Petrobras Granted Patent for Genetically Modified Microorganisms Producing Surfactant Proteins

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:30:11 +0000
Intellectual Property

The USPTO granted Patent US12606601B2 to Petróleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras on April 21, 2026, covering genetically modified microorganisms that heterologously produce modified versions of the surfactant protein Lv-ranaspumin-1 (Lv-Rsn-1), originally derived from the Northeastern Pepper Frog. The patent also claims the synthetic genes, expression cassettes, expression vectors, and specific transgenic bacteria and yeast strains. The surfactant protein has demonstrated properties including surfactancy, emulsification, and dispersancy, enabling industrial applications without natural extraction from frog nest foam.