Friederike Thor

Title: Friederike Thor: Innovator in Xylitol Production

Introduction

Friederike Thor is a notable inventor based in Zurich, Switzerland. She has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the production of xylitol from glucose. With a total of 2 patents, her work showcases the innovative use of recombinant microbial hosts in the production process.

Latest Patents

Friederike's latest patents focus on the production of xylitol from glucose using recombinant strains. The first patent describes a recombinant microbial host that contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding a NAD-specific D-arabitol 4-oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.1.11). This host utilizes D-arabitol as a substrate to produce D-xylulose, which is then converted into xylitol by a NADPH-specific xylitol dehydrogenase. The second patent mirrors this innovation, emphasizing the use of an NAD+-specific D-arabitol 4-oxidoreductase for the same production pathway.

Career Highlights

Friederike Thor is currently employed at Roquette Frères, a company known for its expertise in food and pharmaceutical ingredients. Her work at Roquette Frères has allowed her to apply her innovative ideas in a practical setting, contributing to advancements in the production of sugar alcohols.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Friederike has collaborated with talented individuals such as Astrid Schaefer and Melanie Diefenbacher. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Conclusion

Friederike Thor's contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in xylitol production, highlight her innovative spirit and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Her patents and work at Roquette Frères exemplify the impact of her research on the industry.