US4153510A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High surface low volume biomass composite
Assignee: Corning Glass Works
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Filing: 1977-09-14
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Granted: 1979-05-08
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Expires: 1997-09-14
Abstract
Abstract Immobilized microbe composite comprising a porous, high surface area inorganic support having a controlled population of microbes bonded to the internal surfaces of the pores, the support being water insoluble, non-toxic to the microbes, and having a controlled porosity such that at least 70% of the pores, on a pore size distribution basis, have a pore diameter at least as large as the smallest major dimension of the microbes but less than about five times the largest major dimension of the microbes. The composites are especially useful in situations requiring a high biomass surface within a relatively small volume.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph A. Messing
- 👤 Robert A. Oppermann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:37
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12N; C12N11/00; C12N11/14; C12N11/02; C12N11/08; C12N11/089
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
An immobilized microbe composite comprising a porous, high surface area inorganic support having a controlled population of microbes bonded to the internal surfaces of the pores, the support being water-insoluble, non-toxic to the microbes, and having a controlled porosity such that at least 70% of the pores, on a pore size distribution basis, have a pore diameter at least as large as the smallest major dimension of the microbes but less than about five times the largest major dimension of the microbes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
An immobilized microbe composite comprising a porous, high surface area inorganic support having a controlled population of microbes bonded to the internal surfaces of the pores, the support being water-insoluble, non-toxic to the microbes, and having a controlled porosity such that at least 70% of the pores, on a pore size distribution basis, have a pore diameter at least as large as the smallest major dimension of the microbes but less than about five times the largest major dimension of the microbes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The composite of claim 1 wherein the population of microbes comprises bacteria of a single species.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The composite of claim 1 wherein the average pore diameter is in the range of about 0.8 to 220 microns.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composite of claim 1 wherein the inorganic support comprises an amorphous material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The composite of claim 4 wherein the support comprises fritted glass.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The cmposite of claim 1 wherein the inorganic support comprises a crystalline material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The composite of claim 6 wherein the support comprises a cordierite like material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The composite of claim 1 wherein intermediate the support surfaces and the microbes is a coating material selected from residues of polyisocyanates and silane coupling agents.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of preparing a high surface area, low volume biomass composite comprising the step of exposing an aqueous suspension of a controlled population of microbes which reproduce by fission to a sterilized porous inorganic support material having a porosity such that at least 70% of the pores, on a pore size distribution basis, have pore diameters at least as large as the smallest major dimension of the microbes but less than about five times the largest major dimension of the microbes, the exposure being under conditions sufficient to result in the bonding of at least some of the microbes onto the internal surfaces defining the pores of the support material.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
111 words
A method of preparing a high surface area, low volume biomass composite comprising the step of exposing an aqueous suspension of a controlled population of microbes which reproduce by fission to a sterilized porous inorganic support material having a porosity such that at least 70% of the pores, on a pore size distribution basis, have pore diameters at least as large as the smallest major dimension of the microbes but less than about five times the largest major dimension of the microbes, the exposure being under conditions sufficient to result in the bonding of at least some of the microbes onto the internal surfaces defining the pores of the support material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 9 wherein, prior to exposure to the microbe suspension, the surfaces of the support are treated with a coating agent selected from polyisocyanates and silane coupling agents.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the population of microbes comprises bacteria of a single species.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the average pore diameter of the support is in the range of about 0.8 to 220 microns.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the support comprises an amorphous material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the support comprises fritted glass.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the support comprises a crystalline material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the support ciomprises a cordierite-like material.
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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) | 1982-05-07 | 1982-11-06 | 1983-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-05-07 | 1986-11-06 | 1987-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-05-07 | 1990-11-06 | 1991-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |