Fat; Fatty Oil; Ester-type Wax; Higher Fatty Acid (i.e., Having At Least Seven Carbon Atoms In An Unbroken Chain Bound To A Carboxyl Group); Oxidized Oil Or Fat Patents (Class 435/134)
  • Publication number: 20140093921
    Abstract: There is provided a recombinant bacterium comprising at least one overexpressed acyl-ACP thioesterase gene, and wherein at least one gene from the tricarboxylic acid cycle or glycolysis or both is inactivated. There is also provided a method for producing fatty acids, said method comprising culturing bacteria comprising at least one overexpressed acyl-ACP thioesterase gene in a growth medium in a container having walls; allowing said bacteria to secrete fatty acids; and collecting said fatty acids. Acid supplementation is also shown to increase productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ka-Yiu San, Mai Li, Xiujun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140093922
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a microbial culture medium and a cultural method. The culture medium comprises a combination of strong acid-weak alkali salts and strong alkali-weak acid salts so that pH value thereof can be regulated and controlled in a stable and suitable range by itself, thus decreasing or eliminating an operable regulation on pH value via an external device in fermentation process and a risk of contaminations resulted from it in fermentation process as well, accordingly greatly improving the controllability and stability of the fermentation process. Meanwhile the ammonium salts acting as strong acid-weak alkali salts can be used as a nitrogen source to replace yeast cream to realize a decreased amount of nitrogen resource of high price, therefor sharply reducing the cost of the culture medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ENN Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minsheng LIU, Qian Feng, Zhongzhen Cai, Lin Wang
  • Publication number: 20140093923
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into hydrocarbons, e.g., n-alkanes and n-alkenes, wherein the n-alkanes are secreted into the culture medium via recombinantly expressed transporter proteins. In particular, the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules is contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Nikos B. Reppas, Kevin Smith, Carolyn Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8685682
    Abstract: An engineered strain of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica capable of producing greater than 5.6% docosahexaenoic acid acid (DHA, an w-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the total oil fraction is described. This strain comprises various chimeric genes expressing heterologous desaturases, elongases and acyltransferases and optionally comprises various native desaturase and acyltransferase knockouts to enable synthesis and high accumulation of DHA. Production host cells are claimed, as are methods for producing DHA within said host cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Howard Glenn Damude, Peter John Gillies, Daniel Joseph Macool, Stephen K Picataggio, James John Ragghianti, John E Seip, Zhixiong Xue, Narendra S Yadav, Hongxiang Zhang, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Patent number: 8685681
    Abstract: Acyltransferases are provided, suitable for use in the manufacture of microbial oils enriched in omega fatty acids in oleaginous yeast (e.g., Yarrowia lipolytica). Specifically, genes encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) have been isolated from Y. lipolytica and Mortierella alpina. These genes encode enzymes that participate in the terminal step in oil biosynthesis in yeast. Each is expected to play a key role in altering the quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids produced in oils of oleaginous yeasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Narendra S. Yadav, Zhixiong Xue, Hongxiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8685679
    Abstract: Methods to increase the percent of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) within the total lipids and oils of PUFA-producing oleaginous organisms are provided herein, by regulating the activity of specific acyltransferases. Specifically, since oil biosynthesis is expected to compete with polyunsaturation during oleaginy, it is possible to reduce or inactivate the activity of an organism's DAG ATs (e.g., phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) and/or diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and/or diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2)) to thereby reduce the overall rate of oil biosynthesis while concomitantly increasing the percent of PUFAs that are incorporated into the lipid and oil fractions. The teachings herein will thereby enable one to engineer a wide variety of oleaginous organisms to produce oils with very specific fatty acid compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Stephen K. Picataggio, Narendra S. Yadav, Hongxiang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8685680
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving productivity of an enzymatic method for producing esterified, transesterified or interesterified fats or oils. Specifically, a method that can greatly improve the productivity of enzymatic esterification, transesterification or interesterification by purifying the substrate oil to extend the useful life of the enzyme is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas P. Binder, Scott Bloomer, Inmok Lee, Leif Solheim, Lori E. Wicklund
  • Patent number: 8685699
    Abstract: An oil generation system is provided. The oil generation system includes a saccharide; and a working microorganism reacting with the saccharide to produce an oil, wherein the working microorganism has a genus being a Cystofilobasidium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fu-Jen Catholic University
    Inventors: Jyh-Yih Leu, Yu-Di Hsu, Yu-Sheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20140075828
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and reactor system for the production of biodiesel from lamb fats using enzymatic catalysis. Preferably the process comprises two advantageously integrated stages, first of removing fat from the animal meat and second of reacting the removed fat in an enzymatic biodiesel production stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Sulaiman Al-Zuhair, Ali Al-Marzouqi, Isameldin Hashim, Hanifa Eassa Taher
  • Patent number: 8673028
    Abstract: A method of producing a biodiesel from a wet biomass is provided. The method includes providing the wet biomass that includes water and biomass solids. The method also includes heating the wet biomass at a first temperature and a first pressure for a time period ranging from 10 to 480 minutes to form an aqueous solution and a solid agglomerate containing a hydrolyzed lipid component. The method also includes step of transesterifying the hydrolyzed lipid component to form biodiesel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Phillip E. Savage, Robert Levine, Tanawan Pinnarat
  • Patent number: 8674180
    Abstract: Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Karen Espina, George Rudenko, Penelope Chua
  • Publication number: 20140073021
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of fermentation products such as alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and processes employing in situ product removal methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BUTAMAX ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLC
    Inventors: STEPHANE FRANCOIS BAZZANA, ADAM BERNFELD, KEITH H. BURLEW, JAMES TIMOTHY CRONIN, MICHAEL CHARLES GRADY, BRIAN MICHAEL ROESCH, JOSEPH J. ZAHER, RAYMOND RICHARD ZOLANDZ
  • Publication number: 20140075591
    Abstract: The present invention discloses gene targets and methods for the genetic control of lipid accumulation in vegetative (non-seed) portions of plants. Enhanced lipid, e.g. triacylglycerol (TAG), accumulation in vegetative portions of plants may be obtained by down-regulation of activity of At4g24160 or a homolog thereof. Plants, plant parts, seeds comprising down-regulated AT4G24160 activity, or activity of a homolog thereof, are also provided, as well as products prepared therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, University of North Texas
    Inventors: Kent D. Chapman, Richard G.W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8669090
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Patent number: 8663953
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140057321
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing greenhouse gases by capturing and storing carbon dioxide in the form of a biomass, which may be converted into a high value material such as, for example, an oil having more than 37% of omega-3, biodiesel, phospholipid, glycerin, glucose, and a protein feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Shin Tae Bae, Jeong Kyu Park, Won Bae Lee, Dae Young Goh
  • Patent number: 8658855
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the isolation, purification, and characterization of a diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), and genes encoding DGAT2, from algae. DGAT2 can incorporate very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in to triacylglycerol more efficiently than DGAT1. The disclosure concerns methods of regulating seed oil content, fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid composition using the DGAT2 gene and to tissues and plants transformed with the gene. The disclosure also relates to transgenic plants, plant tissues and plant seeds having a genome containing an introduced DNA sequence of the disclosure, and a method of producing such plants and plant seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: National Research Council of Canada, Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Jitao Zou, Jingyu Xu, Zhifu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20140051131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the production of microalgae, cyanobacteria and/or metabolites thereof. Described herein is a process involving, the use of a stimulus applied to a microalgal or cyanobacterial culture to enhance the production of one or more metabolites. Also described herein, is a process for the production of microalgae and/or cyanobacteria comprising an adaptation stage wherein an algaltcyanobacterial culture is grown on a process water feedstock and/or under light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting light within the spectrum of light wavelengths between around 400 nm and 700 nm, and a production phase, wherein the microalgae or cyanobacteria are grown on the same process water feedstock and/or under the same light conditions used in the adaptation stage. The invention also relates to specific microalgal strains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Algaecytes Limited
    Inventors: John Dodd, Blahsolov Marsalek, Miroslav Vosatka, Nazir Bashir
  • Publication number: 20140051119
    Abstract: The present invention provides fungal xylanase and/or beta-xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce xylanase and/or beta-xylosidases, as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Fong, Xiyun Zhang, Chirs Noriega, Nicholas Agard, Anupam Gohel, Derek Smith
  • Publication number: 20140051136
    Abstract: This invention relates to metabolically engineered microorganism strains, such as bacterial strains, in which there is an increased utilization of malonyl-CoA for production of a fatty acid or fatty acid derived product, wherein the modified microorganism produces fatty acyl-CoA intermediates via a malonyl-CoA dependent but malonyl-ACP independent mechanism
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: OPX Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Liao, Eileen Spindler, Joseph R. Warner, Michael Louie, Wendy Ribble, Brittany Prather, Ron Evans, Tanya E.W. Lipscomb, Michael D. Lynch
  • Patent number: 8652814
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a DHA phospholipid comprising an ?3 unsaturated fatty acid, particularly DHA, as a constituent lipid by using a microorganism in a simpler manner. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a phospholipid comprising an ?3 unsaturated fatty acid as a constituent lipid, which comprises the steps of: growing a microorganism capable of producing the ?3 unsaturated fatty acid in a culture medium containing a carbon source; and further culturing the grown microorganism in a culture medium without any carbon source. The method enables to produce a highly value-added phospholipid which comprises an ?3 unsaturated fatty acid as a constituent lipid by using a microorganism capable of producing the ?3 unsaturated fatty acid in a large quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: National University Corporation Hokkaido University, Research of Microbes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Okuyama, Yoshitake Orikasa, Takanori Nishida
  • Patent number: 8652815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformant comprising a gene encoding ws/dgat (wax ester synthase/acyl-coenzyme A: diacylglycerol acyltransferase) and a method of producing fatty acid ethyl esters using the same. Specifically, the transformant for producing fatty acid ethyl esters is constructed such that glycerol is used as a fermentation substrate, and comprises an atfA gene encoding ws/dgat (wax ester synthase/acyl-coenzyme A: diacylglycerol acyltransferase) from Acinetobacter sp., so that the atfA gene is expressed in the transformant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Sung Ok Han, Kyung-Ok Yu
  • Publication number: 20140045229
    Abstract: A process for production of biofuels from algae can include cultivating an oil-producing algae by promoting sequential photoautotrophic and heterotrophic growth. The method can further include producing oil by heterotrophic growth of algae wherein the heterotrophic algae growth is achieved by introducing a sugar feed to the oil-producing algae. An algal oil can be extracted from the oil-producing algae, and can be converted to form biodiesel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: James R. Oyler
  • Publication number: 20140045217
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel methods and compositions for improved production processes of algae cell components. In particular the present disclosure relates to methods for improving the extractability of algae cellular compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: DIREVO INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Klaudija Milos, Claudia Stamme, Tanja Lindner, Vitaly Svetlichny, Andreas Scheidig
  • Patent number: 8647849
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a mixture of fatty acid esters, suitable as a combustible or fuel in diesel cycle engines, comprising: a) the obtaining of a microbial biomass with a triglyceride content equal to or greater than 20% by dry weight, by means of the use of an oleaginous microorganism using glycerin as a carbon source; and b) the conversion of the triglycerides contained in the biomass obtained in step a) into a mixture of fatty acid esters. The invention likewise relates to said oleaginous microorganism, to a process for its selection and to polynucleotides obtained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Neol Biosolutions, S.A.
    Inventors: Javier Velasco Alvarez, José Luis Adrio Fondevila, M'del Carmen Ronchel Barreno, Alberto Zafra Gómez, Magdalena Valdivieso Ugarte
  • Publication number: 20140039232
    Abstract: This invention concerns methods of identifying genetic alterations with which a microbe can be used to produce fatty acids at a large amount for making biofuels. Also disclosed are microbes with such genetic alterations and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventor: Desmond Siu Men Lun
  • Publication number: 20140038247
    Abstract: A method for increasing the lipid content of algae includes combining algae and a lipid-precipitating addition in a growth-inhibitive medium, the growth-inhibitive medium being deficient in at least one nutrient that is necessary for reproductive growth of algae, thus frustrating algae reproduction, the lipid-precipitating addition selected from hydroxyl-containing compounds and amine-containing compounds. An organic acid addition may also be combined with the lipid-precipitating addition and algae in the growth-inhibitive medium, the organic acid addition including compounds containing carboxylic acid functionality. Direct production of biodiesel is also achieved by the use of particular lipid-precipitating additions and organic acid additions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Lu-Kwang Ju, Cong Li
  • Publication number: 20140038248
    Abstract: The invention provides consolidated bioprocessing methods and host cells. The host cells are capable of directly converting biomass polymers or sunlight into biodiesel equivalents and other fatty acid derivatives. In particular, the invention provides a method for producing biodiesel equivalents and other fatty acid derivatives from a biomass polymer including providing a genetically engineered host cell, culturing the host cell in a medium containing a carbon source such that recombinant nucleic acids in the cell are expressed, and extracting biodiesel equivalents and other fatty acid derivatives from the culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Jay D. KEASLING, Yisheng (Connie) KANG, Eric J. STEEN, Gregory BOKINSKY
  • Publication number: 20140031572
    Abstract: Methods for increasing C18 to C20 elongation conversion efficiency and/or ?4 desaturation conversion efficiency in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid [“LC-PUFA”]-producing recombinant oleaginous microbial host cells are provided herein, based on over-expression of acyl-CoA:lysophospholipid acyltransferases [“LPLATs”] (e.g., Ale1, LPAAT, LPCAT). Production host cells and oils produced by the methods of the invention are also claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company
    Inventors: Narendra S. Yadav, Hongxiang Zhang, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140030771
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods related to the production of fatty acids, such as triglycerides with genetically engineered cells, such as algae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Richard C. Yu, Ian Burbulis, Wayne Riekhof, Carlos Gustavo Pesce, Leandro Vetcher
  • Publication number: 20140030772
    Abstract: Engineered strains of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica capable of producing greater than 25% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, an ?-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) in the total oil fraction are described. These strains comprise various chimeric genes expressing heterologous desaturases, elongases and acyltransferases and optionally comprise various native desaturase and acyltransferase knockouts to enable synthesis and high accumulation of EPA. Production host cells are claimed, as are methods for producing EPA within said host cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Howard Glenn Damude, Peter John Gillies, Daniel Joseph Macool, Stephen K. Picataggio, Dana M. Walters Pollak, James John Ragghianti, Zhixiong Xue, Narendra S. Yadav, Hongxiang Zhang, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Patent number: 8637101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode novel lipolytic enzymes, as well as functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequences with high homology thereto. The invention also relates to methods of using these lipolytic enzymes in industrial processes, for example in the dairy or baking industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Metske Laan Van Der, Yulia M. Efimova, Karin Turk, Margot Elisabeth Francoise Schooneveld-Bergmans, Arie Gerrit Terdu, Arjen Sein, Natalja Alekseevna Cyplenkova
  • Patent number: 8633012
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty acid hydroxylase, a desaturase enzyme, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Janice Wee, George Rudenko, Jeffrey L. Moseley, Walt Rakitsky, Xinhua Zhao, Riyaz Bhat
  • Publication number: 20140017728
    Abstract: A method of hydrothermally treating stillage by heating stillage to 200 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., altering physicochemical properties of the stillage, enabling facile separation of the stillage, and creating unique product fractions. A method of performing ethanol fermentation by treating stillage to enable facile separation by heating the stillage to a temperature of 200 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., and separating the treated stillage to recover a high protein solids fraction, a stickwater fraction, and an oil fraction. A method of improving fermentation by heating stillage to a temperature of 200° F. to 350° F. resulting in hydrothermally treated stillage, using all or a portion of the hydrothermally treated stillage as a component of a media, and using the media for a process including fermentation and biomass production. Oil, stickwater, high protein solids fraction, high protein meal, metabolites, biomass, and media obtained from the methods above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Valicor, Inc.
    Inventors: James Robert Bleyer, Thomas J. Czartoski, Puneet Chandra
  • Publication number: 20140017742
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a microbial oil comprising culturing a micro-organism in a two stage fermentation process where, in a last stage that precedes the end of fermentation, the carbon source is: consumed by the micro-organisms at a rate greater than it is added to the medium; added at a rate # 0.30 M carbon/kg medium; or is rate limiting on the growth of the micro-organism. The micro-organisms thus have the carbon source restricted so that they preferentially metabolise fats or lipids other than arachidonic acid (ARA), so increasing the proportion of ARA in the cells. A microbial oil is then recovered from the micro-organism, using hexane as a solvent, that has at least 50% ARA and at least 90% triglycerides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Hugo STREEKSTRA, Petrus Joseph Maria BROCKEN
  • Publication number: 20140017741
    Abstract: The invention relates to the utilisation of fatty acid feedstockin the production of biodiesel by the use of microbial enzymes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Per Munk Nielsen, Hans C. Holm
  • Publication number: 20140013658
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bioengineering approaches for producing biofuel and, in particular, to the use of a C1 metabolizing microorganism reactor system for converting C1 substrates, such as methane or methanol, into biomass and subsequently into biofuels, bioplastics, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua Silverman, Sol M. Resnick, Michael Mendez, Renee Saville, Sungwon Lee, Luan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8629181
    Abstract: A process for the production of fats or oils and their extracts containing biologically active chemical compounds from a lipid substrate, the process comprising: a) inoculation of a lipid substrate with fungally derived lipolytic enzymes; b) incubating the inoculated substrate for a period of between about 7-120 days at a temperature of between about 4-35° C., at a humidity of between about 75-100%, and c) processing said substrate mixture to obtain a biologically active fat or oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Athol Gillies Turner
  • Publication number: 20140011247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desatorase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Surinder Pal Singh, Stanley Suresh Robert, Peter David Nichols, Susan Irene Ellis Blackburn, Xue-Rong Zhou, James Robertson Petrie, Allan Graham Green
  • Publication number: 20140011245
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and materials for the cultivation and/or propagation of a photosynthetic organism. Such methods may comprise the use of a lamp assembly that comprises a plurality of circuit boards, each comprising at least three edges, arranged in a substantially spherical shape defining an interior lamp assembly volume, wherein the plurality of circuit boards comprise a first planar surface in contact with the interior lamp assembly volume and an opposing second planar surface comprising light emitting diodes (LEDs); and a barrier that surrounds the plurality of circuit boards forming the substantially spherical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: FORELIGHT, LLC
    Inventor: ForeLight, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140011246
    Abstract: A system and method for harvesting and processing algae, the system and method including harvesting algae by mechanical or chemical system and processing the harvested algae to produce at least one of biodiesel, biosolvents, bioplastics, biogas, or fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Utah State University
    Inventors: Ronald Sims, Charles Miller, Joshua T. Ellis, Ashik Sathish, Renil Anthony, Asif Rahman
  • Patent number: 8624046
    Abstract: This invention relates to krill oil and a method for manufacturing the same. The method comprises preparing krill, adding protease to the krill and performing enzyme reaction, extracting eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, phospholipids, and astaxanthin from the krill after performing the enzyme reaction, and mixing the extracted eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, phospholipids, and astaxanthin. The protease may comprise one or more chosen from serine alkaline proteases and metallo neutral proteases. The serine alkaline proteases may comprise proteases separated from Bacillus licheniformis and the metallo neutral proteases may comprise proteases separated from Bacillus subtillis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Dae Duck FRD Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Sangsu Lee
  • Publication number: 20140004580
    Abstract: This disclosure describes genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms, e.g., Cyanobacteria, that overexpress an acyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (acyl-ACP reductase). These microorganisms may optionally overexpress one or more fatty acid synthesis proteins such as ACP and ACCase, and/or one or more polypeptides associated with glycogen breakdown. Also included are photosynthetic microorganisms comprising mutations or deletions in a glycogen biosynthesis or storage pathway, which accumulate a reduced amount of glycogen under reduced nitrogen conditions as compared to a wild type photosynthetic microorganism. The modified photosynthetic microorganisms provided herein are capable of producing increased amounts of lipids such as fatty acids or wax esters and/or synthesizing triglycerides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Matrix Genetics, LLC
    Inventors: James Roberts, Fred Cross, Brett K. Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20140004578
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods, devices, and microbes involved in performing redox imbalanced fermentations. In one aspect, the invention provides a device that generally includes an electrode and at least one microbe in electron communication with the electrode. The microbe generally can exhibit increased activity of at least one enzyme involved in converting a substrate to a redox imbalanced product. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for performing redox imbalanced fermentation. Generally, the method includes providing a substrate to a microbe under conditions effective for the microbe to metabolize the substrate to a redox imbalanced product. At least one microbe may be in contact with an electrode. In some cases, metabolic conversion of the substrate to the redox imbalanced product can include transferring electrons between the electrode and the microbe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel R. Bond, Jeffrey A. Gralnick, Daniel E. Ross, Jeffrey M. Flynn
  • Publication number: 20140004579
    Abstract: Methods of separating renewable materials, such as lipids, from microorganisms, such as oleaginous yeasts, may include conditioning cell walls of the microorganisms to form, open or enlarge pores, and removing at least a portion of the renewable material through the pores. These methods may result in delipidated microorganisms with cell walls that are substantially intact and with mesopores. These delipidated microorganisms may be used to produce biofuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Martin J. Sellers, David Jeffers, Jean-Charles Dumenil, Vidya Pai, Jacob Borden
  • Publication number: 20140004581
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of an interfacial enzyme immobilized on an insoluble support, by providing a bi-phase system comprised of an aqueous buffer solution and at least one first organic solvent; mixing said interfacial enzyme with the bi-phase system provided; adding the support to the obtained mixture and mixing; and isolating from the mixture obtained in the last step the interfacial enzyme immobilized on said support. The produced enzyme is locked in its catalytically active confirmation, and thus exhibits improved activity and stability. Also disclosed are uses of the produced enzymes, particularly in the preparation of biodiesel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: TRANSBIODIESEL LTD.
    Inventor: Sobhi BASHEER
  • Patent number: 8617891
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the removal of contaminants from a liquid culture microalgae and/or cyanobacteria comprise an inlet tube, a pump, a gas injector, a vertical chamber, and/or a collection container that promotes the production of foam in the microalgae culture, wherein the foam contains the contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Licamele, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Alexander Sitek, Scott Kuhlman
  • Patent number: 8617866
    Abstract: Disclosed is an enzymatic process for the preparation of fatty acid alkyl esters, particularly fatty acids methyl esters (biodiesel) in a solvent-free microaqueous system, from a fatty acid source and an alcohol or alcohol donor, employing a robust lipase preparation that comprises at least two lipases separately or jointly immobilized on a suitable support, where one of the lipases has increased affinity to partial glycerides, another is sn-1,3 positional specific, and an optional third lipase has high selectivity towards sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone of the fatty acid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Sobhi Basheer, Maisa Haj, Muhammad Kaiyal
  • Patent number: 8617856
    Abstract: Described are hosts for overproducing a fatty acid product such as a fatty acid. The hosts include an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a thioesterase and, optionally, an exogenous nucleic acid encoding an acetyl-CoA carboxylase, wherein an acyl-CoA synthetase in the hosts are functionally deleted. The hosts preferably include the nucleic acid encoding the thioesterase at an intermediate copy number. The hosts are preferably recombinantly stable and growth-competent at 37° C. Methods of producing a fatty acid product comprising culturing such hosts at 37° C. are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Brian F. Pfleger, Rebecca M. Lennen
  • Patent number: RE44719
    Abstract: A process for the production of a composition comprising 1,3-dioleyl-2-palmitoyl glyceride (OPO) comprises subjecting a palm oil stearin, with an iodine value (IV) between about 2 and about 12 to enzymic transesterification, with oleic acid or a non-glyceride ester thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Loders Croklaan B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Johan Anton Schweitzer, Frederick William Cain, Ulrike Schmid