Takashi Shibata

Title: Takashi Shibata: Inventor in Biochemical Processing

Introduction

Takashi Shibata is an inventor associated with Tsukuba, Japan, and Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. His patent work concerns D-sorbitol dehydrogenase and its use in biochemical production processes.

Latest Patents

Shibata is credited with 1 patent: “Sorbitol dehydrogenase, gene encoding the same and use thereof.” The invention describes a gene encoding D-sorbitol dehydrogenase (SLDH) and a method for producing the enzyme by culturing host cells transformed with an expression vector containing that gene. It also describes using the resulting culture to process L-sorbose or 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (2KLGA). Because 2KLGA is an important intermediate in producing L-ascorbic acid, the patent further provides a process for producing L-ascorbic acid from 2KLGA obtained through the described method.

Career Highlights

Shibata’s documented patent contribution focuses on applying enzyme production and microbial processing to the manufacture of useful chemical compounds. The invention connects genetic engineering, enzyme production, and the processing of intermediates used to produce L-ascorbic acid.

Collaborations

Chiyo Ichikawa and Yoshimasa Saito are identified as Shibata’s coworkers. The available information does not specify their individual roles in the patent.

Conclusion

Takashi Shibata’s recorded invention addresses the production and application of D-sorbitol dehydrogenase, linking biochemical processing of 2KLGA with the production of L-ascorbic acid.