Patent ID: 6991919
Filing Date: 2006-01-31
Classification: C12M,C12P

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a biochemical, comprising the steps of: inoculating with a microorganism a first face of a support means forming a dividing partition defining first and second volumes of a container, said first volume being in communication with the ambient atmosphere via a gas permeable plug; mounting said support means to said container with said first face of the support means exposed to said first volume and isolated from said second volume; supplying to said second volume a first liquid medium providing conditions for growth of said microorganism; allowing access to said first liquid medium by said microorganism; allowing said microorganism to grow at the air/first liquid medium interface; ending access of said microorganism to said first liquid medium and separating said microorganism therefrom by removing a portion of the container which contains said first liquid medium; attaching to said container a replacement for said removed portion; supplying to said second volume a second liquid medium providing conditions for biosynthesis of said biochemical by said microorganism; allowing access to said second liquid medium by said microorganism, and allowing said microorganism to produce said biochemical in its cells or to secrete said biochemical into said second liquid medium, or both.