Michael Earl Blaylock

US Patent:

8237014, Aug 7, 2012

Filed:

Feb 27, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/712593

Inventors:

Michael J. Blaylock - Purcellville VA, US
Bruce W. Ferguson - Great Falls VA, US
David A. Lee - Washington DC, US

Assignee:

Edenspace Systems Corporation - Chantilly VA

International Classification:

C12N 15/82
C12N 15/10
C12N 15/00

US Classification:

800278, 800284, 800288, 4353201, 435440, 536 231, 536 237

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to improved systems and methods for reducing costs and increasing yields of cellulosic ethanol. In particular, the present invention provides plants genetically transformed for increased biomass, expression of lignocellulolytic enzymes, and simplification of harvesting and downstream processing. Also provided are methods for using these transgenic plants in the production of clean, marketable feedstocks for production of renewable fuels and chemicals and in other applications including phytoremediation.

US Patent:

20050114923, May 26, 2005

Filed:

Jul 1, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/882632

Inventors:

Michael Blaylock - Purcellville VA, US
Bruce Ferguson - Great Falls VA, US
Vicki Chandler - Tucson AZ, US
Charissa Poynton - London, GB

International Classification:

A01H001/00
C12N015/82
C12Q001/26

US Classification:

800282000, 435025000, 435468000

Abstract:

The invention provides a system for monitoring the bioavailability and/or toxicity of contaminants in the environment. The system includes plant biosensors that indicate the presence of contaminants, such as, for example, volatile organics or heavy metals, using an in situ monitoring approach. The plant biosensors are genetically engineered to exhibit a change in color phenotype under the control of promoter elements that are selectively responsive to the presence of a particular contaminant. The plant biosensing system provides a cost-effective approach to monitoring large and remote territories with high-spatial resolution. The transgenic plants can also be placed at strategic locations, before, during and after remedial activities at a site.