{
  "patent_number": "US 5075216",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "Using Heat-Resistant Enzymes to Read DNA Sequences Faster",
  "original_title": "Methods for dna sequencing with thermus aquaticus dna polymerase",
  "summary": "This patent describes using a heat-stable enzyme from a bacterium that lives in hot springs to make the process of reading DNA code much more reliable and efficient.",
  "what_it_does": "The patent improves the Sanger sequencing method, which reads DNA by stopping the building process at specific points using special molecules called dideoxynucleotides. Previously, researchers used enzymes that broke down at high temperatures, causing errors and incomplete readings. By using DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus (Taq), an organism that thrives in boiling water, the reaction can be performed at higher temperatures. This helps the DNA strands stay open and prevents them from tangling, leading to much clearer and more accurate results.",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover the fundamental Sanger sequencing method itself, only the use of Taq polymerase within it.",
    "Does not cover the discovery of the Thermus aquaticus organism.",
    "Does not cover sequencing methods that do not use dideoxynucleotide chain termination.",
    "Does not cover the use of DNA polymerases derived from organisms other than Thermus aquaticus."
  ],
  "filed": "1988-09-23",
  "granted": "1991-12-24",
  "expires": null,
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Cetus Corp",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/cetus-corp",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "David H. Gelfand",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/david-h-gelfand"
    },
    {
      "name": "Kenneth B. Myambo",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/kenneth-b-myambo"
    },
    {
      "name": "Michael A. Innis",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/michael-a-innis"
    },
    {
      "name": "Mary Ann D. Brow",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/mary-ann-d-brow"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 146,
  "tags": [
    "biotech",
    "semiconductors"
  ],
  "abstract": "Dideoxynucleotide DNA sequencing methods can be dramatically improved by utilizing the DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus to catalyze the primer extension reactions.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5075216/modified-taq-polymerase",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/5075216/modified-taq-polymerase/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US5075216",
  "relatedPatents": []
}