and b are integers from 1 to 3 necessary to satisfy the valence requirements of M and Q.a phosphorous source, and a diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Stanley J. Brois, Jan Bock, Cornelius H. Brons
  • Patent number: 5571705
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, the microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55641, 55642, 55643, 55644, 55645, 55646, 55647, 55648 and 55649. More particularly, the present invention relates to the aerobic degradation of organic compounds in fluid or solid phase such that the compounds are bioremediated to products containing CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventor: George E. Pierce
  • Patent number: 5518726
    Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Flavobacterium posessing the capacity to decompose hydrocarbons, tolerance to sulfurous acids, tolerance to salinity, tolerance to organic solvents, and tolerance to pressure. The microorganism is of a strain of the genus Flavobacterium DS-711 (FERM BP-4010). A hydrocarbon emulsifier or solubilizer having as an active component thereof a water soluble and acetone insoluble fraction obtained by culturing DS-711 strain. In addition the emulsifier or solubilizer obtained by culturing the strain DS-711 contains 18.4% protein, 18.8% carbohydrates and 28.6% lipids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignees: Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, Hokkaido Sugar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Moriya, Koki Horikoshi
  • Patent number: 5514588
    Abstract: The present invention provides for enhanced bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils and waters by treating soil or water with a composition comprising a phosphorous source, a diluent and a compound or mixtures thereof represented by the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a linear or branched alkane having about 8 to about 22 carbons, a linear or branched alkene having about 4 to about 22 carbon atoms; T.sub.1, T.sub.2, T.sub.3 are independently ethylene, trimethylene, or CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 (NHCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.x, where x is an integer from 1 to 10; Q is HNO.sub.3 or H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 ; and, n is an integer from 0 to 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ramesh Varadaraj, Cornelius H. Brons, Jan Bock, Stanley J. Brois
  • Patent number: 5492828
    Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of new, modified organisms, through challenge growth processes, that are viable in the extreme temperature, pressure and pH conditions and salt concentrations of an oil reservoir and that are suitable for use in microbial enhanced oil recovery. The modified microorganisms of the present invention are used to enhance oil recovery and remove sulfur compounds and metals from the crude oil. The processes are comprised of steps which successively limit the carbon sources and increase the temperature, pressure and salinity of the media. This is done until microbial strains are obtained that are capable of growing in essentially crude oil as a carbon source and at a temperature range from about 70.degree. C. to 90.degree. C., at a pressure range from about 2,000 to 2,500 psi and at a salinity range from about 1.3 to 35%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene T. Premuzic, Mow Lin
  • Patent number: 5413933
    Abstract: Unique marine amoebae capable of digesting algal cell walls and degrading complex hydrocarbons, including plastics, and methods for treating algae and complex hydrocarbons using the amoebae and partially purified enzymes from the amoebae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Miriam Polne-Fuller
  • Patent number: 5364789
    Abstract: A microbial cleaner comprising at least one hydrocarbon-ingesting microbe strain and a biocatalyst transforms hydrocarbons into nontoxic substances. The biocatalyst includes a nonionic surfactant, a chlorine-absorbing salt, at least one microbe nutrient, and water. The cleaner can be used in virtually any situation requiring the removal of hydrocarbon, including cleaning contaminated soil and treating oil spills on soil and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventors: Lloyd J. Guinn, James L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5346929
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable plastic made from a combination of at least one synthetic plastic polymer, at least one natural polymer and a natural polymer attacking agent and articles made therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Alvin Guttag
  • Patent number: 5342778
    Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Flavobacterium possessing the capacity to decompose hydrocarbons, tolerance to sulfurous acids, tolerance to salinity, tolerance to organic solvents, and tolerance to pressure. The microorganism is a strain of the genus Flavobacterium DS-711 (FERM BP-4010).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignees: Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, Hokkaido Sugar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Moriya, Koki Horikoshi
  • Patent number: 5334533
    Abstract: A method of controlling hydrocarbon contamination at a zone of contaminant concentration that includes determining the locus of contamination; and dispersing into the locus a substance that reacts with the hydrocarbon to produce CO.sub.2 and water to thereby decontaminate the locus; the dispersing including concentrating the substance in a porous zone, and forcing fluid under pressure into and through that zone to entrain and carry the substance to the contamination locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventors: Dominic J. Colasito, Mery C. Robinson, Alvin J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5262306
    Abstract: Methods for the isolation and purification of the phytotoxin cercosporin are disclosed as well as methods for identifying microorganisms capable of degrading cercosporin. Cercosporin can be purified from members of the fungal genus Cercospora and incorporated into culture medium for selection of those organisms resistant to cercosporin. Once identified, these organisms can be used to isolate the protein and the gene responsible for conferring cercosporin-resistance. The gene can be cloned and inserted into a suitable expression vector so that the protein can be further characterized. Additionally, the DNA encoding for cercosporin-resistance can be inserted into a vector suitable for transforming an Agrobacterium and the Agrobacterium in turn used to transform plant cells normally susceptible to Cercospora infection. Plants can be regenerated from the transformed plant cells. In this way, a transgenic plant can be produced with the capability of degrading cercosporin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventors: David J. Robeson, Mahbubul A. F. Jalal, Robert B. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5196317
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for achieving high, thermally-induced expression rates, which last for a relatively long period of time, of proteins in recombinant cells, preferably in E. coli cells, by optimizing cell density, induction temperature and supplemented amino-acid-containing substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Martin Heinrich, Wolfgang Ebeling, Wolfgang Brummer
  • Patent number: 5192672
    Abstract: A purified hydroxylase component of the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme present in the bacterium Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is found capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions in the presence of suitable reducing agents. The hydroxylase can be reduced by commercial reducing agents, such as sodium dithionite and photo- and electrochemical means when in the presence of electron transport components, such as methyl viologen and proflavin. The hydroxylase can also be activated by hydrogen peroxide in the absence of reducing agents and molecular oxygen and is capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in this manner. The hydroxylase component can be obtained with high final specific activity when ferrous iron compounds and cysteine are included in the purification buffers used to extract the hydroxylase from bacterial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Lipscomb
  • Patent number: 5190870
    Abstract: A purified hydroxylase component of the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme present in the bacterium Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is found capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions in the presence of suitable reducing agents. The hydroxylase can be reduced by commercial reducing agents, such as sodium dithionite and photo- and electrochemical means when in the presence of electron transport components, such as methyl viologen and proflavin. The hydroxylase component can be obtained with high final specific activity when ferrous iron compounds and cysteine are included in the purification buffers used to extract the hydroxylase from bacterial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Lipscomb, Brian G. Fox