Adenovirus-based Solutions for Environmental Remediation and Sustainability

This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original patent to develop novel applications in environmental remediation, industrial processes, and agricultural sustainability, utilizing replication-defective adenovirus-based systems to enhance microorganism-mediated pollutant degradation, water quality monitoring, and crop yield improvement.

The original patent focused on inducing immunity against SARS-CoV-2 using spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N)-ETSD immunogens delivered by a replication-defective adenovirus. However, this technology has broader potential beyond vaccine development. The inventive concept addresses the limitations of current environmental remediation methods, industrial processes, and agricultural practices, which often rely on inefficient or unsustainable approaches. By applying the adenovirus-based technology to these new fields, we can develop more effective and eco-friendly solutions.

The new claims describe adenovirus-based systems for treating wastewater, reducing pollutants in industrial processes, bioremediation, monitoring water quality, and improving crop yields. These systems utilize replication-defective adenoviruses encoding spike protein sequences optimized for cell surface expression and nucleocapsid proteins fused to endosomal targeting sequences. The adenoviruses are used to express these proteins in microorganisms, enhancing their ability to degrade pollutants, fix nitrogen, and promote plant growth. The inventive concept enables the development of more efficient and sustainable environmental remediation methods, industrial processes, and agricultural practices.

The novelty of this inventive concept lies in the application of adenovirus-based technology to entirely new fields, leveraging the original patent's core technology to address distinct problems. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential for adenovirus-mediated protein expression in microorganisms to drive sustainable solutions in environmental remediation, industrial processes, and agriculture.

Alternative embodiments of this inventive concept could include the use of different adenovirus serotypes, varying the spike protein sequence or nucleocapsid protein fusion, or incorporating additional genes to further enhance microorganism-mediated pollutant degradation or plant growth promotion. Variations could also involve the development of adenovirus-based systems for other environmental or industrial applications, such as bioremediation of contaminated soil or groundwater.

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the environmental remediation, industrial processes, and agricultural sectors. The market for sustainable solutions in these areas is growing rapidly, driven by increasing concerns about environmental degradation, climate change, and food security. Adenovirus-based systems could provide a competitive advantage in these markets, offering more efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solutions for wastewater treatment, pollutant reduction, bioremediation, and crop yield improvement.