Burcon Receives Notices of Allowances on Three Patents

Two of the three allowances relate to patent applications covering unique processes for the efficient production of Burcon’s Puratein canola protein isolate and Supertein canola protein isolate.

16 Oct 2009 --- Burcon NutraScience Corporation has received notices of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for three separate patent applications. Two of the three allowances relate to patent applications covering unique processes for the efficient production of Burcon’s Puratein canola protein isolate and Supertein canola protein isolate.  The third allowance received relates to a patent application covering an extraction procedure for the preparation of a highly refined Supertein canola protein isolate. 

Puratein is a cruciferin-rich canola protein isolate comprised principally of globulin proteins.  The functional properties of Puratein include emulsification, gel formation, thickening, formation of heat-stable foams, and water and ingredient-binding.  Applications for Puratein include dressings and sauces, meat substitutes, baked goods and protein bars, among many others.

Supertein is a highly-soluble napin-rich canola protein isolate comprised principally of albumin proteins. The functional properties of Supertein include excellent solubility, the ability to form transparent solutions and foaming.  Nutritionally, Burcon’s Supertein is uniquely rich in sulfur amino acids, particularly cysteine.   Applications for Supertein include beverages, confectionery, aerated desserts, and protein bars, among others.

“We are pleased to have received these notices of allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office which further strengthen the intellectual property portfolio that we are building,” said Johann F. Tergesen, President and Chief Operating Officer, adding, “For ten years, Burcon has conducted research aimed at commercializing our renewable plant proteins with unique and valuable functional and nutritional properties: Puratein and Supertein  canola protein isolates and our revolutionary soy protein isolate CLARISOY.  Securing patents over the technologies that we have developed is an integral part of our overall commercialization strategy. ”

To-date, Burcon’s patent portfolio consists of 92 issued patents in various countries, including 8 issued U.S. patents, and in excess of 200 additional pending patent applications, 70 of which are U.S. patent applications.  Six of Burcon’s 70 U.S. patent applications have now been allowed, including the three patent allowances which are the subject of this news release, and will be issued as granted U.S. patents in the near future.