Application of volatile antibiotics and non-volatile inhibitors from muscodor spp. to control harmful microbes in human and animal wastes

Abstract

This invention relates to the discovery of a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor albus, which produces volatile antibiotics that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of human and animal waste products. Through experimentation, this invention confirms that Muscodor albus can be used in disposable bags in connection with portable toilets to solve the problem of degradation of waste products in situations where humans are removed from sanitary facilities. This invention includes the discovery of non-volatile inhibitors that are also produced by Muscodor albus and that are similarly effective in treating human and animal wastes. This invention covers a unique and novel method for preparing Muscodor albus for commercial use in the treatment of human and animal wastes, which involves infesting barley seeds with Muscodor albus and then storing them under conditions that will allow the fungus to remain viable for up to nine months.

1 . A method of treating human waste products comprising contacting human waste products with an effective amount of the volatile composition produced by the isolate culture of  Muscodor albus.    
     
     
         2 . A method of treating animal waste products comprising contacting animal waste products with an effective amount of the volatile composition produced by the isolate culture of  Muscodor albus.