Algae, Media Therefor Patents (Class 435/257.1)
  • Patent number: 7507554
    Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of ethanol by harvesting starch-accumulating filament-forming or colony-forming algae to form a biomass, initiating cellular decay of the biomass, fermenting the biomass in the presence of a yeast, and the isolating the ethanol produced. The present invention further relates to processing of the biomass remaining after ethanol production to recovering biodiesel starting materials and/or generation of heat and carbon dioxide via combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Propulsion Logic, LLC
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Bush, Kevin M. Hall
  • Publication number: 20090070900
    Abstract: Novel materials containing dispersed or aligned biomolecules and/or cells and biomasses, which are preferably chemically modified, can be preferably used as conductors, semiconductors, transistors, resistors or non-conductors and as artificial jewels and gemologic materials, materials for use in computer, aerospace, marine and automobile industries, as well as modified alloys for machines and pipelines, boring and drilling machines and materials, and for pumps and for oil industry, as well as for furniture, for wood paper and cellulose industry, as well as for textile industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Alexander Cherkasky
  • Publication number: 20090047722
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for releasing one or more cell components from a photosynthetic organism. A bioreactor system is operable for growing photosynthetic organisms. Some of the methods include contacting the photosynthetic organism with an energy-activatable sensitizer, and activating the energy-activatable sensitizer, thereby releasing a cellular component from at least one of, for example, a membrane structure, tubule, vesicle, cisterna, organelle, cell compartment, plastid, or mitochondrion, associated with the photosynthetic organisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: BIONAVITAS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian D. Wilkerson, James C. Chen, John Pulse, Andrei Guschin, Michael Weaver
  • Publication number: 20090047730
    Abstract: Methods for controlling dust and other particulates using photosynthetic organisms to create a bio-crust. The methods include applying algae to a site under conditions suitable for forming a layer over the site that provides dust control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy R. Higgins, Robert L. Redpath
  • Patent number: 7485451
    Abstract: Storage stable compositions of biological materials, including bioactive biological materials are provided in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion, comprising: (a) cellular material selected from living and/or dormant prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells and tissues, the cellular material being compatible with water-in-oil emulsions; (b) one or more oils selected from vegetable oils and fish oils; (c) an oil-soluble nonionic polymeric surfactant having a molecular weight of from about 2500 to about 15000; and (d) water. The compositions may also contain a thickener such as a hydrophobic fumed silica or bentonite. Compositions may be used for various purposes, depending on the contained biological material. Specific examples include compositions containing Fusarium lateritium control of Eutypa lata in plant wounds made by cutting or pruning, and compositions containing Lagenidium giganteum for control of mosquitoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Jean S. VanderGheynst, Herbert B. Scher
  • Patent number: 7484329
    Abstract: The present invention provides unique technology, systems and methods of cultivating different types of seaweeds, including, but not limited to, Porphyra (Nori), Laminaria, Undaria, Eucheuma, Gracillaria, Ulva, Sargassum, Codium, Cladophora, Ascophyllum, Palmaria, Furcellaria, Fucus or Enteromorpha, in land-based seawater ponds having a climatically suitable and nutrient controlled environment. These land-based ponds may be built in any part of the world with structural engineering and architectural modifications. The land based units for cultivation of seaweeds comprise phycological laboratory facilities, U-shaped sleeves, to allow the maturation of the sporelings; growth tanks, U-shaped cultivation tanks, a plurality of small inoculation tanks aerated with air, and a harvesting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Seaweed Bio-Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Israel Levy
  • Publication number: 20090031454
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode novel fatty acid hydroxylases. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors including hydroxylase nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and methods for the production of hydroxyl fatty acids such as 12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoic acid (ricinoleic acid).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: Bioriginal Food & Science Corp., University of Saskatchewan
    Inventors: Dauenpen Meesapyodsuk, Xiao Qiu
  • Publication number: 20090029445
    Abstract: A biological growth reactor vessel for the cultivation of micro-algae, diatoms or other unicellular organisms, especially for oil production, is described which incorporates a dispensing rod to which are attached a plurality of clear paddles which increase surface area for the diffusion of light and growth enhancing admixtures such as CO2, nitrogen and cellulose premixed at micron level. The dispensing rod incorporates a plurality of holes strategically placed to disperse the micron-mixture slurry of the growth admixtures. The dispensing rod and its attached clear paddles make use of methods and technologies to concurrently micron mix admixtures such as natural gases, amendments and other biological factors such as enzymes and microbes to increase contact area between said mixtures and micro-algae, diatoms or other naturally occurring unicellular growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Nicholas Eckelberry, T. Riggs Eckelberry
  • Patent number: 7479167
    Abstract: A method for the production of biofuels from the open ocean comprises the steps: testing the currents to determine that a biomass remains in a zone suitable for harvesting; harvesting a portion of the biomass; and processing a portion of the harvested biomass to produce useful components of biofuels. An improved method of production of a biofuel comprises the additional steps of testing the ocean surface waters to determine any nutrients that are missing, and applying a fertilizer with any missing nutrients. The currents should be such that the biomass created stays in the ocean waters suitable for harvest rather than washed up on shores, or dispersed to other areas of the ocean. Suitable currents include ocean gyres such as the Sargasso Sea. Suitable biomass includes seaweeds that float in the open ocean and aggregate together in floating patches, such as the Sargassum weed in the Sargasso Sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Michael Markels, Jr. Revocable Trust
    Inventor: Michael Markels, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090011492
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention involve methods and systems for preselecting, adapting, and preconditioning one or more species of photosynthetic organisms, such as algae, to specific environmental and/ or operating conditions to which the photosynthetic organisms will subsequently be exposed during utilization in a photobioreactor apparatus of a gas treatment system. Also disclosed are new algal strains and cultures that can be produced by practicing the preselection, adaption, and preconditioning methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Greenfuel Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Isaac Berzin
  • Publication number: 20090004219
    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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ABL Biotechnologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Issac Oomman Kallenmareth, Philip Oomman Kollenmareth, Rajni Sophia Vedamuthu, Kumar Lakshmana Arlagadda, Raghukumar Seshagiri
  • Patent number: 7470532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fungal C16/18 fatty acid elongase that is able to catalyze the conversion of palmitate (16:0) to stearic acid (18:0). Specifically, the nucleotide sequence of a Mortierella alpina C16/18 fatty acid elongase is provided (designated as “ELO3”). Methods of increasing microbial oil production, increasing carbon flux into the polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthetic pathway and increasing the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids by over-expression of the C16/18 fatty acid elongase are described herein. Most desirably, the substrate specificity of the instant ELO3 will be particularly useful to enable accumulation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in oleaginous yeast, such as Yarrowia lipolytica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Macool, Zhixiong Xue, Quinn Qun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20080318304
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns producing a micro-algae product. In preferred embodiments, the method comprises collecting urine from lactating cows, mixing the collected urine with aerobically digested cow manure to form a mother liquor, fermenting the mother liquor in an algae growth tank; and forming two distinct layers of top water, including a top water layer, the top-water layer including yeast by-products and algae by-products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Dudley Burton, Warren Cleeland
  • Publication number: 20080311646
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a carbon supply device for supplying carbon dioxide during large scale cultivation of micro-algae in open pond, and its application method and use. The device comprises a trap container in which a partition plate is installed vertically and has a 10-50 cm gap from the container bottom, and the partition plate is higher than the wall of the trap container; and a gas distributor is positioned at the bottom of the container. In use, the trap carbon supply device is embedded in bottom of an open pond, wherein the partition plate is above the liquid level of the culture solution in the open pond such that the culture solution driven by a stirrer flows into the trap carbon supply device from one side thereof, and flows out of the device from the other side thereof, wherein the culture solution is mixed with carbon dioxide at the bottom of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: INSTITUTE OF PROCESS ENGINEERING, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Wei Cong, Zhenfeng Su, Ruijuan Kang, Chengyan Yang, Zhaoling Cai
  • Publication number: 20080274494
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing algae for sequestering carbon dioxide and then harvesting the algae includes a container for a suspension of algae in a liquid and a bioreactor having a translucent channel in fluid communication with the container to absorb CO2 and grow the algae. A monitor determines the growth of the algae in the channel. A separator separates the grown algae from the suspension and an extractor extracts biomaterials from the grown algae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Malcolm Glen Kertz
  • Publication number: 20080260692
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spirulina combination composed of at least two distinct strain types from the genus Arthrospira, particularly Arthrospira LONAR and Arthrospira PARACAS whose phycocyanin content is between 13 and 30%, a method for obtaining such a combination, a composition containing this combination, and its use as a therapeutic and/or cosmetic agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Vidalo
  • Publication number: 20080254529
    Abstract: A liquid culture medium containing photosynthetic organisms dispenses from a droplet generator combined with a screen in the presence of light, and in the presence of a gaseous medium to form a liquid culture medium gas-enriched with the gaseous medium. Specifically, the droplets exiting the droplet generator entrain the gaseous medium. The droplets and entrained gaseous medium then impinge upon a screen. As the droplets and entrained gaseous medium impinge upon the screen, the droplets splatter and change direction and velocity, thereby generating areas of high turbulence around the screen. This high turbulence results in additional and increased mixing of the gaseous medium to create a highly gas-enriched liquid culture medium which promotes improved growth rates and production of the photosynthetic organisms contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Howard G. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20080227195
    Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: The Scripps Research Institute
    Inventors: Jason W. Chin, T. Ashton Cropp, J. Christopher Anderson, Peter G. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20080220486
    Abstract: A method of growing photosynthetic organisms comprising providing the organisms with flue gases from a fossil-fuel power plant, the gases being previously treated by desulfurization. The carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration of the flue gases may be increased over the CO2 concentration as released from the power plant. Also disclosed is a method for producing ? fatty acids and bio-fuels comprising growing microalgae by providing said microalgae with flue gases from a fossil-fuel power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: SEAMBIOTIC LTD.
    Inventor: Herman Weiss
  • Publication number: 20080213868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for concentrating an aqueous suspension of microalgae. The suspension of microalgae is passed through a tangential filtering device for partially removing water from the suspension without rupturing the microalgae, thereby obtaining a concentrated suspension of microalgae and filtered water. Such a method can be use in systems for production of microalgae. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: RIVAL
    Inventor: Real Fournier
  • Publication number: 20080178739
    Abstract: Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to a photobioreactor including covered photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, a portion of the liquid medium is diverted from a photobioreactor unit and reintroduced upstream of the diversion position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Greenfuel Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John J. Lewnard, Xiaoxi Wu
  • Publication number: 20080166779
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of cultivating microalgae photoautotrophically outdoors to prepare concentrated microalgae products containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) docosahexaenoic acid, two long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil that are very important for human and animal health. It also provides concentrated microalgae products containing EPA and DHA and purified lipid products containing EPA and DHA purified from microalgae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Parry Nutraceuticals Ltd.
    Inventors: Swati Sebastian Thomas, Swaminathan Kumaravel
  • Patent number: 7381558
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Barclay
  • Publication number: 20080124767
    Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and producing sucrose from cyanobacteria, by growing a cyanobacterium in a growth medium; incubating the cyanobacteria in a salt containing medium under conditions that promote sucrose production; and exposing the cyanobacteria to acidic conditions, wherein the acidic conditions trigger sucrose secretion into the medium. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used as a new global crop for the manufacture of sucrose, glucose, or fructose, CO2 fixation, for the production of alternative sources of conventional cellulose as well as a biofuel and precursors thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas at Austin
    Inventors: David R. Nobles, R. Malcolm Brown
  • Publication number: 20080118964
    Abstract: A process for cultivating photosynthetic microbes comprising Closed Systems for continuous cultivation and Open Systems for batch cultivation, in which (a) the Closed System Area occupies no more than 20% of the Total Land Area of the cultivation facility; (b) batch cultures in the Open Systems are initiated with an inoculum from the Closed Systems containing a cell biomass of no less than 5% of the carrying capacity of said Open System; (c) the doubling rate of said photosynthetic microbe is no less than once every 16 hours; and (d) the residence time of the batch culture in said Open System is no more than a period of 5 days.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Edward Huntley, Donald C. Redalje
  • Publication number: 20080118968
    Abstract: Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) isolated from the unicellular red algae, Cyanidium caldarium, are disclosed. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode Cyanidium caldarium protein homologs and fragments therof. In addition, antibodies capable of binding the proteins are encompassed by the present invention. The disclosed ESTs have particular utility in isolating genes and promoters, identifying and mapping the genes involved in developmental and metabolic pathways, and determining gene function. The ESTs provide a unique molecular tool for the targeting and isolation of novel genes for plant protection and improvement. The invention also relates to methods of using the disclosed nucleic acid molecules, proteins, fragments of proteins, and antibodies, for example, for gene identification and analysis, and preparation of constructs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Dane K. Fisher, Raghunath V. Lalgudi
  • Patent number: 7374908
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a process for conveniently and efficiently producing large amounts of astaxanthin and canthaxanthin from a material which can be easily obtained. A microorganism Thraustochytrium sp. CHN-3 (FERM P-18556) capable of producing astaxanthin and canthaxanthin, which belongs to the genus Labyrinthula and the Thraustochytrium species, is cultured and thus astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are accumulated in the microbial cells. Then the cells are separated from the medium and astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are collected from the separated cells by extracting with a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yukiho Yamaoka
  • Publication number: 20080086938
    Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Eric H. Dunlop
  • Patent number: 7326558
    Abstract: The treatment of spirulina by a process which includes placing spirulina that has not been previously heat-sterilized, lactic acid bacteria and sugar in water, then culturing the lactic acid bacteria provides treated spirulina in which the distinctive taste and odor of spirulina are minimized, in which active ingredients such as phycocyanin remain intact, and which contains a reduced level of bacteria other than lactic acid bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Sakakibara, Yoshitsugu Fukuda, Akiko Sekiya, Hideji Nishihashi, Tomohiro Hirahashi
  • Publication number: 20070289206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sequestering CO2 using algae comprises a plurality of vertically suspended bioreactors, each bioreactor being translucent and including a flow channel formed by a plurality of baffles. A culture tank contains a suspension of water and at least one algae and includes a plurality of gas jets for introducing a CO2-containing gas into the suspension. The culture tank is in fluid communication with an inlet in each channel for flowing the suspension through the channel in the presence of light. A pump pumps the suspension into the channel inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Malcolm Glen Kertz
  • Patent number: 7306932
    Abstract: The invention relates to alleles of the glk gene from coryneform bacteria coding for glucokinases, and to processes for the production of L-lysine by fermentation using bacteria containing such alleles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Brigitte Bathe, Stephan Hans, Caroline Reynen
  • Publication number: 20070264708
    Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus in which a container has sidewalls, a floor and a ceiling defining a chamber that contains a slurry of water, nutrients and photosynthetic microorganisms. A plurality of optical fibers, each of which has a first end disposed outside the chamber and a second end in the mixture. A light collector spaced from the container has light incident on it and focuses the light onto the first ends of the plurality of optical fibers, thereby permitting the light to be conveyed into the mixture to promote photosynthesis. At least one nozzle is in fluid communication with a source of gas, such as exhaust gas from a fossil-fuel burning power plant containing carbon dioxide. The nozzle is disposed in the mixture beneath the second ends of the optical fibers for injecting the gas into the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: Ohio University
    Inventors: David J. Bayless, Morgan Lefay Vis-Chiasson, Ben Stuart, Gregory G. Kremer
  • Patent number: 7288387
    Abstract: A carotenogenic biosynthetic gene cluster has been isolated from Panteoa stewartii strain DC413, wherein the genetic organization of the cluster is crtE-idi-crtX-crtY-crtI-crtB-crtZ. The genes contained within this cluster encode geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) synthetase (CrtE), isopentenyl pyrophosphate isomerase (Idi), zeaxanthin glucosyl transferase (CrtX), lycopene cyclase (CrtY), phytoene desaturase (CrtI), phytoene synthase (CrtB), and ?-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ). The gene cluster, genes and their products are useful for the conversion of farnesyl pyrophosphate to carotenoids. Vectors containing those DNA segments, host cells containing the vectors and methods for producing those enzymes by recombinant DNA technology in transformed host organisms are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Qiong Cheng, Luan Tao, Natalia Sedkova
  • Patent number: 7256022
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, James H. Flatt, Jerry M. Kuner, William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 7256023
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, James H. Flatt, Jerry M. Kuner, William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 7252979
    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: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Martek Bioscience Corporation
    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: 7238855
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant genetics and biochemistry. More specifically, the invention relates to genes associated with the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. The present invention provides and includes nucleic acid molecules, proteins, and antibodies associated with the genes of the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. The present invention also provides methods for utilizing such agents, for example in gene isolation, gene analysis and the production of transgenic plants. Moreover, the present invention includes transgenic plants modified to express proteins associated with the tocopherol pathway. In addition, the present invention includes methods for the production of products from the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Henry E. Valentin, Timothy A. Mitsky, Ming Hao, Balasulojini Karunanandaa, Qungang Qi
  • Patent number: 7229785
    Abstract: In situ fluorescence method to monitor state of sulfur-deprived algal culture's ability to produce H2 under sulfur depletion, comprising: a) providing sulfur-deprived algal culture; b) illuminating culture; c) measuring onset of H2 percentage in produced gas phase at multiple times to ascertain point immediately after anerobiosis to obtain H2 data as function of time; and d) determining any abrupt change in three in situ fluorescence parameters; i) increase in Ft (steady-state level of chlorophyll fluorescence in light adapted cells); ii) decrease in Fm?, (maximal saturating light induced fluorescence level in light adapted cells); and iii) decrease in ?F/Fm?=(Fm??Ft)/Fm? (calculated photochemical activity of photosystem II (PSII) signaling full reduction of plastoquinone pool between PSII and PSI, which indicates start of anaerobic conditions that induces synthesis of hydrogenase enzyme for subsequent H2 production that signal oxidation of plastoquinone pool asmain factor to regulate H2 under sulfur depletio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Michael Seibert, Valeriya Makarova, Anatoly A. Tsygankov, Andrew B. Rubin
  • Patent number: 7229786
    Abstract: A method of producing a carotenoid in solid form includes culturing a strain of Chlorophyta algae cells in a minimal inorganic medium and separating the algae comprising a solid form of carotenoid. In one embodiment f the invention, the strain of Chlorophyta algae cells includes a strain f Chlamydomonas algae cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents
    Inventor: Laura Eggink
  • Patent number: 7163811
    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: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    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: 7135308
    Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of ethanol by harvesting starch-accumulating filament-forming or colony-forming algae to form a biomass, initiating cellular decay of the biomass in a dark and anaerobic environment, fermenting the biomass in the presence of a yeast, and the isolating the ethanol produced. The present invention further relates to processing of the biomass remaining after ethanol production to recovering biodiesel starting materials and/or generation of heat and carbon dioxide via combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Propulsion Logic, LLC
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Bush, Kevin M. Hall
  • Patent number: 7122337
    Abstract: A method of determining calciotropic activity of a preparation of algae of the genus Padina pavonica. The algae preparation may be in the form of a powder or an extract. The method consists of culturing human or animal osteoblasts in a culture medium containing calcium ions in a well plate. The preparation is added thereto and non-fixed calcium ions are eliminated in the culture medium. Further, the culture medium is acidified to destroy an extracellular matrix formed by the osteoblasts in the culture medium. Thereafter, filtering of the culture medium is carried out and then a concentration of fixed calcium ions in the osteoblasts is determined and compared with a calibration scale of a known activator of the fixation of calcium or in the presence of an inhibitor of the fixation of calcium or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignees: Texinfine SA, Patrinove SC
    Inventor: Gilles Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7080478
    Abstract: The present invention provides unique technology, systems and methods of cultivating different types of seaweeds, including, but not limited to, Porphyra (Nori), Laminaria, Undaria, Eucheuma, Gracillaria, Ulva, Sargassum, Codium, Cladophora, Ascophyllum, Palmaria, Furcellaria, Fucus or Enteromorpha, in land-based seawater ponds having a climatically suitable and nutrient controlled environment. These land-based ponds may be built in any part of the world with structural engineering and architectural modifications. The invention provides methods of designing different stages of growth, and defining the special conditions to optimize each of the different stages in controlled environments. The technology includes techniques of enriching the seaweeds with desired nutrients and ingredients for the production of high quality products that are free of marine pollutants, in addition to generating maximum yields under optimum, clean, temperature controlled and stable environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Noritech Seaweed Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Israel Levy
  • Patent number: 7033584
    Abstract: A process is provided for growing microflora of the order Thraustochytriales such as Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment, the process produce, microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further provided is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixture thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, reapedeed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. A method for increasing omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of eggs by feeding a feed to poultry. The feed contains the microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales having a omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of more than 6.7 percent of total cell dry weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Omegatech, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 7022512
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 6989252
    Abstract: A reversible physiological process provides for the temporal separation of oxygen evolution and hydrogen production in a microorganism, which includes the steps of growing a culture of the microorganism in medium under illuminated conditions to accumulate an endogenous substrate, depleting from the medium a nutrient selected from the group consisting of sulfur, iron, and/or manganese, sealing the culture from atmospheric oxygen, incubating the culture in light whereby a rate of light-induced oxygen production is equal to or less than a rate of respiration, and collecting an evolved gas. The process is particularly useful to accomplish a sustained photobiological hydrogen gas production in cultures of microorganisms, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Anastasios Melis, Liping Zhang, John R. Benemann, Marc Forestier, Maria Ghirardi, Michael Seibert
  • Patent number: 6977167
    Abstract: A process for the heterotrophic or predominantly heterotrophic production of whole-celled or extracted microbial products with a high concentration of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, producible in an aerobic culture under controlled conditions using biologically pure cultures of heterotrophic single-celled fungi microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales. The harvested whole-cell microbial product can be added to processed foods as a nutritional supplement, or to fish and animal feeds to enhance the omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of products produced from these animals. The lipids containing these fatty acids can also be extracted and used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Barclay
  • Patent number: 6936459
    Abstract: The invention relates to the development of a novel medium starting from fresh water using a salt solution complex comprising a non conventional salt, namely KCl and conventional salts such as NaCl and MgSO4 in the proportion defined in the specification to generate biomass of higher carotenogenesis in particular Betacarotene and its isomers using Dunaliella salina ARL5 in a single stage of active growth. D.salina ARL5, a local isolate, has an unique property of having a wide range of pH and temperature tolerance which is beneficial in production terms as it is grown in external conditions (i.e. outdoors).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Proalgen Biotech Limited
    Inventors: Nidamangala Srinivasa Venkatesh, Rajagopal Balaji, Parthasarathy Satnyamurthy
  • Patent number: 6893642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition containing proteoglycan extracts of algae and a process for preparing proteoglycan extracts from the algae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Qing Qi, Jian Ding
  • Patent number: 6872516
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing uniform carbon-13 labeled biomass using a water soluble carbon-13 labeled carbon source, such as a [13C]-bicarbonate or [13C]-carbonate salt, is disclosed. The biomass is prepared in one or more sterile carboys filled with growth medium, in which acidity, oxygen, and biomass density are carefully monitored and maintained. By using a solid, water-soluble [13C]-bicarbonate or [13C]-carbonate salt as the sole carbon source, a biomass is provided which is uniformly and efficiently labeled with carbon-13. This method and apparatus is particularly useful for the growth of an edible carbon-13 labeled algal mass, with Spirulina platensis being a specific alga species. The biomass may be prepared in conformance with FDA current good manufacturing practice regulations, and may be harvested and formed into lyophilized bulk drug powder which may be further processed into various drug product forms which are useful for diagnostic tests or in pharmaceutical compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Breath Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Darrel Evans, Stanley John Konopka, Eric Charles Henry, William Michael Houston