Patent ID: 7449314
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: C12N

Abstract:
1. A method of processing fluid containing cells or viruses; comprising the steps of: altering a membrane lipid composition of at least one type of cell or virus in the fluid to selectively alter a sensitivity of the at least one type of cell or virus to a rapid thermal cycle process treatment; forming the fluid into droplets in a controlled steam environment steam, the droplets having an initial temperature lower than a steam temperature of the steam in the steam environment; and conducting a rapid thermal cycle process by moving the droplets through the steam, the droplets being heated by condensation of the steam thereon, while controlling a temperature rise rate, a maximum temperature, and duration of heating to avoid thermal denaturation of heat-labile materials in the at least one type of cells or viruses, and to selectively induce a non-immediately lethal persistent biological consequence; resulting from a non-linear physical transition of a membrane of the at least one type of cells or viruses.