Device for propagation and storage of microorganisms
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsMichael G. Williams, Karen E. Hesselroth, Raj Rajagopal
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Abstract
Devices for the propagation or storage of microorganisms are described. Generally, the devices include first and second layers that are separable from each other. The first layer includes a gelling agent and microbial growth medium and the second layer comprising a galling agent. The devices further include an indicator and a corresponding inducer, each of which may be included in the first layer, second layer, or both.
Claims38
A device for the propagation or storage of microorganisms comprising:
- a first layer that comprises a galling agent and microbial growth medium;
- a second layer that is separable from the first layer and comprises a gelling agent in an amount effective to partition at least 80% of visible microorganism colonies grown on the device to form replicates on the first and second layers when the first and second layers are separated;
- an indicator on the first layer or the second layer;
- and
- a corresponding inducer on the first layer or the second layer.
A method for simultaneously propagating and obtaining replicas of a microorganism colony forming unit comprising,
- a) applying an inoculum comprising a microorganism colony forming unit to a device to form an inoculated device, said device comprising a first layer comprising a gelling agent and microbial growth medium and a second layer that is separable from the first layer and comprises a gelling agent in an amount effective to partition at least 80% of visible microorganism colonies grown on the device to form replicates on the first and second layers with the first and second layers are separated;
- b) contacting said first and second layers of said inoculated device to form a gel;
- c) incubating said inoculated device for a time sufficient for at least one cell division;
- d) separating said first and second layers to provide replicas of said microorganism colony forming unit;
- and
- e) confirming separation of said microorganism colony forming unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.