Tina K Van Dyk

Title: Tina K Van Dyk: Innovator in Recombinant Bacteria Technology

Introduction

Tina K Van Dyk is a prominent inventor based in Wilmington, DE (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the development of recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose. With a total of 18 patents to her name, her work has paved the way for advancements in biofuels and other glycerol-derived products.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents involves recombinant bacteria that comprise novel sucrose transporters. These bacteria are capable of metabolizing sucrose and include a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide with sucrose transporter activity, as well as a sequence for a polypeptide with sucrose hydrolase activity. These sequences are operably linked to the same or different promoters. Additionally, her work describes recombinant bacteria that can convert sucrose into glycerol and glycerol-derived products such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid. Another patent focuses on variant sucrose transporter polypeptides that enable bacterial growth across a wide range of gene expression levels and sucrose concentrations. This innovation also includes methods for utilizing these bacteria to produce valuable products.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Tina has worked with notable companies such as E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC. Her expertise in biotechnology has been instrumental in driving research and development in these organizations.

Collaborations

Tina has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Dennis Flint and Vasantha Nagarajan, contributing to a dynamic research environment that fosters innovation.

Conclusion

Tina K Van Dyk's contributions to recombinant bacteria technology highlight her role as a leading inventor in the biotechnology field. Her innovative patents and collaborations continue to influence advancements in biofuels and related products.