Novel cultivation system for the efficient production of microorganisms
AssigneeLocus IP Company, LLC
InventorsKEN ALIBEK, SEAN FARMER, PAUL S. ZORNER, SHARMISTHA MAZUMDER
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Abstract
The invention generally relates to the cultivation and growth of bacterial, fungal and yeast cells on pilot plant and industrial scales and, more particularly, to the cultivation and growth of microbial cells in/on hydrophilic particles containing pre-seeded nutrient media within a matrix of hydrophobic sand.
Claims33
A method for cultivating microorganisms, wherein said method comprises the steps of:
- a) mixing a hydrophobic material and hydrophilic particles to form a matrix;
- b) contacting said matrix, said hydrophobic material, and/or said hydrophilic particles, with a medium inoculated with microorganisms, thereby creating a growth matrix;
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- c) growing the microorganisms within said growth matrix.
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A composition comprising microorganisms, hydrophobic sand and hydrophilic particles wherein the hydrophilic particles are approximately 0.0001 to 10 mm in diameter and have a water contact angle of 90° or less, and wherein the microorganisms are present at a concentration of at least 104 CFU/ml.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.