Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1992-1993
Title: The Innovations of Thomas W. Whaley
Introduction
Thomas W. Whaley is an accomplished inventor based in Santa Fe, NM (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of enzyme activity monitoring through his innovative patents. With a total of 2 patents to his name, Whaley's work has implications in the study of steroid biosynthesis.
Latest Patents
One of Whaley's latest patents is an optical probe for the cytochrome P-450 cholesterol side chain cleavage. This optical probe enables the study of enzyme activity by absorbance spectroscopy or by sensitive fluorescence methods. The probe provides the ability to monitor the activity of the cytochrome P-450.sub.scc enzyme, which is the rate-limiting enzyme for steroid biosynthesis. Located on the inner mitochondrial membrane, P-450.sub.scc catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone and isocapraldehyde through sequential oxidations of the cholesterol side chain. The fluorogenic probe includes a cholesterol-like steroid linked to a chromophore through a linking group. The chromophore is selected to have little optical response when linked to the steroid substrate and an enhanced optical response when cleaved from the substrate and linking group. Thus, a fluorescent anion that can be optically detected is generated by the side-chain cleavage reaction during steroidogenesis.
Career Highlights
Whaley's career is marked by his dedication to advancing scientific understanding through innovative technologies. His work has been recognized for its potential to enhance the study of enzyme activities, particularly in the context of steroid biosynthesis.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Whaley has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Babetta L. Marrone and Daniel J. Simpson. These collaborations have contributed to the development and refinement of his innovative patents.
Conclusion
Thomas W. Whaley's contributions to the field of enzyme activity monitoring through his patents highlight his role as a significant inventor. His work continues to influence the study of steroid biosynthesis and enzyme activity.