Prashant P Mehta

Title: Prashant P Mehta: Innovator in Microbial Drug Resistance and Biological Sample Processing

Introduction

Prashant P Mehta is a notable inventor based in Carlsbad, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the fields of microbiology and biotechnology through his innovative patents. With a total of 2 patents, his work focuses on identifying drug resistance in microorganisms and improving methods for processing biological samples.

Latest Patents

One of Prashant's latest patents is titled "Topoisomerase type II gene polymorphisms and their use in identifying drug resistance and pathogenic strains of microorganisms." This invention provides novel polymorphisms of prokaryotic topoisomerase type II Gyr A, Gyr B, and parC gene loci. These polymorphisms are crucial for differentiating closely related organisms and identifying their pathogenicity and drug resistance. For instance, drug resistance to methicillin, which is not metabolically tied to topoisomerase function, can be determined by polymorphisms in the Gyrase A locus. This identification of drug resistance through unrelated loci indicates the presence of previously unrecognized subspecies.

Another significant patent is the "Apparatus and method for removing small molecules and ions from low volume biological samples." This invention offers an innovative apparatus and method for desalting low volume solutions, particularly for use with electronically addressable microarrays. The apparatus features a tubular molecular weight cut-off membrane embedded within an ion exchange resin-filled chamber. This design ensures a high surface-to-volume ratio of membrane pore surface to exchange resin capacity, facilitating the rapid removal of charged molecules from test solutions. The resultant desalted solution has a very low ionic strength, making it suitable for the electronic transport of nucleic acids, proteins, and cells.

Career Highlights

Prashant P Mehta is currently associated with Nanogen, Inc., where he continues to advance his research and innovations. His work has had a significant impact on the understanding of microbial drug resistance and the processing of biological samples.

Collaborations

Some of Prashant's notable coworkers include Daniel D Smolko and Ed Sheldon, who have collaborated with him on various projects and innovations.

Conclusion

Prashant P Mehta's contributions to the fields of microbiology and biotechnology through his patents demonstrate his commitment to innovation and research. His work not only