Posted: March 28, 2012

Chosen biweekly for their relevance to personal care, Patent Picks are taken from publicly available sources. This edition features eco-friendly processes and nature-derived ingredients for personal care applications.

Delta-5 desaturase for PUFA synthesis and other uses thereof
US Patent 8143486
Publication date: March 27, 2012
Assignee: Abbott Laboratories

This invention relates to the identification and isolation of genes that encode enzymes involved in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and to uses thereof. Furthermore, disclosed is a method of producing a desaturase that comprises the steps of: a) isolating the nucleotide sequence; b) constructing a vector comprising the isolated nucleotide sequence operably linked to a promoter; and c) introducing the vector into a host cell such as a eukaryotic or a prokaryotic cell. The prokaryotic cell may be, for example, E. coli, cyanobacteria or B. subtilis. The eukaryotic cell may be, for example, a mammalian cell, an insect cell, a plant cell or a fungal cell, e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Expression of the nucleotide sequence of the vector results in production of a polyunsaturated fatty acid by the plant cell, plant or plant tissue. The converted products may then be utilized as substrates in the production of other PUFAs for addition to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds as well as cosmetics.

Biodegradable elastomers in hair products, cosmetics, etc.
US Patent 8143042
Publication date: March 27, 2012
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Disclosed in this patent are inventions in various aspects providing elastic biodegradable polymers. The polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. Various embodiments of the compositions and materials can be used in various applications including absorbent garments, e.g., disposable diapers, incontinence protectors, panty liners, sanitary napkins, etc.; chewing gum, e.g., to deliver nutrients; edible and degradable films; flavor and aroma barriers; hair products, e.g., as alternatives to existing wax products; cosmetics and more.