Deborah Knutzon

Title: **Deborah Knutzon: Innovator in Fatty Acid Synthesis**

Introduction

Deborah Knutzon, an accomplished inventor based in Granite Bay, California, has made significant contributions to the field of fatty acid synthesis. With a remarkable portfolio of 11 patents, her work primarily focuses on methods and compositions for synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are crucial for various health applications.

Latest Patents

Among her latest patents, Deborah has developed innovative methods relating to fatty acid desaturases. These enzymes catalyze the conversion of oleic acid to linoleic acid, linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid to stearidonic acid. She also describes nucleic acid sequences encoding these desaturases and their corresponding DNA constructs. The inventions detail methods for desaturating fatty acids and producing desaturated fatty acids through recombinant host microorganisms or animals. Furthermore, her work includes pharmaceutical compositions, infant formulas, and dietary supplements enriched with these desaturated fatty acids.

In another significant patent, she has focused on the preparation of polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids in plants. This innovation involves the utilization of nucleic acid sequences and constructs to create transgenic plants that express desaturase genes, allowing for large-scale production of beneficial fatty acids. The manipulation of fatty acid profiles in these plants results in the development of commercial quantities of novel plant oils and products.

Career Highlights

Deborah's impressive career includes positions at notable companies such as Calgene Corporation and Abbott Laboratories Corporation. Her work in these organizations has played a key role in advancing research and applications in the field of fatty acid synthesis, making her a respected figure among peers in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Deborah has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Pradip Mukerji and Yung-Sheng Huang. These partnerships have contributed to the success of her research and the innovative technologies she has developed.

Conclusion

Deborah Knutzon's contributions to the field of fatty acid synthesis through her innovative patented methods and compositions exemplify her dedication to advancing science and health. Her work not only enhances our understanding of fatty acids but also paves the way for future innovations in dietary and pharmaceutical applications.