Claims
- 1. A delivery system for delivering a biologically active protein to a host animal comprising
an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the biologically active protein, operably linked to a promoter.
- 2. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein the expression vector further comprises a terminator for terminating transcription.
- 3. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the biologically active protein is selected from the group consisting of hormones and antimicrobial peptides.
- 4. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the algal cell is mixed with a sample of feed for the host animal.
- 5. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of mammals, fish, birds, and crustaceans.
- 6. The delivery system of claim 1 wherein the biologically active protein is a peptide derived from the group consisting of bactericidal proteins, insecticidal proteins, growth hormones, and antigens.
- 7. A delivery system for delivering antigens to a host animal comprising
an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for an antigenic determinant.
- 8. The delivery system of claim 7, wherein the expression vector further comprises a promoter operably linked to the nucleotide sequence coding for the antigenic determinant.
- 9. The delivery system of claim 8, wherein the expression vector further comprises a terminator for terminating transcription.
- 10. The delivery system of claim 9, wherein the algal cell expresses the antigenic determinant in an area selected from the group consisting of nucleus, chloroplast, mitochondria, periplasmic space, cell membrane, or cell wall.
- 11. The delivery system of claim 7, wherein the algal cell is selected from the group consisting of green algae, brown algae, or diatoms.
- 12. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein the algal cell is Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
- 13. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein the antigenic determinant is a holoprotein or protein fragment from a pathogenic organism in the host animal.
- 14. The delivery system of claim 13 wherein the antigenic determinant is part of a fusion protein.
- 15. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein the algal cell is disabled.
- 16. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein the algal cell is packaged as a food product.
- 17. The delivery system of claim 16 wherein the food product is a capsule.
- 18. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein multiple algal cells are incorporated into a pellet.
- 19. The delivery system of claim 18 wherein the algal cells are selected from the group consisting of living and dead cells.
- 20. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein the algal cell is suspended in water for immersing the host animal.
- 21. The delivery system of claim 20 wherein the algal cell is dried and formed into a powder prior to being suspended in water.
- 22. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein the algal cell is mixed with a liquid and packaged as a drink.
- 23. The delivery system of claim 7 wherein the expression vector is incorporated into genetic material selected from the group consisting of nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial.
- 24 A method for inducing an immune response in an animal, comprising the steps of
obtaining a transgenic alga expressing an antigenic peptide, and administering the transgenic alga to the animal.
- 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the transgenic alga is administered by feeding.
- 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the animal is a fish, and the immune response is detectable in a sample of serum from the fish.
- 27. The method of claim 24 wherein the transgenic alga is administered by immersing the animal in a suspension comprising the alga.
- 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the animal is a fish, and the immune response is detectable in a sample of mucus from the fish.
- 29. A method for inducing enhanced growth in an animal, comprising the steps of
obtaining a transgenic alga expressing a peptide derived from a growth hormone, and administering the transgenic alga to the animal.
- 30. A method for controlling a pathogenic population in an animal, comprising the steps of
obtaining a transgenic alga expressing a peptide derived from a bactericidal or insecticidal protein, and administering the transgenic alga to the animal.
Parent Case Info
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/212,757, filed Jun. 20, 2000, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
Provisional Applications (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60212757 |
Jun 2000 |
US |