William James Rasmussen

US Patent:

42295440, Oct 21, 1980

Filed:

Aug 8, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/931947

Inventors:

Robert W. Haynes - East Grand Forks MN
William H. Rasmussen - East Grand Forks MN

Assignee:

Payfer Laboratories Inc. - East Grand Forks MN

International Classification:

C12N 120
C12N 100

US Classification:

435253

Abstract:

A method of packaging, and the package so produced, for maintaining living organisms viable for a long period of time. The living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, etc. , are mixed with a carrier, such as peat. The organism-carrier mixture is then disposed in a package, such as a heat-sealable plastic envelope, and a gaseous atmosphere is provided in the package effective to induce and maintain substantial nonvegatative state formation of the organisms. Some organisms will form cysts, others spores, but whatever nonvegetative state is assumed, the organisms will be much less susceptible to heat, cold, starvation, and other adverse environmental factors. Suitable gaseous atmospheres include nitrogen, helium, and argon gases. The package is then sealed to prevent contamination of the atmosphere therein.