Patents by Inventor Alexander Steinbuchel

Alexander Steinbuchel 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: 20040088751
    Abstract: Genes encoding polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, &bgr;-ketothiolase and acetoacetyl CoA reductase are isolated from the publicly available bacterium Chromatium vinosum. Recombinant genomes of plants or other species of bacteria which contain these genes are capable of producing polyalkanoate polymers. The nucleotide sequences of the said three genes have been determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias Liebergesell, Alexander Steinbuchel
  • Publication number: 20040009576
    Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides having wax ester synthase and acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity. Also provided are the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, cells and organisms transformed therewith and methods of use thereof. The invention allows the modification of lipid profiles in host cells and organisms. Novel methods for the production of waxy esters are also provided by the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Rainer Kalscheuer, Alexander Steinbuchel, Toni Voelker
  • Publication number: 20030228670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic enzymes for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, the use thereof for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, DNA coding for these enzymes and microorganisms transformed with this DNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Steinbuchel, Horst Priefert, Jurgen Rabenhorst
  • Publication number: 20030113884
    Abstract: Coexpression of a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthase and either a fatty acid: acyl-CoA transferase or an acyl-CoA synthetase in cells enables the biosynthesis of polyester materials. Plasmids, bacteria, materials, and methods for the preparation of polyesters are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: SILKE HEIN, BRIGITTE SOHLING, GERHARD GOTTSCHALK, ALEXANDER STEINBUCHEL
  • Publication number: 20030092143
    Abstract: Enzymes obtained from Amycolatopsis sp. HR167 (DSMZ 9992) can be used for synthesizing vanillin from ferulic acid. DNA which codes for these enzymes and host cells which are transformed using this DNA can be used for producing vanillin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Jurgen Rabenhorst, Alexander Steinbuchel, Horst Priefert, Sandra Achterholt
  • Patent number: 6524831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic enzymes for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, the use thereof for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, DNA coding for these enzymes and microorganisms transformed with this DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Haarmann & Reimer GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Steinbüchel, Horst Priefert, Jürgen Rabenhorst
  • Patent number: 6515205
    Abstract: Genes encoding polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, &bgr;-ketothiolase and acetoacetyl CoA reductase are isolated from the publicly available bacterium Chromatium vinosum. Recombinant genomes of plants or other species of bacteria which contain these genes are capable of producing polyalkanoate polymers. The nucleotide sequences of the said three genees have been determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventors: Matthias Liebergesell, Alexander Steinbuchel
  • Patent number: 6495152
    Abstract: A class of biopolymer including sulfur in the form of a thioester in the polymer backbone or a thioether in the polymer side chains has been developed. These are preferably produced by fermentation of bacteria with appropriate sulfur containing substrates, which are incorporated by a broad spectrum polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) polymerase. The sulfur-containing PHAs allow various applications and uses in industry. Representative embodiments of the applications of the sulfur-containing PHAs include their uses in the packaging industry, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture or food industry, as active agents or as coatings, packaging, or carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignees: Tepha, Inc., Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Steinbuchel, Tina Lütke-Eversloh, Christian Ewering
  • Publication number: 20020182697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic enzymes for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, the use thereof for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, DNA coding for these enzymes and microorganisms transformed with this DNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: ALEXANDER STEINBUCHEL, HORST PRIEFERT, JURGEN RABENHORST
  • Publication number: 20020106764
    Abstract: A class of biopolymer including sulfur in the form of a thioester in the polymer backbone or a thioether in the polymer side chains has been developed. These are preferably produced by fermentation of bacteria with appropriate sulfur containing substrates, which are incorporated by a broad spectrum polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) polymerase. The sulfur-containing PHAs allow various applications and uses in industry. Representative embodiments of the applications of the sulfur-containing PHAs include their uses in the packaging industry, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture or food industry, as active agents or as coatings, packaging, or carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Tepha, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Steinbuchel, Tina Lutke-Eversloh, Christian Ewering
  • Publication number: 20010031489
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of poly (hydroxy fatty acids) as well as recombinant bacterial strains for carrying out the process. In addition, new poly(hydroxy fatty acids) and new substrates for the production of conventional and new poly(hydroxy fatty acids) are described. Moreover, the invention also relates to a DNA fragment, which codes for a PhaE and a PhaC component of the poly(hydroxy fatty acid) synthase from Thiocapsa pfennigii, as well as the corresponding poly (hydroxy fatty acid) synthase protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Alexander Steinbuchel, Mathias Liebergesell, Henry Valentin, Andreas Pries
  • Patent number: 6080562
    Abstract: Microorganisms are modified to permit production of HV/HB copolymers from substrates such as glucose by inducing amiono acid overproduction in those capable of synthesising and polymerising hydroxybutyrate or adding to an amino acid overproducer the genetic material necessary for it to synthesise and polymerise hydroxybutrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: David Byrom, Alexander Steinbuchel
  • Patent number: 6022729
    Abstract: The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) granule-associated M.sub.r 15,500 protein of Rhodococcus ruber, which is referred to as the GA14-protein, was analysed. The sequence revealed that the corresponding structural gene is represented by the open reading frame 3 encoding a protein with a calculated M.sub.r 14,175 which was recently localized downstream of the PHA synthase gene (Pieper, U., and A. Steinbuchel, 1992. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 96: 73-80). A recombinant strain of Escherichia coli XL1-Blue carrying the hybrid plasmid (pSKXA10*) with ORF3 overexpressed the GA14-protein. The GA14-protein was subsequently purified in a three-step procedure including chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B and Superose 12. Determination of the molecular weight by gel filtration as well as electron microscopic studies make a tetrameric structure of the recombinant, native GA14-protein most likely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Alexander Steinbuchel, Ursula Pieper-Furst
  • Patent number: 6010870
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composite material made of a fibrous material and binders in the form of a polymer of hydroxyfatty acids for the preparation of molded parts in the automobile field, in particular, for acoustic attenuation in the areas of the hood, bulkhead (on both sides), tunnel, door, roof, footwell, pumps, A to D pillars and air distribution duct, and as an optionally self-supporting base for interior trims, especially for instrument panel covers, tunnel linings, door trims, seat back linings, A to D pillar linings and spare wheel covers, and as parts with a double function, especially as roof liner, rear shelf, filling piece, trunk mat or undershield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: HP-Chemie Pelzer Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Helmut Pelzer, Alexander Steinbuchel
  • Patent number: 6011144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of poly (hydroxy fatty acids) as well as recombinant bacterial strains for carrying out the process. In addition, new poly(hydroxy fatty acids) and new substrates for the production of conventional and new poly(hydroxy fatty acids) are described. Moreover, the invention also relates to a DNA fragment, which codes for a PhaE and a PhaC component of the poly(hydroxy fatty acid) synthase from Thiocapsa pfennigii, as well as the corresponding poly (hydroxy fatty acid) synthase protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Alexander Steinbuchel, Mathias Liebergesell, Henry Valentin, Andreas Pries
  • Patent number: 5750848
    Abstract: A genomic fragment harboring the gene phaG was cloned by phenotypic complementation of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 mutants, defective in the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis but not affected in PHA biosynthesis via fatty acid .beta.-oxidation. The 885-bp phaG gene encodes a protein of 295 amino acids with a molecular weight of 33,876 Da. The transcriptional induction of phaG could be observed under conditions of PHA synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis whereas no induction was detected under conditions which favor PHA synthesis via fatty acid degradation by .beta.-oxidation. The phaG gene is useful for the production of PHAs in bacteria and plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Niels Kruger, Alexander Steinbuchel
  • Patent number: RE37543
    Abstract: A genomic fragment harboring the gene phaG was cloned by phenotype complementation of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 mutants, defective in the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis but not affected in PHA biosynthesis via fatty acid &bgr;-oxidation. The 885-bp phaG gene encodes a protein of 295 amino acids with a molecular weight of 33.876 Da. The transcriptional induction of phaG could be observed under conditions of PHA synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis whereas no induction was detected under conditions which favor PHA synthesis via fatty acid degradation by &bgr;-oxidation. The phaG gene is useful for the production of PHAs in bacteria and plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Niels Krüger, Alexander Steinbüchel