Patent office awards 7 millionth patent to DuPont for bio-based material.

The Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced it has awarded United States Patent 7,000,000 to E,I, duPont de Nemours (Wilmington, DE) senior researcher Dr. John P. O'Brien for inventing "Polysaccharide Fibers." Polysaccharide fibers are "cotton-like" fibers derived from biologically based renewable resources. They are biodegradable and suitable for use in textiles. The patent issued for "Polysaccharide Fibers" is the 33,801st United States patent awarded to DuPont since company founder E.I. du Pont was granted United States Patent 590 in 1804 for a "machine for granulating gunpowder." DuPont and its affiliates ranked 2nd worldwide with the most biotechnology patents approved by the USPTO in 2004, according to the publication Nature Biotechnology*.

O'Brien, 54, has been a polymer chemist with DuPont since 1978. He holds 15 patents, for his research in the areas of advanced composites; high-performance fibers, including developmental work on DuPont Kevlar; and bio-based materials.

"The realm of materials science is as exciting today as it was during the fibers revolution," O'Brien said. "USP 7,000,000 embodies many of the elements of an exciting new frontier, one that is at the interface between biological science and materials science."

Polysaccharide fibers, like Bio-PDO - the key ingredient in the new DuPont Sorona polymer, can be made from renewable resources such as corn. The manufacture of Bio-PDO is done using a new biological process that requires over 40 percent less total energy than alternative petrochemical-based processes. Bio-PDO and Sorona will be commercially available later this year.

"Protection of intellectual property via our patent system is key to maintaining the competitiveness of U.S. industry," said Senior Vice President & Chief Science and Technology Officer Thomas M. Connelly, Jr. "We are honored to receive this milestone patent, which recognizes our efforts to use renewable resources and biology to create innovative products that are sustainable and can begin to reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels. This is another notable recognition of DuPont's state-of-the-art efforts in developing the field of industrial biotechnology."

Comments from United States government officials knowledgeable of DuPont's over 200-year history of scientific innovation include:

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. (D-Del.), U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member: "It's fitting that it is a DuPont researcher who will receive the 7 millionth United States Patent. For decades, DuPont has been in the forefront of some of the most significant and important innovations the world has seen. I would not be the least bit surprised to see the 8 millionth patent go to a DuPont researcher too." -- The Honorable Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee Member: "I am proud of the history DuPont has planted, not only in its home state of Delaware, but all over the world. Their scientific leadership is recognized as cutting-edge and revolutionary. DuPont is creating the kind of innovation America needs to remain competitive in this ever-changing, global economy. My sincere congratulations to Dr. O'Brien and DuPont for this significant achievement." -- The Honorable Michael N. Castle (R-Del.), Chair, U.S. House Subcommittee on Education Reform: "The announcement that DuPont will receive its 7 millionth patent for polysaccharide fibers once again proves the significance of this historic company to science in Delaware and the entire country. DuPont has led the way in creating sustainable solutions for our increasingly global science community and I congratulate Dr. O'Brien and his fellow researchers for this tremendous achievement. I have seen first-hand the innovation of DuPont through my father's time with the company and my years in government. I am certain that DuPont will continue their excellent work and dedication to cutting-edge scientific advancements. We in Delaware are proud of their great accomplishments." -- The Honorable Bart Gordon (R-Tenn.), U.S. House Science Committee Ranking Member: "Congratulations to DuPont on achieving this notable milestone and to polymer chemist John O'Brien for his important discovery. "Technological advances of this caliber are key to U.S. innovation efforts and our U.S. scientists are the catalyst."

In 2003, the United States Environmental Protection Agency presented DuPont with its annual "Presidential Green Chemistry Award" for the company's research leading to the development of Bio-PDO.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

E,I, duPont de Nemours

[phone]

www.dupont.com