Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
  • Patent number: 9920301
    Abstract: Noncultured Wharton's Jelly stem cells and methods of their purification, storage and use are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Auxocell Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Rouzbeh R. Taghizadeh
  • Patent number: 9920302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaccine for protecting a piglet against diseases associated with a novel pestivirus. The vaccine commonly includes a pestivirus antigen and, optionally an adjuvant. Methods for protecting pigs against diseases associated with pestivirus, including but not limited to congenital tremors and methods of producing the pestivirus vaccine are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Gilbert Victoria, Abby Rae Patterson, Callie Ann Visek, Arun V. Iyer, Lea Ann Hobbs, Bailey Lauren Arruda, Paulo Henrique Elias Arruda, Drew Robert Magstadt, Kent Jay Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9920303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to Brassica plants comprising mutant FAD3 alleles, FAD3 nucleic acid sequences and proteins, as well as methods for generating and identifying said plants and alleles, which can be used to obtain seed oil with a reduced alpha-linolenic acid content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: BAYER CROPSCIENCE NV
    Inventors: Benjamin Laga, Peter Denolf
  • Patent number: 9920304
    Abstract: A peptide for synthesizing silica and use thereof are provided. The peptide for synthesizing silica can polymerize silica from a silica precursor in an aqueous solution having conditions of normal temperature, normal pressure and near-neutral weak base. The peptide for synthesizing silica can form a self-assembled structure during silica synthesis, and thus can be used as various biomaterials such as a silica-based protein immobilizer, a biosensor, and a drug delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Korea University Research and Business Foundation, Sejong Campus
    Inventors: Seung Pil Pack, Mi Ran Ki
  • Patent number: 9920305
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for improved reverse transcriptases and their uses in reverse transcription where the improvement may include increased temperature, increased salt, increased activity and/or increased dUTP tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: New England Biolabs, Inc.
    Inventors: Yinhua Zhang, Thomas C. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9920306
    Abstract: Mutated ?-glucuronidase enzymes with enhanced enzymatic activity and thermostability as compared to wild type enzyme are provided. The enzymes of the invention advantageously allow for accurate analysis of bodily samples for the presence of drugs in 30 minutes or less, as compared to the several hours needed using prior enzyme preparations. Methods of using the mutated enzymes for hydrolysis of glucuronide substrates, including opiates and benzodiazepines, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INTEGRATED MICRO-CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Lim Andrew Lee
  • Patent number: 9920307
    Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of polypeptides, in particular Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency, specific activity, in particular laundry and dish-wash applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Carsten Andersen, Henrik Oestdal, Jan Peter Skagerlind
  • Patent number: 9920308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the expression and optimization of enzymes involved in the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass. The present invention relates more specifically to variants of Trichoderma reesei endoglucanase II, and the use of said variants having an improved performance in methods of breaking down cellulose and producing biofuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES, PROTEUS, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE—CNRS
    Inventors: Antoine Margeot, Senta Blanquet, Cecile Persillon, Celine Ayrinhac, Christophe Ullmann, Olivier Bonzom, Sebastien Fort, Sylvie Armand, Marine Lenon, Maud Petit
  • Patent number: 9920309
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enzyme-composition for hydrolyzing biomass containing comprising at least one cellulase, at least one hemicellulases and/or at least one pectinases. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a process for hydrolyzing biomass implementing this enzyme-composition and the use of the enzyme-composition for hydrolyzing biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: CLARIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Christoph Reisinger, Lutz Roecher, Michael Kraus, Christian Gamauf
  • Patent number: 9920310
    Abstract: The present invention provides an engineered clostridial toxin comprising at least one amino acid modification, wherein said at least one amino acid modification increases the isoelectric point (pI) of the engineered clostridial toxin to a value that is at least 0.2 pI units higher than the pI of an otherwise identical clostridial toxin lacking said at least one amino acid modification. Also provided are corresponding uses of the engineered clostridial toxin in therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ipsen BioInnovation, Limited
    Inventors: Dina Brady Anderson, Gavin Stephen Hackett, Sai Man Liu
  • Patent number: 9920311
    Abstract: Disclosed is a conjugate of a protein having substantial L-asparagine aminohydrolase activity and polyethylene glycol. In particular, the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight less than or equal to about 5000 Da and the protein is an L-asparaginase from Erwinia. The conjugate of the invention has shown superior properties such as maintenance of a high level of in vitro activity and an unexpected increase in half-life in vivo. Also disclosed are methods of producing the conjugate and use of the conjugate in therapy. In particular, a method is disclosed for use of the conjugate in the treatment of cancer, particularly Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). More specifically, a method is disclosed for use of the conjugate as a second line therapy for patients who have developed hypersensitivity or have had a disease relapse after treatment with other L-asparaginase preparations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Jazz Pharmaceuticals II SAS
    Inventor: Thierry Abribat
  • Patent number: 9920312
    Abstract: There is provided an engineered host cells comprising (a) one or more mutations in one or more endogenous genes encoding a protein associated with iron metabolism; and (b) at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having xylose isomerase activity, and methods of their use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Lallemand Hungary Liquidity Management LLC
    Inventors: Allan Froehlich, Brooks Henningsen, Sean Covalla, Rintze M. Zelle
  • Patent number: 9920313
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for washing a selected component and removing the selected component from a wash material. The selected component may include red blood cells that are washed to remove a rejuvenating solution. The red blood cells may then be removed with various systems, such as a standing acoustic wave system from the wash solution. Pumps and flow restrictors that provide steady flow from pumps that generate pulsed flow are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Ned M. Hamman, Michael D. Leach, David Abeskaron
  • Patent number: 9920314
    Abstract: Replicable libraries having discrete members in defined locations for screening for antigens to a pathogenic organism are provided. Also provided are methods for using such libraries as well as a specific antigen, CT788, which induces T-cell activation during a Chlamydia infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Darren E. Higgins, Michael N. Starnbach, Todd Gierahn, Nadia R. Roan
  • Patent number: 9920315
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the micro-isolation of biological cellular material. A micro-isolation device described can comprise a photomask that protects regions of interest against DNA-destroying illumination. The micro-isolation device can further comprise photosensitive material defining access wells following illumination and subsequent developing of the photosensitive material. The micro-isolation device can further comprise a chambered microfluidic device comprising channels providing access to wells defined in photosensitive material. The micro-isolation device can comprise a chambered microfluidic device without access wells defined in photosensitive material where valves control the flow of gases or liquids through the channels of the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CURATE BIOSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Emil P. Kartalov, Cheng-Chung Lee, Paul Predki
  • Patent number: 9920316
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a Coleopteran plant pest or a Diabrotica plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: disclosed herein, (but not including the forward and reverse primers.) or active variants and fragments thereof, or complements thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more of the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiments, the pest is D. virgifera virgifera, D. barberi, D. virgifera zeae, D. speciosa, D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC., E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Xu Hu, James Presnail, Nina Richtman, Scott Diehn, Michelle Van Allen, Lisa Procyk
  • Patent number: 9920317
    Abstract: This invention relates to polycomb-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), libraries and fragments of those ncRNAs, inhibitory nucleic acids and methods and compositions for targeting lncRNAs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Jeannie T. Lee, Jing Zhao, Kavitha Sarma, Mark Borowsky, Toshiro Kendrick Ohsumi
  • Patent number: 9920318
    Abstract: The invention relates to isolation of novel ?-actin and ribosomal protein S21 (rpS21) promoters and uses thereof. In particular, this invention features nucleotide sequences for rodent ?-actin promoters including, hamster, rat, and mouse, and hamster rpS21 promoter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENZYME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott D. Estes, Weiqun Zhang
  • Patent number: 9920319
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel chiral serinyl functionalized tethered oligunucleotides i.e. R/S serinyl functionalized tethered oligonucleotides and the process of preparation thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides a modified nucleoside unit containing the R/S serinyl derivative at 2? of the sugar unit which is introduced in a nucleotide sequence. Also, capping of the oligonucleotides with abasic serinyl derivative to render the nuclease stability to the oligonucleotiedds is also disclosed. The chiral serinyl functionalized tethered oligonucleotides, 2?-O-[R/S-(2-amino-3-methoxy)propyl] nucleic acids with both ?3- and 5?-ends capped with two units of abasic serine have antisense activity against the miRNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
    Inventors: Vaijayanti Anil Kumar, Venubabu Kotikam, Souvik Maiti, Smita Nahar
  • Patent number: 9920320
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method, system, and composition for modulating the compliance of the trabecular meshwork, which may provide treatment to glaucoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Paul Russell, Christopher J. Murphy, Sara M. Thomasy, Vijay Krishna Raghunathan, Joshua T. Morgan, Joshua Wood
  • Patent number: 9920321
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of huntingtin in a cell, tissue or animal. Further provided are methods of slowing or preventing Huntington's Disease (HD) progression using an antisense compound targeted to huntingtin. Additionally provided are methods of delaying or preventing the onset of Huntington's Disease (HD) in an individual susceptible to Huntington's Disease (HD). Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Susan M. Freier
  • Patent number: 9920322
    Abstract: Oligonucleotide compounds modulate expression and/or function of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) polynucleotides and encoded products thereof. Methods for treating diseases associated with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) comprise administering one or more Oligonucleotide compounds designed to inhibit the VEGF natural antisense transcript to patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: CuRNA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Collard, Olga Khorkova Sherman
  • Patent number: 9920323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically modified phage and use thereof in a method for producing a biomolecule of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DELPHI GENETICS
    Inventor: Cedric Szpirer
  • Patent number: 9920324
    Abstract: The invention relates to polycistronic expression in gram-positive bacterium and in particular concerns polycistronic expression units comprising one or more gene endogenous to the gram-positive bacterium transcriptionally coupled to one or more genes exogenous to the bacterium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INTREXON ACTOBIOTICS NV
    Inventors: Klaas Vanden-Broucke, Karolien Van Huynegem, Lothar Steidler
  • Patent number: 9920325
    Abstract: A mutant capable of producing 1,4-butanediol and a method of preparing 1,4-butanediol using the same are provided. The mutant microorganism is prepared by introducing and amplifying genes encoding enzymes converting succinate into 4-hydroxybutyrate and 4-hydroxybutyrate into 1,4-butanediol in a microorganism capable of producing succinate. The method includes culturing the mutant in a medium containing carbohydrate and obtaining 1,4-butanediol from the culture. Thus, 1,4-butanediol, which is essential in chemical industry, can be prepared in a biological process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: LG Chem, Ltd., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Si Jae Park, Sang Hyun Lee, Sang Yup Lee, Eun Jeong Lee
  • Patent number: 9920326
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions for use to enhance crop performance. Specifically, the present invention provides for increased invertase activity, increased sugar content and/or delayed senescence plants. The present invention also provides for combinations of compositions and methods that increase invertase activity, increase sugar content and/or delay senescence in plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Joanne J. Fillatti, Byron Froman, Andrew Mroczka, Gregory John Peel
  • Patent number: 9920327
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mutations in licheninase genes encoding polypeptides with decreased licheninase activity, which when expressed in plants results in elevated levels of glucan in the plants. In particular, the disclosure relates to licheninase nucleic acids and polypeptides related to glucan accumulation in plants, plants with reduced expression of a licheninase nucleic acid, and methods related to the generation of plants with increased glucan content in the cell walls of leaf tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Markus Pauly, Florian J. Kraemer, Sarah Hake
  • Patent number: 9920328
    Abstract: The present invention provides DNA molecules that constitute fragments of the genome of a plant, and polypeptides encoded thereby. The DNA molecules are useful for specifying a gene product in cells, either as a promoter or as a protein coding sequence or as an UTR or as a 3? termination sequence, and are also useful in controlling the behavior of a gene in the chromosome, in controlling the expression of a gene or as tools for genetic mapping, recognizing or isolating identical or related DNA fragments, or identification of a particular individual organism, or for clustering of a group of organisms with a common trait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ceres, Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolai Alexandrov, Vyacheslav Brover, Kenneth A. Feldmann, Vladimir Makarov, Timothy J. Swaller, Gregory Nadzan, Peter Mascia, Maxim Troukhan, Joel Rarang, James Burns, Kyle Vos Strache
  • Patent number: 9920329
    Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides which are at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NO: 474-643, 645-679, 681-755, 757-760, 4806-6390, 6395-6396, 6401-6895, 6897-7249, 7251-7685, 7687-7693, 7695-7700, 7702-7708, 7710-7796, 7798-7816, 7818, 7820-7837, 7839-7840, 7842-7861, 7863-8134, 8136-8163 or 8164, isolated polynucleotides which are at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 1-170, 172-267, 269-424, 426-473, 761-2486, 2489-2494, 2496-4803 or 4804, nucleic acid constructs comprising same, transgenic cells expressing same, transgenic plants expressing same and method of using same for increasing yield, harvest index, abiotic stress tolerance, growth rate, biomass, vigor, oil content, photosynthetic capacity, seed yield, fiber yield, fiber quality, fiber length, and/or nitrogen use efficiency of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Evogene Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilya Pankratov, Hagai Karchi
  • Patent number: 9920330
    Abstract: Provided are isolated polynucleotides comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 422, 362-421, 423-601, 2429-4085 and 4086, such as a polynucleotide which is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 260, 1-259, 261-361, 602-2427 and 2428, nucleic acid constructs comprising same, plant cells comprising same, transgenic plants expressing same, and methods of generating thereof for increasing the yield, biomass, growth rate, vigor, oil content, fiber yield, fiber quality, nitrogen use efficiency and/or abiotic stress tolerance of a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Evogene Ltd.
    Inventors: Noa Matarasso, Hagai Karchi
  • Patent number: 9920331
    Abstract: A newly identified protein that is encoded by a polynucleotide sequence associated with cytoplasmic male sterility restorer activity (Rf3) is described. The cytoplasmic male sterility restorer gene can be inserted through breeding introgression into plant genomes to restore cytoplasmic male sterility in plants. Further applications of the newly identified polynucleotide sequence associated with cytoplasmic male sterility restorer activity include a mutation (rf3) which results in cytoplasmic male sterility. The cytoplasmic male sterility restorer gene can be inserted through breeding introgression into plant genomes to result in cytoplasmic male sterility in plants. Methods for detecting the cytoplasmic male sterility restorer (Rf3) and the cytoplasmic male sterility (rf3) gene sequences are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Ruihua Ren, Bruce A. Nagel, Liang Ye, Yanxin Star Gao, Ryan Gibson, Sushmitha Paulraj, Tyler Mansfield, Jafar Mammadov, Siva P. Kumpatla, Steven A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9920332
    Abstract: Provided are transgenic Brassica plants, plant material and seeds, particularly oilseed rape plants, characterized in that these plants harbor a novel combination of two specific transformation events, namely MS-B2 comprising a male-sterility transgene and RF-BN1 comprising a fertility-restoration transgene. Also provided are pairs of Brassica plants comprising each one of the events, and the use thereof in the production of hybrid seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Bayer CropScience NV
    Inventors: Dominique Rouan, Greta De Both
  • Patent number: 9920333
    Abstract: Systems, constructs, and methods for reprogramming cells are provided. In one aspect, for example, a transformation construct for generating iPS cells can include an expression vector having a plurality of reprogramming factors, each reprogramming factor being under control of a separate promoter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stefan M. Pulst, Sharan Paul, Warunee Dansithong
  • Patent number: 9920334
    Abstract: A reaction mixture for producing ethanol and/or acetate from a carbon source in aerobic conditions, wherein the mixture comprises a first acetogenic microorganism in an exponential growth phase; free oxygen; and a second acetogenic microorganism in a stationary phase wherein the first and second acetogenic microorganism is capable of converting the carbon source to the acetate and/or ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Haas, Thomas Buelter, Martin Demler, Simon Beck
  • Patent number: 9920335
    Abstract: Carbon-containing materials, such as biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) or coal are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels, carboxylic acids and equivalents thereof (e.g., esters and salts). For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol, butanol or organic acids (e.g., acetic or lactic acid), salts of organic acids or mixtures thereof. If desired, organic acids can be converted into alcohols, such as by first converting the acid, salt or mixtures of the acid and its salt to an ester, and then hydrogenating the formed ester. Acetogens or homoacetogens which are capable of utilizing a syngas from a thermochemical conversion of coal or biomass can be utilized to produce the desired product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: XYLECO, INC.
    Inventors: Marshall Medoff, Thomas Craig Masterman
  • Patent number: 9920336
    Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine or 1,7-heptanediol by forming two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the fatty acid synthesis pathway and oxidative cleavage of long chain acyl-[acp] intermediates by a monooxgenase (e.g., cytochrome P450) such as that encoded by BioI from microorganisms such as Bacillus subtillis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INVISTA NORTH AMERICA S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Paul S. Pearlman, Alex Van Eck Conradie, Changlin Chen, Adriana Leonora Botes
  • Patent number: 9920337
    Abstract: The present technology relates to novel methods for converting algal biomass material for the production of carbon-based chemicals, in particular carboxylic acids like lactic acid using extremely thermophilic microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DIREVO Industrial Biotechnology GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Kramer, Klaudija Milos
  • Patent number: 9920338
    Abstract: Provided are a recombinant Ralstonia eutropha capable of producing polylactate or a hydroxyalkanoate-lactate copolymer, and a method of preparing polylactate or a hydroxyalkanoate-lactate copolymer using the same. The recombinant Ralstonia eutropha, which is prepared by introducing a gene of an enzyme converting lactate into lactyl-CoA and a gene of a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase using lactyl-CoA as a substrate thereto, may be cultured, thereby efficiently preparing a lactate polymer and a lactate copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taek Ho Yang, Si Jae Park, Eun Jeong Lee, Hye Ok Kang, Tae Wan Kim, Sang Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9920339
    Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing glutaric acid, 5-aminopentanoic acid, 5-hydroxypentanoic acid, cadaverine or 1,5-pentanediol by forming one or two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C5 backbone substrate such as malonyl-CoA or malonyl-[acp].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INVISTA NORTH AMERICA S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Nadia Fatma Kadi, Mariusz Kamionka, Alexander Brett Foster, Alex Van Eck Conradie, Adriana Leonora Botes
  • Patent number: 9920340
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel genes encoding Class II acyl-ACP thioesterases and variants thereof that are active on C8, C10, C12, C14, C16, and C18 acyl-ACP substrates. The thioesterases can be introduced into transgenic organisms, including microorganisms and photosynthetic organisms, for producing fatty acids and fatty acid products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Synthetic Genomics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gordon Roessler, Gena Roy
  • Patent number: 9920341
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Sara Landvik, Lars Henrik Oestergaard, Lisbeth Kalum
  • Patent number: 9920342
    Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of L-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine (Droxidopa) is described. It comprises of enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic (DL)-threo-N-acetyl-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-serine using commercially available L-amino acylase from Aspergillus sp. (EC 3.5.1.14) in the presence of cobalt ions, to obtain (L)-threo-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-serine followed by dealkylation to obtain Droxidopa. Protecting the amino group of (L)-threo-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-serine using either benzyloxycarbonyl or phthaloyl group before dealkylation followed by deprotection of the amino group results in obtaining Droxidopa in high yields and purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Satchandra Kiran Divi, Mysore Aswatha Narayana Rao, Ponnekanti Purnachandra Rao, Shaik Nowshuddin
  • Patent number: 9920343
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an aniline derivative by fermentation from a carbon source such as glucose. The method comprises the following steps: production of microorganisms capable of producing 1.8 g/L or more of 4-aminophenylalanine (4APhe) under prescribed culture conditions by introducing at least three exogenous genes into microorganisms having the ability to biosynthesize 4-aminophenylpyruvic acid from chorismic acid; and production of at least one aniline derivative selected from the group consisting of 4-aminophenylalanine (4APhe), 4-aminocinnamic acid (4ACA), 2-(4-aminophenyl)aldehyde, 4-aminophenylacetic acid, and 4-aminophenethylethanol (4APE) by bringing these microorganisms into contact with a carbon source under conditions suited to the growth and/or maintenance of these microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Kazunobu Konishi, Naoki Takaya, Shunsuke Masuo
  • Patent number: 9920344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a composition containing isomaltulose from a substrate containing sucrose comprising the steps of: a) contacting the substrate containing sucrose with a particulate carrier-immobilized sucrose isomerase biomass and b) obtaining a composition containing isomaltulose, characterized in that the median particle size d(0.5) of the carrier-immobilized sucrose isomerase biomass is from 370 to 550 ?m. The carrier can be an alginate or a polyvinyl alcohol carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SÜDZUCKER AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT MANNHEIM/OCHSENFURT
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wach, Thomas Rose
  • Patent number: 9920345
    Abstract: Methods of processing lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars are provided which rely on hydrothermal pretreatment. Soft lignocellulosic biomass feedstock is pretreated in a single-stage pressurized hydrothermal pretreatment to very low severity. The pre-treated biomass is hydrolysed, typically as a whole slurry, using enzymatic hydrolysis catalysed by an enzyme mixture comprising endoglucanase, exoglucanase, ?-glucosidase, endoxylanase, and ?-xylosidase activities at activity levels in nkat/g glucan of endoglucanase of at least 1100, exoglucanase of at least 280, ?-glucosidase of at least 3000, endoxylanase of at least 1400, and ?-xylosidase of at least 75, so as to produce a hydrolysate in which the yield of C5 monomers is at least 55% of the original xylose and arabinose content of the feedstock prior to pretreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INBICON A/S
    Inventors: Jan Larsen, Niels Nielsen Poulsen, Martin Dan Jeppesen, Kit Kellebjerg Mogensen
  • Patent number: 9920346
    Abstract: A method prepares a sugar solution from cellulose-containing biomass. The method includes step (1): a step of obtaining an endoxylanase hydrolysate by hydrolyzing the cellulose-containing biomass using endoxylanase derived from microorganisms of the Acremonium genus or the Aspergillus genus, step (2): a step of separating the endoxylanase hydrolysate into an endoxylanase hydrolysate solid and an endoxylanase hydrolysate liquid through solid-liquid separation, step (3): a step of obtaining a cellulase hydrolysate by hydrolyzing the endoxylanase hydrolysate solid using cellulase derived from a filamentous fungus, and step (4): a step of filtering the cellulase hydrolysate through an ultrafiltration membrane to recover a sugar solution from the filtrate side and collect an enzyme component from the non-filtrate side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Funada, Hiroyuki Kurihara, Katsushige Yamada
  • Patent number: 9920347
    Abstract: Methods for producing virus particles and viral antigens with simplified glycosylation profiles, such as mono-glycosylated forms of HIV, HCV, Dengue virus, West Nile virus and influenza virus. When used as targets for vaccine production, the conserved nature of such sites generate vaccines that are less sensitive to viral mutations. Such methods may include the use of glycosylation inhibitors for production of viruses or viral antigens with simplified glycosylation profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Academia Sinica
    Inventors: Chi-Huey Wong, Che Ma, Yung-Chieh Tseng
  • Patent number: 9920348
    Abstract: The invention relates to an isolated, genetically modified, living non-mammal organism, having increased HMG-CoA-reductase activity compared to the wild type, and having reduced C24-methyltransferase and/or delta22-desaturase activity compared to the wild type. The invention is characterized in that the organism has increased dehydrocholesterol-delta70-reductase activity compared to the wild type. The invention further relates to different uses of such an organism, to a test kit comprising such an organism, and to a membrane extract of such an organism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Michael Schilling, Christine Lang, Andreas Raab
  • Patent number: 9920349
    Abstract: Methods and materials for enzymatic synthesis of mogroside compounds described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Evolva SA
    Inventors: Yaoquan Liu, Jung Yeop Lee, Monika Khare
  • Patent number: 9920350
    Abstract: A composition is provided for detecting a Salmonella microorganism in sample. The composition comprises at least one first selective agent that inhibits the growth of Gram-positive microorganisms, a first differential indicator system comprising at least one first differential indicator compound that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second differential indicator system comprising a second differential indicator compound that is converted by urease enzyme activity to a second detectable product. Optionally, the composition may comprise a third differential indicator system comprising a third differential indicator compound that is converted by a ?-galactosidase enzyme activity to a third detectable product. Methods of using the composition to detect a Salmonella microorganism are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Chirstine A. Binsfeld, Patrick A. Mach, Mara S. Celt, Adam J. Stanenas