Methods and devices for remediation and fermentation
First Claim
1. A method of containing a biocatalyst comprising containing the biocatalyst in at least one chamber in a centrifugal force field wherein a continuous flow of a liquid acts to create a force which opposes the centrifugal force field and wherein a gravitational force contributes to the resultant vector summation of all forces acting on the biocatalyst, wherein the gravitational force, the centrifugal force, and the opposing liquid force substantially immobilize the biocatalyst at a position in the chamber and wherein the at least one chamber is formed by a first disk and a second disk each disk being mounted to a rotating shaft.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention comprises novel culture methods and devices in which living cells or subcellular biocatalysts are immobilized in an open chamber defined by two rotating disks. The fluid force of nutrient fluids flowing into the chamber opposes the centripetal force created by rotation of the device to suspend the cells within the chamber and promote cell growth. Use of an open chamber increases the capacity of the device to produce the desired cellular products.
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Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A method of containing a biocatalyst comprising containing the biocatalyst in at least one chamber in a centrifugal force field wherein a continuous flow of a liquid acts to create a force which opposes the centrifugal force field and wherein a gravitational force contributes to the resultant vector summation of all forces acting on the biocatalyst, wherein the gravitational force, the centrifugal force, and the opposing liquid force substantially immobilize the biocatalyst at a position in the chamber and wherein the at least one chamber is formed by a first disk and a second disk each disk being mounted to a rotating shaft.
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13. A method of producing a product from a biocatalyst comprising:
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a. containing a biocatalyst in at least one chamber in a centrifugal force field wherein a continuous flow of a liquid acts to create a force which opposes the centrifugal force field and wherein a gravitational force contributes to the resultant vector summation of all forces acting on the biocatalyst, wherein the gravitational force, the centrifugal force, and the opposing liquid force substantially immobilize the biocatalyst at a position in the chamber and wherein the at least one chamber is formed by a first disk and a second disk each disk being mounted to a rotating shaft; and
b. collecting the continuous flow of liquid exterior to the at least one chamber with the product therein. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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- 18. A device for incubating a biocatalyst comprising at least one chamber for containing a biocatalyst suspended in a flowing liquid medium in a centrifugal field, means for opposing the gravitational force and immobilizing the biocatalyst, means for pumping the liquid medium wherein no gas phase is in contact with the medium, and means for maintaining hydraulic pressure of the container at a pressure greater than ambient barometric pressure, wherein the at least one chamber is formed by a first disk and a second disk each disk being mounted to a rotating shaft.
Specification