# US 7,745,201 B2 · Method and device for cultivating eucaryotic microorganisms or blue algae, and biosensor with cultivated eucaryotic microorganisms or blue algae

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- Number: US 7,745,201 B2
- Document ID: US7745201B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 10/565,537
- Filed: 2004-07-21
- Published: 2007-01-11
- Granted: 2010-06-29
- Earliest claimed: 2003-07-21
- Assignees: Algenion GmbH & Co. KG
- Inventors: Michael Melkonian; Bjoern Podola
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7745201B2

## CPC

- C12M 25/06: {Plates; Walls; Drawers; Multilayer plates}
- C12M 29/04: {Filters; Permeable or porous membranes or plates, e.g. dialysis}
- C12M: APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; {APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS}

## Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for cultivating eukaryotic microorganisms, whereby a perforated support (14) having a first major surface (19) and a second major surface (22) which is substantially impermeable to eukaryotic microorganisms (20), is prepared and the microorganisms (20) are applied on the first major surface (19). A layer, containing an aqueous solution (18), passes over the second major surface (22). The aqueous solution (18) moves from the second major surface (22) to the first major surface (19) substantially by means of capillary forces. As a result, the first major surface (19) is supplied the aqueous solution (18) and the applied microorganisms (20) grow on the first major surface (19).

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for cultivating eukuryotic microorganisms or blue algae, the method comprising:
applying the eukaryotic microorganisms or blue algae to a first major surface of a sheet-shaped perforated support, wherein the sheet-shaped perforated support is essentially impermeable to the eukaryotic microorganisms or blue algae and wherein the eukaryotic microorganisms or blue algae remain immobilized on the first major surface and are adapted to be removed;
supplying an aqueous solution to a second major surface of the sheet-shaped perforated support, wherein the aqueous solution flows along the second major surface of the sheet-shaped perforated support and wherein a portion of the aqueous solution flowing along the second major surface of the sheet-shaped perforated substrate is essentially transported by capillary forces from the second major surface to the first major surface through the sheet-shaped perforated support; and
growing the eukaryotic microorganisms or blue algae on the first major surface of the sheet-shaped perforated support.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein a layer produced by the aqueous solution contains a distributing layer that distributes the aqueous solution across the second major surface.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the distributing layer comprises a non-woven material, wherein the non-woven material is glass or plastic fibers.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, wherein the distributing layer comprises a geotextile.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the distributing layer is hydrophilic.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the sheet-shaped perforated support and the distributing layer are hydrophilic.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the sheet-shaped perforated support is hydrophilic.

### Claim 8 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the distributing layer comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of mineral fibers and hydrophilic organic fibers.

### Claim 9 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein the distributing layer and the sheet-shaped perforated support comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of mineral fibers and hydrophilic organic fibers.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the sheet-shaped perforated support comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of mineral fibers and hydrophilic organic fibers.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the sheet-shaped perforated support comprises a first sheet-shaped perforated support, the method further comprising:
supplying the aqueous solution between the second major surface of the first sheet-shaped perforated support and a second major surface of a second sheet-shaped perforated support, wherein the first and second sheet-shaped perforated supports have their second major surfaces facing each other and arranged essentially in parallel to each other.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
removing the eukaryotic microorganisms or the blue algae from the sheet-shaped perforated support by application of mechanical forces.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising:
removing the eukaryotic microorganisms or the blue algae from the sheet-shaped perforated support by application of chemical treatment.