Patents by Inventor Pirkko Suominen

Pirkko Suominen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110287505
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttilä, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 7943366
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications', include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Cargill Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttilä, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 7846712
    Abstract: An L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain is provided for the production of ethanol by introducing and expressing bacterial araA, araB and araD genes. L-arabinose transporters are also introduced into the yeast to enhance the uptake of arabinose. The yeast carries additional genomic mutations enabling it to consume L-arabinose, even as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol. Methods of producing ethanol include utilizing these modified yeast strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Min Zhang, Arjun Singh, Eric Knoshaug, Mary Ann Franden, Eric Jarvis, Pirkko Suominen
  • Patent number: 7816129
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an improved production of bacterial proteins in filamentous fungus, e.g. in Trichoderma and Aspergillus. The improvement is achieved by constructing expression vectors, which comprise the bacterial protein encoding DNA sequences fused in frame with a DNA sequence encoding a filamentous fungus secretable protein or one or more functional domains of said protein. Filamentous fungus hosts transformed with such expression vectors secrete the desired proteins or enzymes, especially xylanases or cellulases originating from bacteria or more preferably from actinornycetes into the culture medium of the host. The desired proteins or enzymes can be used directly from the culture medium after separation of host cells or recovered and treated using down-stream processes, which are appropriate for the respective application. Xylanases or cellulases from actinomycetes produced using the above expression vectors are most suitable for treating plant derived materials e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: AB Enzymes GmbH
    Inventors: Arja Mäntylä, Marja Paloheimo, Raija Lantto, Richard Fagerström, Tarja Lahtinen, Pirkko Suominen, Jari Vehmaanperä
  • Publication number: 20100144041
    Abstract: An L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain is provided for the production of ethanol by introducing and expressing bacterial araA, araB and araD genes. L-arabinose transporters are also introduced into the yeast to enhance the uptake of arabinose. The yeast carries additional genomic mutations enabling it to consume L-arabinose, even as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol. Methods of producing ethanol include utilizing these modified yeast strains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Min Zhang, Arjun Singh, Pirkko Suominen, Eric Knoshaug, Mary Ann Franden, Eric Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20100137551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biocatalysts that are cells, optimally of the Crabtree-negative phenotype, comprising expression vectors encoding genes heterologous to the cell that enable increased production of organic products. More specifically, the invention relates to genetically modified Kluyveromyces cells, methods for making the Kluyveromyces cells, and their use in production of organic products, particularly D-lactic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Catherine Asleson Dundon, Stacey Olson, Pirkko Suominen, Ben Hause
  • Publication number: 20090253189
    Abstract: Yeast cells having an exogenous lactate dehydrogenase gene ae modified by reducing L- or D-lactate:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase activity in the cell. This leads to reduced consumption of lactate by the cell and can increase overall lactate yields in a fermentation process. Cells having the reduced I, or D-lactate:ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase activity can be screened for by resistance to organic acids such as lactic or glycolic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew Miller, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Benjamin Matthew Hause, Pim Van Hoek, Catherine Asleson Dundon
  • Publication number: 20090226989
    Abstract: Cells of the species Issatchenkia orientalis and closely related yeast species are transformed with a vector to introduce an exogenous lactate dehydrogenase gene. The cells produce lactic acid efficiently and are resistant at low pH, high lactate titer conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Laura Ruohonen, Kari Koivuranta, Kevin Roberg-Perez
  • Patent number: 7534597
    Abstract: Recombinant yeast are provided having, in one aspect, multiple exogenous LDH genes integrated into the genome, while leaving native PDC genes intact. In a second aspect, recombinant yeast are provided having an exogenous LDH gene integrated into its genome at the locus of a native PDC gene, with deletion of the native PDC gene. The recombinant yeast are useful in fermentation process for producing lactic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Cargill, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben Hause, Vineet Rajgarhia, Pirkko Suominen
  • Publication number: 20090053782
    Abstract: Yeast cells are genetically modified to disrupt a native metabolic pathway from dihydroxyacetone to glycerol. In certain aspects, the yeast cell is of the genera Kluyueromyces, Candida or Issatchenkia. In other aspects, the yeast cell is capable of producing at least one organic acid, such as lactate. The yeast cells produce significantly less glycerol than the wild-type strains, and usually produce greater yields of desired fermentation products. Yeast cells of the invention often grow well when cultivated, despite their curtailed glycerol production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Catherine Asleson Dundon, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Brian J. Rush, Kari Koivuranta, Benjamin Matthew Hause, Thomas William McMullin, Kevin Roberg-Perez
  • Patent number: 7348172
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and DNA constructs for obtaining in a filamentous fungus host a higher production level of a carbohydrate degrading (CD) enzyme, having in its original state a catalytic module (CAT) and a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) separated by a linker region. The DNA construct comprising a truncated actinomycetes, preferably Nonomuraea flexuosa (NJ) derived DNA sequence encoding a truncated form of the CD enzyme, for example Nf Xyn11A, Nf Xyn10A, and is introduced into a filamentous fungal host. Said CD enzyme contains the catalytically active region of CAT but lacks part or all of the CBM, or all of the CBM and part or all of the linker region and is expressed and secreted under the control of regulatory sequences comprising at least a signal sequence, but also promoters, terminators and DNA sequences encoding a secretable carrier protein or domains thereof, preferably originating from filamentous fungi are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: AB Enzymes Oy
    Inventors: Marja Paloheimo, Arja Mantyla, Sanna Leskinen, Richard Fagerstrom, Jarno Kallio, Terhi Puranen, Raija Lantto, Pirkko Suominen
  • Patent number: 7323326
    Abstract: Genes encoding novel cellulases, and a gene encoding a protein that facilitates the action of such novel cellulases, the novel cellulases and a protein that facilitates the action of such cellulases, and enzyme preparations containing such proteins are described. The native hosts and the culture medium of said hosts containing said novel cellulases are also disclosed. These proteins are especially useful in the textile and detergent industry and in pulp and paper industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: AB Enzymes Oy
    Inventors: Arja Miettinen-Oinonen, John Londesborough, Jari Vehmaanpera, Heli Haakana, Arja Mantyla, Raija Lantto, Minna Elovainio, Vesa Joutsjoki, Marja Paloheimo, Pirkko Suominen
  • Patent number: 7273748
    Abstract: Genes encoding novel cellulases, and a gene encoding a protein that facilitates the action of such novel cellulases, the novel cellulases and a protein that facilitates the action of such cellulases, and enzyme preparations containing such proteins are described. The native hosts and the culture medium of said hosts containing said novel cellulases are also disclosed. These proteins are especially useful in the textile and detergent industry and in pulp and paper industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: AB Enzymes Oy
    Inventors: Arja Miettinen-Oinonen, John Londesborough, Jari Vehmaanpera, Heli Haakana, Arja Mantyla, Raija Lantto, Minna Elovainio, Vesa Joutsjoki, Marja Paloheimo, Pirkko Suominen
  • Publication number: 20070092956
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biocatalysts that are cells, optimally of the Crabtree-negative phenotype, comprising expression vectors encoding genes heterologous to the cell that enable increased production of organic products. More specifically, the invention relates to genetically modified Candida cells, methods for making the Candida cells, and their use in production of organic products, particularly lactic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Applicant: Natureworks LLC.
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Merja Penttila, Laura Ruohonen, Marja Ilmen, Kari Koivuranta, Pirkko Suominen
  • Patent number: 7141410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biocatalysts that are cells, optimally of the Crabtree-negative phenotype, comprising expression vectors encoding genes heterologous to the cell that enable increased production of organic products. More specifically, the invention relates to genetically modified Candida cells, methods for making the Candida cells, and their use in production of organic products, particularly lactic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Natureworks LLC
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Merja Penttilä, Laura Ruohonen, Marja Ilmén, Kari Koivuranta, Pirkko Suominen
  • Publication number: 20060234364
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications', include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttilä, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Publication number: 20060014247
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and DNA constructs for obtaining in a filamentous fungus host a higher production level of a carbohydrate degrading (CD) enzyme, having in its original state a catalytic module (CAT) and a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) separated by a linker region. The DNA construct comprising a truncated actinomycetes, preferably Nonomuraea flexuosa (NJ) derived DNA sequence encoding a truncated form of the CD enzyme, for example Nf Xyn11A, Nf Xyn10A, and is introduced into a filamentous fungal host. Said CD enzyme contains the catalytically active region of CAT but lacks part or all of the CBM, or all of the CBM and part or all of the linker region and is expressed and secreted under the control of regulatory sequences comprising at least a signal sequence, but also promoters, terminators and DNA sequences encoding a secretable carrier protein or domains thereof, preferably originating from filamentous fungi are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Marja Paloheimo, Arja Mantyla, Sanna Leskinen, Richard Fagerstrom, Jarno Kallio, Terhi Puranen, Raija Lantto, Pirkko Suominen
  • Publication number: 20040185498
    Abstract: Genes encoding novel cellulases, and a gene encoding a protein that facilitates the action of such novel cellulases, the novel cellulases and a protein that facilitates the action of such cellulases, and enzyme preparations containing such proteins are described. The native hosts and the culture medium of said hosts containing said novel cellulases are also disclosed. These proteins are especially useful in the textile and detergent industry and in pulp and paper industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Arja Miettinen-Oinonen, John Londesborough, Jari Vehmaanpera, Heli Haakana, Arja Mantyla, Raija Lantto, Minna Elovainio, Vesa Joutsjoki, Marja Paloheimo, Pirkko Suominen
  • Publication number: 20040142444
    Abstract: Genes encoding novel cellulases, and a gene encoding a protein that facilitates the action of such novel cellulases, the novel cellulases and a protein that facilitates the action of such cellulases, and enzyme preparations containing such proteins are described. The native hosts and the culture medium of said hosts containing said novel cellulases are also disclosed. These proteins are especially useful in the textile and detergent industry and in pulp and paper industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Arja Miettinen-Oinonen, John Londesborough, Jari Vehmaanpera, Heli Haakana, Arja Mantyla, Raija Lantto, Minna Elovainio, Vesa Joutsjoki, Marja Paloheimo, Pirkko Suominen
  • Patent number: 6723549
    Abstract: Genes encoding novel cellulases, and a gene encoding a protein that facilitates the action of such novel cellulases, the novel cellulases and a protein that facilitates the action of such cellulases, and enzyme preparations containing such proteins are described. The native hosts and the culture medium of said hosts containing said novel cellulases are also disclosed. These proteins are especially useful in the textile and detergent industry and in pulp and paper industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: AB Enzymes Oy
    Inventors: Arja Miettinen-Oinonen, John Londesborough, Jari Vehmaanperä, Heli Haakana, Arja Mäntylä, Raija Lanto, Minna Elovainio, Vesa Joutsjoki, Marja Paloheimo, Pirkko Suominen