Name of Intellectual Property: Nitrile oxido reductase: enzymes for the production of amines.

Submitted by: Dana Bostrom, Director, Innovation and Industry Alliances, Portland State University

Inventor Information: Dr. Iwata-Reuyl’s research interests are in the area of modern biological chemistry, and include the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolism and the molecular genetics of biosynthetic pathways. At present his group is investigating the biochemistry of the hypermodified nucleosides queuosine and archaeosine, as well as engaging in directed evolution studies of a enzymes important to the chemical manufacturing industry.

Non-Confidential Technology Summary: Chemical manufacturing industries are facing demands to practice environmentally conscientious methods and processes, while also facing a need to increase efficiency and maximize their bottom line. These factors are driving an increase in the use of enzymes in industrial chemical transformations. Amines are manufactured daily by the ton and are essential intermediaries for hundreds of chemical processes. The standard methods of producing amines require harsh reaction conditions and result in significant hazardous waste. An enzymatic method would render the production of amines a cleaner, safer, and less expensive process, and this technology promises to provide such a method.

Why is this important or intriguing? Enzymes possess exceptional catalytic efficiencies, operate under mild conditions, exhibit high selectivity and specificity, and generate minimal waste. As such, these enzymes may favorably impact industrial chemical processes and provide attractive alternatives to traditional chemical synthesis.

Synopsis of Business Opportunity: Portland State University seeks to license the intellectual property covering the current version of the enzyme and seeks partners in improving the technology.

Ownership: An issued U.S. patent is owned by Portland State University and Scripps Research Institute.

Patent Status: Patent Issued, U.S. 7,364,882

Contact Information:

Dana Bostrom
Director
Innovation and Industry Alliances
Portland State University, ORSP
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207
USA

E-mail: bostrom@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-5660

Dirk Iwata-Reuyl
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Portland State University

E-mail: iwatareuyld@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-5737

Posted January 27th, 2009 under Green Chemistry, Hot IP. [ Comments: none ]