Plant-based vaccine for environmental remediation and contamination prevention

A novel application of the original vaccine technology to prevent Clostridium perfringens growth in various environmental settings, including soil, water, agricultural facilities, food production, and the built environment.

The original patent focused on protecting poultry from C. perfringens infection. However, C. perfringens is a ubiquitous organism that can contaminate various environments, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core vaccine technology to prevent C. perfringens growth in diverse settings.

The new inventive concept involves the development of plant-based vaccines for environmental remediation and contamination prevention. These vaccines would be administered to soil-dwelling organisms, introduced into polluted water sources, applied to agricultural settings, used to prevent contamination in food production facilities, and incorporated into HVAC systems in the built environment. The vaccines would reduce C. perfringens populations and associated toxins, mitigating environmental and health risks.

The new claims introduce a novel application of the original vaccine technology, shifting the focus from poultry protection to environmental remediation and contamination prevention. This inventive step lies in the recognition of the vaccine's potential to address a broader range of C. perfringens-related problems, beyond the original context.

Alternative embodiments could include different plant-based vaccine delivery systems, such as nanoparticles or microorganisms, or the use of various plant species for vaccine production. Variations could also involve the development of vaccines targeting other Clostridium species or strains.

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental remediation, agriculture, food production, and facility management. The market for environmental remediation alone is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing concerns about ecological sustainability and public health.