Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1995-2014
Title: Innovations of Brent E. Wood in Ethanol Production
Introduction
Brent E. Wood is a notable inventor based in Gainesville, FL (US), recognized for his contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in ethanol production. With a total of 6 patents, his work focuses on optimizing recombinant host cells for efficient ethanol generation from oligosaccharides.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents involves recombinant host cells and media for ethanol production. This invention discloses recombinant host cells that are optimized for degrading oligosaccharides, leading to high yields of ethanol. The methods outlined in this patent include the use of minimal media comprising urea-like compounds, which facilitate economical ethanol production by recombinant microorganisms. The recombinant cells are modified through gene mutation to eliminate the production of unwanted byproducts, thereby enhancing ethanol yield compared to unmutated strains. The new strains of bacteria exhibit superior productivity and yield when cultivated under fermentation conditions using minimal growth media with inexpensive reagents. Additionally, the invention provides systems optimized for ethanol production that combine selected minimal media with recombinant host cells tailored for efficient fermentation processes.
Another significant patent focuses on recombinant host cells that express chromosomally-integrated heterologous genes. These cells contain a polypeptide-encoding polynucleotide segment that is stably integrated into their chromosome and is under the control of an endogenous promoter. A mutation enhances the expression of this segment, resulting in increased production of the encoded polypeptides. This innovation allows for efficient conversion of a variety of biomass-derived sugars into ethanol.
Career Highlights
Brent E. Wood is affiliated with the University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, where he continues to advance research in biotechnology and ethanol production. His work has significantly impacted the field, contributing to more sustainable and efficient methods of biofuel production.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Brent has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Lonnie O. Ingram and Kazuyoshi Ohta, further enhancing the scope and impact of his research.
Conclusion
Brent E. Wood's innovative work in recombinant host cells and ethanol production exemplifies the potential of biotechnology to address energy challenges. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing sustainable practices in biofuel production, making significant strides in the field.