Genetically modified yeast species, and fermentation processes using genetically modified yeast

US8440451B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CARGILL, INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Vineet Rajgarhia · Dublin, US
• Kari Koivuranta · Helsinki, FI
• Merja Penttila · Helsinki, FI
• Marja Ilmen · Helsinki, FI
• Pirkko Suominen · Helsinki, FI
• Aristos Aristidou · Highlands Ranch, US
• Christopher K. Miller · Andover, US
• Stacey Olson · Minneapolis, US
• Laura Ruohonen · Helsinki, FI

Key dates

• Filing date: May 14, 2011
• Grant date: May 14, 2013
• Expiry date: May 14, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/52
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Yeast cells are transformed with an exogenous xylose isomerase gene. Additional genetic modifications enhance the ability of the transformed cells to ferment xylose to ethanol or other desired fermentation products. Those modifications include deletion of non-specific or specific aldose reductase gene(s), deletion of xylitol dehydrogenase gene(s) and/or overexpression of xylulokinase.