Jennifer Ann Payne

US Patent:

6833250, Dec 21, 2004

Filed:

Jan 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/759815

Inventors:

Steven J. Potts - Davis CA
David C. Slaughter - Davis CA
James F. Thompson - Sacramento CA
Jennifer J. Payne - Davis CA
Barb Ariel Cohen - Watertown MA

Assignee:

Vicam, L.P. - Watertown MA

International Classification:

C12Q 104

US Classification:

435 34, 435 18

Abstract:

This invention provides novel methods for the detection of chitinous contaminants of non-chitinous biological materials. The methods are accurate, highly reproducible, rapid and relatively inexpensive. The methods are well suited to commercial applications, particularly in the food and agriculture industry where biological materials (e. g. food products) are regularly screened for contaminants (e. g. insect, mold, fungus, etc. ). In one embodiment, the methods involve contacting a biological sample with a probe that is a lectin that binds chitin, contacting the sample with a pectinase; and detecting binding of said lectin to a chitin where the binding indicates the presence of chitin in the biological sample.

US Patent:

6770453, Aug 3, 2004

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/519533

Inventors:

Steven J. Potts - Davis CA
David C. Slaughter - Davis CA
James F. Thompson - Sacramento CA
Jennifer J. Payne - Davis CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

C12Q 134

US Classification:

435 18, 435 34

Abstract:

Methods for the detection of chitinous contaminants of non-chitinous biological materials are described. The methods are accurate, highly reproducible, rapid and relatively inexpensive. The methods are well suited to commercial applications, particular in the food and agriculture industry where biological materials (e. g. , food products) are regularly screened for contaminants (e. g. , insect, mold, fungus, etc. ). In some cases, the methods involve contacting a biological sample with a probe that is a lectin that binds chitin, contacting the sample with a pectinase; and detecting binding of said lectin to a chitin where the binding indicates the presence of chitin in the biological sample.