Patents by Inventor Christopher Solheid

Christopher Solheid 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: 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
  • 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: 20120264948
    Abstract: Methods and systems for separating and purifying monatin are described. In the production of monatin, a mixture is formed which includes monatin, starting materials and intermediates. The methods and systems include a membrane having a zeta potential of from about ?19 to ?6 such that the membrane rejects greater than about 90% of the monatin. In some embodiments, the membrane is a nanofiltration membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brent Howard Hilbert, Trent H. Pemble, Michael A. Porter, Christopher Solheid
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110020882
    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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    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, Ellen Burke, Peter Luginbuhl, Analia Bueno, Joslin Cuenca
  • Patent number: 7582455
    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: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Brazeau, Ellen Burke, Mervyn DeSouza, Steven J. Gort, Paula M. Hicks, Sherry R. Kollmann, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara C. McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Fernando A. Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20090198072
    Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing the production of monatin in a multi-step equilibrium pathway are described. In some embodiments, a method includes adding alanine to a reactor along with one or more reactants and one or more enzymes, and producing a mixture comprising monatin and one or more intermediates. The addition of alanine results in a decreased concentration of less stable intermediates and an increased concentration of monatin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Anil B. Khare, Brent H. Hilbert, Christopher Solheid, Sara C. McFarlan, Trent H. Pemble
  • Publication number: 20080020434
    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: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Brazeau, Mervyn De Souza, Steven Gort, Paula Hicks, Sherry Kollmann, Jose Laplaza, Sara McFarlan, Fernando Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid
  • Publication number: 20080020435
    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: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ellen Burke, Steven Gort, Paula Hicks, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao
  • Publication number: 20080015361
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Anil Khare, Brent Hilbert, Christopher Solheid, Sara McFarlan, Fernando Sanchez-Riera, Kent Floy, Paula Hicks
  • Publication number: 20060252135
    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: April 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Brazeau, Ellen Burke, Mervyn DeSouza, Steven Gort, Paula Hicks, Sherry Kollmann, Peter Luginbuhl, Sara McFarlan, Toby Richardson, Fernando Sanchez-Riera, Christopher Solheid, David Weiner, Lishan Zhao