Abstract: A process for the purification of clavulanic acid comprising reacting in an organic solvent impure clavulanic acid with a diamine of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are individually selected from the group consisting of alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms and cycloalkyl alkyl of 3 to 8 cycloalkyl carbon atoms and alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, all optionally substituted with 1 to 3 members of the group consisting of halogen, --OH, lower alkoxy and carboxy esterified with lower alkyl or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 or R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 taken with the nitrogen to which they are attached form piperidino and n is an integer from 1 to 10 to form an amine salt selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## recovering the amine salts and acidifying the amine salt to recover purified clavulanic acid.

Abstract: Novel vectors are disclosed for use in filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus sp. in particular, whereby protein coding regions may be inserted therein to achieve expression or expression followed by secretion of the coded protein from the host. Signal peptide sequences and promoter sequences valuable for this purpose are disclosed as are expression vectors containing coding regions native or foreign to the fungal host. In accordance with the invention, a filamentous fungus such as Aspergillus may be provided with foreign or natural coding regions associated with foreign or natural promoter sequences and optionally signal peptide sequences which can be used to control the expression and/or secretion of the proteins encoded by these coding regions.

Abstract: Gram-negative bacteria, which are obligate alkaliphiles, have been isolated from samples of soil, water and sediment and a number of other sources obtained from in and around soda lakes. These bacteria have been analyzed according to the principles of numerical taxonomy with respect to each other, as well as to a variety of known bacteria. In addition, these bacteria are further circumscribed by an analysis of various chemotaxonomic characteristics. The bacteria produce various alkali-tolerant enzymes which may be used in various industrial processes requiring such enzymatic activity in a high pH environment.

Abstract: New diamine mono and diamine di salts of clavulanic acid, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and a new process using these diamine salts in the preparation of clavulanic acid and salts and esters thereof have been provided.

Abstract: Dry granular yeast compositions for use in the production of bakery products and beverages. In particular, a dry granular yeast composition having a moisture content of not more than about 8% (w/w) and containing about 0.1 to 8% (w/w) of a bread-improving agent, wherein the dry yeast is present in granular form and said bread-improving agent is a coating on the dry yeast granules in the form of a film or adhered particles.

Abstract: Expression of proteins in filamentous fungal hosts is achieved in the presence of glucose using promoter variants in which creA binding sites are functionally disrupted.

Abstract: An isolated pure culture of a strain of Phaffia rhodozyma which produces astaxanthin in an amount of at least 600 .mu.g per g Phaffia rhodozyma dry matter, as determined by HPLC analysis.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for reducing processing ambiguity of signal peptidases. Specifically, the C-terminus of a signal sequence is mutated in a such a manner that the secreted protein contains the correct N-terminal amino acid.Furthermore, the present invention provides an hIL-3 which is essentially homogenous at its N-terminus.

Abstract: The invention provides a gene encoding penicillin G acylase, the enzyme encoded by said gene and a method for the production of said enzyme by incorporating said gene in a host and bringing the same to expression. The gene is preferably obtained from a strain of the microorganism Alcaligenes faecalis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses ceramide 3 derivatives based on monounsaturated fatty acids. A preferred compound is N-oleoylphytosphingosine (Ceramide IIIB). A method for preparing these compounds is also disclosed. The solubility of these compounds is higher than the solubility of the corresponding saturated ceramide 3 derivatives, whereas their stability is comparable to saturated ceramide 3 stabilities. In addition, a method is described for maintaining the water permeability characteristics of the skin by topical application of a formulation containing a monounsaturated ceramide 3 derivative.

Abstract: Expression of proteins in filamentous fungal hosts is achieved in the presence of glucose using promoter variants in which creA binding sites are functionally disrupted.

Abstract: The present invention provides Phaffia rhodozyma strains having increased levels of astaxantin and a low percentage of 3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-.beta.,.psi.-caroten-4-one (HDCO). Such strains are obtained by a combination of mutagenesis and selection. The invention further provides a method for obtaining such strains. The invention also provides astaxanthin obtained from a mutagenized strain of Phaffia rhodozyma characterized in that it contains a decreased relative amount of HDCO.

Abstract: The present invention discloses intersexual heterozygous Phycomyces strains. These strains show an improved .beta.-carotene productivity and an increased stability when compared with both the wild type and heterokaryotic Phycomyces strains. The present invention also discloses a method for obtaining Phycomyces transformants without using selection markers. Furthermore, a process is provided for manufacturing .beta.-carotene comprising the use of intersexual heterozygous Phycomyces strains in a submerged culture.

Abstract: A method to prepare a food containing a gel of a low-methoxylated pectin of at least one fruit or vegetable is disclosed. The method comprises adding pectin esterase to the fruit or vegetable or to the pulp thereof in an amount effective to demethoxylate pectin, optionally adding calcium chloride, and maintaining the fruit or vegetable or pulp under conditions such that the pectin esterase converts high-methoxylated pectin of the fruit or vegetable or pulp to low-methoxylated pectin and the low-methoxylated pectin forms a gel. The fruit or vegetable or pulp is then formulated to obtain the desired food containing the gel. The method is used, for instance, to produce fruit and vegetable jams and jellies, compotes, sauces and soups.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method for the production of N-acyl amino alcohols via the selective acylation of the free amines of amino alcohols by reacting with an organic acid or a salt thereof with an alkyl sulfonyl chloride or an alkyl phenyl sulfonyl chloride, in an organic solvent and in the presence of an organic base, to form the corresponding mixed anhydride, followed by reacting the mixed anhydride with an amino alcohol or a salt thereof to form the corresponding N-acyl amino alcohol.

Abstract: Method and expression constructs are provided for the cloning of genes from fungal origin which encode polypeptides having the activity of the Aspergillus tubigensis XYL B enzyme and their overexpression in a selected microbial host cell. The present invention provides for the high level production of XYL B which may be used in a variety of industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method for the production of ceramides and hybrid ceramides via the selective N-acylation of glycosphingolipids by reacting an organic acid or ester thereof with a lysosphingolipid in the presence of a lipase in an organic medium.

Abstract: An isolated pure culture of a strain of Phaffia rhodozyma which produces astaxanthin in an amount of at least 600 .mu.g per g Phaffia rhodozyma dry matter, as determined by HPLC analysis.

Abstract: An antifungal composition is disclosed which comprises an antifungal agent of the polyene type, an acidific antifungal compound and an additional organic acid or its alkali or earth alkali salt. The use of this composition to treat food and agricultural products is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining aroma components and aromas from their glycosidic precursors containing a .beta.-apioside with the use of .beta.-apiosidase.