Polycarboxylic Acid Patents (Class 435/142)
  • Publication number: 20130052705
    Abstract: Bacteria optimized to produce succinate and other feedstocks by growing on low cost carbon sources, such as sucrose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ka-Yiu San, George N. Bennett, Jian Wang
  • Publication number: 20130045513
    Abstract: A process for the enzymatic reduction of an enoate (1) wherein the C?C bond of the enoate (1) is stereoselectively hydrogenated in the presence of an enoate-reductase and an oxidizable co-substrate (2) in a system which is free of NAD(P)H, a. b. in which c. A is a ketone radical (—CRO), an aldehyde radical (—CHO), a carboxyl radical (—COOR), with R?H or optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl radical, d. R1, R2 and R3 are independently of one another H, —O—C1-C6-alkyl, —O—W with W=a hydroxyl protecting group, C1-C6-alkyl, which can be substituted, C2-C6-alkenyl, carboxyl, or an optionally substituted carbo- or heterocyclic, aromatic or nonaromatic radical, or one of R1, R2 and R3 is a —OH radical, or R1 is linked to R3 so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, or R1 is linked to R so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, with the proviso that R1, R2 and R3 may not be identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Stephan Maurer, Bernhard Hauer, Melanie Bonnekessel, Kurt Faber, Clemens Stückler
  • Publication number: 20130040297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cells which are capable of converting arabinose, comprising the following steps: a) Introducing into a host strain that cannot convert arabinose, the genes AraA, araB and araD, this cell is designated as constructed cell; b) Subjecting the constructed cell to adaptive evolution until a cell that converts arabinose is obtained, c) Optionally, subjecting the first arabinose converting cell to adaptive evolution to improve the arabinose conversion; the cell produced in step b) or c) is designated as first arabinose converting cell; d) Analysing the full genome or part of the genome of the first arabinose converting cell and that of the constructed cell; e) Identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) in the first arabinose converting cell; and f) Using the information of the SNP's in rational design of a cell capable of converting arabinose; g) Construction of the cell capable of converting arabinose designed in step f).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS
    Inventors: Paul Klaassen, Bianca Elisabeth Maria Gielesen, Wilbert Herman Marie Heijne, Gijsberdina Pieternella Van Suylekom
  • Publication number: 20130040345
    Abstract: The invention relates to a host cell comprising at least four different heterologous polynucleotides chosen from the group of polynucleotides encoding cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is capable of producing the at least four different enzymes chosen from the group of cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is a filamentous fungus and is capable of secretion of the at least four different enzymes. This host cell can suitably be used for the production of an enzyme composition that can be used in a process for the saccharification of cellulosic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Alrik Pieter Los, Cornelis Maria Jacobus Sagt, Margot Elisabeth Francoise Schoonneveld-Bergmans, Robbertus Antonius Damveld
  • Publication number: 20130030215
    Abstract: A method for producing cis,trans- and trans,trans-isomers of muconate by providing cis,cis-muconate produced from a renewable carbon source through biocatalytic conversion; isomerizing cis,cis-muconate to cis,trans-muconate under reaction conditions in which substantially all of the cis,cis-muconate is isomerized to cis,trans-muconate; separating the cis,trans-muconate; and crystallizing the cis,trans-muconate. The cis,trans-isomer can be further isomerized to the trans,trans-isomer. In one example, the method includes culturing recombinant cells that express 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase, protocatechuate decarboxylase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase in a medium comprising the renewable carbon source and under conditions in which the renewable carbon source is converted to 3-dehydroshikimate by enzymes in the common pathway of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis of the cell, and the 3-dehydroshikimate is biocatalytically converted to cis,cis-muconate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Amyris, Inc.
    Inventors: Vu Bui, Man Kit Lau, Doug MacRae, Dirk Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20130017571
    Abstract: A truncated pullulanase variant of a parent pullulanase belonging to family GH57 comprising an X47 domain and the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Martin Borchert, Morten Gjermansen, Suzanne Clark, Bernard Henrissat, Maria B. Silow, Peter F. Hallin
  • Publication number: 20130011886
    Abstract: The present invention comprises pretreating a lignocellulosic feedstock with acid at a pH between about 2.0 and about 3.5 to produce a composition comprising an acid pretreated feedstock. The acid pretreated feedstock is then enzymatically hydrolyzed with cellulases and ?-glucosidase. The glucose is fermented by microorganisms to produce a fermentation broth comprising the fermentation product, followed by recovery of the fermentation product. The steps of enzymatically hydrolyzing and fermenting are conducted at a pH below about 4.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: IOGEN ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Tolan, Brian Foody
  • Patent number: 8343752
    Abstract: The technology relates in part to biological methods for producing adipic acid and engineered microorganisms capable of such production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Verdezyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Picataggio, Tom Beardslee
  • Publication number: 20120276585
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a hydrolysate of from lignocellulose-containing material, comprising pre-treatment with low temperature, hydrolysis and fermentation, wherein hydrolysis is performed by contacting the lignocellulose-containing material with an enzyme composition comprising at least 10% xylanase enzyme protein w/w%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicants: COFCO CORPORATION, NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Haiyu Ren, Dongmin Li, Yun Wang, Chuanji Fang, Hong Zhi Huang
  • Publication number: 20120264179
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam. The method can include culturing an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GENOMATICA, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Burgard, Priti Pharkya, Robin E. Osterhout
  • Publication number: 20120264902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, systems and compositions, including genetically modified microorganisms, adapted to exhibit increased tolerance to 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), particularly through alterations to interrelated metabolic pathways identified herein as the 3-HP toleragenic pathway complex (“3HPTGC”). In various embodiments these organisms are genetically modified so that an increased 3-HP tolerance is achieved. Also, genetic modifications may be made to provide at least one genetic modification to any of one or more 3-HP biosynthesis pathways in microorganisms comprising one or more genetic modifications of the 3HPTGC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicants: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate, OPX Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tanya E.W. Lipscomb, Michael D. Lynch, Ryan T. Gill
  • Publication number: 20120258510
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for recovering a vinyl acid monomer by providing an aqueous fermentation broth which undergoes microbial fermentation of a nutrient medium containing a carbon source including at least one microorganism to produce a vinyl acid monomer. The method provides a direct overall route to bio-based polymers of the vinyl acid monomer, and in particular, polymers of polyitaconic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicants: ITACONIX, LLC, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
    Inventors: Jennifer DURANT, Yvon DURANT, John SHAW
  • Publication number: 20120258504
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods for the production of difunctional alkanes in host cells. In particular, aspects of the invention describe components of genes associated with the difunctional alkane production from carbohydrate feedstocks in host cells. More specifically, aspects of the invention describe metabolic pathways for the production of adipic acid, aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, and hexamethylenediamine via 2-ketopimelic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Celexion, LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Baynes, John Michael Geremia
  • Publication number: 20120244587
    Abstract: A fermentation process includes contacting a carbohydrate source with a microorganism in an aqueous fermentation broth to form a fermentation product which is a salt or a product with a boiling point above the boiling point of water. The fermentation process is carried out at a pressure which is below atmospheric pressure and at least at the value where the reaction medium is at its boiling point at the fermentation temperature. Water is evaporated and removed from the reactor during the fermentation in an amount which is at least 20% of the volume of liquid present in the reactor at the start of the fermentation. A fermentation process at reduced pressure while removing a substantial amount of water removes a surplus of water in the system, ensures removal of reaction heat, and may lead to improved fermentation quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Purac Biochem BV
    Inventors: Jan Van Breugel, Willem Jacob Groot, Peter Paul Jansen
  • Patent number: 8273556
    Abstract: 4-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of monatin, may be synthesized from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (and/or oxaloacetic acid) by using a novel aldolase derived from the genus Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, or Xanthomonas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Masakazu Sugiyama, Kunihiko Watanabe, Shigeru Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20120237979
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Junxin Duan, Kirk Matthew Schnorr, Wenping Wu
  • Publication number: 20120231512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing alpha-ketopimelic acid, comprising converting 2-hydroxyheptanedioic acid into alpha-ketopimelic acid, which conversion is catalysed using a biocatalyst. Further, the invention relates to a heterologous cell, comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding an enzyme having catalytic activity in the conversion of 2-hydroxyheptanedioic acid into alpha-ketopimelic acid. Further, the invention relates to the use of a heterologous cell according to the invention in the preparation of caprolactam, diaminohexane or adipic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Petronella Catharina Raemakers-Franken, Axel Christoph Trefzer, Linda Vermote
  • Patent number: 8263373
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoic acids, or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), from substrates which cannot be used as a source of carbon and/or energy for microbial growth or PHA synthesis and which have microbial and environmental toxicity. According to one embodiment of the invention, a process for the production of PHA is provided wherein an enzyme such as methane monooxygenase is used to convert volatile organic compounds into PHA through the use of microorganisms that are unable to use volatile organic compounds as a source of carbon for growth or PHA production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Newlight Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Herrema, Kenton Kimmel
  • Patent number: 8258164
    Abstract: An aqueous nitroimidazole composition comprises metronidazole, tinidazole or a combination thereof at a concentration greater than the solubility of the free base form of the nitroimidazole in water at 20° C., and a nitroimidazole crystallization-inhibiting amount of at least one organic acid. The organic acid preferably is a lower alkyl carboxylic acid (e.g., acetic acid), a polybasic acid (e.g., citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, polyacrylic acid, and the like), or a combination thereof. The composition can further include a thickening agent, to form a gel. The composition is free from organic co-solvents, water-soluble vitamins, and cyclodextrins; and free from nitroimidazole crystals at an ambient temperature of about 20° C. Methods of preparing the composition are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Curatek Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Borgman, James E. Juul
  • Publication number: 20120214197
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicants: NOVOZYMES NORTH AMERICA, INC., NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventors: Sara Landvik, Marc Dominique Morant, Keiichi Ayabe, Guillermo Coward-Kelly
  • Publication number: 20120208231
    Abstract: The invention relates to an eukaryotic cell expressing nucleotide sequences encoding the ara A, ara B and ara D enzymes whereby the expression of these nucleotide sequences confers on the cell the ability to use L-arabinose and/or convert L-arabinose into L-ribulose, and/or xylulose 5-phosphate and/or into a desired fermentation product such as ethanol. Optionally, the eukaryotic cell is also able to convert xylose into ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Antonius Jeroen Adriaan VAN MARIS, Jacobus Thomas PRONK, Hendrik Wouter WISSELINK, Johannes Pieter VAN DIJKEN, Aaron Adriaan WINKLER, Johannes Hendrik DE WINDE
  • Publication number: 20120196339
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing compounds (such as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, catechol, cis,cis-muconate, or ?-carboxy-cis,cis-muconic acid) utilizing biosynthetic pathways in prokaryotic organisms expressing one or more heterologous genes. In some embodiments, the method includes expressing a heterologous asbF gene (for example, a gene having dehydroshikimate dehydratase activity) in a prokaryotic cell under conditions sufficient to produce the one or more compounds and purifying the compound. In additional embodiments, the method further includes expressing one or more of a heterologous 3,4-DHB decarboxylase gene, a heterologous catechol 1,2-dioxygenase gene, and a heterologous 3,4-DHB dioxygenase gene in the prokaryotic cell and purifying the compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew T. Koppisch, David T. Fox, Kinya Hotta, John D. Welsh
  • Publication number: 20120164702
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods for the production of difunctional alkanes in host cells. In particular, aspects of the invention describe components of genes associated with the difunctional alkane production from carbohydrate feedstocks in host cells. More specifically, aspects of the invention describe metabolic pathways for the production of adipic acid, aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, and hexamethylenediamine via 2-ketopimelic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Celexion, LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Baynes, John Michael Geremia
  • Patent number: 8202714
    Abstract: Provided are a novel microorganism and a method for purifying 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid with high purity using the microorganism. The microorganism is Pseudomonas sp. Strain HN-72 isolated from soil and has the ability to convert 2-formyl-6-naphthoic acid contained as an impurity in a crude naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, which is an oxidation product of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, to 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid. The Pseudomonas sp. strain HN-72 has excellent effects in producing high-purity 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid in high yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hyosung Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Kyoon Kim, Yong Bok Choi, Dong Sung Kim, Jong Hwan Lee, So Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8192965
    Abstract: Method for producing itaconic acid in yeast cells using glycerol as the substrate. The yeast cells express cis-aconitic acid decarboxylase and optionally, citrate synthase and/or aconitase at high levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jia-Hung Wang, Shu-Hsien Tsai, Kelly Teng
  • Publication number: 20120135482
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a dicarboxylic acid, comprising fermenting a recombinant fungal cell in a suitable fermentation medium, in the presence of high carbon dioxide concentrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Mickel Leonardus August Jansen, Rene Verwaal
  • Publication number: 20120115194
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam. The method can include culturing an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: GENOMATICA, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Burgard, Priti Pharkya, Robin E. Osterhout
  • Publication number: 20120077237
    Abstract: The technology relates in part to biological methods for producing adipic acid and engineered microorganisms capable of such production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: VERDEZYNE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen PICATAGGIO, Tom Beardslee
  • Publication number: 20120070867
    Abstract: A process for the enzymatic reduction of an enoate (1) wherein the C?C bond of the enoate (1) is stereoselectively hydrogenated in the presence of an enoate-reductase and an oxidizable co-substrate (2) in a system which is free of NAD(P)H, a. b. in which c. A is a ketone radical (—CRO), an aldehyde radical (—CHO), a carboxyl radical (—COOR), with R?H or optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl radical, d. R1, R2 and R3 are independently of one another H, —O-C1-C6-alkyl , —O—W with W=a hydroxyl protecting group, C1-C6-alkyl, which can be substituted, C2-C6-alkenyl, carboxyl, or an optionally substituted carbo- or heterocyclic, aromatic or nonaromatic radical, or one of R1, R2 and R3 is a —OH radical, or R1 is linked to R3 so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, or R1 is linked to R so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, with the proviso that R1, R2 and R3 may not be identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Steffen Maurer, Bemhard Hauer, Melanie Bonnekesse, Kurt Faber, Clemens Stückler
  • Publication number: 20120045804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and microbial host strain for converting a hexuronic acid to a hexaric acid. In particular, the invention relates to the con-version of D-galacturonic acid to meso-galactaric acid (mucic acid). The invention also concerns an isolated nucleotide sequence. According to the present method a microbial host strain genetically modified to express uronate dehydrogenase enzyme (EC 1.1.1.203) is contacted with a biomaterial comprising hexuronic acid and the con-version products are recovered. By using the recombinant microorganisms of the present invention it is possible to treat biomaterials comprising hexuronic acids and thereby decrease the amount of hexuronic acids released to the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Harry Boer, Satu Hildich, Peter Richard, Merja Penttila
  • Publication number: 20120034648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cell which comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a xylose isomerase, wherein the amino acid sequence of the xylose isomerase has at least about 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the nucleotide sequence is heterologous to the host. A cell of the invention may be used in a process for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. Such a process may comprise fermenting a medium containing a source of xylose with a cell of the invention such that the cell ferments xylose to the fermentation product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Klaassen, Jan Metske Van Der Laan, Bianca Elisabeth Maria Gielesen, Gijsberdina Pieternella Van Suylekom
  • Publication number: 20120028320
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing adipic acid, comprising converting alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) into alpha-ketoadipic acid (AKA), converting alpha-ketoadipic acid into alpha-ketopimelic acid (AKP), converting alpha-ketopimelic acid into 5-formylpentanoic acid (5-FVA), and converting 5-formylpentanoic acid into adipic acid, wherein at least one of these conversions is carried out using a heterologous biocatalyst.The invention further relates to a heterologous cell, comprising one or more heterologous nucleic acid sequences encoding one or more heterologous enzymes capable of catalysing at least one reaction step in said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Petronella Catharina Raemakers-Franken, Martin Schürmann, Axel Christoph Trefzer, Stefaan Marie André De Wildeman
  • Publication number: 20120021472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for the biocatalytic production of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids by cultivating a recombinant microorganism co-expressing a glutaconate CoA-transferase and a 2-hydroxyglutaryl-CoA dehydratase system. The present invention also relates to corresponding recombinant hosts, recombinant vectors, expression cassettes and nucleic acids suitable for preparing such hosts as well as a method of preparing polyamide or polyester copolymers making use of said dicarboxylic acids as obtained by said biocatalytic production method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Oskar Zelder, Wolfgang Buckel, Ivana Djurdjevic
  • Publication number: 20120021473
    Abstract: Processes for making SA from either a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth or a clarified MAS-containing fermentation broth that include distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that comprises water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion and a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; and separating the solid portion from the liquid portion. A method also reduces the broth distillation temperature and pressure by adding an ammonia separating and/or water azeotroping solvent to the broth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: BIOAMBER S.A.S.
    Inventors: Olan S. Fruchey, Brian T. Keen, Brooke A. Albin, Bernard D. Dombek, Nye A. Clinton, Paul R. Zitzelsberger, Matthew B. Brumley
  • Patent number: 8088607
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam. The method can include culturing an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Genomatica, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Burgard, Priti Pharkya, Robin E. Osterhout
  • Publication number: 20110318795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant fungus comprising an enzyme which catalyses the conversion of malic acid to fumaric acid in the cytosol. The invention further relates to a process for the production of a dicarboxylic acid such as fumaric acid and succinic acid, wherein the recombinant fungus is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: René Verwaal, Liang Wu, Robbertus Antonius Damveld, Cornelis Maria Jacobus Sagt
  • Publication number: 20110300594
    Abstract: This invention provides a process of making a linear dicarboxylic acid of C10, C12, C14, C16 or C18 chain length, the process comprising providing a feed which is a renewable resource, contacting the feed with a catalyst in the presence of hydrogen and at a temperature of about 250° C. to about 425° C. and at a pressure of about 500 psig to about 2500 psig (3450 kPa to about 17,250 kPa) to produce a hydrocarbon product having at least a 5:1 ratio of even-numbered alkanes to odd-numbered alkanes and comprising a linear alkane of Cn chain length; and fermenting at least a portion of the linear alkane of Cn chain length to a linear dicarboxylic acid of Cn chain length, wherein n=10, 12, 14, 16 or 18. The catalyst comprises an oxide, molybdenum, and one or more active metals selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and mixtures thereof and the catalyst is in sulfided form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Joachim C. Ritter, Sourav Kumar Sengupta, Hasan Dindi, Robert D. Fallon, Ekaterini Korovessi, Andrew C. Eliot, John Joseph Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 8071342
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system and method for the treatment of gaseous emissions comprising methane, and in one specific embodiment, to a system and method for the treatment of emissions through the use of methanotrophic microorganisms. Certain embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous because they reduce environmentally-destructive methane emissions and produce harvestable end-products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Newlight Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Donald Herrema, Kenton Kimmel
  • Patent number: 8062871
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam. The method can include culturing an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Genomatica, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Burgard, Priti Pharkya, Robin E. Osterhout
  • Publication number: 20110281310
    Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods wherein unique and advantageous combinations of gene mutations are used to direct carbon flow from sugars to a single product. The techniques of the subject invention can be used to obtain products from native pathways as well as from recombinant pathways. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient production of acetate and pyruvic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: THOMAS B. CAUSEY, Lonnie O'Neal Ingram, Shengde Zhou, Keelnatham T. Shanmugam
  • Patent number: 8058038
    Abstract: 4-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of monatin, may be synthesized from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (and/or oxalacetic acid) by using a novel aldolase derived from the genus Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, or Xanthomonas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Masakazu Sugiyama, Kunihiko Watanabe, Shigeru Kawahara
  • Patent number: 8048655
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the recovery of an organic acid from a dilute salt solution in which the cation of the salt forms an insoluble carbonate salt. A tertiary amine and CO2 are introduced to the solution to form the insoluble carbonate salt and a complex between the acid and an amine. A water immiscible solvent, such as an alcohol, is added to extract the acid/amine complex from the dilute salt solution to a reaction phase. The reaction phase is continuously dried and a product between the acid and the solvent, such as an ester, is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: ZeaChem, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan W. Verser, Timothy J. Eggeman
  • Publication number: 20110244525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformed microorganism capable of (a) a higher xylose isomerase activity than the equivalent microorganism prior to transformation; and/or (b) a higher growth rate in or on a growth medium comprising xylose than the equivalent microorganism prior to transformation; and/or (c) a faster metabolism of xylose than the equivalent microorganism prior to transformation; and/or (d) a higher production of ethanol when grown anaerobically on xylose as the carbon source than the equivalent microorganism prior to transformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: TERRANOL A/S
    Inventors: Birgitte Rönnow, Thomas Hvid Andersen, Ole Sibbesen
  • Publication number: 20110229945
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a dicarboxylic acid. The process comprises fermenting a yeast in the presence of a carbohydrate-containing substrate and low amounts of oxygen at a pH value at which at least 50% of the dicarboxylic acid is in the acid form. The process of the present invention allows for high yields of the dicarboxylic acid product and is more cost-effective than existing processes in which the salt is produced which during recovery has to be converted to the acid. It also leads to a simpler and more convenient downstream processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Mickel Leonardus August Jansen, René Verwaal
  • Publication number: 20110217740
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of degrading plant biomass, and microorganisms and polypeptides used in such methods, hi certain embodiments, the methods include growing Anaerocellum thermophilum on a substrate that comprises plant biomass under conditions effective for the A. thermophilum to convert at least a portion of the plant biomass to a water soluble product or a water insoluble product, hi some cases, the method can further include one or more steps to further process the water soluble product or a water insoluble product to produce, for example, a biofuel or commodity chemical. In another aspect, microorganisms that include at least one A. thermophilum plant biomass utilization polynucleotide are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of transferring one or more A. thermophilum plant biomass utilization polynucleotides to a recipient microorganism. A. thermophilum plant biomass utilization polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: University of Georgia Research
    Inventors: Michael W.W. Adams, Janet Westpheling, Scott Hamilton-Brehm, Irina Kataeva, Sung-Jae Yang, Farris Poole
  • Publication number: 20110207185
    Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate pathway, p-toluate pathway, and/or terephthalate pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate pathway, p-toluate pathway or terephthalate pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Robin E. OSTERHOUT
  • Publication number: 20110189727
    Abstract: A method for the modification of a material comprising a non-starch carbohydrate, which method comprises contacting said material comprising a non-starch carbohydrate with a polypeptide which has peroxidase activity and which is: a. a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 55% homology with an amino acid sequence set out in any one of: amino acids 21 to 513 of SEQ NO: 2; amino acids 20 to 510 of SEQ ID NO: 4; amino acids 1 to 493 of SEQ ID NO 6; or amino acids 1 to 491 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or b. a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide comprising the nucleotide sequence having at least 55% homology with a nucleotide sequence set out in any one of: nucleotides 61 to 1539 of SEQ ID NO: 1; nucleotides 58 to 1530 of SEQ ID NO: 3; nucleotides 1 to 1479 of SEQ ID NO: 5; or nucleotides 1 to 1473 of SEQ ID NO: 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Holger Zorn, Renate Szweda, Manoj Kumar, Johannes Wilms
  • Publication number: 20110177567
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a fermentation product from lignocellulosic biomass, to a reactor to carry out the method and to use of the reactor to produce a fermentation product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Reurd Christophor Bakker, Edserd De Jong, Ronald Hubertus Wilhelmus Maas, Ruud Alexander Weusthuis, Diana Visser, Hendrik Martinus Winkelaar, Mickel Leonardus August Jansen
  • Publication number: 20110171696
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods for the production of difunctional alkanes in host cells. In particular, aspects of the invention describe components of genes associated with the difunctional alkane production from carbohydrate feedstocks in host cells. More specifically, aspects of the invention describe metabolic pathways for the production of adipic acid, aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, and hexamethylenediamine via 2-ketopimelic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Celexion, LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Baynes, John Michael Geremia
  • Publication number: 20110139662
    Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a synthetic superabsorbent polymer derived from a first renewable resource via at least one intermediate compound, wherein said superabsorbent polymer exhibits a defined Saline Flow Conductivity value and Absorption Against Pressure value. Alternately, an absorbent article is disclosed having a synthetic polyolefin derived from a first renewable resource via at least one inteimediate compound. The synthetic polyolefin exhibits defined performance characteristics making the polyolefin particularly useful in certain components of the absorbent article. Methods for making the aforementioned absorbent articles are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Bryn Hird, Eric Ted Addington