Abstract: A thermostable trehalose phosphorylase which is obtainable from microorganisms of the genus Thermoanaerobium and which hydrolyzes trehalose in the presence of an inorganic phosphoric acid to form D-glucose and .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid. The trehalose phosphorylase can be also prepared by recombinant DNA technology. When the enzyme is allowed to contact with .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid as a saccharide donor in the presence of other saccharides, glucosyl-transferred saccharides including glucosyl-D-galactoside, which are conventionally known but scarcely obtainable, can be produced on an industrial-scale and in a relatively-low cost.

Abstract: There is disclosed the use of O-.beta.-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xyloses, particularly 2-O-.beta.-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xylose and 3-O-.beta.-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xylose, for the preparation of compositions and solutions intended to the evaluation of the intestinal lactase, which present an affinity to the substantially enchanced lactase. There is also disclosed a process for producing O-.beta.-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xyloses, comprising: reacting a D-xylose and a substrate of .beta.-D-galactopyranosyl in the presence of an enzyme .beta.-galactosidase, in an aqueous medium buffered to a pH comprised between 5.0 and 9.0 and at temperature between 4 and 37.degree. C., deactivating the .beta.-galactosidase by heating at 100.degree. C. when reaching the maximum yield of formation of disaccharides detected through thin layer chromatography, and isolating the formed disaccharides through filtration in a packed column with a thinner selected between water and water/alcohol.

Abstract: The invention relates to sucrose isomerases, to DNA sequences coding therefor, and to novel processes for the production of non-cariogenic sugars.

Abstract: The invention relates to sucrose isomerases, to DNA sequences coding therefor, and to novel processes for producing noncariogenic sugars.

Abstract: An oligomer composed of a carbohydrate head group and an oligomer chain is disclosed. Methods for increasing the oligomerization rates of lactones and cyclic carbonates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Yeast refuse having a solids content not exceeding 20% by weight is digested with a food grade alkaline salt such as sodium bicarbonate, whole cells are separated from the extracted refuse so as to produce a material rich in disrupted cell walls which is then treated with an alkaline extraction agent and bleached either before or after the separation step, followed by lowering the pH of said bleached material using a food grade acid such as dilute hydrochloric acid. The product comprises a yeast beta-glucan which is substantially free of yeast cells, and which predominantly comprises a multiplicity of yeast ghosts or shells comprising substantially uncollapsed yeast cell walls. The yeast ghosts or shells contain a substantially lower quantity of yeast cell contents relative to the whole cells of the yeast refuse.

Abstract: A kojibiose phosphorylase which hydrolyzes kojibiose in the presence of an inorganic phosphoric acid to form .beta.-glucose and .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid, forms kojibiose and an inorganic phosphoric acid from .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid, and catalyzes the transfer reaction of glucosyl group to other saccharides using .beta.-D-glucose-1-phosphoric acid as a saccharide donor. The enzyme is obtainable from Thermoanaerobium brockii and obtainable by recombinant technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for enzymically galactosylating monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, with in-situ regeneration of the nucleotide sugar (or of the nucleoside diphosphate sugar), in the presence of sucrose synthase, .beta.-1-4-galactosyl transferase and uridine diphosphate-glucose 4'-epimerase, (UDP-glucose 4'-epimerase), in which process the uridine diphosphate-glucose 4'-epimerase is reactivated with a ketosugar derivative.

Abstract: Di-N-acetyl-D-chitobiose, which is easily available as a chitin decomposate or a chemical reagent, is reacted with a microorganisms-derived deacetylase to produce 2-acetylamino-4-O-(2-amino-2-deoxy-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl)-2-deoxy-D-gluc ose of formula (1). ##STR1## The method is quantitative and efficiently produces the compound (1). The compound (1) and its salts are usable as substrates for measuring enzymatic activities, and also as starting substances in the production of various food materials and in the field of glyco-chain engineering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a sulfated lactosamine oligosaccharide, comprising the step of allowing a sulfotransferase to act on a lactosamine oligosaccharide, the sulfotransferase transferring sulfate group to hydroxyl group at C-6 position of galactose residue in the lactosamine oligosaccharide.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a carbohydrate or a glycoconjugate without forming any hydrolytic product of the remodeled sugar chain.A process for producing a carbohydrate or a glycoconjugate by a remodeling reaction in the presence of a glycosidase which performs the remodeling reaction in an aqueous medium containing a water-soluble ketone and/or dioxane. Examples of the glycosidase include endoglycosidases such as Endo-A. Examples of the ketone include acetone.

Abstract: A .beta.-fructofuranosidase with a molecular weight of 49,000.+-.5,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE, an isoelectric point of 4.6.+-.0.5, an optimum pH of about 5.5-6.0, and an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. in the presence of calcium ion. The enzyme acts on saccharides with a .beta.-fructofuranosidic linkage and other substances including other saccharides, sugar alcohols, and alcohols to produce fructosyl-transferred saccharides in a relatively high yield.

Abstract: Oligosaccharides are prepared using glycosyl transferase and activated glycosyl derivatives as donor sugars without the use of sugar nucleotides as donor sugars. A reaction mixture composition containing an activated glycoside derivative such as glycosyl fluoride or glycosyl mesylate, an acceptor substrate such as lactose or other oligosaccharide, a glycosyl transferase and a catalytic amount of a nucleotide phosphate or nucleotide phosphate analog is reacted to produce a glycosylated acceptor. In addition to an oligosaccharide, the acceptor substrate may be a monosaccharide, a fluorescent-labeled saccharide or a saccharide derivative such as an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The glycosyl transferase may be immobilized by removing its membrane-binding domain and attaching in its place a cellulose-binding domain. In a preferred embodiment, galactosyl transferase is the glycosyl transferase, .alpha.-D-galactosyl fluoride is the activated glycoside derivative and lactose is the acceptor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing oligosaccharides. The process involves contacting an acceptor moiety with unpurified sugar-nucleotides and/or unpurified glycosyltransferase to synthesize oligosaccharides.

Abstract: Isomaltulose-forming microorganisms are immobilized on a carrier that is a weakly basic anion exchange substance in the form of a substantially non-compressible porous particulate solid material, and are used for isomerization of sucrose to isomaltulose. A preferred carrier contains microfibers or microparticles of diethylaminoethyl cellulose adherently bound by agglomeration with polystyrene. The isomerization may be a continuous conversion in one or more columns packed with the carrier. Isomaltulose may be hydrogenated to form isomalt for use in sweetening. Microorganisms can be immobilized on the carrier by feeding microorganisms to a column containing the carrier. After microorganism immobilization, the carrier may be treated with a crosslinking and/or flocculating compound. Regeneration of the carrier is carried out by removing microorganisms, washing and reloading with fresh microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel microorganism (FERM BP-5144) belonging to the genus Plesiomonas and having ability to produce maltose phosphorylase and trehalose phosphorylase required for the enzymatic production of trehalose and novel maltose phosphorylase and trehalose phosphorylase obtainable from the microorganism as well as a process for producing the enzymes. A novel process for enzymatically producing trehalose (O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-(1.fwdarw.1)-D-glucopyranoside) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Microorganisms which are able to produce maltose/trehalose conversion enzyme, a novel enzyme, are cultivated in nutrient culture media with malose. During the cultivation, the microorganisms readily convert maltose into trehalose to accumulate trehalose in the cultures which yield saccharide mixtures with high trehalose contents when separated from insoluble substances. Removal of contaminant saccharides and subsequent crystallization readily yield trehalose in crystalline trehalose hydrate or anhydrous crystalline form. The trehalose and saccharide mixture containing the same commonly bear desirable properties including mild sweetness and superior stability which render them very useful in a variety of compositions indlucing food products, cosmetics and medicines.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel non-reducing saccharide-forming enzyme, and its preparation and uses. The enzyme is obtainable from the culture of microorganisms such as Rhizobium sp. M-11 (FERM BP 4130) and Arthrobacter sp. Q36 (FERM BP-4316), and capable of forming non-reducing saccharides having a trehalose structure when allowed to act on reducing partial starch hydrolysates. Glucoamylase and .alpha.-glucosidase readily yield trehalose when allowed to act on the non-reducing saccharides. These non-reducing saccharides and trehalose are extensively useful in food products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Novel crystalline maltotetraosyl glucoside is obtained by crystallizing maltotetraosyl glucoside from a solution of maltotetraosyl glucoside, prepared by either exposing an aqueous solution of maltopentaose to the action of a non-reducing saccharide-forming enzyme or an aqueous solution which contains trehalose or a non-reducing saccharide to the action of cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase. The crystalline maltotetraosyl glucoside has non-hygroscopicity, non-reducibility, superior solubility, less fermentability, and other satisfactory properties of stabilizing oligopeptides and biologically-substances as well as preventing retrogradation of amylaceous substances. These features render the crystalline maltotetraosyl glucoside very useful in various compositions including foods, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and shaped bodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the formation of glycosidic linkages. These methods are useful for the preparation of compounds of formula:NeuAc.alpha.(2.fwdarw.3)Gal.beta.(1.fwdarw.4)(Fuc.alpha. 1.fwdarw.3)GlcN(R').beta.(1.fwdarw.3)Gal.beta.

Abstract: In the production of non-reducing saccharides such as trehalose, alpha-glycosyl trehaloses and alpha-glycosyl alpha-glycosides where a solution of liquefied starch is subjected either to non-reducing saccharide-forming enzyme or non-reducing saccharide-forming enzyme and trehalose-releasing enzyme, combinations with starch-debranching enzyme and/or cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase improve the yields for such non-reducing saccharides to levels which are hardly attainable only with reducing-saccharide-forming enzyme and trehalose-releasing enzyme. The non-reducing saccharides and less reducing reducing saccharides containing the same commonly bear a variety of desirable properties which make them useful in a variety of compositions including food products, cosmetics and medicines.

Abstract: A non- or substantially non-crystalline high trehalose content syrup, which dissolves trehalose in an amount over the water solubility and dissolves other oligosaccharide having a trehalose structure within the molecule. The oligosaccharide acts as a trehalose crystallization inhibitory agent and makes the syrup stable, free of or substantially free of crystallization at ambient temperature, and free from bacterial contamination. Examples of the oligosaccharide are monoglucosyltrehalose, diglucosyltrehalose, and triglucosyltrehalose.

Abstract: Described is a method of production of saccharides containing sialic acid, wherein .beta.-galactoside-.alpha.-2,6-sialyltransferase is used for linking sialic acid to the 6-position of a galactose residue in a sugar chain of a glycoconjugate or the 6-position of a galactose residue in a free sugar chain, or to the 6-position of a monosaccharide having a hydroxyl group on carbon at the 6-position and being capable of forming an oligosaccharide or a glycoconjugate.

Abstract: Non-reducing saccharides including alpha-glycosyl trehaloses, alpha-glycosyl alpha-glycosides and trehalose are easily produced by cultivating microorganisms capable of producing non-reducing saccharide-forming enzyme in nutrient culture media which contain reducing partial starch hydrolysates with glucose polymerization degrees of 3 or higher. The yields for these saccharides are significantly improved by further subjecting the reducing partial starch hydrolysates to starch-debranching enzyme and/or cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase in or not in culture media. The resultant non- or less-reducing saccharides commonly bear desirable properties in addition to a mild and gentle sweetness. Thus they would find extensive uses in a variety of compositions including food products, cosmetics and medicines.

Abstract: High quality trehalose derivatives are readily prepared in a considerably high yield by reacting anhydrous trehalose with reactive reagents under anhydrous conditions. The trehalose derivatives can be used in a variety of fields in the production, the chemical synthesis, and the enzymatic synthesis of foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, detergents and chemicals as surfactants, humectants, skin-beautifying agents, antitumor agents, and intermediates for chemical and enzymatic syntheses.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods that can be used to (1) measure the level of polysaccharide in a sample; (2) measure the ability of a compound to degrade a polysaccharide; (3) measure the ability of a compound to modulate polysaccharide synthesis; and (4) identify or distinguish a polysaccharide, and hence organism, for diagnostic purposes in clinical medicine or research. The invention stems from Applicant's discovery that polysaccharides have multiple binding sites for polysaccharide binding moieties (PBM, e.g., wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)). In each method, one PBM links the polysaccharide to a substrate, and a tagged PBM is used to detect the polysaccharide. All of these methods can be carried out rapidly and quickly in the wells of a microtiter plate, thus permitting high through-put screening of samples or test compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of sophorolipids by a stock of Candida bombicola or apicola in a medium that contains a source of nitrogen and a substrate is described. The process includes a first fermentation cycle that includes a stage of growth of the stock and a stage of production of a fermentation wort. The following stages are carried out at least once:a) a portion of the wort is drawn off;b) a mineral that contains nitrogen is added to the remaining portion to constitute a second medium;c) a new fermentation cycle is carried out from this second medium, and another wort is produced.Sophorolipids are recovered from these worts of stages (a) and (c). The duration of the first and new fermentation cycles is at least 30 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the preparation of sialyl galactosides. The methods use sialyl transferase cycle in which the reaction conditions are optimized to provide increased yields.

Abstract: .beta.-Galactosides are synthesized using a transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by .beta.-galactosidase. The reaction employs a carbohydrate donor having a glycosidic leaving group attached to its anomeric carbon and an oxo group attached to the C-6 carbon. Strong leaving groups are preferred over weak leaving groups. The method can be carried out in aqueous solution without organic solvents to give the transglycosylation product in high yields and high regioselectivity. The synthesis of lactosamine using this methodology with galactose oxidase (GO) and .beta.-galactosidase has been accomplished. (FIG. 3). The methodology affords simple reaction conditions and minimal purification steps. In addition, the intermediate substrates maintain high stability, the process affords high yields and the enzymes and reagents employed are commercially available with high stability and low costs.

Abstract: A reiterative method for obtaining the glycosyltransferases useful for glycosyltransferase-catalyzed synthesis of a saccharide composition by serially bonding preselected saccharide units onto an immobilized acceptor moiety which is one member selected from the group consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, lipids, glycolipids and carbohydrates.

Abstract: A DNA encoding an enzyme, which forms non-reducing saccharides having trehalose structure as an end unit from amylaceous saccharides having a degree of glucose polymerization of 3 or higher, enables an industrial-scale production of a recombinant enzyme with such enzyme activity. Non-reducing saccharides obtainable by the recombinant enzyme can be used in a variety of food products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and feeds because of their substantial non-reducibility, mild and high-quality sweetness, adequate viscosity, and moisture-retaining ability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to biosurfactant stabilized emulsions of high viscosity hydrocarbons such as high viscosity crude oil wherein the biosurfactant is a metabolite of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (USB-CS1) and two methods for making the same. Preferably, the viscosity of the biosurfactant stabilized emulsions is below about 500 centipoise and, more preferably, below about 100 centipoise at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A saccharide composition comprising maltooligosyl derivatives of turanose and palatinose which can be readily produced, separated, and purified in a relatively-high yield from maltooligosylsucrose by allowing non-reducing saccharide-forming enzymes to act on aqueous solutions containing maltooligosylsucrose. These saccharides are reducing oligosaccharides with a mild and high-quality sweetness and can be used orally and parenterally, as well as being readily metabolized and used by living bodies.

Abstract: Described herein are a novel heat-resistant .beta.-galactosyltransferase, a production process of the enzyme and a utilization method of the enzyme. The enzyme is produced preferably by produced by a microorganism belonging to the family of Actinomycetaceae, which may be selected from fungi belonging to the genus Saccharopolyspora, the genus Thermomonospora or the genus Thermoactinomvces.

Abstract: A process for obtaining trehalose by growing a fungus of the genus Pleurotus in a liquid or solid medium and purifying the trehalose produced by the fungus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recombinant thermostable enzyme which has a molecular weight of about 54,000-64,000 daltons and a pI of about 5.6-6.6, and releases trehalose from non-reducing saccharides having a trehalose structure as an end unit and a degree of glucose polymerization of at least 3. The enzyme has a satisfactorily-high thermostability, i.e. it is not substantially inactivated even when incubated in an aqueous solution (pH 7.0) at 85.degree. C. for 60 min, and this facilitates the production of trehalose on an industial scale and in a satisfactorily-high yield.

Abstract: A .beta.-fructofuranosidase with a molecular weight of 49,000.+-.5,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE, an isoelectric point of 4.6.+-.0.5, an optimum pH of about 5.5-6.0, and an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. in the presence of calcium ion. The enzyme acts on saccharides with a .beta.-fructofuranosidic linkage and other substances including other saccharides, sugar alcohols, and alcohols to produce fructosyl-transferred saccharides in a relatively high yield.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to novel .alpha.-agarase which selectively hydrolyzes the 1,3-bond of an oligosaccharide derived from agarose; a process for producing oligosaccharides and/or monosaccharides, characterized by that a .beta.-agarase which acts on both polysaccharides and oligosaccharides derived from agarose and an .alpha.-agarase which acts specifically on oligosaccharides derived from agarose are allowed to react with a substrate which contains agarose or an oligosaccharide derived from agarose; and a process for producing oligosaccharides and/or monosaccharides, characterized by that the above .alpha.-agarase is allowed to react with a substrate which contains an oligosaccharide derived from agarose.

Abstract: Disclosed are a DNA encoding an enzyme which releases trehalose from non-reducing saccharides having a trehalose structure as an end unit and having a degree of glucose polymerization of 3 or higher, recombinant DNA and enzyme, transformant, and their preparations and uses. These facilitate the industrial-scale production of trehalose with a relative easiness and low cost, and trehalose thus obtained can be satisfactorily used in a variety of food products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A saccharide composition containing trehalulose, which is obtainable by allowing a maltose/trehalose converting enzyme to act on a sucrose solution to produce trehalulose, and collecting the resulting trehalulose-containing mixture. Since the enzyme converts sucrose into trehalulose in a relatively high yield and the conversion rate is controllable, a saccharide composition rich in trehalulose is readily obtained on an industrial scale.

Abstract: A economically viable method for producing sugars using concentrated acid hydrolysis of biomass containing cellulose and hemicellulose is disclosed. The cellulose and hemicellulose in the biomass is first decrystallized and then hydrolyzed to produce a hydrolysate containing both sugars and acid. Silica present in the biomass can then be removed for further processing. The remaining solids are then subjected to a second decrystallization and hydrolyzation to optimize the sugar yields. An improved method for separating the sugars from the acid in the hydrolysate is also disclosed. The resulting sugar stream can then be fermented, using an improved method which allows both hexose and pentose sugars to be fermented simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for breeding tomato plants that produce tomatoes having superior taste characteristics including the steps, of crossing at least one Lycopersicon esculentum plant with a green-fruited Lycopersicon spp. from an Eriopersicon subgenus to produce hybrid seeds, collecting the hybrid (F.sub.1)seeds, growing plants from F.sub.1 seeds, pollinating the F.sub.1 plants, collecting the hybrid seeds produced by the F.sub.1 plants, growing plants from the seeds produced by the F.sub.1 plants, measuring sucrose, glucose and fructose content of ripe fruit produced from the plants grown from the seeds of the F.sub.1 plants; and selecting plants with tomato fruits having desired characteristics including a fructose/glucose ratio greater than 1.8 and fructose levels higher than 1.3% on a fresh weight basis.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel microorganism (FERM BP-5144) belonging to the genus Plesiomonas and having ability to produce maltose phosphorylase and trehalose phosphorylase required for the enzymatic production of trehalose and novel maltose phosphorylase and trehalose phosphorylase obtainable from the microorganism as well as a process for producing the enzymes. A novel process for enzymatically producing trehalose (O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-(1.fwdarw.1)-D-glucopyranoside) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a disaccharide which comprises: conducting the condensation reaction of .beta.-glucose-1-phosphate with a monosaccharide in an aqueous medium in the presence of an enzyme source which is derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Catellatospora, Kineosporia, Propionibacterium, or Enterococcus and which has sugar phosphorylase activity; and recovering the disaccharide formed in the aqueous medium, as well as a novel disaccharide obtained by the process. The disaccharide obtained by the present invention is useful as a stabilizer for medicine, food, cosmetic and enzyme.

Abstract: A method for genetically engineering cells to produce soluble and secretable Golgi processing enzymes instead of naturally occurring membrane-bound enzymes. Cells are genetically engineered to express glycosyltransferases which lack both a membrane anchor and a retention signal. The resulting altered enzyme becomes soluble and secretable by the cell without losing its catalytic activity. Secretion of the soluble glycosyltransferase by the cell provides for increased production and simplified recovery of glycosyltransferase.

Abstract: Disclosed are a recombinant thermostable enzyme, which converts maltose into trehalose and is stable up to a temperature of about 80.degree. C. even when incubated at pH 7.0 for 60 min, a preparation of the enzyme, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA containing the DNA, a transformant, and an enzymatic conversion method of maltose by using the enzyme.

Abstract: Polynucleotides encoding Pea ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase subunits are provided that are useful for changing the phenotype of higher plants, especially the garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) and other legumes, in regard to starch and sucrose biosynthesis. In particular, the invention relates to affecting the sucrose and starch content of edible plants.

Abstract: A recombinant enzyme, having a molecular weight of about 57,000-67,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE and a pI of about 4.1-5.1 on isoelectrophoresis, which converts maltose into trehalose and vice versa. Depending on the enzymatic conditions, the enzyme forms about 70 w/w % of trehalose when acts on maltose, while about 20 w/w % of maltose when acts on trehalose. The culture of a transformant, prepared by introducing into a host a recombinant DNA containing a DNA coding for the enzyme and a self-replicable vector, facilitates the industrial-scale production of trehalose.

Abstract: Microorganisms which are able to produce maltose/trehalose conversion enzyme, a novel enzyme, are cultivated in nutrient culture media with malose. During the cultivation, the microorganisms readily convert maltose into trehalose to accumulate trehalose in the cultures which yield saccharide mixtures with high trehalose contents when separated from insoluble substances. Removal of contaminant saccharides and subsequent crystallization readily yield trehalose in crystalline trehalose hydrate or anhydrous crystalline form. The trehalose and saccharide mixture containing the same commonly bear desirable properties including mild sweetness and superior stability which render them very useful in a variety of compositions indlucing food products, cosmetics and medicines.

Abstract: Oligosaccharide compounds that are substrates and inhibitors of glycosyltransferase and glycosidase enzymes and compositions containing such compounds are disclosed. A method of glycosylation is also disclosed. An E. coli transformed with phagemid CMPSIL-1, which phagemid comprises a gene for a modified CMP-sialic acid synthetase enzyme, which transformed E. coli has the ATCC accession No. 68531 is also provided.