EcoFab™ 2.0 Plant Growth Chambers: Copyrighted Instructions and Production Drawings, and Trademarked Name 2021-163, 2021-177, 2021-172
EcoFABs are precisely controlled compartments in which researchers conduct controlled, replicable laboratory experiments to study microbiomes using small plant and microbe growth chambers. This technology is ideal for companies seeking to link genome biology to ecosystem processes. Inventors: Peter Andeer, Trent Northen, Vlastimil Novak. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
Synthetic Promoters Useful for Expression in Plant Cells 2015-049
This invention is a tool to control expression strength, tissue-specificity, and environmentally- responsive promoters in plant cells using only one endogenous promoter. This tool reduces the likelihood of gene silencing for metabolic engineering efforts. Inventors: Dominique Loque, Patrick M. Shih. Contact: Robin Johnston, RJohnston@lbl.gov
New Synthetic Transcription Factors and Promoters to Modulate Transgene Expression Strength 2019-100
This invention blends elements from both yeast and plants and can theoretically be applied to any transcription factor (TF) type. This invention has been demonstrated in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana and can be used for the precise control of eukaryotic gene expression across plants. Inventor: Patrick M. Shih. Contact: Robin Johnston, RJohnston@lbl.gov
Marker-free Gene Insertion in Plants via CRISPR-Cas9 2019-055
This invention is a precise, optimized method to insert DNA fragments into plants. More specifically, this method was demonstrated in Oryza sativa with no detectable penalty in morphology or yield and can thus be a useful tool for crop genetic improvement. Inventors: Oliver Xiaoou Dong, Pamela C. Ronald. Contact: Robin Johnston, RJohnston@lbl.gov
Measuring root growth without digging up plants via electrodes 2020-001
This invention, Tomographic Electrical Rhizosphere Imager (TERI), enables real-time, non-invasive imaging of underground root structures by sending a small electrical current through the plant stem and measuring responses in the soil. TERI quantifies key root traits like mass and length, making it a valuable tool for plant breeding, subsurface health monitoring, and crop management. Inventors: Yuxin Wu, Roelof Versteeg. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
Increasing and measuring persistent carbon sequestration in soil (MRV) 2023-154
This invention enhances soil carbon sequestration using microbial soil amendments that produce oxidoreductase enzymes. These enzymes increase the molecular diversity of soil phenolics and not only improves soil health and fertility but also supports long-term carbon storage. It has applications in agriculture, environmental restoration, and biofuel production. Inventors: Trent R Northen, Benjamin Bowen, Markus de Raad, Suzanne Kosina, Peter F. Andeer, Vlastimil Novak, Yezhang Ding. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
Plant Antimicrobials 2021-121
This invention leverages a new family of AMPs identified from Actinobacterial genomes to combat microbial pathogens affecting crops. These AMPs serve as natural biocontrol agents, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and supporting sustainable agriculture. This technology has applications in crop protection, organic pesticide development, and clinical pathogen control. Inventors: Rekha Seshadri, Yasuo Yoshikuni, Natalia Ivanova. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
Producing Dopamine with Plants 2023-066
This invention enhances dopamine biosynthesis in plants by up-regulating key enzymes. This breakthrough enables plants like Brachypodium distachyon and Nicotiana benthamiana to produce exceptionally high levels of dopamine and polydopamine, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, stress-resistant crops, and biomaterials. Potential benefits include reducing browning in fruits, improving plant resilience, supporting biofuel production, and creating sustainable bio-coatings with antimicrobial and electrical properties. Inventors: Yezhang Ding, Trent R. Northern, John Vogel. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
Lightweight, Portable, Waterproof, and Low Power Stem Respiration Measurement System for Trees 2023-152
This invention offers a cost-effective, real-time method to monitor CO2 efflux from tree stems by utilizing a 3D printed stem chamber and infrared gas analyzers to provide continuous, accurate data on plant respiration and growth patterns. This innovation supports research in plant physiology, ecosystem management, and agriculture. Inventor: Kolby Jardine. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
High Throughput Characterization of Bacterial Promoters From Soil Microbiome 2022-081
This invention uses a method to analyze bacterial gene activity using a DNA-barcoded promoter library, enabling rapid screening and identification of biosensors for various chemicals and physical conditions linked to host physiology. The system can reveal up- and down-regulated gene activities during host colonization, aiding in fields like health diagnostics, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and drug discovery. Applications include developing living therapeutics, biosensors for biomarkers, and understanding host-microbe interactions. Inventors: Yasuo Yoshikuni, Tomoya Honda. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
Root-colonizing bacteria for tripled plant growth 2021-108
This engineered Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) invention can significantly boost crop yields by 250-500% under both normal and drought conditions. Using advanced genome engineering techniques, the enhanced PGPR strain promotes robust plant growth and resilience, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Inventors: Yasuo Yoshikuni. Contact: Jeremy Greeter, jgreeter@lbl.gov
Soil Imaging with Neutrons to Measure Carbon and Other Elements (MRV) 2021-117
This invention is a neutron-based soil imaging technology that rapidly measures carbon and other key elements in soil samples without the need for extensive preparation. This tool offers accurate, high-resolution elemental mapping, improving carbon accounting and monitoring for agricultural and ecological application. Inventors: Arun Persaud, Bernhard A Ludewigt, Eoin L Brodie, Cristina Castanha, Mauricio Ayllon Unzueta. Contact: Lucian Sweitzer, LSweitzer@lbl.gov
Cholinium Lysinate, an Ionic Liquid, as a Broad Spectrum Herbicide 2021-118
This invention, cholinium lysinate, is an ionic liquid that acts as a broad-spectrum herbicide with low environmental persistence and minimal toxicity to non-target organisms. This herbicide effectively inhibits plant root growth and causes complete chlorosis, offering a low-cost, biologically derived alternative for weed control. Inventors: Michael Whittaker, Anoop Nagar, Susanna Ventura. Contact: Robin Johnston, RJohnston@lbl.gov