Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a 3-hydroxycarboxylic acid from a 3-hydroxynitrile. More specifically, 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile is converted to 3-hydroxyvaleric acid in high yield at up to 100% conversion, using as an enzyme catalyst 1) nitrile hydratase activity and amidase activity or 2) nitrilase activity of a microbial cell. 3-Hydroxyvaleric acid is used as a substitute for &egr;-caprolactone in the preparation of highly branched copolyester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocatalytic process for the oxidation of substituted polycyclic aromatic compounds to the corresponding carboxylic acids and related compounds. In a preferred embodiment the invention describes a method to produce 6-methyl-2-hydroxymethylnaphthalene, 6-methyl-2-naphthoic acid, 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)naphthalene and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid from 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene. These compounds have been prepared by oxidizing 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene with a single recombinant microorganism containing the enzyme xylene monooxygenase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocatalytic process for the oxidation of substituted monocyclic aromatic compounds to the corresponding carboxylic acids and related compounds. In a preferred embodiment the invention describes a biocatalytic process to produce 4-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid and 3-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid from p-xylene and m-xylene, respectively. 4-hydroxymethylbenzoic acid has been prepared by oxidizing p-xylene with a single recombinant microorganism containing the enzyme xylene monooxygenase.

Abstract: A bacterial plasmid has been isolated from Pseudomonas CT14 comprising genes encoding enzymes implicated in aromatic ring cleavage. Additionally, the novel genes encoding proteins involved in mercury tolerance and plasmid stability and replication have been identified. The strain from which the plasmid was isolated is useful in a variety of methods including methods for the degradation of aromatic compounds, particularly catechols.

Abstract: A plasmid has been isolated from Rhodococcus erythropolis strain AN12 comprising a unique replication protein. The replication protein may be used in a variety of cloning and expression vectors and particularly in shuttle vectors for the expression of heterologous genes in Rhodococcus sp.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biocatalytic process to produce terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid from p-xylene and m-xylene, respectively. Terephthalic acid has been prepared by oxidizing p-xylene with bacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia. Conversion of p-xylene into terephthalic acid is accomplished by a single bacterial strain that produces all of the requisite enzymes. In addition, this invention relates to the preparation of isophthalic acid from a mixture of m- and p-xylene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a 3-hydroxycarboxylic acid from a 3-hydroxynitrile. More specifically, 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile is converted to 3-hydroxyvaleric acid in high yield at up to 100% conversion, using as an enzyme catalyst 1) nitrile hydratase activity and amidase activity or 2) nitrilase activity of a microbial cell. 3-Hydroxyvaleric acid is used as a substitute for &egr;-caprolactone in the preparation of highly branched copolyester.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biocatalytic process to produce terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid from p-xylene and m-xylene, respectively. Terephthalic acid has been prepared by oxidizing p-xylene with bacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia. Conversion of p-xylene into terephthalic acid is accomplished by a single bacterial strain that produces all of the requisite enzymes. In addition, this invention relates to the preparation of isophthalic acid from a mixture of m- and p-xylene.