Patents by Inventor Laura Ruohonen

Laura Ruohonen 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: 11254922
    Abstract: Provided are a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato and a method of preparing isoprene using the same, and more specifically, a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato, a gene encoding the isoprene synthase, a host cell transformed with the gene, and a method of preparing isoprene using the same. The isoprene synthase of the present invention may have higher isoprene productivity as compared to isoprene synthases known in the related art to thereby be effectively used in isoprene biosynthesis and preparation of an isoprene polymer using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Merja Oja, Anne Huuskonen, Marja Ilmén, Jae Hoon Jo, Simon MoonGeun Jung, Outi Koivistoinen, Sang Min Lee, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 10704064
    Abstract: Provided are a recombinant yeast producing 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) and a method for producing 3-HP using the same, more particularly, a recombinant yeast producing 3-HP, comprising an exogenous AADH gene; an endogenous or exogenous ACC gene; an exogenous MCR gene; and an exogenous HPDH gene, and producing 3-HP through [Pyruvate Acetaldehyde?Acetyl-CoA Malonyl-CoA Malonate semialdehyde 3-HP] biosynthesis pathway, and a method for producing 3-HP using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joong Min Park, Jae Yeon Park, Woo Chan Park, Sang Min Lee, Young Bin Seo, Merja Oja, Outi Koivistoinen, Andrew Conley, Marja Ilmen, Laura Ruohonen, Paula Jouhten
  • Publication number: 20190203193
    Abstract: Provided are a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato and a method of preparing isoprene using the same, and more specifically, a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato, a gene encoding the isoprene synthase, a host cell transformed with the gene, and a method of preparing isoprene using the same. The isoprene synthase of the present invention may have higher isoprene productivity as compared to isoprene synthases known in the related art to thereby be effectively used in isoprene biosynthesis and preparation of an isoprene polymer using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Merja Oja, Anne Huuskonen, Marja Ilmén, Jae Hoon Jo, Simon MoonGeun Jung, Outi Koivistoinen, Sang Min Lee, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 10287565
    Abstract: Provided are a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato and a method of preparing isoprene using the same, and more specifically, a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato, a gene encoding the isoprene synthase, a host cell transformed with the gene, and a method of preparing isoprene using the same. The isoprene synthase of the present invention may have higher isoprene productivity as compared to isoprene synthases known in the related art to thereby be effectively used in isoprene biosynthesis and preparation of an isoprene polymer using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Merja Oja, Anne Huuskonen, Marja Iimen, Laura Ruohonen, Outi Koivistoinen, Simon Moon Geun Jung, Jae Hoon Jo, Sang Min Lee
  • Patent number: 10072279
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing terpenes in fungi comprising the steps of (a) providing a modified terpene biosynthetic gene cluster inside a host cell, wherein one or more of the naturally occurring genes or promoters of the cluster have been replaced, truncated or removed, (b) providing a transcription factor inside the host cell, the transcription factor activating the terpene biosynthetic gene cluster; (c) cultivating said host in conditions allowing the expression of the transcription factor activating the cluster; and optionally (d) recovering the thus produced terpene product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy
    Inventors: Kirsi Bromann, Mervi Toivari, Tiina Nakari-Setälä, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 9758799
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Cargill Incorporated
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Publication number: 20170240932
    Abstract: Provided are a recombinant yeast producing 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) and a method for producing 3-HP using the same, more particularly, a recombinant yeast producing 3-HP, comprising an exogenous AADH gene; an endogenous or exogenous ACC gene; an exogenous MCR gene; and an exogenous HPDH gene, and producing 3-HP through [Pyruvate Acetaldehyde?Acetyl-CoA Malonyl-CoA Malonate semialdehyde 3-HP] biosynthesis pathway, and a method for producing 3-HP using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Joong Min Park, Jae Yeon Park, Woo Chan Park, Sang Min Lee, Young Bin Seo, Merja Oja, Outi Koivistoinen, Andrew Conley, Marja Ilmen, Laura Ruohonen, Paula Jouhten
  • Publication number: 20170211056
    Abstract: Provided are a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato and a method of preparing isoprene using the same, and more specifically, a novel isoprene synthase derived from sweet potato, a gene encoding the isoprene synthase, a host cell transformed with the gene, and a method of preparing isoprene using the same. The isoprene synthase of the present invention may have higher isoprene productivity as compared to isoprene synthases known in the related art to thereby be effectively used in isoprene biosynthesis and preparation of an isoprene polymer using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Merja Oja, Anne Huuskonen, Marja Iimen, Laura Ruohonen, Outi Koivistoinen, Simon Moon Geun Jung, Jae Hoon Jo, Sang Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20170088842
    Abstract: The invention refers to fungal cells, and especially to oleaginous fungal cells that have been genetically modified to produce enzymes of the pyruvate dehydrogenase bypass route to enhance their lipid production. Especially the cells are modified to overexpress genes encoding pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALD) and/or acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS), optionally together with a gene encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DAT), or to express genes encoding PDC together with ALD and/or ACS. Methods of producing lipids, biofuels and lubricants using the modified fungi are also disclosed as well as expression cassettes useful therein. A new enzyme having phosholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) activity and a polynucleotide encoding it are also disclosed, which are useful in the lipid production. A recombinant Cryptococcus cell and its construction is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Kari KOIVURANTA, Laura RUOHONEN, Merja PENTTILÄ
  • Patent number: 9518276
    Abstract: The invention refers to fungal cells, and especially to oleaginous fungal cells that have been genetically modified to produce enzymes of the pyruvate dehydrogenase bypass route to enhance their lipid production. Especially the cells are modified to over-express genes encoding pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALD) and/or acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS), optionally together with a gene encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DAT), or to express genes encoding PDC together with ALD and/or ACS. Methods of producing lipids, biofuels and lubricants using the modified fungi are also disclosed as well as expression cassettes useful therein. A new enzyme having phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) activity and a polynucleotide encoding it are also disclosed, which are useful in the lipid production. A recombinant Cryptococcus cell and its construction is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Kari Koivuranta, Laura Ruohonen, Merja Penttilä
  • Publication number: 20160340697
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 9410158
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Cargill Incorporated
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Publication number: 20160194674
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing terpenes in fungi comprising the steps of (a) providing a modified terpene biosynthetic gene cluster inside a host cell, wherein one or more of the naturally occurring genes or promoters of the cluster have been replaced, truncated or removed, (b) providing a transcription factor inside the host cell, the transcription factor activating the terpene biosynthetic gene cluster; (c) cultivating said host in conditions allowing the expression of the transcription factor activating the cluster; and optionally (d) recovering the thus produced terpene product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT
    Inventors: Kirsi Bromann, Mervi Toivari, Tiina Nakari-Setälä, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 9315834
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing xylonic acid from xylose with a recombinant fungal strain that is genetically modified to express a xylose dehydrogenase gene, which is able to convert xylose to xylonolactone, which is spontaneously or enzymatically hydrolyzed to xylonic acid. The xylonic acid is excreted outside the host cell. Xylonate production may be coupled with xylitol production. Alternatively, if xylitol production is not desired, its production is reduced by removing the aldose reductase (or specific xylose reductase) enzyme, which converts xylose to xylitol. Expression of a heterologous lactonase encoding gene may result in higher acid concentrations. The method is suitable for producing xylonic acid from a hemicellulose hydrolysate such as hydrolyzed lignocellulosic plant biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT
    Inventors: Peter Richard, Marilyn Wiebe, Mervi Toivari, Dominik Mojzita, Laura Ruohonen, Merja Penttilä
  • Patent number: 9238826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing terpenes in fungi, wherein a terpene biosynthetic gene cluster having terpene biosynthetic genes and regulatory regions operably linked to said genes is activated. The invention relates also to a terpene biosynthetic gene duster and regulatory regions of such terpene biosynthetic gene cluster usable is production of terpenes, use of regulator for regulating the terpene production and use of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 for producing terpenes. The method of invention provides higher yields of enriched terpene product without essential amount of side-products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy
    Inventors: Kirsi Bromann, Tina Nakari-Setala, Laura Ruohonen, Mervi Toivari, Merja Penttila
  • Publication number: 20140080192
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Cargill Incorporated
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Publication number: 20140045238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing terpenes in fungi, wherein a terpene biosynthetic gene cluster having terpene biosynthetic genes and regulatory regions operably linked to said genes is activated. The invention relates also to a terpene biosynthetic gene cluster and regulatory regions of such terpene biosynthetic gene cluster usable is production of terpenes, use of regulator for regulating the terpene production and use of Aspergillus nidulans FGSC A4 for producing terpenes. The method of invention provides higher yields of enriched terpene product without essential amount of side-products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Kirsi Bromann, Tiina Nakari-Setala, Laura Ruohonen, Mervi Toivari, Merja Penttila
  • Patent number: 8623633
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cargill Incorporated
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttilä, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Patent number: 8440451
    Abstract: Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttilä, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
  • Publication number: 20130102042
    Abstract: The invention refers to fungal cells, and especially to oleaginous fungal cells that have been genetically modified to produce enzymes of the pyruvate dehydrogenase bypass route to enhance their lipid production. Especially the cells are modified to over-express genes encoding pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALD) and/or acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS), optionally together with a gene encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DAT), or to express genes encoding PDC together with ALD and/or ACS. Methods of producing lipids, biofuels and lubricants using the modified fungi are also disclosed as well as expression cassettes useful therein. A new enzyme having phosholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT)activity it and a polynucleotide encoding it are also disclosed, which are useful in the lipid production. A recombinant Cryptococcus cell and its construction is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Kari Koivuranta, Laura Ruohonen, Merja Penttilä