Biochemical synthesis apparatus

Abstract

A biochemical synthesis apparatus comprises a receptacle for containing a medium, and a support on which a microorganism can be placed. The support can be placed in contact with the medium, so as to allow access of the microorganism to the medium. The support with the microorganism can be removed from the medium, allowing the medium to be replaced. By this, the receptacle can firstly contain a growth medium, and secondly a secondary medium capable of causing the production by the microorganism of a potentially useful biochemical.

1 - 31 . (canceled)  
   
   
       32 . Apparatus for producing a biochemical, comprising: 
 a container, and    microorganism support means, said support means forming a dividing partition defining first and second volumes in said container;    wherein:    said support means has a first face for supporting a microorganism exposed to said first volume and a second face exposed to said second volume;    the first volume is in communication with the ambient atmosphere via a gas permeable plug, and    a portion of the container which at least partially defines the second volume is removable, whilst the first volume remains substantially isolated from the ambient atmosphere.    
   
   
       33 . Apparatus according to  claim 32 , including delivery means for delivering medium supplied to said second volume to a microorganism supported in use on said support means.  
   
   
       34 . Apparatus according to  claim 33 , wherein said delivery means defines a capillary pathway for delivery of medium.  
   
   
       35 . Apparatus according to  claim 32 , wherein said portion of the container which is removable comprises a first receptacle exchangeable with a second receptacle and wherein, in use, said first receptacle contains a first medium providing conditions for growth of a microorganism supported on said support means and said second receptacle contains a second medium providing conditions for biosynthesis of said biochemical by said microorganism.  
   
   
       36 . Apparatus according to  claim 32 , wherein said support means comprises a wicking membrane.  
   
   
       37 . Apparatus according to  claim 32 , wherein the support means comprises hydrophilised polypropylene.  
   
   
       38 . Apparatus according to  claim 32 , wherein said container comprises: 
 a fermentation receptacle of generally cylindrical shape for storing medium for use by a microorganism;    a lid threadingly engageable to one end of said receptacle, said lid having a throughbore defined by an annular flange extending into said receptacle;    a fermentation vessel having an end adapted for taper-fitting to said flange, the opposite end of said vessel being terminated at an acute angle to its longitudinal axis, and    a polystyrene foam filter for receipt in said throughbore.    
   
   
       39 . Apparatus according to  claim 32 , which is sterilizable by steam sterilization.