DNA2.0 announced that USPTO has recognized its bioengineering work by awarding the company a new patent. Patent 8,158,391 covers genetic modifications to yeasts of the genus Candida that enable them to produce commercially valuable yields of omega hydroxy-fatty acids. Until now, these key chemical building blocks could only be produced using synthetic chemistry, making them too expensive for most applications. DNA2.0 expects this new bio-based production route to make hydroxy-fatty acids available for the synthesis of lubricants, adhesives, and monomers for a unique family of bio-based plastics. Unlike existing bioplastics, this new family of polymers will have properties very similar to polyethylene, allowing for easy acceptance in the marketplace. The plastics can be used for packaging and other purposes and can afterwards be broken down and turned into diesel fuel.
DNA2.0 collaborated with Professor Richard Gross and his lab at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, N.Y. to engineer the yeast. The yeast production strain was engineered to produce omega hydroxy-fatty acids by identifying and eliminating from the yeast genome 16 genes that had been preventing accumulation of the desired compounds. DNA2.0 then introduced genes encoding different hydroxylation enzymes, allowing Professor Gross’ lab to identify those that best produced hydroxy-fatty acids.
“This patent demonstrates the value of DNA2.0’s tools, which have enabled a small team of scientists to rewire a cell for cost-effective production of useful chemicals“ said Jeremy Minshull, cofounder and CEO of DNA2.0. “Weaning ourselves from petrochemicals will require us to develop renewable alternatives without compromising performance. We are proud to combine our engineering expertise to co-develop solutions with pioneering scientists such as Professor Gross.“
The research to develop the patent was funded in part by a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) grant for its Mobile Integrated Sustainable Energy Recovery (MISER) program. The goal is to achieve nearly complete plastic packaging waste reduction while harnessing 90 percent of the packaging energy content for use in electricity generation.
About DNA2.0
DNA2.0 is the leading bioengineering solutions provider. Founded in 2003, DNA2.0 offers an integrated pipeline of solutions for the research community, including gene design, optimization, synthesis and cloning, as well as platforms for protein and strain engineering. It is the fastest provider of synthetic genes—based in the US with a global customer base encompassing academia, government and the pharmaceutical, chemical, agricultural and biotechnology industries. DNA2.0 is by far the most published synthetic gene vendor, providing expert support to and collaboration with scientists. DNA2.0 explores novel applications for synthetic genes and is exploiting the synergy between highly efficient gene design and synthesis processes and new protein optimization technologies. DNA2.0’s tools and solutions are fueling the transformation of biology from a discovery science to an engineering discipline. The company is privately held and is headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif. For more information, please visit www.DNA20.com.