Abstract: Novel alpha-amylase mutants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylases are disclosed. The mutant alpha-amylases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modifications of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylase to generate the substitution (replacement) or deletion of one or more oxidizable amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor alpha-amylase. Such mutant alpha-amylases have altered oxidative stability and/or altered pH performance profiles and/or altered thermal stability as compared to the precursor. Also disclosed are detergent and starch liquefaction compositions comprising the mutant amylases, as well as methods of using the mutant amylases.

Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions containing a cleaning effective amount of a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants and from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent of substantially pure EG III cellulase. Preferably, the detergent composition contains no more than about 5 weight percent of CBH I type components based on the total weight of cellulase proteins. When employed in aqueous wash media, the detergent compositions impart color retention/restoration properties as well as improved softening and feel properties to cotton-containing fabrics.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which a new calcium binding site is modified by chemically or genetically altering residues associated with that calcium binding site. The novel .alpha.-amylases have altered performance characteristics, such as low pH starch hydrolysis performance, stability and activity profiles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purified EG III cellulase enzyme isolated from Trichoderma longibrachiatum and the amino acid sequence of the secreted (mature) and non-secreted (preprotein) forms. The present invention is further directed to the DNA fragment and sequence that encodes the EG III cellulase enzyme. Also disclosed are methods for isolating either purified or highly enriched EG III cellulase obtained from Trichoderma spp. or genetically modified strains of Trichoderma spp.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more asparagine residues are substituted with a different amino acid or deleted. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved low pH starch hydrolysis performance, stability and activity profiles.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics with an aqueous solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which comprises CBH I type components and one or more EG type components wherein said cellulase composition has a protein weight ratio of CBH I type components to all EG type components of greater than 10:1. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel methods of making fermented food products such as yogurt. It also discloses novel Lactobacillus bulgaricus organisms for making fermented food products which are conditionally sensitive, that is, operate to metabolize a desired compound normally under the processing conditions for fermented food products but slow or decrease in activity beyond what is normal under the routine storage temperatures for the fermented food products. Such fermented food products exhibits improved shelf life and long-term taste.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics and non-cotton containing cellulosic fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics and non-cotton containing cellulosic fabrics with a cellulase solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which is substantially free of all CBH I type cellulase components. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a cellulase solution containing a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that the water permeability across the surface membrane of harvested fruits and vegetables can be substantially increased by treating such surfaces with a degradation enzyme. The resulting products are not only more easily dehydrated but can be used to incorporate desirable substances into the interior of the treated fruit or vegetable, such as sweeteners, stabilizers, preservatives, flavor enhancers, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purified EG III cellulase enzyme isolated from Trichoderma longibrachiatum and the amino acid sequence of the secreted (mature) and non-secreted (preprotein) forms. The present invention is further directed to the DNA fragment and sequence that encodes the EG III cellulase enzyme. Also disclosed are methods for isolating either purified or highly enriched EG III cellulase obtained from Trichoderma spp. or genetically modified strains of Trichoderma spp.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aqueous solution enriched in EG III from an aqueous mixture containing cellulase proteins, xylanase and EG III is disclosed. The method involves adding an amount of a low molecular weight alcohol selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, propanol and mixtures thereof to the aqueous mixture containing cellulase proteins, xylanase and EG III and an organic salt under conditions wherein substantially all of the cellulase proteins other than EG III and xylanase are precipitated out of the aqueous mixture. The method then involves removing the precipitate from the aqueous mixture so as to recover an aqueous supernate enriched in EG III. Next, the method involves adding an amount of an inorganic salt to the supernate produced in step b) so as to form a second precipitate and a second supernate and then finally collecting the second supernate from the second precipitate to obtain a supernate enriched in EG III.

Abstract: There are described processes for expressing a lipase in a heterologous host. Further described are transformed cells comprising heterologous DNA and particular plasmids containing heterologous fusion DNA constructs.