Patents by Inventor Theron Hermann

Theron Hermann 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: 11685938
    Abstract: The subject of this invention is improvements in the yield and titer of biological production of muconic acid by fermentation. Increased activity of one or more enzymes involved in the muconic acid pathway leads to increased production of muconic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ryan Sillers, Theron Hermann, Michelle Spencer, Russell Udani, R. Rogers Yocum
  • Patent number: 11447802
    Abstract: Yeast strains and fermentation process for producing D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid are disclosed with higher titer, higher yield, shorter time, lower pH, and higher average specific productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Vijay Dole, Theron Hermann, Sean Joseph Regan, Mark Andrew Sheff, Russell Lizardo Udani, R. Rogers Yocum
  • Publication number: 20220090149
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a genetically engineered Kluyveromyces sp. yeast strain that is capable of producing lactic acid from carbon source selected from glucose, fructose, sucrose or a mixture thereof wherein the genetically engineered yeast comprises at least one heterologous DNA cassette that confers production of a protein functioning as a fructose importer. The genetically engineered yeast strain according to this invention has an improvement of fructose utilization and use fructose as a faster rate than conventional strain, allowing for shorter fermentation times and improved economics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Vijay DOLE, Joel Stewart SCHMID, R. Rogers YOCUM, Theron HERMANN, Russell Lizardo UDANI, Sean Joseph REGAN, Mark Andrew SHEFF, Michelle SPENCER, Ryan SILLERS, Phatthanon PRASITCHOKE, Natthawut POOMSILA
  • Publication number: 20210277429
    Abstract: The subject of this invention is improvements in the yield and titer of biological production of muconic acid by fermentation. Increased activity of one or more enzymes involved in the muconic acid pathway leads to increased production of muconic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ryan SILLERS, Theron HERMANN, Michelle SPENCER, Russell UDANI, R. Rogers YOCUM
  • Patent number: 10934565
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of succinic acid and other chemicals derived from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) by fermentation with a microorganism in which the fermentation medium contains one or more sugars, and in which one or more of the sugars is imported into the cell by facilitated diffusion. As a specific example, succinic acid is produced from a glucose-containing renewable feedstock through fermentation using a biocatalyst. Examples of such a biocatalyst include microorganisms that have been enhanced in their ability to utilize glucose as a carbon and energy source. The biocatalysts of the present invention are derived from the genetic manipulation of parental strains that were originally constructed with the goal to produce one or more chemicals (for example succinic acid and/or a salt of succinic acid) at a commercial scale using feedstocks that include, for example, glucose, fructose, or sucrose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: R. Rogers Yocum, Andrew Christopher Collard, Theron Hermann, Xiaohui Yu, Wei Gong
  • Publication number: 20210017551
    Abstract: Improved yeast strains and fermentation process for producing D-lactic acid and L-lactic acid are disclosed. The improvement lead to higher titer, higher yield, shorter time, lower pH, and higher average specific productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Vijay DOLE, Theron HERMANN, Sean Joseph REGAN, Mark SHEFF, Russell UDANI, R. Rogers YOCUM
  • Publication number: 20200181658
    Abstract: The subject of this invention is improvements in the yield and titer of biological production of muconic acid by fermentation. Increased activity of one or more enzymes involved in the muconic acid pathway leads to increased production of muconic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited
    Inventors: Ryan Sillers, Theron Hermann, Michelle Spencer, Russell Udani, R. Rogers Yocum
  • Publication number: 20200131538
    Abstract: The invention provides processes for identifying and tracking genomic duplications that can occur during classical strain development or during the metabolic evolution of microbial strains originally constructed for the production of a biochemical through specific genetic manipulations, processes that stabilize the copy number of desirable genomic duplications using appropriate selectable markers, and non-naturally occurring microorganisms with stabilized copy numbers of a functional DNA sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: R. Rogers YOCUM, Tammy GRABAR, Theron HERMANN, Christopher Joseph MARTIN, Ryan SILLERS, Xiaohui YU, Xiaomei ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20200032301
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of succinic acid and other chemicals derived from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) by fermentation with a microorganism in which the fermentation medium contains one or more sugars, and in which one or more of the sugars is imported into the cell by facilitated diffusion. As a specific example, succinic acid is produced from a glucose-containing renewable feedstock through fermentation using a biocatalyst. Examples of such a biocatalyst include microorganisms that have been enhanced in their ability to utilize glucose as a carbon and energy source. The biocatalysts of the present invention are derived from the genetic manipulation of parental strains that were originally constructed with the goal to produce one or more chemicals (for example succinic acid and/or a salt of succinic acid) at a commercial scale using feedstocks that include, for example, glucose, fructose, or sucrose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: PTT GLOBAL CHEMICAL PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: R. Rogers YOCUM, Andrew Christopher COLLARD, Theron HERMANN, Xiaohui YU, Wei GONG
  • Patent number: 10041094
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of producing organic acids and other useful chemicals via biological fermentation using glycerol as a source of carbon. Novel microorganisms and fermentation processes are described that are capable of converting glycerol to useful organic acids in high yield and high purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Myriant Corporation
    Inventors: R. Rogers Yocum, Theron Hermann, Xiaohui Hu
  • Patent number: 9957532
    Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in the fermentation process used in the production of organic acids from biological feedstock using bacterial catalysts. The improvements in the fermentation process involve providing a fermentation medium comprising an appropriate form of inorganic carbon, an appropriate amount of aeration and a biocatalyst with an enhanced ability to uptake and assimilate the inorganic carbon into the organic acids. This invention also provides, as a part of an integrated fermentation facility, a novel process for producing a solid source of inorganic carbon by sequestering carbon released from the fermentation in an alkali solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Myriant Corporation
    Inventors: Theron Hermann, James Reinhardt, Xiaohui Yu, Russell Udani, Lauren Staples
  • Patent number: 9845513
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of chemicals by fermentation with a microorganism in which the fermentation medium contains the sugar sucrose. As a specific example, succinic acid is produced from a sucrose-containing renewable feedstock through fermentation using a biocatalyst. Examples of such a biocatalyst include microorganisms that have been enhanced in their ability to utilize sucrose as a carbon and energy source. The biocatalysts of the present invention are derived from the genetic manipulation of parental strains that were originally constructed with the goal to produce one or more chemicals (for example succinic acid and/or a salt of succinic acid) at a commercial scale using feedstocks other than sucrose. The genetic manipulations of the present invention involve the introduction of exogenous genes involved in the transport and metabolism of sucrose into the parental strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Myriant Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhandshu Dole, R. Rogers Yocum, Theron Hermann, Xiaohui Yu
  • Publication number: 20160319309
    Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in the fermentation process used in the production of organic acids from biological feedstock using bacterial catalysts. The improvements in the fermentation process involve providing a fermentation medium comprising an appropriate form of inorganic carbon, an appropriate amount of aeration and a biocatalyst with an enhanced ability to uptake and assimilate the inorganic carbon into the organic acids. This invention also provides, as a part of an integrated fermentation facility, a novel process for producing a solid source of inorganic carbon by sequestering carbon released from the fermentation in an alkali solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicant: MYRIANT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Theron Hermann, James Reinhardt, Xiaohui YU, Russell Udani, Lauren Staples
  • Publication number: 20160160245
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of succinic acid and other chemicals derived from phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) by fermentation with a microorganism in which the fermentation medium contains one or more sugars, and in which one or more of the sugars is imported into the cell by facilitated diffusion. As a specific example, succinic acid is produced from a glucose-containing renewable feedstock through fermentation using a biocatalyst. Examples of such a biocatalyst include microorganisms that have been enhanced in their ability to utilize glucose as a carbon and energy source. The biocatalysts of the present invention are derived from the genetic manipulation of parental strains that were originally constructed with the goal to produce one or more chemicals (for example succinic acid and/or a salt of succinic acid) at a commercial scale using feedstocks that include, for example, glucose, fructose, or sucrose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: MYRIANT CORPORATION
    Inventors: R. Rogers Yocum, Andrew Christopher Collard, Theron Hermann, Xiaohui Yu, Wei Gong
  • Publication number: 20140234923
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of producing organic acids and other useful chemicals via biological fermentation using glycerol as a source of carbon. Novel microorganisms and fermentation processes are described that are capable of converting glycerol to useful organic acids in high yield and high purity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MYRIANT CORPORATION
    Inventors: R. Rogers Yocum, Theron Hermann, Xiaohui Hu
  • Publication number: 20130337519
    Abstract: This invention relates to the production of chemicals by fermentation with a microorganism in which the fermentation medium contains the sugar sucrose. As a specific example, succinic acid is produced from a sucrose-containing renewable feedstock through fermentation using a biocatalyst. Examples of such a biocatalyst include microorganisms that have been enhanced in their ability to utilize sucrose as a carbon and energy source. The biocatalysts of the present invention are derived from the genetic manipulation of parental strains that were originally constructed with the goal to produce one or more chemicals (for example succinic acid and/or a salt of succinic acid) at a commercial scale using feedstocks other than sucrose. The genetic manipulations of the present invention involve the introduction of exogenous genes involved in the transport and metabolism of sucrose into the parental strains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: MYRIANT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sudhandshu Dole, R. Rogers Yocum, Theron Hermann, Xiaohui Yu
  • Publication number: 20130130339
    Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in the fermentation process used in the production of organic acids from biological feedstock using bacterial catalysts. The improvements in the fermentation process involve providing a fermentation medium comprising an appropriate form of inorganic carbon, an appropriate amount of aeration and a biocatalyst with an enhanced ability to uptake and assimilate the inorganic carbon into the organic acids. This invention also provides, as a part of an integrated fermentation facility, a novel process for producing a solid source of inorganic carbon by sequestering carbon released from the fermentation in an alkali solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Myriant Corporation
    Inventors: Theron Hermann, James Reinhardt, Xiaohui Yu, Russell Udani, Lauren Staples
  • Patent number: 8232081
    Abstract: The present invention features methods of producing panto-compounds (e.g., pantothenate) using microorganisms in which the pantothenate biosynthetic pathway and/or the isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway and/or the coenzymeA biosynthetic pathway has been manipulated. Methods featuring ketopantoate reductase overexpressing microorganisms as well as aspartate ?-decarboxylase overexpressing microorganisms are provided. Methods of producing panto-compounds in a precursor-independent manner and in high yield are described. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated nucleic acid molecules, genes and gene products useful in practicing the above methodologies are also provided. The present invention also features a previously unidentified microbial pantothenate kinase gene, coaX, as well as methods of producing panto-compounds utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate kinase activity. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated coaX nucleic acid molecules and purified CoaX proteins are featured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: R. Rogers Yocum, Thomas A. Patterson, Theron Hermann, Janice G. Pero
  • Patent number: 7989187
    Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for the enhanced production of pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities and having modified methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTF) biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing production of desired products by increasing levels of a key intermediate, ketopantoate, by increasing enzymes or substrates that contribute directly or indirectly to its synthesis. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Rogers R. Yocum, Thomas A. Patterson, Janice G. Pero, Theron Hermann
  • Publication number: 20100009416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms and processes for the efficient preparation of L-methionine. In particular, the present invention relates to processes in which the amount of serine available for the metabolism of the microorganism is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Oskar Zelder, Andrea Herold, Corinna Klopprogge, Hartwig Schröder, Elmar Heinzle, Christoph Wittmann, Jens Kroemer, Janice Pero, Rogers Yocum, Thomas Patterson, Mark Williams, Theron Hermann