Aurora Algae has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/480,635, entitled, “VCP-Based Vectors for Algal Cell Transformation.” This allowed application adds to Aurora Algae’s existing patent portfolio, with 12 patent applications now either issued or allowed with the USPTO, and 30 additional applications pending in the U.S.

The Aurora Algae patent portfolio covers inventions and improved processes spanning the end-to-end production of algae-based products, from strain development through cultivation, harvesting, extraction, processing, and product development.

“Our rigorous scientific research and development over the past decade has established Aurora Algae at the forefront of the emerging market for algae-based products,” explained Greg Bafalis, CEO of Aurora Algae. “By combining cutting-edge biotechnology with proprietary cultivation techniques, we are creating long-term alternatives to numerous unsustainable markets. Our expanding patent portfolio will play a major role in protecting our discoveries while we establish the foundation for a sustainable and profitable business.”

“Every day, we learn more about the incredible versatility of algae and its potential to address many of our modern global challenges, ranging from human health and nutrition to resource scarcity and alternative energy needs,” said Bertrand Vick, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Aurora Algae. “The newest technologies in our patent portfolio allow us to optimize specific desirable attributes of algae, such as oil content for biofuel, or omega-3 essential fatty acid content for human nutrition. And as we refine our ability grow specialized strains for specific applications, the potential of this remarkable organism becomes even more compelling.”

Aurora Algae is also pursuing patent applications in multiple jurisdictions outside the U.S., including Latin America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.