US5627045A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multi-test format with gel-forming matrix for characterization of microorganisms
Assignee: Biolog Inc
•
Filing: 1995-04-12
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Granted: 1997-05-06
•
Expires: 2015-04-12
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the characterization of various microorganisms. In particular, 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. For example, the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry Bochner
- 👤 Maria C. Ralha
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:30
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12Q; C12Q1/00; C12Q1/02; C12Q1/04; C12Q2304/00; C12Q2304/20; C12Q2304/22; G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/00029; G01N2035/00099; G01N2035/00148; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/8215; Y10S435/822; Y10S435/975
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for testing microorganisms selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi, 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 suspension comprising a pure culture of microorganisms and an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, under conditions such that said suspension remains ungelled; c) introducing said suspension into said wells of said testing device under conditions such that said suspension forms a gel matrix within said well, such that said microorganisms are within said gel matrix; and d) detecting the response of said microorganisms to said testing substrate.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for testing microorganisms selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi, 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 suspension comprising a pure culture of microorganisms and an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, under conditions such that said suspension remains ungelled; c) introducing said suspension into said wells of said testing device under conditions such that said suspension forms a gel matrix within said well, such that said microorganisms are within said gel matrix; and d) detecting the response of said microorganisms to said testing substrate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said bacteria are members of the Order Actinomycetales.
Claim 4
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 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said testing substrates are selected from the group consisting of carbon sources and antimicrobials.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said gel-initiating agent comprises cationic salts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising a colorimetric indicator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6, wherein said colorimetric indicator is selected from the group consisting of chromogenic substrates, oxidation-reduction indicators, and pH indicators.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said testing device is a microplate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
A kit for characterizing and identifying microorganisms selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi, 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; and ii) an aqueous suspension comprising a gelling agent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
A kit for characterizing and identifying microorganisms selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi, 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; and ii) an aqueous suspension comprising a gelling agent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The kit of claim 9, wherein said testing substrates are selected from the group consisting of antimicrobials and carbon sources.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The kit of claim 9, wherein said gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of Gelrite™, carrageenan, and alginic acid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The kit of claim 9, wherein said gel initiating agent comprises cationic salts.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The kit of claim 9, wherein said testing device further comprises a colorimetric indicator selected from the group consisting of chromogenic substrates, oxidation-reduction indicators, and pH indicators.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for testing microorganisms, wherein said microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi, 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 suspension comprising a pure culture of microorganisms and an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, wherein said gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of gellan gum, carrageenan, and alginic acid, under conditions such that said suspension remains ungelled: c) introducing said suspension into said wells of said testing device under conditions such that said suspension forms a gel matrix within said well; and d) detecting the response of said microorganisms to said testing substrate.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for testing microorganisms, wherein said microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi, 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 suspension comprising a pure culture of microorganisms and an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent, wherein said gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of gellan gum, carrageenan, and alginic acid, under conditions such that said suspension remains ungelled: c) introducing said suspension into said wells of said testing device under conditions such that said suspension forms a gel matrix within said well; and d) detecting the response of said microorganisms to said testing substrate.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said testing substrates are selected from the group consisting of carbon sources and antimicrobials.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said gel-initiating agent comprises cationic salts.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising a colorimetric indicator.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said colorimetric indicator is selected from the group consisting of chromogenic substrates, oxidation-reduction indicators, and pH indicators.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said testing device is a microplate.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-05-05 | 2000-11-04 | 2001-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-05-05 | 2004-11-04 | 2005-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-05-05 | 2008-11-04 | 2009-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |