Exothermic chemistry and method for generating an anaerobic environment

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for generating an anaerobic environment within a container comprising: 
 an air-permeable bag containing a heat generating composition and a carbon dioxide generating material; and    a removable outer wrap enclosing said air-permeable bag to form an air barrier with respect to said air-permeable bag;    wherein said heat generating composition, when said outer wrap is removed, reacts with oxygen in air within said container to generate heat that releases carbon dioxide gas from said carbon dioxide generating material.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said heat generating composition depletes oxygen within said container.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is mixed with said heat generating composition.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is an alkali metal bicarbonate.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material includes citric acid.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material includes ascorbic acid.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said bicarbonate is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and magnesium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is located adjacent to said heat generating composition within said air-permeable bag.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is positioned to obtain a sufficient heat transfer from said heat generating composition to release carbon dioxide from said carbon dioxide generating material.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material a bicarbonate.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said bicarbonate is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said container is a sealed container.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein said container includes a pressure relief mechanism to release pressure within said container.  
     
     
         16 . A method of creating an anaerobic environment in a container comprising the steps of: 
 providing a device comprising an air-permeable bag containing a heat generating composition and a carbon dioxide generating material;    placing said exposed air-permeable bag in said container;    sealing said container; and    permitting said air to react with said heat generating composition to generate heat that releases carbon dioxide gas from said carbon dioxide generating material.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said device has a removable outer wrap enclosing said air-permeable bag to form an air barrier with respect to said air-permeable bag, said method further comprising the step of: 
 removing said outer wrap from said air-permeable bag to expose said air-permeable bag to air before said placing step.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said heat generating composition substantially depletes oxygen within said container.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is positioned to obtain a sufficient heat transfer from said heat generating composition to release carbon dioxide from said carbon dioxide generating material.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is separated from said heat generating composition.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is a bicarbonate.  
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein said bicarbonate is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein said bicarbonate is sodium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         24 . A composition for creating an anaerobic environment in a container comprising a heat generating, oxygen depleting composition and a carbon dioxide generating material.  
     
     
         25 . The composition of  claim 24 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material includes citric acid.  
     
     
         26 . The composition of  claim 24 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material includes ascorbic acid.  
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 24 , wherein said carbon dioxide generating material is a bicarbonate.  
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 27 , wherein said bicarbonate is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate.  
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 24 , wherein said heat generating, oxygen depleting composition comprises iron powder, a water retaining agent, water, activated charcoal, and sodium chloride.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said container includes a pressure relief mechanism to release pressure within said container.