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).
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Patent number: 11254922Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.Inventors: Merja Oja, Anne Huuskonen, Marja Ilmén, Jae Hoon Jo, Simon MoonGeun Jung, Outi Koivistoinen, Sang Min Lee, Laura Ruohonen
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Patent number: 10704064Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20190203193Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Merja Oja, Anne Huuskonen, Marja Ilmén, Jae Hoon Jo, Simon MoonGeun Jung, Outi Koivistoinen, Sang Min Lee, Laura Ruohonen
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Patent number: 10287565Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 10072279Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT OyInventors: Kirsi Bromann, Mervi Toivari, Tiina Nakari-Setälä, Laura Ruohonen
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Patent number: 9758799Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Cargill IncorporatedInventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
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Publication number: 20170240932Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20170211056Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2015Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Merja Oja, Anne Huuskonen, Marja Iimen, Laura Ruohonen, Outi Koivistoinen, Simon Moon Geun Jung, Jae Hoon Jo, Sang Min Lee
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Publication number: 20170088842Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTTInventors: Kari KOIVURANTA, Laura RUOHONEN, Merja PENTTILÄ
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Patent number: 9518276Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTTInventors: Kari Koivuranta, Laura Ruohonen, Merja Penttilä
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Publication number: 20160340697Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
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Patent number: 9410158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Cargill IncorporatedInventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
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Publication number: 20160194674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: July 7, 2016Applicant: Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTTInventors: Kirsi Bromann, Mervi Toivari, Tiina Nakari-Setälä, Laura Ruohonen
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Patent number: 9315834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTTInventors: Peter Richard, Marilyn Wiebe, Mervi Toivari, Dominik Mojzita, Laura Ruohonen, Merja Penttilä
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Patent number: 9238826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT OyInventors: Kirsi Bromann, Tina Nakari-Setala, Laura Ruohonen, Mervi Toivari, Merja Penttila
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Publication number: 20140080192Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Cargill IncorporatedInventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttila, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
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Publication number: 20140045238Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTTInventors: Kirsi Bromann, Tiina Nakari-Setala, Laura Ruohonen, Mervi Toivari, Merja Penttila
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Patent number: 8623633Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Cargill IncorporatedInventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttilä, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
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Patent number: 8440451Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Vineet Rajgarhia, Kari Koivuranta, Merja Penttilä, Marja Ilmen, Pirkko Suominen, Aristos Aristidou, Christopher Kenneth Miller, Stacey Olson, Laura Ruohonen
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Publication number: 20130102042Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTTInventors: Kari Koivuranta, Laura Ruohonen, Merja Penttilä