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).
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Patent number: 10844363Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATEDInventors: Erin Kathleen Marasco, Sara C. McFarlan, Briana Kozlowicz, Chenfeng Lu, Beth M. Mastel
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Publication number: 20180223271Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2016Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: ERIN KATHLEEN MARASCO, SARA C. MCFARLAN, BRIANA KOZLOWICZ, CHENFENG LU, BETH M. MASTEL
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Patent number: 9518280Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATEDInventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
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Patent number: 9034610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: CARGILL, INCORPORATEDInventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, James R. Millis, John Rosazza, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
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Publication number: 20150111260Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Ellen BURKE, Steven John GORT, Paula M. HICKS, Peter LUGINBUHL, Sara C. MCFARLAN, Toby RICHARDSON, Christopher SOLHEID, David P. WEINER, Lishan ZHAO
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Patent number: 9005938Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
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Patent number: 8975046Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8785162Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20130273616Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Paula M. HICKS, Sara C. MCFARLAN
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Patent number: 8440434Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan
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Patent number: 8435765Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, James R. Millis, John Rosazza, David P. Weiner, Lishan Zhao
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Patent number: 8372989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Timothy W. Abraham, Douglas C. Cameron, Paula M. Hicks, Sara C. McFarlan, John Rosazza, Lishan Zhao, David P. Weiner
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Publication number: 20120164697Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATEDInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8206955Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20120009634Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Ellen BURKE, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
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Patent number: 8076108Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8043837Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Ellen Burke, Steven John Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
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Patent number: 7923231Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Brian Brazeau, Jean-Claude De Troostembergh, Paula M. Hicks, Holly Jessen, Sara C. McFarlan, Willy Obyn, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, William A. Schroeder
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Publication number: 20110045547Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 7888081Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Anil Bhagwan Khare, Brent H. Hilbert, Christopher Solheid, Sara C. McFarlan, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Kent Floy, Paula M. Hicks