Inventor(s): Rangaswamy Meganathan and Yamini Ranganathan
Abstract
The present invention provides a bacterium containing a unique plasmid. The plasmid is unique in its ability to replicate in both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. In addition, the plasmid contains the genes encoding the enzymes of methylotrophy, enzymes for the degradation of a number of dyes, and enzymes conferring resistance to heavy metals. When the plasmid is isolated and transformed into Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, the transformants gain the aforementioned properties.
Potential commercial uses and users:
The plasmid of the present invention can be used for the biodegradation and bioremediation of dyes. The plasmid can be transformed into bacteria that are used in the production of various economically important biochemicals. The plasmid may also be modified for use as a shuttle vector for transferring genes between Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.
Advantages:
The ability of the plasmid to transfer methylotrophy to a wide variety of bacteria allows for commercial production of various biochemicals from single carbon compounds such as methanol, DMSO, DMS, TMAO, or TMA. These compounds are less expensive than the sugars that are normally used as substrates for the production of many biochemicals.
Status: Patent Pending
Contact Us