Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2007
Title: Innovations of William Howe in Ethanol Production
Introduction
William Howe is an accomplished inventor based in Golden, Colorado. He has made significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, particularly in the area of ethanol production from pentose sugars. His innovative work has the potential to impact renewable energy sources and biofuels.
Latest Patents
William Howe holds a patent that discloses an integrant and derivatives capable of fermenting pentose into ethanol. The invention involves genetic sequences encoding pentose-fermenting enzymes integrated through homologous recombination and transposition. Each operon includes multiple enzyme-encoding sequences, such as xylose isomerase, xylulokinase, and transketolase. The integrants are designed to be highly stable, maintaining activity for producing pentose-fermenting enzymes for 80 to 160 generations. They also demonstrate resistance to acetate inhibition, allowing efficient ethanol production even in the presence of significant acetate levels. This invention provides a unique method for converting pentose sugars, such as xylose and arabinose, into ethanol.
Career Highlights
William Howe is associated with the Midwest Research Institute, where he has been instrumental in advancing research in biofuels. His work focuses on developing innovative methods for the efficient conversion of cellulosic feedstock into ethanol. His contributions have been recognized within the scientific community for their potential to enhance renewable energy production.
Collaborations
William Howe has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Min Zhang and Yat-Chen Chou. Their combined expertise has contributed to the success of various projects aimed at improving ethanol production technologies.
Conclusion
William Howe's innovative work in the field of ethanol production showcases his commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions. His patent on pentose fermentation represents a significant step forward in biotechnology and biofuels.