Recombinant microalgae cells producing novel oils

US7935515B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SOLAZYME, INC. · US

Inventors

• Scott Franklin · South San Francisco, US
• Aravind Somanchi · Redwood City, US
• Karen Espina · San Francisco, US
• George Rudenko · Mountain View, US
• Penelope Chua · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 30, 2009
• Grant date: May 3, 2011
• Expiry date: Nov 30, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/678
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Disclosed herein are obligate heterotrophic microalgae cells containing an exogenous gene. In some embodiments the gene is a sucrose utilization gene, and further disclosed are methods of manufacturing triglyceride oils using sugar cane or sugar beets as a feedstock in a heterotrophic fermentation. In other embodiments the feedstock is depolymerized cellulosic material. Also disclosed are cells that produce medium chain fatty acids at levels not produced in non-recombinant cells of the same species and genus.