Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Micro-organism – tissue cell culture or enzyme using process... – Preparing element or inorganic compound except carbon dioxide
Reexamination Certificate
2004-03-17
2008-11-18
Lilling, Herbert J. (Department: 1657)
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Micro-organism, tissue cell culture or enzyme using process...
Preparing element or inorganic compound except carbon dioxide
C435S280000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07452703
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides methods for separating isotopes of actinide elements such as uranium using microorganisms, e.g., metal or sulfate reducing bacteria. The microorganisms reduce the actinide element to form a precipitate, which contains a greater proportion of the lighter isotope relative to the heavier isotope than the starting material. The precipitate may be collected, re-oxidized, and subjected to multiple rounds of enrichment. Alternately, separation processes not requiring formation of a precipitate may be used. The invention also features cell-free systems for isotope separation. The invention further provides compositions produced according to the foregoing methods, including compositions comprising enriched uraninite.
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Czerwinski Kenneth R.
Polz Martin F.
Choate Hall & Stewart LLP
Lilling Herbert J.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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