Abstract: Described are recombinant yeasts containing genes encoding xylose reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and xylulokinase, and DNA molecules, vectors and methods useful for producing such yeasts. The recombinant yeasts effectively ferment xylose to ethanol, and preferred yeasts are capable of simultaneously fermenting glucose and xylose to ethanol thereby taking full advantage of these two sugar sources as they are found in agricultural biomass.

Abstract: Described is an improved fermentation process for producing lactic acid. The preferred process is conducted so as to form a fermentation broth containing undissociated lactic acid. The fermentation broth is contacted with an effective amount of solid-phase polymer containing pyridine groups to adsorb and increase rate of production of the free acid.

Abstract: A nucleophilic displacement reaction is used to prepare biodegradable thermoplastic copolymers exhibiting a high capacity for stabilizing biodegradable blends of polysaccharides and synthetic thermoplastic polymers. The graft copolymers are characterized by consistent product uniformity and a high degree of substitution on the polysaccharide chain.

Abstract: A process for converting ethanol to gasoline-boiling-range hydrocarbons by contact in the vapor phase at dehydrating temperature with a bifunctional zeolite catalyst in the presence of an equimolar proportion of water. The catalyst induces simultaneous dehydration of the ethanol to reactive intermediates and recombination to a spectrum of hydrocarbons in the C.sub.1 to C.sub.10 range. Higher and lower proportions of water lead to higher yields of gaseous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Ethanol is produced by the fermentation of xylulose using yeast under fermentative conditions.

Abstract: Spherical shaped mycelial pellets suitable for use in the biocatalytic conversion of organic compounds are prepared having a rigid spherical core surrounded by a porous webbed layer of structural integrity of a mycelial microorganism. The webbed layer is preferably separated from the core by a substantial void space and is attached to the core by a portion of the mycelium of the microorganism. The core may be composed of a cellulose derivative or agar. The pellets are prepared by forming a solution of a cellulose derivative or agar, mixing spores of a mycelial microorganism with the solution, precipitating the celluose derivative or agar to form beads containing the spores and incubating the beads in a culture medium.

Abstract: A method for dehydration and/or enrichment of aqueous alcohol mixtures wherein the mixtures in the vapor state are contacted with a dehydration agent which is composed of cellulose, caboxymethylcellulose, cornmeal, cracked corn, corn cobs, wheat straw, bagasse, starch, hemicellulose, wood chips, other grains, other agricultural residues or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Biologically active hollow fungal mycelial pellets are prepared by media manipulation. Initially fungal spores are innoculated under conditions limiting growth to formation of tiny cell aggregates of less than about 2 mm. Thereafter, the aggregates are subjected to conditions supportive of vigorous vegetative growth and agitation to produce hollow pellets having a porous spherical webbed mycelial layer and hollow core.

Abstract: Spherical shaped mycelial pellets having a support core and which are suitable for biocatalytic conversion of organic compounds are produced by dissolving a cellulose derivative in a solvent to form a solution, mixing spores of a mycelial microorganism with the solution, precipitating the cellulose derivative to form porous beads containing the spores, and incubating the beads in a culture medium. Alternatively, the pellets may be produced by dissolving agar in water, mixing the agar solution with spores of a mycelial microorganism, precipitating the agar to form beads containing the spores and incubating the beads in a culture medium.

Abstract: A process for treating cellulosic materials to obtain glucose therefrom, which process includes an initial acid or base treatment of the cellulosic materials to remove hemicellulose, followed by a solvent treatment of the solid residue to dissolve the native cellulose contained therein. The dissolved cellulose is separated from the solid lignin-containing residue, whereafter the cellulose is reprecipitated by contacting the solution thereof with water. The reprecipitated cellulose is hydrolyzed to glucose either by acid or enzyme hydrolysis. If desired, the cellulose may be reprecipitated and hydrolyzed in the presence of the lignin-containing solid, the latter being separated from the glucose.

Abstract: A process for recovering cellulose using sulfuric acid and utilizing the recovered cellulose by hydrolysis to yield glucose. Cellulosic raw materials are hydrolyzed by dilute sulfuric acid to remove hemicellulose, after which the solid residue is separated and is treated with concentrated sulfuric acid to dissolve cellulose contained therein. After blending and mixing of the residue in the concentrated sulfuric acid under mild reaction conditions, cellulose is reprecipitated by addition of water or an organic solvent such as methanol. The recovered cellulose can then be hydrolyzed by cellulose enzymes and/or dilute acids to provide a high yield of glucose. High level recovery and reconcentration of the sulfuric acid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A nontoxic cellulose solvent and process for forming and utilizing the same. The solvent includes a metal chelating agent, a metal compound, an oxygen scavenging stabilizing agent and a caustic swelling agent with the disclosed solvent being prepared in either aqueous or solid form. The solvent is caused to contact cellulosic materials in order to dissolve cellulose therefrom. The dissolved cellulose may be reprecipitated and may then be hydrolyzed by cellulose enzyme or acid to yield glucose with lignin being removed either before or after hydrolysis has occurred.

Abstract: A process to yield glucose from cellulose through acid hydrolysis. Cellulose is recovered from cellulosic materials, preferably by pretreating the cellulosic materials by dissolving the cellulosic materials in Cadoxen or a chelating metal caustic swelling solvent and then precipitating the cellulose therefrom. Hydrolysis is accomplished using an acid, preferably dilute sulfuric acid, and the glucose is yielded substantially without side products. Lignin may be removed either before or after hydrolysis.

Abstract: Porous cellulose beads are prepared by distributing droplets of a solvent mixture containing a cellulose derivative into a precipitating solution to form porous beads which are then washed and hydrolyzed to form porous cellulose beads. The porous cellulose beads, which may be cross-linked, if desired, by suitable treatment, are useful carriers to which enzymes can be immobilized. The beads may also be used for the separation of enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids and the like, or to remove metal ions from dilute mining solutions.

Abstract: Porous cellulose beads are prepared by distributing droplets of a solvent mixture containing a cellulose derivative into an aqueous solution to form porous beads which are then washed and hydrolyzed to form porous cellulose beads. The porous cellulose beads, which may be cross-linked, if desired, by suitable treatment, are useful carriers to which enzymes can be immobilized.