Patents by Inventor Frank Skraly

Frank Skraly 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: 20150232864
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting proliferation of a modified host cell outside of a designated process condition. Compositions and methods for providing a host cell having reduced viability when exposed to natural conditions external to a controlled environment are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: George Church, Frank A. Skraly, Brian D. Green, Jacob C. Harrison
  • Patent number: 9090898
    Abstract: Recombinant hosts for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates and methods of producing polyhydroxyalkanoates from renewable carbon substrates are provided. Certain recombinant hosts that produce 5 carbon chemicals such as 5-aminopentanoate (5AP), 5-hydroxyvalerate (5HV), glutarate, and 1,5 pentanediol (PDO) are also provided. One embodiment provides a recombinant host expressing a gene encoding a heterologous enzyme selected from the group consisting of a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5-hydroxyvalerate-CoA (5HV-CoA) transferase, wherein the host produces a polymer containing 5-hydroxyvalerate. Preferably, the host expresses both a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase and a 5HV-CoA transferase. The host can be prokaryotic or eukaryotic. A preferred prokaryotic host is E. coli. The polymers produced by the recombinant hosts can be homopolymers or copolymers of 5-hydroxyvalerate. A preferred copolymer is poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-5-hydroxyvalerate).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Farmer, Jeff Bickmeier, Chenfeng Lu, Dong-Eun Chang, Frank Skraly, Thomas Martin Ramseier
  • Publication number: 20150203824
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into pyruvate or acetyl-CoA, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of molecules derived from these precursors, e.g., ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventor: Frank A. Skraly
  • Patent number: 9084467
    Abstract: Processes and methods for making biobased gamma-butyrolactone from renewable carbon resources are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan van Walsem, Erik Anderson, John Licata, Kevin A. Sparks, William R. Farmer, Christopher Mirley, Jeffrey A. Bickmeier, Ann D'Ambruoso, Frank A. Skraly, Thomas M. Ramseier, Melarkode S. Sivasubramanian, Yossef Shabtai
  • Publication number: 20150176033
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies pathways and mechanisms to confer resistance to reactive oxygen species, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, to photoautotrophic organisms. The use of such organisms in host cell culture systems with high levels of reactive oxygen species, such as host cell culture systems decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide, is contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Connor, Frank A. Skraly
  • Publication number: 20150167023
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying microbial cells, such that the organisms efficiently synthesize terminal olefins, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of propylene and related molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Christian P. Ridley
  • Patent number: 9005977
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting proliferation of a modified host cell outside of a designated process condition. Compositions and methods for providing a host cell having reduced viability when exposed to natural conditions external to a controlled environment are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Joule Unlimited Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George Church, Frank A. Skraly, Brian D. Green, Jacob C. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20140170714
    Abstract: Post purification processes and methods for making pure biobased gamma-butyrolactone from renewable carbon resources comprising filtration and/or distillation and/or peroxide treatment are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: METABOLIX, INC.
    Inventors: Johan Van Walsem, John Licata, Erik A. Anderson, Kevin A. Sparks, William R. Farmer, Christopher Mirley, Jeffrey A. Bickmeier, Frank A. Skraly, Thomas M. Ramseier, Ann D'Ambruoso, Melarkode S. Sivasubramanian, Yossef Shabtai, Derek Samuelson, Stephen Harris
  • Patent number: 8741624
    Abstract: Recombinant processes are provided whereby additional genes are introduced into E. coli which have been genetically engineered to produce PHA so that the improved strains produce PHA homopolymers and copolymers directly from diols. In preferred embodiments, PHAs containing 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers are produced directly from 1,4-butanediol; PHAs containing 5-hydroxyvalerate are produced from 1,5-pentanediol; PHAs containing 6-hydroxyhexanoate (6HH) are produced from 1,6-hexanediol; PHAs containing 3-hydroxypropionate are produced from 1,3-propanediol; PHAs containing 2-hydroxypropionate (lactate) are produced from 1,2-propanediol (propylene glycol); PHAs containing 2-hydroxyethanoate (glycolate) are produced from 1,2-ethanediol (ethylene glycol). Genes encoding these same enzyme activities can be introduced or their expression amplified in wild type PHA producers to improve the production of PHA homopolymers and copolymers directly from diol and other alcohol feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Martha Sholl
  • Publication number: 20140114082
    Abstract: Processes and methods for making biobased tetrahydrofuran products from renewable carbon resources are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: METABOLIX, INC.
    Inventors: Johan van Walsem, Erik Anderson, John Licata, Kevin A. Sparks, William R. Farmer, Christopher Mirley, Jeffrey A. Bickmeier, Ann D'Ambruoso, Frank Skraly, Thomas M. Ramseier, M. S. Sivasubramanian, Oliver P. Peoples, Yossef Shabtai
  • Patent number: 8703449
    Abstract: Genetically engineered organisms for production of PHA copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers and the methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers can be synthesized via biosynthesis by the action of a PHA polymerase in a living cell. By changing the genetic background of the cells, one can control specific metabolic pathways allowing control of the level of glycolic acid co-monomer in the PHA polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank A. Skraly
  • Patent number: 8609378
    Abstract: Organisms are provided which express enzymes such as glycerol dehydratase, diol dehydratase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase ?-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, PHA synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphatase, which are useful for the production of PHAs. In some cases one or more of these genes are native to the host organism and the remainder are provided from transgenes. These organisms produce poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) homopolymers or co-polymers incorporating 3-hydroxypropionate or 3-hydroxyvalerate monomers wherein the 3-hydroxypropionate and 3-hydroxyvalreate units are derived from the enzyme catalysed conversion of diols. Suitable diols that can be used include 1,2-propanediol, 1,3 propanediol and glycerol. Biochemical pathways for obtaining the glycerol from normal cellular metabolites are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Oliver P. Peoples
  • Publication number: 20130046075
    Abstract: A double-walled plastic jar for cosmetic materials, having an inner compartment to hold the cosmetic, and an annular outer side wall defining the exterior of the jar. The inner compartment carries the lip that seals with a screw cap, and also carries an external skirt, which latter has the screw threads for engagement by the cap. In addition, a weight is disposed in a-concealed manner in the base of the jar, between the walls, to give the jar a heft feel, characteristic of glass or thick plastic walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Johan van Walsem, Erik Anderson, John Licata, Kevin A. Sparks, William R. Farmer, Christopher Mirley, Jeffrey A. Bickmeier, Ann D'Ambruoso, Frank A. Skraly, Thomas M. Ramseier, M.S. Sivasubramanian, Yossef Shabtai
  • Patent number: 8227237
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies pathways and mechanisms to confer production of carbon-based products of interest such as ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof in photoautotrophic organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into carbon-based products of interest, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Joule Unlimited Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikos B. Reppas, Martha Sholl, Sriram Kosuri, Brian D. Green, Christian P. Ridley, Frank A. Skraly, Dan E. Robertson, David A. Berry, Noubar B. Afeyan
  • Publication number: 20120129232
    Abstract: Organisms are provided which express enzymes such as glycerol dehydratase, diol dehydratase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase ?-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, PHA synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphatase, which are useful for the production of PHAs. In some cases one or more of these genes are native to the host organism and the remainder are provided from transgenes. These organisms produce poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)homopolymers or co-polymers incorporating 3-hydroxypropionate or 3-hydroxyvalerate monomers wherein the 3-hydroxypropionate and 3-hydroxyvalreate units are derived from the enzyme catalysed conversion of diols. Suitable diols that can be used include 1,2-propanediol, 1,3 propanediol and glycerol. Biochemical pathways for obtaining the glycerol from normal cellular metabolites are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Oliver P. Peoples
  • Publication number: 20120122193
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies pathways and mechanisms to confer production of carbon-based products of interest such as ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof in photoautotrophic organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into carbon-based products of interest, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of ethanol, ethylene, chemicals, polymers, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, pharmaceutical products or intermediates thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Berry, Dan E. Robertson, Frank A. Skraly, Brian D. Green, Christian P. Ridley, Sriram Kosuri, Nikos B. Reppas, Martha Sholl, Noubar B. Afeyan
  • Publication number: 20120107894
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying microbial cells, such that the organisms efficiently synthesize terminal olefins, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of propylene and related molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Christian P. Ridley
  • Publication number: 20120077273
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting proliferation of a modified host cell outside of a designated process condition. Compositions and methods for providing a host cell having reduced viability when exposed to natural conditions external to a controlled environment are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: George Church, Frank A. Skraly, Brian D. Green, Jacob C. Harrison
  • Patent number: 8114643
    Abstract: Organisms are provided which express enzymes such as glycerol dehydratase, diol dehydratase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase ?-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase, PHA synthase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphatase, which are useful for the production of PHAs. In some cases one or more of these genes are native to the host organism and the remainder are provided from transgenes. These organisms produce poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) homopolymers or co-polymers incorporating 3-hydroxypropionate or 3-hydroxyvalerate monomers wherein the 3-hydroxypropionate and 3-hydroxyvalerate units are derived from the enzyme catalysed conversion of diols. Suitable diols that can be used include 1,2-propanediol, 1,3 propanediol and glycerol. Biochemical pathways for obtaining the glycerol from normal cellular metabolites are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Oliver P. Peoples
  • Publication number: 20120021471
    Abstract: Genetically engineered organisms for production of PHA copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers and the methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers can be synthesized via biosynthesis by the action of a PHA polymerase in a living cell. By changing the genetic background of the cells, one can control specific metabolic pathways allowing control of the level of glycolic acid co-monomer in the PHA polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank A. Skraly