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: 20120214212
    Abstract: This discovery is related to the production of bioenergy fuels in vivo, specifically related to the production of biodiesel fuels using algae. We express FAEES (fatty acid ethyl ester synthase) in algae, and use the recombinant FAEES (fatty acid ethyl ester synthase) in the algae to synthesize biodiesel, fatty acid ethyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester, in vivo from fatty acids in the presence of ethanol/or methanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Chifu Huang, Jeffrey Lee Ebersole
  • Publication number: 20120210465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of unsaturated fatty acids with at least two double bonds. The invention furthermore relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, 9, and 11 encoding polypeptides having desaturase or elongase activity in the method and for generating a transgenic organism, preferably a transgenic plant or a transgenic microorganism, with an increased content of fatty acids, oils or lipids with unsaturated C18-, C20-, or C22-fatty acids, and to their homologs or derivatives, to gene constructs encompassing these genes, and to their use alone or in combination with biosynthesis genes of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The invention also relates to multiexpression cassettes for seed-specific expression, and to vectors or organisms which encompass a desaturase gene alone or in combination with further desaturases and/or elongase genes or homologs using said expression cassettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BASF Plant Science GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Lerchl, Andreas Renz, Ernst Heinz, Frederic Domergue, Ulrich Zähringer
  • Publication number: 20120208246
    Abstract: An alcohol fermentation process and composition that includes production of alcohol esters by esterification of product alcohol in a fermentation medium with a carboxylic acid (e.g., fatty acid) and a catalyst (e.g., lipase) capable of esterifying the product alcohol, such as butanol, with the carboxylic acid to form the alcohol esters. The alcohol esters can be extracted from the fermentation medium, and the product alcohol recovered from the alcohol esters. The carboxylic acid can also serve as an extractant for removal of the alcohol esters from the fermentation medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BUTAMAX(TM) ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Robert Anton, Stephane Francois Bazzana, Keith H. Burlew, Jelena Cirakovic, Robert Dicosimo, Bruce A. Diner, Michael Charles Grady, Brian Michael Roesch, Francis J. Woerner
  • Publication number: 20120208247
    Abstract: The development and application of a novel non-polar oil recovery process utilizing a non-dispersive solvent extraction method to coalesce and recover oil from a bio-cellular aqueous slurry is described herein. The process could apply to recovery of algal oil from a lysed or non-lysed algae slurry, recovery of Omega fatty acids from a bio-cellular aqueous feed, recovery of Beta-carotene from a bio-cellular aqueous feed and for the removal from produced water in oil production and similar type applications. The technique of the present invention utilizes a microporous hollow fiber (MHF) membrane contactor. The non-polar oil recovery process described herein can be coupled to a collecting fluid (a non-polar solvent such as heptane, a biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil) that is circulated through the hollow fiber membrane. In cases where the biodiesel mixture or the previously extracted oil is used the solvent recovery step (e.g. distillation) can be eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicants: OpenAlgae, LLC, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Peter B. Kipp, Rhykka Connelly, Frank Seibert, Martin Poenie, Robert E. Hebner, Michael D. Werst, Robert Pearsall, Lynn E. Katz, Kerry A. Kinney
  • Patent number: 8241875
    Abstract: A process for producing fatty acids, which comprises supplying an oil phase substrate and a water phase substrate to an enzyme column packed with an immobilized enzyme, concurrently flowing them in the same direction, and hydrolyzing a fat and/or oil, wherein the oil phase substrate and the water phase substrate are alternately supplied to the enzyme column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Saito, Yoshitaka Senda, Toshiteru Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8241884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ?17 desaturases, which have the ability to convert ?-6 fatty acids into their ?-3 counterparts (i.e., conversion of arachidonic acid [20:4, ARA] to eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5, EPA]). Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments encoding ?17 desaturases along with a method of making long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) using these ?17 desaturases in oleaginous yeast are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Narendra S. Yadav, Zhixiong Xue, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Patent number: 8241880
    Abstract: Biomass is pretreated using an organic solvent solution under alkaline conditions in the presence of one or more alkylamine and optionally one or more additional nucleophile to fragment and extract lignin. Pretreated biomass is further hydrolyzed with a saccharification enzyme consortium. Fermentable sugars released by saccharification may be utilized for the production of target chemicals by fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Diner, Janine Fan
  • Patent number: 8241868
    Abstract: A method for isolating one compound or more than one compound from a biomass which contains microorganisms that have produced the compound or compounds, the method comprising the following steps: (a) preparing or obtaining wet cells having an average moisture content of between 30% and 80%; (b) subjecting the wet cells to primary drying to obtain primary dried cells having an average moisture content of between 5% and 50%; (c) subjecting the primary dried cells obtained in (b) to secondary drying to obtain secondary dried cells having an average moisture content of no greater than 10%; and (d) extracting or isolating, purifying and/or refining the compound or each of the compounds from the secondary dried cells obtained in (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Higashiyama, Toshiharu Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8241876
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the generation of triacylglycerols from gums that have been separated from an oil product. The gums are treated with an enzyme having PLC activity, which results in the formation of diacylglycerols and phosphates, and treated with an enzyme having PLA activity, which results in the formation of lyso-phospholipids and free fatty acids. The diacylglycerols and the free fatty acids from these two separate reactions then combine in the presence of the enzymes to generate new triacylglycerol molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Bunge Oils, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. G. Dayton
  • Publication number: 20120203018
    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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Janice Wee, George Rudenko, Jeffrey L. Moseley, Walt Rakitsky, Xinhua Zhao, Riyaz Bhat
  • Patent number: 8234813
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hydroponically growing microorganisms within a self-contained air-supported structure, in which microorganisms are grown in an organic slurry, harvested, and processed to obtain and process and distribute molecules useful for biofuel or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Algepower LLC
    Inventors: Gail Busch, Jacques M. Dupont
  • Publication number: 20120196336
    Abstract: An improvement is described for the processing of biological material in a continuous stream by the application of radiant energy taken from the wavelengths from infrared to ultraviolet, and its absorption by a feedstock in a workspace of featuring controlled turbulence created by one or more counter-rotating disk impellers. The absorbed energy and the controlled turbulence patterns create a continuous process of productive change in a feed into the reactor, with separated light and heavy product output streams flowing both inward and outward from the axis in radial counterflow. The basic mechanism of processing can be applied to a wide range of feedstocks, from the promotion of the growth of algae to make biofuel or other forms of aquaculture, to a use in the controlled combustion of organic material to make biochar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: MCCUTCHEN CO.
    Inventors: David J. McCutchen, Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Publication number: 20120196337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heterogenous enzymatic catalyst that takes the form of a cellular monolith consisting of a silica or organically modified silica matrix, said monolith including macropores, mesopores, and micropores, said pores being interconnected, and wherein the inner surface of the macropores is functionalized by a coupling agent selected from among silanes, said inner surface moreover having an unpurified enzyme attached thereon by means of a covalent or electrostatic bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Nicolas Brun, Annick Babeau-Garcia, Clément Sanchez, Rénal Backov
  • Patent number: 8232090
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum having the Accession No. MTCC 5249, which produces lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) simultaneously. The disclosure further provides a process for simultaneous production of lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. The lipids produced from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum comprises docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The disclosure also provides a food, feed, cosmetic, nutritional or therapeutic supplement for humans or animals comprising the cell biomass and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of the mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. A cosmetic composition comprising the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of Schizochytrium limacinum is also provided that is useful as a base for cosmetics for topical application. The present disclosure further provides a pickle composition and a fat product having improved nutritive value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: ABL Biotechnologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Isaac Oomman Kallenmareth, Philip Oomman Kollenmareth, Rajni Sophia Vedamuthu, Kumar Lakshmana Arlagadda, Raghukumar Seshagiri
  • Publication number: 20120190088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a fatty acid alkyl ester using microorganisms having the ability to produce oil, and more particularly to a method of producing a fatty acid alkyl ester, the method comprising culturing microorganisms having the ability to produce oil, thus accumulating a large amount of oil in the microorganisms, inducing the autolysis of the produced oil in the microorganisms to produce a free fatty acid, and converting the free fatty acid into an alkyl ester. According to the method of the present invention, oil accumulated in microorganisms, such as triacylglycerol that is typical oil produced by microorganisms, can be converted into a fatty acid alkyl ester with high efficiency using a metabolic engineering approach. Thus, the method of the present invention is useful for the industrial production of a fatty acid alkyl ester which has been recently found to be effective as biodiesel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sang Yup Lee, Yong Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 8227216
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons. The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents For and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Qiang Hu, Milton Sommerfeld, Shan Qin
  • Publication number: 20120184004
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the production of renewable fatty acids from photosynthetic prokaryotic microorganisms, such as a blue green algae, any specie of the phylum Cyanophyta, a chloroplast of a green algae and/or a Cyanobacterium. Engineered or natural strains of these organisms or organelles can be used to produce both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with variable chain length specificity from 8-18 carbons. The fatty acids can then be secreted into the culture medium, allowing for rapid, continuous and efficient separation of fatty acid product without harvesting of cell mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Steve A. Kay, Ewa Lis, Susan Golden, Michael Melnick, Dawn M. Adin, James W. Golden
  • Publication number: 20120185965
    Abstract: The invention in principle pertains to the field of recombinant manufacture of fatty acids. It provides novel nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding fatty acid desaturases, elongases, acyltransferases, terminator sequences and high expressing seed-specific promoters operatively linked to the said nucleic acid sequences wherein nucleic acid expression enhancing nucleic acids (NEENAs) are functionally linked to said promoters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: BASF Plant Science Company GmbH
    Inventors: Toralf Senger, Jörg Bauer, Josef Martin Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20120184002
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of culturing a microorganism that produces a free fatty acid in a culture medium, comprising culturing the microorganism in the culture medium comprising a sufficient amount (e.g., at least about 0.5 mM) of a carboxylate counterion source to enhance viability of the microorganism in the culture medium. Fatty acids produced using the methods of the invention can be used to synthesize a variety of products, including biofuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Thomas E. Wall, You Chen, Stanley Bower, Wendy Loza
  • Publication number: 20120184001
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for sustainable aquaculture. The methods provided herein allows recovery and/or recycling of autochthonous nutrients in fish farming, and recovery of allochthonous nutrients present in eutrophic water. The systems provided herein comprises two closely spaced cages, an array of rotary panels that regulates the flow of matters between the two cages; and a means for producing a directional water current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: LiveFuels, Inc.
    Inventors: David Stephen, Benjamin Chiau-pin Wu
  • Publication number: 20120184003
    Abstract: The invention provides transgenic photosynthetic microorganisms that include non-native genes encoding polypeptides having lipolytic activity for production of free fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives, and methods of producing free fatty acids and fatty acid derivatives using the transgenic microorganisms disclosed herein. The invention also provides transgenic microorganisms that include non-native genes encoding polypeptides having lipolytic activity, and novel genes encoding polypeptides demonstrating lipolytic activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: You Chen, Thomas E. Wall, Stanley Bower, Robert Christopher Brown, Jennifer Coppersmith
  • Patent number: 8222437
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents For and On Behalf Of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Aniket Kale, Qiang Hu, Milton Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 8222010
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing renewable chemicals through the manufacture of novel triglyceride oils followed by chemical modification of the oils. Methods such as transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, deoxygenation, isomerization, interesterification, hydroxylation, hydrolysis and saponification are disclosed. Novel oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Karen Espina, George Rudenko, Penelope Chua
  • Publication number: 20120178134
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing biomass or at least one biomolecule comprising culturing a photosynthetic microorganism that comprises a disrupted Non-Photochemical Quenching (NPQ) process, and isolating biomass or at least one biomolecule from the culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Graham Peers
  • Publication number: 20120178123
    Abstract: A method for stimulating enhanced lipid accumulation by algae includes growing algae in a bioreactor medium including nutrients. The algae have an average lipid content that averages a first % of total cell biomass. A stress inducing environmental condition is initiated that keeps the algae alive, stops cell reproduction, and induces the algae to accumulate additional lipids resulting in a second average lipid content that is at least 50% more than the first %. The method can include measuring a lipid concentration of the algae while under the stress inducing environmental condition, harvesting lipids from more than 50% but not all of the algae when the lipid concentration is above a predetermined lipid limit, adding fresh medium to the bioreactor medium having algae not involved in the harvesting therein, and repeating the method, wherein the algae not involved in harvesting serves as a source for new algae growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Barry Rosen
  • Publication number: 20120178135
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Bailey, Don DiMasi, Jon M. Hansen, Peter J. Mirrasoul, Craig M. Ruecker, George T. Veeder, III, Tatsuo Kaneko, William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 8216812
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Bailey, Don DiMasi, John M. Hansen, Peter J. Mirrasoul, Craig M. Ruecker, George T. Veeder, III, Tatsuo Kaneko, William R. Barclay
  • Publication number: 20120171719
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are transformed Yarrowia lipolytica comprising an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having sucrose invertase activity. Also disclosed are methods of using the transformed Y. lipolytica.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Seung-Pyo Hong, John E. Seip, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20120171736
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a powdery lipase preparation in which the particles constituting the powdery lipase have 3,000 to 40,000 pores/mm2 on the surface thereof, and each pore has a diameter of 0.5 ?m to 6 ?m. This powdery lipase preparation was able to improve lipase activity without using a soybean powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: The Nisshin OilliO Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Negishi, Yoshie Yamauchi, Yosuke Nakamura, Yuko Toyama
  • Publication number: 20120171735
    Abstract: The invention relates to production of triacylglycerols in cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anthony John Sinskey, Daniel MacEachran, Kazuhiko Kurosawa, Paolo Boccazzi, Jason W. Holder
  • Patent number: 8212062
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters as well as cellulosic simplified sugars, shortened protein polymers, amino acids, or combination thereof resulting from the simultaneous esterification and hydrolysis, alcoholysis, or both of algae and other oil containing materials containing free fatty acids (FFA), glycerides, or combination thereof as well as polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignocellulose, protein polymers, or combination thereof in presences of an alcohol and an acid catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Inventure Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: William Wes Berry, Mark G. Tegen, Stephen L. Hillis
  • Publication number: 20120165562
    Abstract: This invention provides microbial organisms, particularly yeasts such as Yarrowia lipolytica, that have one or more disrupted genes. The gene disruption(s) may yield improved production of fatty acyl-CoA derivatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hattendorf, Jennifer L. Shock, Louis Clark
  • Publication number: 20120159839
    Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated process comprising first and second biotechnical processes. The first process produces biofuel and/or starting material for biofuel and uses a microorganism capable of producing enzymes. The second process produces biofuel and/or starting material for biofuel. In the integrated process, the microorganisms are cultivated and biofuel and/or starting material for biofuel and enzymes are produced. The microorganism culture, supernatant or a protein enriched fraction or a dilution of the supernatant comprising catalytically active enzyme(s) are introduced into the first and/or into the second process, or feedstock for the process(es) is treated. The invention relates also to use of the produced enzymes in biofuel production process or in other applications as an enzyme preparation or a source of enzymes. The invention relates also to use of the produced lipids and alcohols as biofuel, a component of biofuel or a starting material for biofuel production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: NESTE OIL OYJ
    Inventors: Perttu Koskinen, Reijo Tanner
  • Publication number: 20120159840
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated process, which comprises a single cell oil production process, and a pulp and/or paper industry process. The process comprises that in the single cell oil production process is used a microorganism capable of producing lipids or lipids and enzymes when cultivated on a medium comprising organic material from pulp and/or paper industry. Lipids or lipids and enzymes are produced by said microorganisms in the single cell oil production process and/or in a process connected into it. The present invention relates also to use of lipids produced in the process as biofuel or as a component of biofuel or as a starting material for biofuel production and use of enzymes produced in the lipid production process in pulp and/or paper industry or in other applications as an enzyme preparation or as a source of enzymes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: NESTE OIL OYJ
    Inventors: Perttu Koskinen, Reijo Tanner
  • Publication number: 20120164701
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using xylose alone or in combination with other depolymerized cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms comprising an exogenous gene encoding a polysaccharide degrading enzyme, such as a cellulase, a hemicellulase, a pectinase, or a driselase. Some methods of microbial fermentation are provided that comprise the use of xylose and depolymerized cellulosic materials for the production of oil-bearing microorgansims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Trimbur, Chung-Soon Im, Harrison F. Dillon, Anthony G. Day, Scott Franklin, Anna Coragliotti
  • Publication number: 20120164700
    Abstract: The described invention provides genetically engineered photosynthetic microorganisms expressing prokaryotic acyl-ACP thioesterases and methods of using the genetically engineered photosynthetic microorganisms for producing free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Kevin Watts, Rekha Seshadri, Toby Richardson
  • Patent number: 8206956
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Bailey, Don DiMasi, John M. Hansen, Peter J. Mirrasoul, Craig M. Ruecker, George T. Veeder, III, Tatsuo Kaneko, William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 8207363
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated thraustochytrid microorganisms as well as strains and mutants thereof. The invention is further directed to biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, cultures, methods of producing microbial oils, and methods of using the isolated thraustochytrids, biomasses, and microbial oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk E. Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, Jon Milton Hansen, Paul Warren Behrens, Ross Zirkle, Tracey Lynn Stahl
  • Publication number: 20120159660
    Abstract: The amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of a ?5-desaturase enzyme and a ?8-desaturase enzyme are disclosed. The nucleic acid sequences can be used to design recombinant DNA constructs and vectors. These vectors can then be used to transform various organisms, including for example, plants and yeast. The transformed organisms will then produce polyunsaturated fatty acids. The amino acid sequences are useful for generating enzyme-specific antibodies that are useful for identifying the desaturases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: John A. Browse, James G. Wallis, Jennifer L. Watts
  • Publication number: 20120151833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically modified Acinetobacter host for lipid production. The Acinetobacter host has been genetically modified to be deficient of one or more of genes A) a gene encoding fatty acyl-CoA reductase (EC1.2.1.n2), wherein said host is capable of increased production of TAGs and/or of total lipids compared to the parent host; and/or B) a gene encoding lipase (EC:3.1.1.3), a gene encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase (EC:1.2.2.2), and/or gene ACIAD 2177, or functional equivalents of any of said genes, wherein said host is capable of increased production of wax esters and/or total lipids compared to the parent host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: NESTE OIL OYJ
    Inventors: Suvi Myllyntausta, Virpi Kivinen, Antti Larjo, Tommi Aho, Perttu Koskinen, Matti Karp, Ville Santala
  • Publication number: 20120156717
    Abstract: Recombinant oleaginous alga that include one or more heterologous genes that increase the ability of the alga to use one or more natural saccharides such as cellulosic or hemicellulosic sugars for algal growth are described. The recombinant oleaginous algae are transformed to include one or more genes expressing sugar metabolizing enzymes or sugar transporting proteins, along with suitable control elements. Use of natural saccharides as a carbon source can allow the algae to produce biofuel precursors in a relatively efficient manner. Processes for preparing the alga, growing the alga, and extracting the biofuel precursors from the alga are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Phycal, Inc.
    Inventors: F.C. Thomas Allnutt, Bradley Lynn Postier, Richard T. Sayre, Daniel A. Coury
  • Publication number: 20120156249
    Abstract: The invention provides an isolated genetically modified non-mammalian organism, wherein the activity of acyl-CoA: sterol acyltransferase/sterol O-acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.26) and/or diacylglycerol acyltransferase/diacylglycerol O-acyltranferase (EC 2.3.1.20) and/or lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase/phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.158) and/or acyl CoA-wax alcohol acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.75) is reduced or abolished in comparison with a corresponding wildtype organism, methods of use of such an organism, shuttle vehicles for making such an organism and methods for producing such an organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: ORGANOBALANCE GMBH
    Inventors: Christine Lang, Andreas Raab
  • Patent number: 8202712
    Abstract: A process for producing triglycerides which comprises: (a) subjecting a first triglyceride comprising at least 40% by moles of oleic acid residues, based on total acyl groups in the triglyceride, to an alcoholysis reaction with an alcohol having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms to obtain a composition comprising 2-oleoyl monoglyceride and at least one acyl ester of said alcohol; (b) reacting the 2-oleoyl monoglyceride with an acylating agent comprising at least one C12 to C24 saturated fatty acid, at least one ester of said fatty acid or a mixture thereof, to obtain a 1,3-saturated fatty acid acyl 2-oleoyl glyceride; and (c) separating at least a part of the at least one acyl ester after or during step (a) or step (b); (d) reacting the acyl ester with a second glyceride to form 1,3-dioleoyl 2-palmitoyl glyceride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Loders Croklaan B.V.
    Inventors: John Bernard Harris, Ulrike Schmid, Frederick William Cain
  • Patent number: 8202713
    Abstract: Pythium, when cultured with crude glycerol as a carbon source, produces useful polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The crude glycerol is pretreated to remove soaps and methanol. An exemplary Pythium species for use in the production of EPA is Pythium irregulare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Zhiyou Wen, Sncha Athalye
  • Publication number: 20120149074
    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: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Sung Ok HAN, Kyung-Ok YU
  • Publication number: 20120149075
    Abstract: Soap and cosmetic products can be made from oil-bearing microbial biomass via the alkaline hydrolysis of glycerolipids and fatty acid esters to fatty acid salts. The saponified microbial oils/lipids can be combined with a variety of additives to produce compositions for use as soaps and other cosmetic products, which may also contain other constituents of the biomass, including unsaponified oils, glycerol and carotenoids, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony G. Day, Geoffrey Brooks, Scott Franklin
  • Patent number: 8192964
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for preparing gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) in safflower plants, particularly from seeds of safflower. Nucleic acid sequences and constructs encoding one or more fatty acid desaturase sequences are used to generate transgenic safflower plants that contain and express one or more of these sequences and produce high levels of GLA in safflower seeds. Provided are transgenic safflower plants and seeds that produce high levels of GLA. Additionally provided are oils produced from seeds of this invention. The invention also relates to methods of treating a variety of diseases including nervous system disorders, inflammatory conditions, cancer and cardiovascular disorders using the oils of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Arcadia Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Vic C. Knauf, Christine Shewmaker, Frank Flider, Donald Emlay, Eric Rey
  • Publication number: 20120135478
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons. The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Qiang HU, Milton SOMMERFELD, Shan QIN
  • Publication number: 20120135479
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to the production of hydrocarbon compositions, such as a lipid, in microorganisms. In particular, the invention provides methods for extracting, recovering, isolating and obtaining a lipid from a microorganism and compositions comprising the lipid. The invention also discloses methods for producing hydrocarbon compositions for use as biodiesel, renewable diesel, jet fuel, and other materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Harrison F. Dillon, Dan Elefant, Anthony G. Day, Scott Franklin, Jon Wittenberg
  • Patent number: 8187846
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Bailey, Don DiMasi, John M. Hansen, Peter J. Mirrasoul, Craig M. Ruecker, George T. Veeder, III, Tatsuo Kaneko, William R. Barclay