Laura McCole

Title: The Innovative Journey of Laura McCole in Bioengineering

Introduction

Laura McCole, an accomplished inventor hailing from East Fallowfield, Pennsylvania, has made significant strides in the field of bioengineering. With three patents to her name, Laura has dedicated her career to enhancing xylose utilization in microbial strains, contributing to more efficient biofuel production.

Latest Patents

Among her latest innovations are two notable patents focusing on xylose utilization. The first patent titled "Xylose Utilization in Recombinant Zymomonas" details how xylose-utilizing strains were studied to accumulate ribulose when grown in xylose-containing media. By engineering these strains to increase ribose-5-phosphate isomerase activity, Laura successfully demonstrated reduced ribulose accumulation, improved growth, improved xylose utilization, and increased ethanol production.

The second patent, "Zymomonas with Improved Xylose Utilization," involves engineering strains by introducing a chimeric xylose isomerase gene that contains a mutant promoter of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. This innovative approach directs increased expression of xylose isomerase. Additionally, when the strains are further engineered for the expression of xylulokinase, transaldolase, and transketolase, an improved utilization of xylose is achieved.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Laura McCole has worked with prominent organizations such as E.I. Dupont De Nemours and Company and Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. Her experience in these esteemed companies has enriched her expertise in bioengineering, particularly within the realm of sustainable energy solutions.

Collaborations

Laura has collaborated with talented individuals such as Paul Veikko Viitanen and Luan Tao, who have played essential roles in her research endeavors. These collaborations reflect a shared commitment to advancing bioengineering and developing innovative solutions for energy sustainability.

Conclusion

Laura McCole stands out as a trailblazer in bioengineering, with her patents exemplifying her commitment to innovation and sustainability. Her contributions to xylose utilization not only enhance the efficiency of microbial processes but also pave the way for sustainable biofuel production. As she continues her work, the impact of her inventions will resonate in the industry, inspiring future advancements in bioengineering.