Location History:
- Wilmington, DE (US) (1992 - 2001)
- West Chester, DE (US) (2008)
- West Chester, PA (US) (2002 - 2016)
Company Filing History:
27 out of 16,338 
8 out of 508 
1 out of 1 Years Active: 1992-2016
Title: Paul Veikko Viitanen: A Pioneer in Ethanol Production Technology
Introduction
Paul Veikko Viitanen, based in West Chester, PA, has established himself as a prominent inventor with a remarkable portfolio of 28 patents. His innovative contributions, particularly in the field of biotechnology, have significantly advanced the utilization of xylose and arabinose in biofuel production, showcasing his commitment to sustainability and efficiency in ethanol production.
Latest Patents
Among Viitanen's latest patents is a groundbreaking invention focused on enhancing D-xylose and L-arabinose utilization in Zymomonas cells. This patent describes a method of disrupting the expression of a protein encoded by the genomic region ZMO0353 in the ZM4 strain. This disruption has been found to improve xylose utilization in a recombinant xylose-utilizing cell. Additionally, this innovation enhances both xylose and arabinose utilization, leading to increased ethanol production. Another notable patent identifies the endogenous pnp gene, which encodes polynucleotide phosphorylase, as a modification target to enhance xylose-utilizing cells for more efficient ethanol production. These genetically modified cells exhibit increased ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (RPI) activity, providing superior performance compared to non-modified cells.
Career Highlights
Viitanen has worked with major organizations such as E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. His expertise has enabled these companies to advance their research and development efforts, particularly in sustainable energy solutions. His contributions have played a pivotal role in the evolving landscape of biofuels and renewable energy.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Viitanen has collaborated with esteemed colleagues like Perry G. Caimi and Yat-Chen Chou. These collaborations have fostered a rich exchange of ideas and knowledge, further enhancing the impact of his work on the biotechnology and renewable energy sectors.
Conclusion
Paul Veikko Viitanen's innovative spirit and dedication to improving ethanol production technology through his numerous patents have positioned him as a key figure in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. His contributions continue to inspire advancements in biotechnology, aiming to create a more sustainable future.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.