Abstract: Novel plasmids comprising genes which code for the alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase are described. Also described are recombinant hosts which have been transformed with genes coding for alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate. By virtue of their transformation with these genes, the recombinant hosts are capable of producing significant amounts of ethanol as a fermentation product. Also disclosed are methods for increasing the growth of recombinant hosts and methods for reducing the accumulation of undesirable metabolic products in the growth medium of these hosts. Also disclosed are recombinant host capable of producing significant amounts of ethanol as a fermentation product of oligosaccharides and plasmids comprising genes encoding polysaccharases, in addition to the genes described above which code for the alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase. Further, methods are described for producing ethanol from oligomeric feedstock using the recombinant hosts described above.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences encoding the bacterial cellulose synthase operon derived from Acetobacter are disclosed. Methods for isolating the genes, vectors containing the genes, and transformed hosts useful for the expression of recombinant bacterial cellulose synthase or production of cellulose are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the production of microbial cellulose where a cellulose-producing organism is grown under agitated conditions in the presence of a polyacrylamide-containing polymer.

Abstract: A method and media for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be in the form of a sheet characterized by substantial resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means.Strains of Acetobacter that are stable under agitated culture conditions and that exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production are described.

Abstract: Method of obtaining N-terminal methionine-free proteins are described. The methods employ a novel enzyme, E. coli methionine aminopeptidase either in vitro or in vivo. For in vivo application, plasmid-borne DNA encoding the peptidase is transformed into a bacterial host which produces the desired protein.

Abstract: A method for improving the yield of heterologous protein such as ricin A toxin, produced by recombinant bacteria by supplementing the nutrient medium in which the bacteria are grown with an ethanol and/or amino acid mixture during the terminal phase of the cultivation. Also disclosed is a method for improving the yield of heterologous proteins under the control of the PL promoter.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining N-terminal methionine-free proteins are described. The methods employ a novel enzyme, E. coli methionine aminopeptidase either in vitro or in vivo. For in vivo application, plasmid-borne DNA encoding the peptidase is transformed into a bacterial host which produces the desired protein.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining N-terminal methionine-free proteins involve a novel E. coli methionine amino peptidase. The method is capable of in vitro or in vivo application. For in vivo application, a plasmid-borne DNA encoding the peptide is expressed in a bacterial host.

Abstract: A method for improving the yield of heterologous protein such as IFN-.alpha., IFN-.beta., and IL-2, produced by recombinant bacteria by supplementing the nutrient medium in which the bacteria are grown with a water soluble alcohol and/or amino acid mixture during the terminal phase of the cultivation.

Abstract: Production of ethanol and enzymes by fermentation of biomass with co-cultures of C. thermocellum and C. thermohydrosulfuricum.