Wilmington, Delaware
February 14, 2006
The Department of Commerce's
United States Patent & Trademark
Office (USPTO) today announced it has awarded U.S. Patent
7,000,000 to DuPont senior
researcher Dr. John P. O'Brien for inventing "Polysaccharide
Fibers."
Polysaccharide fibers are "cotton-like" fibers derived from
biologically based renewable resources. They are biodegradable
and suitable for use in textiles. The patent issued for
"Polysaccharide Fibers" is the 33,801st U.S. patent awarded to
DuPont since company founder E.I. du Pont was granted U.S.
Patent #590 in 1804 for a "machine for granulating gunpowder."
DuPont and its affiliates ranked 2nd worldwide with the most
biotechnology patents approved by the USPTO in 2004, according
to the publication Nature Biotechnology*.
O'Brien, 54, has been a polymer chemist with DuPont since 1978.
He holds 15 patents, including the one issued today, for his
research in the areas of advanced composites; high-performance
fibers, including developmental work on DuPont(TM) Kevlar(R);
and bio-based materials.
"The realm of materials science is as exciting today as it was
during the fibers revolution," O'Brien said. "USP 7,000,000
embodies many of the elements of an exciting new frontier, one
that is at the interface between biological science and
materials science."
Polysaccharide fibers, like Bio-PDO(TM) - the key ingredient in
the new DuPont(TM) Sorona(R) polymer, can be made from
renewable resources such as corn. The manufacture of
Bio-PDO(TM) is done using a new biological process that requires
over 40 percent less total energy than alternative
petrochemical-based processes. Bio-PDO(TM) and Sorona(R) will be
commercially available later this year.
"Protection of intellectual property via our patent system is
key to maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. industry," said
Senior Vice President & Chief Science and Technology Officer
Thomas M. Connelly, Jr. "We are honored to receive this
milestone patent today, which recognizes our efforts to use
renewable resources and biology to create innovative products
that are sustainable and can begin to reduce the world's
reliance on fossil fuels. This is another notable recognition of
DuPont's state-of-the-art efforts in developing the field of
industrial biotechnology."
Comments from U.S. government
officials knowledgeable of DuPont's over 200-year history of
scientific innovation include:
- The Honorable Joseph R.
Biden, Jr. (D-Del.), U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Ranking Member: "It's fitting that it is a DuPont researcher
who will receive the 7 millionth U.S. patent. For decades,
DuPont has been in the forefront of some of the most
significant and important innovations the world has seen. I
would not be the least bit surprised to see the 8 millionth
patent go to a DuPont researcher too."
- The Honorable Thomas R.
Carper (D-Del.), U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works
Committee Member: "I am proud of the history DuPont has
planted, not only in its home state of Delaware, but all
over the world. Their scientific leadership is recognized as
cutting-edge and revolutionary. DuPont is creating the kind
of innovation America needs to remain competitive in this
ever-changing, global economy. My sincere congratulations to
Dr. O'Brien and DuPont for this significant achievement."
- The Honorable Michael N.
Castle (R-Del.), Chair, U.S. House Subcommittee on Education
Reform: "The announcement that DuPont will receive its 7
millionth patent for polysaccharide fibers once again proves
the significance of this historic company to science in
Delaware and the entire country. DuPont has led the way in
creating sustainable solutions for our increasingly global
science community and I congratulate Dr. O'Brien and his
fellow researchers for this tremendous achievement. I have
seen first-hand the innovation of DuPont through my father's
time with the company and my years in government. I am
certain that DuPont will continue their excellent work and
dedication to cutting-edge scientific advancements. We in
Delaware are proud of their great accomplishments."
- The Honorable Bart Gordon
(R-Tenn.), U.S. House Science Committee Ranking Member:
"Congratulations to DuPont on achieving this notable
milestone and to polymer chemist John O'Brien for his
important discovery. "Technological advances of this caliber
are key to U.S. innovation efforts and our U.S. scientists
are the catalyst."
In 2003, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency presented DuPont with its annual "Presidential
Green Chemistry Award" for the company's research leading to the
development of Bio-PDO(TM).
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a science company. Founded in 1802,
DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions
essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people
everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a
wide range of innovative products and services for markets
including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications,
safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and
apparel.
The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM),
Bio-PDO(TM) and Sorona(R) are registered trademarks or
trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
* Nature Biotechnology 23: 1198 (2005) |