Patents by Inventor Sara C. McFarlan

Sara C. McFarlan 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).

  • Patent number: 10844363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically engineered yeast (e.g., Crabtree negative) that express a heterologous xylose isomerase. In a fermentation method the engineered yeast are capable of producing a bioproduct, such as ethanol, in a fermentation medium that includes xylose. Desirable bioproduct titers can be achieved when materials such as acetate are present in the fermentation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Erin Kathleen Marasco, Sara C. McFarlan, Briana Kozlowicz, Chenfeng Lu, Beth M. Mastel
  • Publication number: 20180223271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically engineered yeast (e.g., Crabtree negative) that express a heterologous xylose isomerase. In a fermentation method the engineered yeast are capable of producing a bioproduct, such as ethanol, in a fermentation medium that includes xylose. Desirable bioproduct titers can be achieved when materials such as acetate are present in the fermentation medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: ERIN KATHLEEN MARASCO, SARA C. MCFARLAN, BRIANA KOZLOWICZ, CHENFENG LU, BETH M. MASTEL
  • Patent number: 9518280
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 9034610
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, James R. Millis, John Rosazza, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20150111260
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Ellen BURKE, Steven John GORT, Paula M. HICKS, Peter LUGINBUHL, Sara C. MCFARLAN, Toby RICHARDSON, Christopher SOLHEID, David P. WEINER, Lishan ZHAO
  • Patent number: 9005938
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8975046
    Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Brazeau, Mervyn L. De Souza, Steven J. Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann, Jose M. Laplaza, Sara C. McFarlan, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid
  • Patent number: 8785162
    Abstract: The invention provides for aminotransferase and oxidoreductase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such aminotransferase and oxidoreductase nucleic acids and polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mervyn L. De Souza, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann, Jose Laplaza, Joshua M. Lundorff, Sara C. McFarlan, Erin Marasco, Wei Niu, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid, David P. Weiner, Peter Luginbuhl, Analia Bueno, Joslin Cuenca
  • Publication number: 20130273616
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Paula M. HICKS, Sara C. MCFARLAN
  • Patent number: 8440434
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan
  • Patent number: 8435765
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, James R. Millis, John Rosazza, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8372989
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, John Rosazza, Lishan Zhao, David P. Weiner
  • Publication number: 20120164697
    Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Brian J. BRAZEAU, Mervyn L. DE SOUZA, Steven J. GORT, Paula M. HICKS, Sherry R. KOLLMANN, Jose M. LAPLAZA, Sara C. MCFARLAN, Fernando A. SANCHEZ-RIERA, Christopher SOLHEID
  • Patent number: 8206955
    Abstract: Methods and compositions that can be used to make monatin or salt thereof from glucose, tryptophan, indole-3-lactic acid, indole-3-pyruvate, and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, are provided. Methods are also disclosed for producing the indole-3-pyruvate and 2-hydroxy 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid intermediates. Compositions provided include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, chemical structures, and cells. Methods include in vitro and in vivo processes, and the in vitro methods include chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sara C. McFarlan, Paula M. Hicks, Mary Jo Zidwick, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Douglas C. Cameron, Mervyn L. deSouza, John Rosazza, Steven J. Gort, Timothy W. Abraham
  • Publication number: 20120009634
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Ellen BURKE, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 8076108
    Abstract: Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Brazeau, Mervyn L. De Souza, Steven J. Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann, Jose M. Laplaza, Sara C. McFarlan, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid
  • Patent number: 8043837
    Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Patent number: 7923231
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the specific activity of myo-inositol oxygenase. The method includes incubating a mixture including myo-inositol oxygenase and a non-sulfur containing reductant under conditions effective to increase the specific activity of the myo-inositol oxygenase. Also disclosed are methods for producing D-glucuronic acid and glucurono-?-lactone comprising incubating a mixture including myo-inositol, myo-inositol oxygenase, and oxygen under conditions effective to form 5 grams D-glucuronic acid per liter of the mixture to 400 grams D-glucuronic acid per liter of the mixture. Glucurono-?-lactone can be produced from the D-glucuronic acid product. Also disclosed are organisms and nucleic acids suitable for use in such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Brazeau, Jean-Claude De Troostembergh, Paula M. Hicks, Holly Jessen, Sara C. McFarlan, Willy Obyn, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, William A. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20110045547
    Abstract: The invention provides for isomerase (e.g., racemase) and epimerase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are methods of using such isomerase (e.g., racemase) and epimerase nucleic acids and polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Mervyn L. de Souza, Wei Niu, Jose Laplaza, Christopher Solheid, Sherry R. Kollmann, Joshua M. Lundorff, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, David P. Weiner, Ellen Burke, Peter Luginbuhl, Analia Bueno, Joslin Cuenca
  • Patent number: 7888081
    Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the production of equilibrium reactions are described. In some embodiments, a method comprises removing enzymes from a reaction mixture once equilibrium is achieved, selectively re-adding enzymes and reactants for driving the product-forming reaction to product, and optionally recycling stabilized intermediates, by-products and/or co-products back into the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, a method comprises purifying the desired product from a reaction mixture and selectively recycling one or more components of the reaction mixture, such as original reactants, intermediates, co-products or by-products back into the reaction mixture as desired to improve titer. Systems for implementing the methods are also provided. In some embodiments the methods and systems are implemented for increasing the production of monatin and monatin derivatives, produced in multi-step equilibrium pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Anil Bhagwan Khare, Brent H. Hilbert, Christopher Solheid, Sara C. McFarlan, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Kent Floy, Paula M. Hicks