Genzyme Corporation

Texaco Inc.

Nick C Wan

Jason C Goodrick

Peter D Robison

Arthur J Stipanovic

David S McNeilly

Susan Easter

Charles E Stypulkoski

Charles William Christopher

This invention relates to a method for lysing cells. The method comprises simultaneously flowing a cell suspension and a lysis solution through a static mixer, wherein the cells exit the static mixer lysed. In another aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a method for precipitating cell components, protein, and nucleic acids from a cell lysate or other solution containing precipitable material. The method comprises simultaneously flowing a cell lysate or other protein containing solution and a precipitating solution through a static mixer, wherein the lysate or protein solution exits the static mixer with its precipitable components precipitated. In another aspect of the present invention, the invention relates to a method where the two above-mentioned methods above are combined by using static mixers in series.

Method for lysing cells

This invention relates to a serum-free eukaryotic cell culture medium supplement. The supplement comprises carbon sources, vitamins, inorganic salts, amino acids and a protein digest. The medium supplement of the present invention enables the maintenance of mammalian cell cultures at cell densities equal to or greater than that obtained with batch culture methods while increasing longevity and productivity.

Serum-free medium supplement

This invention relates to an aqueous medium formulation which is capable of allowing the growth of a plasmid-producing host cell to a density greater than 30 at a reading of 600 nm and, in addition, enhancing plasmid production beyond that which would be expected at the cell densities achieved. The medium of the present invention comprises a carbon source in the concentration range of about 20 to about 40 grams per liter of the water component of the medium.

Method for increasing plasmid yield

A variant strain of Agrobacter radiobacter has been found to produce a unique heteropolysaccharide containing D-galactose, D-glucose and pyruvic acid in approximate molar ratios of 2:15:2 in a seventeen member repeat unit having the structure shown below, wherein Glc represents D-glucose, Gal represents D-galactose and Pyr represents pyruvic acid, with the numerals indicating the positions of linkage in these ring structures. The heteropolysaccharide is useful in mobility control in oil reservoir formations, especially when crosslinked with trivalent metal cations (Cr.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Fe.sup.3+ or Ti.sup.3+) to form a gel which preferentially fills high permeability zones in such reservoirs. ##STR1##

Growing community of inventors

Newton, MA, United States of America

Nick C Wan