Patents Assigned to Martek Biosciences Corporation
  • Patent number: 7816504
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, James H. Flatt, Jerry M. Kuner, William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 7816505
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, Craig A. Weaver, William R. Barclay, James H. Flatt
  • Publication number: 20100261919
    Abstract: A process for purifying a lipid composition having predominantly neutral lipid components having at least one long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is disclosed. The process employs contacting the lipid composition with a polar solvent, such as acetone, wherein the solvent is selected such that contaminants are less soluble in the solvent than is the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid. The process is typically conducted at cooler temperatures, including about 0° C. Upon precipitation of the contaminants from the lipid composition, a separation is conducted to remove the precipitated material from the lipid composition. The long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can include ARA, DPA, EPA, and/or DHA. The process of the present invention effectively winterizes lipid compositions, thereby reducing the tendency of such compositions to become hazy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Dueppen, Samuel G. Zeller, Sandra I. Diltz, Robert H. Driver
  • Patent number: 7807442
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, James H. Flatt, Jerry M. Kuner, William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 7803620
    Abstract: Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from the bacterial microorganisms Shewanella japonica and Shewanella olleyana, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Weaver, Ross Zirkle, James G. Metz
  • Publication number: 20100239533
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated thraustochytrid microorganisms as well as strains and mutants thereof. The invention is further directed to biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, cultures, methods of producing microbial oils, and methods of using the isolated thraustochytrids, biomasses, and microbial oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk E. APT, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, Jon Milton Hansen, Paul Warren Behrens, Ross Zirkle, Tracey Lynn Stahl
  • Patent number: 7799564
    Abstract: Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from the bacterial microorganisms Shewanella japonica and Shewanella olleyana, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Weaver, Ross Zirkle, James G. Metz
  • Patent number: 7781193
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Ruecker, Swithwin Patrick Adu-peasah, Brian S. Engelhardt, George T. Veeder, III
  • Publication number: 20100203123
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving cognitive function in subjects having age related cognitive decline or mild cognitive impairment and to methods of decreasing heart rate in a subject by administering dosage forms comprising docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) substantially free of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: MARTEK BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Karin YURKO-MAURO
  • Patent number: 7759548
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel acyl-CoA synthetases and novel acyltransferases, nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, recombinant nucleic acid molecules and recombinant host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules, genetically modified organisms (microorganisms and plants) comprising the same, and methods of making and using the same. Also disclosed are genetically modified organisms (e.g., plants, microorganisms) that have been genetically modified to express a PKS-like system for the production of PUFAs (a PUFA PKS system or PUFA synthase), wherein the organisms have been modified to express an acyl-CoA synthetase, to express an acyl transferase, to delete or inactivate a fatty acid synthase (FAS) expressed by the organism, to reduce competition for malonyl CoA with the PUFA synthase or to increase the level of malonyl CoA in the organism, and in one aspect, to inhibit KASII or KASIII.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, Jerry M. Kuner, James Casey Lippmeier
  • Patent number: 7745183
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100145085
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for extracting and separating polar lipids, including phospholipids, from materials containing oil, polar lipid, protein, ash, and/or carbohydrate, such as egg yolks and other phospholipid-containing materials. In particular, methods for extracting phospholipids from phospholipid-containing materials through the use of an aliphatic alcohol and control of temperature are disclosed. Using these methods, phospholipids in the aqueous liquid fraction will be efficiently separated and will precipitate readily, and can be subjected to separation for improved purity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventor: Jesus Ruben Abril
  • Patent number: 7732170
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Bailey, Don DiMasi, Jon M. Hansen, Peter J. Mirrasoul, Craig M. Ruecker, George T. Veeder, III, Tatsuo Kaneko, William R. Barclay
  • Publication number: 20100130608
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of reducing plasma triglyceride level in subjects by administering docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The method can comprise administering daily to the subject a dosage form comprising docosahexaenoic acid ester substantially free of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), wherein the DHA is derived from an algal source. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering daily to the subject a dosage form comprising DHA ester substantially free of EPA, wherein the DHA ester is about 60% to about 99.5% (w/w) of the total fatty acid content of the dosage form. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering daily to the subject a dosage form comprising about 200 mg to about 4 g of DHA ester substantially free of EPA. In some embodiments, the foregoing methods also result in a lowering of the amount of total cholesterol in the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Stuart RYAN, Edward B. Nelson, Jung Lee, Krishna Raman
  • Patent number: 7718431
    Abstract: Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from the bacterial microorganisms Shewanella japonica and Shewanella olleyana, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Weaver, Ross Zirkle, James G. Metz
  • Publication number: 20100099154
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: MARTEK BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James G. Metz, Craig A. Weaver, William R. Barclay, James H. Flatt
  • Patent number: 7700320
    Abstract: Disclosed are a fatty acid synthase (FAS) from Schizochytrium, biologically active fragments and homologues thereof, a nucleic acid sequence encoding such FAS, fragments and homologues thereof, the gene encoding Schizochytrium FAS, host cells and organisms that recombinantly express the FAS, host cells and organisms in which the expression and/or activity of the endogenous FAS has been attenuated, and various methods for making and using any of these proteins, nucleic acid molecules, genes, host cells or organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, Craig A. Weaver, Jerry Kuner
  • Patent number: 7678931
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a biomass, such as from a microbial fermentation, for an extraction process to separate desired chemicals, nutritional products, bioactive components, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, from the biomass. Particularly preferred substances to extract include docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid. The present invention also includes extracting the prepared biomass. Biomasses to be treated in accordance with the methods of the invention include plant, animal, and microbial biomass, particularly a microorganism such as Crypthecodinium cohnii and a fungus such as Mortierella alpina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jaouad Fichtali, Anand Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 7662597
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, Craig A. Weaver, William R. Barclay, James H. Flatt
  • Patent number: 7662598
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Ruecker, Swithwin Patrick Adu-peasah, Brian S. Engelhardt, George T. Veeder, III