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).
-
Patent number: 7081357Abstract: The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, ?-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Gjalt W. Huisman, Frank Skraly, David P. Martin, Oliver P. Peoples
-
Publication number: 20060084155Abstract: The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-Co A transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, ?-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Gjalt Huisman, Frank Skraly, David Martin, Oliver Peoples
-
Publication number: 20050239179Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2005Publication date: October 27, 2005Inventors: Frank Skraly, Oliver Peoples
-
Publication number: 20050170480Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2005Publication date: August 4, 2005Inventors: Gjalt Huisman, Oliver Peoples, Frank Skraly
-
Patent number: 6913911Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Gjalt W. Huisman, Oliver P. Peoples, Frank A. Skraly
-
Publication number: 20050107578Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2004Publication date: May 19, 2005Inventors: Simon Williams, David Martin, Frank Skraly
-
Patent number: 6878758Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank Skraly, Simon F. Williams
-
Patent number: 6867248Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank Skraly, Simon F. Williams
-
Patent number: 6867247Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Simon F. Williams, David P. Martin, Frank A. Skraly
-
Patent number: 6838493Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Simon F. Williams, David P. Martin, Frank A. Skraly
-
Patent number: 6828357Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank Skraly, Simon F. Williams
-
Publication number: 20040137586Abstract: The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-Co A transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, &agr;-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2004Publication date: July 15, 2004Applicant: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Gjalt W. Huisman, Frank Skraly, David P. Martin, Oliver P. Peoples
-
Publication number: 20040106176Abstract: Organisms are provided containing genes encoding one or more enzymes, Coenzyme-A-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase, &bgr;-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase and/or PHA synthase. In some cases one or more of these genes are native to the host organism and the remainder are heterologous genes provided by genetic engineering. These organisms produce poly (3-hydroxyalkanoate) homopolymers or co-polymers comprising 3-hydroxalkanoate monomers other than 3-hydroxybutryrate wherein these 3-hydroxyalkanoate units are derived from the enzyme-catalyzed conversion of alcohols to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA monomers, where at least one step in the conversion pathway involves a Co-enzyme A-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. The PHA polymers are readily recovered and industrially useful as polymers for articles such as films, latexes, coatings, adhesives, fibers, binders, resins, and medical devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: Metabolix, Inc.Inventor: Frank A. Skraly
-
Publication number: 20040033572Abstract: Several novel PHA polymer compositions produced using biological systems include monomers such as 3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxypropionate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxyvalerate, 4-hydroxybutyrate, 4-hydroxyvalerate and 5-hydroxyvalerate. These PHA compositions can readily be extended to incorporate additional monomers including, for example, 3-hydroxyhexanoate, 4-hydroxyhexanoate, 6-hydroxyhexanoate or other longer chain 3-hydroxyacids containing seven or more carbons. This can be accomplished by taking natural PHA producers and mutating through chemical or transposon mutagenesis to delete or inactivate genes encoding undesirable activities. Alternatively, the strains can be genetically engineered to express only those enzymes required for the production of the desired polymer composition. Methods for genetically engineering PHA producing microbes are widely known in the art (Huisman and Madison, 1998, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 63: 21-53).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Oliver P. Peoples
-
Patent number: 6689589Abstract: The gene encoding a 4-hydroxybutyryl-Co A transferase has been isolated from bacteria and integrated into the genome of bacteria also expressing a polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, to yield an improved production process for 4HB-containing polyhydroxyalkanoates using transgenic organisms, including both bacteria and plants. The new pathways provide means for producing 4HB containing PHAs from cheap carbon sources such as sugars and fatty acids, in high yields, which are stable. Useful strains are obtaining by screening strains having integrated into their genomes a gene encoding a 4HB-CoA transferase and/or PHA synthase, for polymer production. Processes for polymer production use recombinant systems that can utilize cheap substrates. Systems are provided which can utilize amino acid degradation pathways, &agr;-ketoglutarate, or succinate as substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Gjalt W. Huisman, Frank Skraly, David P. Martin, Oliver P. Peoples
-
Publication number: 20040023347Abstract: Organisms are provided which express enzymes such as glycerol dehydratase, diol dehydratase, acyl-CoA transferase, acyl-CoA synthetase &bgr;-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: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Applicant: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Frank A. Skraly, Oliver P. Peoples
-
Publication number: 20030236320Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank Skraly, Simon F. Williams
-
Publication number: 20030228669Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Gjalt W. Huisman, Oliver P. Peoples, Frank A. Skraly
-
Publication number: 20030211131Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicants: Metabolix, Inc., Tepha, Inc.Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank A. Skraly
-
Patent number: 6610764Abstract: Biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions with controlled degradation rates have been developed. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates contain additives to alter the degradation rates. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are formed of mixtures of monomers or include pendant groups or modifications in their backbones to alter their degradation rates. In still another embodiment, the polyhydroxyalkanoates are chemically modified. Methods for manufacturing the devices which increase porosity or exposed surface area can be used to alter degradability. For example, as demonstrated by the examples, porous polyhydroxyalkanoates can be made using methods that creates pores, voids, or interstitial spacing, such as an emulsion or spray drying technique, or which incorporate leachable or lyophilizable particles within the polymer. Examples describe poly(4HB) compositions including foams, coatings, meshes, and microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: David P. Martin, Frank Skraly, Simon F. Williams