The present invention provides methods for the cultivation of the Methylobacterium genus of bacteria. In particular the method provides methods for the efficient and inexpensive cultivation of these bacteria. Additionally, the invention provides methods for the utilization of these bacterial cultures to improve plant agriculture.

Herein a Bacillus exosporium antigen delivery (BEAD) system that provides a means to introduce recombinant proteins or small molecules into the exosporium of members of the B. cereus family of bacteria, i.e. B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, is disclosed. The system results in the surface display of recombinant proteins or small molecules such that they can stimulate an immune response. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.

Herein a Bacillus exosporium antigen delivery (BEAD) system that provides a means to introduce recombinant proteins or small molecules into the exosporium of members of the B. cereus family of bacteria, i.e. B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, is disclosed. The system results in the surface display of recombinant proteins or small molecules such that they can stimulate an immune response. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.

The present invention provides a method and a system for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. In particular, the present invention provides a system, such as a diagnostic kit, for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample, comprising (a) a recombinant bacterium or spore expressing one or more recombinant proteins on the surface thereof, wherein the recombinant protein specifically binds to the analyte directly or through a binding agent that specifically binds to the recombinant protein and the analyte, and (b) a signal-producing substance that can be detected.

A blood treatment method includes the steps of inducing flow of a patient's blood through an extracorporeal device inlet and outlet in fluid connection to the circulatory system of the patient. Metastatic DNA contained within patient blood can be rendered non-oncogenic by passing patient blood over a biochemical reactor surface having attached or immobilized DNase 1 enzyme, with the biochemical reactor being contained within the extracorporeal device. The treatment method is performed without adding any chemicals to the blood of the patient.

A blood treatment method includes the steps of inducing flow of a patient's blood through an extracorporeal device inlet and outlet in fluid connection to the circulatory system of the patient. Metastatic DNA contained within patient blood can be rendered non-oncogenic by passing patient blood over a biochemical reactor surface having attached or immobilized DNase 1 enzyme, with the biochemical reactor being contained within the extracorporeal device. The treatment method is performed without adding any chemicals to the blood of the patient.

The present invention provides a method and a system for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. In particular, the present invention provides a system, such as a diagnostic kit, for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample, comprising (a) a recombinant bacterium or spore expressing one or more recombinant proteins on the surface thereof, wherein the recombinant protein specifically binds to the analyte directly or through a binding agent that specifically binds to the recombinant protein and the analyte, and (b) a signal-producing substance that can be detected.

Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by Paenibacillus family members and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the spore surface of Paenibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, are also provided.

Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by Paenibacillus family members and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the spore surface of Paenibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, are also provided.

A method for topographically controlled aggregation, wherein cells of the same type or different type, such as different strains of bacterial cells, are layered in a way that controls the size, structure and number of aggregates as well as the potential spatial distribution of the different species of cells within the aggregates. The method includes a step of surface modifying cells with a polyelectrolyte.