Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Key Techniques in Microbiology

Key Techniques in Microbiology

Aseptic techniques prevent contamination, ensure experimental accuracy, and protect researchers and microbial cultures. These techniques are essential in clinical, industrial, and research settings where sterility is required.Maintaining Sterility in Laboratory PracticesScientists maintain sterility by sterilizing tools with heat or chemicals, disinfecting work surfaces, and handling cultures in controlled environments. Working near an open flame or within a laminar flow hood reduces the risk...

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.

History of Microbiology

History of Microbiology

Microbiology, a scientific field dedicated to the study of microorganisms, has undergone profound development since its inception in the 17th century. Its history is marked by key discoveries and technological advancements that have shaped our understanding of life at the microscopic level and transformed medicine, agriculture, and industry.Early Foundations of MicrobiologyThe early foundations of microbiology were built on groundbreaking observations and the development of pioneering...

Microbial Corrosion

Microbial Corrosion

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a significant form of material degradation caused by the metabolic activities of microorganisms. This phenomenon poses substantial challenges across various industries, including oil and gas, maritime, and water treatment sectors.MIC occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi, colonize metal surfaces, forming biofilms that alter the local electrochemical environment. These biofilms can lead to the production of corrosive...

iChip

iChip

The cultivation of environmental microorganisms has long been hindered by the inability to replicate complex native conditions in vitro. The isolation chip (iChip) addresses this limitation by facilitating the growth of previously uncultivable microorganisms through in situ incubation. Designed for high-throughput microbial cultivation, the iChip comprises hundreds of microchambers, each capable of housing a single microbial cell. These microchambers are loaded with a mixture of molten agar and...

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Intricate relationship between cancer stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance.

MedComm·2024

Same author

Author Correction: Augmented antibiotic resistance associated with cadmium induced alterations in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi.

Scientific reports·2023

Same author

Biosurfactants: Potential applications as immunomodulator drugs.

Immunology letters·2020

Same author

Anti-biofilm activity of a sophorolipid-amphotericin B niosomal formulation against Candida albicans.

Biofouling·2017

Same author

Erratum to: Enhanced biosurfactant production through cloning of three genes and role of esterase in biosurfactant release.

Microbial cell factories·2017

Same author

Retraction notice to Aerobic degradation of 4-nitroaniline (4-NA) via novel degradation intermediates by Rhodococcus sp. strain FK48 [HAZMAT 254-255 (2013) 72-78].

Journal of hazardous materials·2017

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Isolation of Soil Microorganisms Using iChip Technology

Isolation of Soil Microorganisms Using iChip Technology

Published on: January 10, 2025

Can microbes be patented?

Swaranjit Singh Cameotra

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

|November 20, 2012

Summary

Native microorganisms are not patentable. However, genetically modified microbes, including yeasts, bacteria, and viruses, along with their associated processes and products, are eligible for patent protection.

Area of Science:

Microbiology and Intellectual Property Law

Background:

Naturally occurring microorganisms in their native state are generally not subject to patent.
The legal landscape surrounding microbial patents is complex and evolving.

Discussion:

Genetic modification is a key criterion for patentability of microorganisms.
Patents can cover not only the modified microbe itself but also the methods used for its modification and the resulting products.

Key Insights:

Patent eligibility for microbes hinges on human intervention through genetic engineering.
This distinction allows for innovation and commercialization of novel microbial applications.

Outlook:

Further legal precedents may clarify the scope of patent protection for biotechnological inventions.

More Related Videos

Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats

Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats

Published on: December 7, 2021

Engineering Adherent Bacteria by Creating a Single Synthetic Curli Operon

Engineering Adherent Bacteria by Creating a Single Synthetic Curli Operon

Published on: November 16, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Isolation of Soil Microorganisms Using iChip Technology

Isolation of Soil Microorganisms Using iChip Technology

Published on: January 10, 2025

Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats

Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats

Published on: December 7, 2021

Engineering Adherent Bacteria by Creating a Single Synthetic Curli Operon

Engineering Adherent Bacteria by Creating a Single Synthetic Curli Operon

Published on: November 16, 2012

The patentability of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to be a significant area in intellectual property law.