| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080207462 | DNA fragments array from biomining microorganisms and method for detection of them - Microorganisms are used in large-scale heap or tank aeration processes for the commercial extraction of a variety of metals from their ores or concentrates. These include copper, cobalt, gold and, in the past, uranium. The metal solubilization processes are considered to be largely chemical with the microorganisms providing the chemicals and the space (exopolysaccharide layer) where the mineral dissolution reactions occur. Temperatures at which these processes are carried out can vary from ambient to 80° C. and the types of organisms present depends to a large extent on the process temperature used. Irrespective of the operation temperature, biomining microbes have several characteristics in common. One shared characteristic is their ability to produce the ferric iron and sulfuric acid required to degrade the mineral and facilitate metal recovery. Other characteristics are their ability to grow autotrophically, their acid-tolerance and their inherent metal resistance or ability to acquire metal resistance. Although the microorganisms that drive the process have the above properties in common, biomining microbes usually occur in consortia in which cross-feeding may occur such that a combination of microbes including some with heterotrophic tendencies may contribute to the efficiency of the process. The remarkable adaptability of these organisms is assisted by several of the processes being continuous-flow systems that enable the continual selection of microorganisms that are more efficient at mineral degradation. Adaptability is also assisted by the processes being open and non-sterile thereby permitting new organisms to enter. This openness allows for the possibility of new genes that improve cell fitness to be selected from the horizontal gene pool. Characteristics that biomining microorganisms have in common and examples of their remarkable adaptability are described. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20090105085 | ARRAY OF NUCLEOTIDIC SEQUENCES FOR THE DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF GENES THAT CODIFY PROTEINS WITH ACTIVITIES RELEVANT IN BIOTECHNOLOGY PRESENT IN A MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLE, AND METHOD FOR USING THIS ARRAY - The present invention makes known an array of nucleotididc sequences for rapidly and simultaneously identifying the presence of certain genes that codify proteins with activities relevant in biotechnology, present in a microbiological sample, and the method for using this array in the identification of the said genes. Specifically, genes that codify for proteins relevant in Biofilm formation, in CO | 04-23-2009 |
| 20110136125 | METHOD FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS USEFUL IN BIOMINING PROCESSES - The present invention discloses a method to identify and quantify environmental microorganisms useful in biomining processes. These microorganisms are basically 10, belonging to Bacteria: | 06-09-2011 |
