Culture Media, Per Se Patents (Class 435/253.6)
  • Patent number: 7491517
    Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxiod to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jeeri R Reddy
  • Publication number: 20090042276
    Abstract: Six hop acids are common to hops and beer: alpha acid, beta acids, isoalpha acids, rho-isoalpha acids, tetrahydro-isoalpha acids, and hexahydro-isoalpha acids. The six hop acids were tested to determine which were the most effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria common to fuel ethanol production. The bacteria used in the tests were Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus fermentum. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the hop acids were determined using MRS-broth. Molasses mash and wheat mashes were used as the growth media for the fermentations. In all cases the hop acids controlled the growth of these two lactobacillus bacteria with tetrahydroisoalpha acid, hexahydroisoalpha acid, and isoalpha acid killing the most bacteria at the lowest MIC. Treating yeast propagators, steep tanks, and fermenters with a minimum inhibitory concentration of hop acids will stop bacteria growth, increase ethanol yields and avoid the need for antibiotics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: John I. Haas
    Inventor: John P. Maye
  • Publication number: 20090029879
    Abstract: A process and related apparatus for enhancing the oil recovery from an oil well are described. An embodiment of the process generally includes selection of a candidate reservoir; collecting oil formation water samples under anaerobic conditions; selecting media and enriching the microbes derived from the formation water; characterizing and identifying the selected consortium; mass scale production of the selected consortium; anaerobically preparing a defined composition nutrient medium, transportation of the nutrient medium by ISO tankers and the consortium by a specially designed field laboratory unit to the selected well treatment site; injecting the medium and consortium into the reservoir of the well; closing the well for the proliferation of microbes for one to three weeks; and allowing the microbes to dislodge oil in the reservoir and thereby enhance recovery of oil from the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: GLORI OIL LIMITED
    Inventors: Bhupendra SONI, Banwari LAL, John Allen BABCOCK
  • Publication number: 20090018017
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composition including Pseudomonas sp. strain for inhibiting germination of seeds and production method thereof. By sprinkling the composition containing germination inhibitor on seeds, germination of seeds can be suppressed environment-friendly without any social problems including environment, hygiene, and health which can be caused by using chemical products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Ha-Ju Hwang, Sun-Yong Jung, Gyeong-Taek (Kyung-Taek) Oh
  • Publication number: 20090017074
    Abstract: The invention relates to a culture medium for Haemophilus influenzae type b, characterized in that the source of protein nitrogen is of non-animal origin and comprises at least one plant peptone and in that the heme source consists of protoporphyrin IX. This medium serves in particular for the production of polyribosyl phosphate (PRP) and for the manufacture of a vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SANOFI PASTEUR SA
    Inventors: Ghislaine Maitre-Wilmotte, Denis Speck, Bachra Rokbi
  • Publication number: 20090011491
    Abstract: A media for growing a biopesticide producing microorganism comprising waste water sludge having undergone thermal alkaline hydrolysis performed by adjusting the pH of the wastewater sludge between about 8 and about 12 with an alkaline solution selected from the group consisting of NaOH, KOH, CaOH2 and MgOH2 at a temperature between about 120 and about 180 degree Celsius, methods using this media and biopestide producing microorganism so produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Simon Barnabe, Mausam Verma, Rajeshwar Dayal Tyagi, Jose R. Valero
  • Patent number: 7462487
    Abstract: Methods are taught for culturing mammalian cells, preferably human cells, to improve production of proteins, recombinant or endogenous. Methods are also provided for the growth and long-term survival of cell lines, particularly cell lines established from primary culture. Cell culture media are also provided, contained varying levels of selected amino acids, supplemented with various growth factors and trace elements. In additionally, the media are optionally serum-free, and preferably use an energy source other than glucose. The media are particularly suitable for the primary culture and long-term culture of human fetal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Raven biotechnologies, inc.
    Inventor: Mary C. Tsao
  • Publication number: 20080286749
    Abstract: Methods for refining the compositions of bacterial growth media to improve heterologous expression of desired recombinant target genes are provided. Also provided are compositions and culture media obtained using the above methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Brian G. Fox, Paul G. Blommel
  • Patent number: 7452697
    Abstract: Chromatographic processes and systems for purifying a botulinum toxin from an APF fermentation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Mingjiang Luo, Hui Xiang, Yao Yu, Stephen Donovan
  • Publication number: 20080274515
    Abstract: Animal-free meninge fermentation media and process is developed based upon use of a chemically defined medium. To improve polysaccharide production, fed-batch fermentation is examined using different feed solutions and feeding strategies. A feed solution containing glucose, amino acids, and trace metal elements produces Group A polysaccharide at approximately 3 times the level observed with batch fermentation. This process is used successfully to produce polysaccharides of N. meningitidis serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 and is run reproducibly at the 20L scale and can be scaled to 400L or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Richard C. Egen, Lori Ann Fortin, Willie Wei Qiang Sun
  • Patent number: 7445914
    Abstract: Media and processes for the fermentation of Clostridium botulinum and obtaining a botulinum toxin for use in formulating botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The growth media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products using non-animal based products to replace the animal-derived products. Preferably, the media used are substantially free of animal derived products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Donovan
  • Publication number: 20080206171
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions containing an agent that has an irritant side effect and a conditioned cell culture medium and/or of an extract thereof, for use, e.g., in the treatment of signs of inflammation and/or of immune disorders, the medium being obtainable by contact with at least one culture of digestive tract cells and at least one probiotic microorganisms. Methods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Audrey GUENICHE
  • Patent number: 7410791
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Children's Medical Center Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Rahul Singhvi, Amit Kumar, George M. Whitesides, Donald E. Ingber, Gabriel P. Lopez, Daniel I. C. Wang, Gregory Stephanopoulos
  • Publication number: 20080187986
    Abstract: A bacterial growth medium for promoting auto-induction of transcription of cloned DNA in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise is disclosed. The transcription is under the control of a lac repressor. Also disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for improving the production of a selenomethionine-containing protein or polypeptide in a bacterial cell, the protein or polypeptide being produced by recombinant DNA techniques from a lac or T7lac promoter, the bacterial cell encoding a vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine methylase. Finally, disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for suppressing auto-induction of expression in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise, said transcription being under the control of lac repressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventor: F. William Studier
  • Publication number: 20080187985
    Abstract: A bacterial growth medium for promoting auto-induction of transcription of cloned DNA in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise is disclosed. The transcription is under the control of a lac repressor. Also disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for improving the production of a selenomethionine-containing protein or polypeptide in a bacterial cell, the protein or polypeptide being produced by recombinant DNA techniques from a lac or T7lac promoter, the bacterial cell encoding a vitamin B12-dependent homocysteine methylase. Finally, disclosed is a bacterial growth medium for suppressing auto-induction of expression in cultures of bacterial cells grown batchwise, said transcription being under the control of lac repressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC
    Inventor: F. William Studier
  • Publication number: 20080160044
    Abstract: A method for preparing a protein-saccharide conjugate, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing an aqueous growth medium comprising soy peptone as a nitrogen source; (b) inoculating the medium with a Neisseria meningitidis bacterium; (c) incubating the medium to allow growth of the bacterium; (d) preparing capsular saccharide from the bacterium; and (e) conjugating the capsular saccharide to a carrier protein, to give the protein-saccharide conjugate is disclosed. The conjugates are useful in vaccine production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: CHIRON SRL
    Inventor: Cameron John Marshall
  • Publication number: 20080160590
    Abstract: Growth medium are disclosed for use in fermenting a marine microorganism. The medium comprise Potassium, Calcium, Strontium, Borate and Fluoride at specific concentrations. Alternatively, the growth medium comprises cobalt at specified concentrations or comprises vitamin B12 at specified concentrations. Methods of producing certain desired compound by fermentation of a marine microorganism are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kin Sing Lam, Ginger Tsueng
  • Publication number: 20080138828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of plant, fungal and bacterial cell culture that can be effectively utilized for three-dimensional plant, fungal, and bacterial cell growth and production of bioactive compounds of interest. The culture methods employ a microgravity environment such that rapid establishment and expansion of cells into tissue constructs occurs influencing expression of biological macromolecules and biopharmaceuticals. The present invention is further directed to a method for the in vitro cultivation of plant, fungal, and bacterial cells in a liquid nutrient medium in modeled microgravity with potential for large scale manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Jagan V. Valluri, Steven R. Gonda
  • Publication number: 20080118981
    Abstract: A method of producing a stably transformed corn plant in a single container is demonstrated. This method allows for the automation of the transformation process and reduces labor, material, and ergonomic costs associated with traditional plant tissue culture systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Anisha Akula, David R. Duncan, Brenda A. Lowe, Michael T. Mann, William L. Petersen, Jyoti R. Rout, David D. Songstad, Joel B. Wilks, Wanggen Zhang
  • Patent number: 7371560
    Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a photosynthetic microorganism having electron transfer capability through a photosynthetic light reaction pathway and through a respiratory electron transfer chain involving an oxidative phosphorylation pathway, and which expresses a hydrogenase, wherein regulation of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway is disrupted with the result that electron flow along the respiratory electron transfer chain toward cytochrome oxidase (complex IV) is reduced; ii) culturing the microorganism under microoxic and illuminated conditions; and (iii) collecting evolved hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: University of Queensland
    Inventors: Ben Hankamer, Olaf Kruse
  • Publication number: 20080096195
    Abstract: The invention relates to a salmonella selective enrichment medium containing tetrathionate or a salt thereof and at least one type of magnesium salt and to a method for detecting salmonella in a sample by using said selective enrichment medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Alain Rambach
  • Patent number: 7354740
    Abstract: Chromatographic processes and systems for purifying a botulinum toxin from an APF fermentation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Xiang, Mingjiang Luo, Ping Wang, Stephen Donovan
  • Patent number: 7323328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel obligately symbiotic thermophile Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 (Accession NO: KCTC 0685BP), and a thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1. The present invention also relates to a pure culture method of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1, a method of growth measurement for Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 and its relative symbiotic bacteria showing low-growth yield using nitrate respiration, and a screening method of relative symbiotic strains of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 from the environment using a specific antibody to it. Therefore, the thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 in this invention can provide more stable catalysts in enzymatic biotransformation processes which enzymatically produce valuable medico-amino acids 3,4-dehydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) and L-tryptophan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology
    Inventors: Moon-Hee Sung, Seung-Goo Lee, Sung-Keun Rhee, Seung-Pyo Hong, Dae-Joong Kang, Su-Mi Kim, Chul-Joong Kim, Jin-Woo Bae, Che Ok Jeon, Joong-Jae Kim, Kwang Kim, Jae Jun Song
  • Publication number: 20080020428
    Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxiod to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jeeri R. Reddy
  • Patent number: 7309580
    Abstract: A plating medium for the presumptive identification of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and/or Bacillus anthrasis that includes a nutrient base to facilitate growth of Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus anthrasis, a chromogenic substrate that changes color responsive to the presence of PC-PLC enzymes, and an ingredient that promotes the expression of the PC-PLC enzyme. In a preferred embodiment, the medium includes a second chromogenic substrate that changes color responsive to the presence of PI-PLC enzymes and an ingredient that promotes the expression of the PI-PLC enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: R&F Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Restaino
  • Patent number: 7214509
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel Methylobacterium species that are capable of degrading nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds. Compositions, kits and methods of using the Methylobacterium species for the degradation of nitroaromatic and nitramine pollutants are provided. More specifically, compositions and methods for the degradation or bioremediation of nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives and explosive residues are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jerald L. Schnoor, Beniot Van Aken
  • Patent number: 7198907
    Abstract: The invention concerns a culture medium for isolating Vibrio bacteria, characterised in that it comprises, in a Vibrio culture medium, at least a chromogenic agent selected among the ?-glucosidase substrates and the ?-galactosidase substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Alain Rambach
  • Patent number: 7189541
    Abstract: Media and processes for the fermentation of Clostridium botulinum and obtaining a botulinum toxin for use in formulating botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The growth media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products using non-animal based products to replace the animal-derived products. Preferably, the media used are substantially free of animal derived products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Donovan
  • Patent number: 7176014
    Abstract: A solid medium having a 10 minute-average water absorption rate of at least 0.05 ml/minute, which is obtainable by a method for producing a solid medium comprising the steps of dissolving components of the solid medium other than solvent water into the solvent water, solidifying the obtained solution, and drying the solidified medium to remove water, wherein water is removed in such an amount that the solid medium after the removal of water should have the 10 minute-average water absorption rate of at least 0.05 ml/minute, and the amount of the solvent water is larger than a prescribed amount by an amount almost equal to the amount of the water to be removed. The solid medium does not cause growth inhibition of microorganisms due to drying, shows a superior water absorption rate to enable application of a larger amount of a sample in a short period of time, and is suitable for quick and accurate measurement tests of microbial numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Sotoyama, Yasuo Fukuwatari, Yoichiro Yano, Kenji Kiyotaki, Minoru Nakagawa, Kenichiro Karino, Kazue Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7160699
    Abstract: Animal product free (APF) media and processes for the culture and fermentation of botulinum toxin producing Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The botulinum toxin obtained can be used for formulating and compounding botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The APF media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products and use non-animal based products instead of the animal-derived products. Preferably, the APF media used are substantially free or free of animal derived products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Ping Wang, Stephen Donovan
  • Patent number: 7148041
    Abstract: Media and processes for the fermentation of Clostridium botulinum and obtaining a botulinum toxin for use in formulating botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The growth media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products using non-animal based products to replace the animal-derived products. Preferably, the media used are substantially free of animal derived products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Donovan
  • Patent number: 7101702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for concentrating epothilones in culture media, a new process for the production of epothilones, a new process for separating epothilones A and B and a new strain obtained by mutagenesis for the production of epothilones, as well as aspects related thereto. New crystal forms of epothilone B are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Hans Hofmann, Marion Mahnke, Klaus Memmert, Frank Petersen, Thomas Schupp, Ernst Kusters, Michael Mutz
  • Patent number: 7101701
    Abstract: Provided is a method for culturing Mycobacteria in the presence of a class A lantibiotic, thereby inhibiting or reducing bacterial contamination in the culture, without significantly disadvantageously affecting or retarding mycobacterial growth. Further provided are the Mycobacteria culture produced thereby, methods for detecting Mycobacteria in a biological sample under conditions that reduce bacterial contamination, and for diagnosing a mycobacterial infection in a biological sample from a subject suspected of having such an infection, as well as, kits useful in practicing such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventor: Robert H. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 7067306
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: President & Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Rahul Singhvi, Amit Kumar, George M. Whitesides, Donald E. Ingber, Gabriel P. Lopez, Daniel I. C. Wang, Gregory N. Stephanopoulos
  • Patent number: 7067299
    Abstract: The subject invention provides novel and advantageous methods for growing bacteria. The methods of the subject invention are particularly advantageous for growing parasitic bacteria in vitro, without the presence of host tissue. In one embodiment of the subject invention, Pasteuria endospores, such as those that infect the rootknot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria or other host nematodes, are grown in vitro under acidic conditions. The process of the subject invention is highly advantageous because Pasteuria can be grown in the absence of nematode tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignees: Pasteuria Bioscience, LLC, CDG Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Gerber, Thomas E. Hewlett, Kelly S. Smith, James H. White
  • Patent number: 7022509
    Abstract: A method for removing a gas from a site comprising placing cells having gas vesicles under conditions that induce the cells to float to a surface of an aqueous medium, harvesting the cells from the surface of the medium, lysing the cells, separating the gas vesicles from the lysed cells, crosslinking the gas vesicles with a crosslinking agent, loading a gas with a lowered partial pressure for the compound to be removed into the gas vesicles, and placing the gas vesicles such that the gas compound is removed from the site. Harvesting gas-vesicle-containing cells is achieved by placing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to rise to the surface of an aqueous medium—such as darkness, exponential growth stage, flocculation, or dissolved gas flotation—then collecting the cells from the surface of the medium. Gas vesicles are isolated by lysing the cells and separating the gas vesicles from the lysate. Once the gas vesicles are isolated, they can be modified, such as by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Lu-Kwang Ju, Anand Sundararajan, Sunil Kashyap
  • Patent number: 7022511
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel process of lignin degradation using a consortium of bacteria. To date, biodegradation of lignin has been centered to fungi only. Degradation of lignin by bacteria confer a new understanding that may be of tremendous industrial significance. This invention also discloses the isolation and acclimatization of ligninolytic bacteria from a specific site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Rita Kumar, Anil Kumar
  • Patent number: 7018813
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the enhanced production of bacterial toxins in large-scale cultures. Specifically, methods and compositions for reducing bacterial toxin expression inhibitors are providing including, but not limited to, addition of toxin expression inhibitor binding compounds, culture media having reduced concentrations of toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors and genetically modified toxogenic bacteria lacking enzymes required to metabolize the toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Milan S. Blake, John A. Bogdan, Jr., Javier Nazario-Larrieu
  • Patent number: 7018828
    Abstract: Media and kits are disclosed for use in processes requiring microbial culture. More specifically, the invention provides carrageenan-stabilized agar-based microbial culture media and kits constructed using the media. The media and kits of the invention may allow the construction of kits with increased shelf stability and useful life. Further, the media and kits of the invention may be used in kits and methods useful in the manual determination of the type of infection present in a specimen in periods of about 24 hours. The stabilized culture media of the invention are useful in a broad variety of applications. In an embodiment, the media contains both an agar medium and iota carrageenan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Read Taintor
  • Patent number: 6984506
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel microorganisms, Brevibacterium lactofermentum CJJA21 (Accession No. KCCM-10222), which is resistant to sodium azide, and Brevibacterium lactofermentum CJJA22 (Accession No. KCCM-10223), which is resistant to ?-aminobutyric acid. These microorganisms are capable of producing L-glutamine in a higher yield than the known strains. The present invention further provides processes for producing L-glutamine using the microorganisms of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Cheil Jedang Corporation
    Inventors: Sung-Sik Park, Seung-Hyun Suh, Keun-Chul Lee, Dong-Woo Lee, Cheon-Ju Kim, Sang-Cheol Jeong
  • Patent number: 6955911
    Abstract: In cultivating a microorganism having nitrile hydratase production ability, by allowing at least one of a ketose, such as fructose, and a sugar alcohol, such as mannitol, to be present, growth inhibition by cobalt ion is prevented, thereby achieving cultivation at a high concentration and with a high activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Ryuno, Etsuko Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6933137
    Abstract: Animal-free meninge fermentation media and process is developed based upon use of a chemically defined medium. To improve polysaccharide production, fed-batch fermentation is examined using different feed solutions and feeding strategies. A feed solution containing glucose, amino acids, and trace metal elements produces Group A polysaccharide at approximately 3 times the level observed with batch fermentation. This process is used successfully to produce polysaccharides of N. meningitidis serotypes, A, C, Y and W-135 and is run reproducibly at the 20 L scale and can be scaled to 400 L or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Aventis Pasteur
    Inventors: Richard C. Egen, Lori Ann Fortin, Willie Wei Qiang Sun
  • Patent number: 6919197
    Abstract: The subject invention provides novel and advantageous methods for growing bacteria. The methods of the subject invention are particularly advantageous for growing parasitic bacteria, in vitro, without the presence of host tissue. In one embodiment of the subject invention, Pasteuria spores, such as those that infect the rootknot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria or other host nematodes, are grown in vitro. The process of the subject invention is highly advantageous because Pasteuria can be grown in the absence of nematode tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Entomos, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Gerber, James H. White
  • Patent number: 6908745
    Abstract: Gamma sterilizable culture medium for the selectively identification of yeasts and fungi with an addition of ciprofloxacin and, if necessary streptomycin or other antibiotics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Biotest AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Horn
  • Patent number: 6908753
    Abstract: Provided is a bacteria culture carrier in which a polymer product having a trace element and an inorganic nutrient salt for growth of bacteria included therein is laminated by being held with an inorganic porous material. This carrier is useful in a bioreactor or wastewater disposal with a high activity and a high density of bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Maekawa
  • Patent number: 6855536
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to compounds and compositions which induce transcripts of the nolA gene in nitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Novel bacterial strains which are insensitive too NolA, soil inoculants comprising NolA insensitive bacteria and/or nolA inducers, and methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in legumes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Corp., Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Loh, Gary Stacey
  • Publication number: 20040241787
    Abstract: A cellophane agar medium is made of a cellophane piece with groove portions on at least one surface thereof and a nutritious agar formed on the surface of the cellophane piece via the groove portions. Then, the cellophane agar medium is disposed under wet condition, and a microbe is inoculated and cultivated on the cellophane agar medium. A fixing solution is added to the cellophane agar medium to fix the microbe to the cellophane agar medium. Thereafter, a given sample is made of the cellophane agar medium with the microbe and then, observed with a scanning electron microscope or a transmission electron microscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: NAGASAKI UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Akitoyo Ichinose
  • Patent number: 6824772
    Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a method for enhancing biofungicidal activity of a microbial agent. The inventional further discloses a nutrient composition comprising a microbial agent and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing, said strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Novozymes Biologicals, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Drahos, Lee West
  • Patent number: 6821756
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a sugar nucleotide, in which a) a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing NTP from a nucleotide precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth, and b) a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing a sugar nucleotide from a sugar and NTP, or a treated product of the culture broth, are used as enzyme sources; a process for producing a complex carbohydrate, in which the above-described a) and b) and c) a culture broth of a microorganism, an animal cell or an insect cell capable of producing a complex carbohydrate from a sugar nucleotide and a complex carbohydrate precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth, are used as enzyme sources; a process for producing a complex carbohydrate, in which a culture broth of a microorganism, an animal cell or an insect cell capable of producing a complex carbohydrate from a sugar nucleotide and a complex carbohydrate precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth, is as an enzyme sour
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Koizumi, Katsutoshi Sasaki, Tetsuo Endo, Kazuhiko Tabata, Akio Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6818434
    Abstract: Novel cellulose-producing bacteria including one capable of producing of a bacterial cellulose having a weight-average degree of polymerization in terms of polystyrene of 1.6×104 or above, one capable of producing a bacterial cellulose containing a small amount of the fraction with low degrees of polymerization, one producing a Bingham polysaccharide as a by-product, and one producing a small amount of water-soluble polysaccharide; a method for the production of bacterial cellulose, which comprises culturing these cellulose-producing bacteria; and bacterial cellulose thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Watanabe, Hiroshi Takemura, Mari Tabuchi, Naoki Tahara, Hiroshi Toyosaki, Yasushi Morinaga, Takayasu Tsuchida, Hisato Yano, Fumihiro Yoshinaga