US6046021A
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US
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Comparative phenotype analysis of two or more microorganisms using a plurality of substrates within a multiwell testing device
Assignee: Biolog Inc
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Filing: 1998-06-16
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Granted: 2000-04-04
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Expires: 2018-06-16
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).
Inventors
- 👤 Barry Bochner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:40
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12Q; C12Q1/00; C12Q1/02; C12Q1/04; C12Q2304/00; C12Q2304/20; C12Q2304/22; C12Q2304/24; G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/00029; G01N2035/00099; G01N2035/00148; G01N2333/00; G01N2333/195; G01N2333/355; G01N2333/36; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/8215; Y10S435/822; Y10S435/911
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for determining the phenotype differences in at least two cell preparations, comprising the steps of: a) providing a testing device comprising a plurality of testing wells, wherein said wells contain a testing substrate and one or more gel-initiating agents; b) preparing a first suspension comprising a first cell preparation, in an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, and a second suspension comprising a second cell preparation, in an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, under conditions such that said first and second suspensions remain ungelled; c) introducing said first and second suspension into said wells of said testing device under conditions such that said first and second suspensions form a gel matrix within said wells, such that said first and second cell preparations are within said gel matrix; d) detecting the response of said first and second cell preparations to said testing substrate; and e) comparing the response of said first and second cell preparations.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for determining the phenotype differences in at least two cell preparations, comprising the steps of: a) providing a testing device comprising a plurality of testing wells, wherein said wells contain a testing substrate and one or more gel-initiating agents; b) preparing a first suspension comprising a first cell preparation, in an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, and a second suspension comprising a second cell preparation, in an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, under conditions such that said first and second suspensions remain ungelled; c) introducing said first and second suspension into said wells of said testing device under conditions such that said first and second suspensions form a gel matrix within said wells, such that said first and second cell preparations are within said gel matrix; d) detecting the response of said first and second cell preparations to said testing substrate; and e) comparing the response of said first and second cell preparations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second cell preparations comprise microorganisms selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second cell preparations contain cells of the same genus and species.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second cell preparations contain cells that differ in one or more genes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of Gelrite™, carrageenan, and alginic acid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said testing substrates are selected from the group consisting of carbon sources, nitrogen sources, sulfur sources, phosphorus sources, amino peptidase substrates, carboxy peptidase substrates, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, mutagens, amino acid analogs, sugar analogs, nucleoside analogs, base analogs, dyes, detergents, toxic metals, inorganics, and antimicrobials.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said gel-initiating agent comprises cationic salts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising a colorimetric indicator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said colorimetric indicator is selected from the group consisting of chromogenic substrates, oxidation-reduction indicators, and pH indicators.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said oxidation-reduction indicator is tetrazolium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said oxidation-reduction indicator is redox purple.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said testing device is at least one microplate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said response is a kinetic response.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
56 words
A kit for determining the phenotypes of at least two organisms, comprising: i) a microplate testing device containing a plurality of wells, wherein said wells contain one or more gel-initiating agents and one or more testing substrates; ii) a first aqueous suspension comprising a gelling agent; and iii) a second aqueous suspension comprising a gelling agent.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
56 words
A kit for determining the phenotypes of at least two organisms, comprising: i) a microplate testing device containing a plurality of wells, wherein said wells contain one or more gel-initiating agents and one or more testing substrates; ii) a first aqueous suspension comprising a gelling agent; and iii) a second aqueous suspension comprising a gelling agent.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
51 words
The kit of claim 14, wherein said testing substrates are selected from the group consisting of carbon sources, nitrogen sources, sulfur sources, phosphorus sources, amino peptidase substrates, carboxy peptidase substrates, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, mutagens, amino acid analogs, sugar analogs, nucleoside analogs, base analogs, dyes, detergents, toxic metals, inorganics, and antimicrobials.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The kit of claim 14, wherein said gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of Gelrite™, carrageenan, and alginic acid.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The kit of claim 14, wherein said gel initiating agent comprises cationic salts.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The kit of claim 14, wherein said testing device further comprises a colorimetric indicator selected from the group consisting of chromogenic substrates, oxidation-reduction indicators, and pH indicators.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
The kit of claim 18, wherein said oxidation-reduction indicator is tetrazolium.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
The kit of claim 18, wherein said oxidation-reduction indicator is redox purple.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-04-04 | 2003-10-04 | 2004-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | 2008-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-10-04 | 2012-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |