Patent ID: 6376229
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: C12N

Abstract:
A method for preserving natural marine bacteria embodied in a biofilm attached to sand particles in sealed retail packaging containing a seawater enrichment solution such that the bacteria remains capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods exceeding one year without the intermittent addition of air, water, or food, said method comprising:harvesting sand from a natural submerged marine environment; depositing said harvested sand in packaging with between 2 and 12 fluid ounces of the seawater enrichment solution and between 5 cm3 and 100 cm3 of air for every 1 pound of sand, wherein the seawater enrichment solution comprises sodium nitrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, vitamins, organic stock solution, trace metals and seawater; and sealing said packaging in an airtight manner.