Abstract: The invention describes a process for the preparation of .delta.-decalactone or .delta.-dodecalactone by the hydrogenation of 2-decen-5-olide and 2-dodecen-5-olide, or a derivative therof, by a bacteria capable of effecting said hydrogenation, preferably by a bacteria of the Clostridium genus. In an embodiment of the invention, 5-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid or 5-hydroxy-2-dodecenoic acid is used as substrate in the hydrogenation reaction.

Abstract: Optically active 2-substituted tetrahydropyran-4-ols or esters thereof may be prepared using esterases or hydrolases from the corresponding racemic mixtures of esters or alcohols. This provides a route to the corresponding optically active ketones.The racemic mixtures are preferably in the cis-form. such mixtures may be produced by reacting but-3-ene-1-ol with an aldehyde in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: A method for converting compactin to pravastatin is described. Compactin is provided and contacted with an agent derived from Actinomadura under conditions in which the agent converts compactin to pravastatin. Also described are an Actinomadura strain, an Actinomadura cell free extract, an Actinomadura hydroxylase, and a method for lowering cholesterol levels in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a hydrogen atom, or ##STR2## and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or OH and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkanoyl group, and an antifungal agent containing it as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel mutant of Aspergillus terreus which shows a resistance to both cerulenin and L-methionine analogue, and a process for preparing mevinolinic acid which comprises aerobic culture of the mutant strain and recovery of mevinolinic acid. The mutant of the present invention provides a remarkably high productivity of mevinolinic acid while reducing the production of byproducts such as mevinolinic acid analogues, when compared with a wild type Aspergillus terreus isolated from soil environment in Korea, and it successfully produce mevinolinic acid by employing monosaccharides such as glucose and galactose, unlike the mother strain.

Abstract: Antitumor isocoumarins are of general formula (III) where R is --CONH.sub.2 or --CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt thereof. The compound wherein R is --CONH.sub.2 is the known compound amicoumacin A. The compound wherein is --CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 is a new compound which can be obtained from fermentation of the new marine bacterium Bacillus sp. strain M-00-PHD-090, CECT 4546.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatic process for the stereoselective preparation of a hetero-bicyclic alcohol enantiomer, characterized in that a substantially pure enantiomer of the general formula ##STR1## wherein X is O, S, NH, N--(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)alkyl or CH.sub.2 ; Y.sub.1, Y.sub.2 and Y.sub.3 are each independently hydrogen or substituents selected from halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, nitro and cyano;the NO.sub.2 substituent is attached to the bicyclic ring system in the 5- or 7-position; andthe C*-atom has either the R or the S configuration;is prepared from its corresponding alcohol racemate by the following successive reaction steps:(1) stereoselective esterification,(2) separation of the alcohol from the ester produced,(3) hydrolysis of the ester to produce the corresponding alcohol enantiomer, and(4) conversion of the alcohol enantiomer into the starting racemate under basic conditions in order to allow its reuse.

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: A method of preparing (.+-.)-calanolide A, 1, a potent HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor, from chromene 4 is provided. Useful intermediates for preparing (.+-.)-calanolide A and its derivatives are also provided. According to the disclosed method, chromene 4 intermediate was reacted with acetaldehyde diethyl acetal or paraldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst with heating, or a two-step reaction including an aldol reaction with acetaldehyde and cyclization either under acidic conditions or neutral Mitsunobu conditions, to produce chromanone 7. Reduction of chromanone 7 with sodium borohydride, in the presence of cerium trichloride, produced (.+-.)-calanolide A. A method for resolving (.+-.)-calanolide A into its optically active forms by a chiral HPLC system or by enzymatic acylation and hydrolysis is also disclosed. Finally, a method for treating or preventing viral infections using (.+-.)-calanolide A or (-)-calanolide A is provided.

Abstract: An aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein whey, whey protein material, high genistein material, high daidzein material, and aglucone isoflavone material are provided, as well as a process for producing the same from a vegetable protein whey. Isoflavone conjugates in a vegetable protein whey are converted to isoflavone glucosides by treating the whey at a temperature and a pH for a period of time sufficient to effect the conversion. The isoflavone glucosides are converted to aglucone isoflavones by enzymatic reaction to produce an aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein whey. Aglucone isoflavone whey protein material is recovered from the aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein whey. A high genistein content material, a high daidzein content material, and an aglucone isoflavone material are produced from an alcohol extract of the aglucone isoflavone whey protein material.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of .gamma.-decalactone. According to this process, a culture of the fungus of a particular species of the genus Mucor is incubated with the particular substrate, which is an organic carboxylic acid ester, to produce fermentatively the .gamma.-decalactone. Exact conditions have now been discovered under which .gamma.-decalactone can be prepared in high yields. These conditions are based upon the fermentative incubation of a fungus of the genus Mucor in conjunction with the appropriate substrate in order to obtain the high yield of the desired lactone.

Abstract: DNA encoding triol polyketide synthase (TPKS) from Aspergillus terreus has been isolated, purified and sequenced. Expression vectors comprising said DNA, cells transformed with the expression vectors, and processes employing the transformed cells are provided.

Abstract: Inhibitors of E-, P- and L-selectin binding are synthesized by an aldol addition reaction between a glycoside aldehyde precursor and dihydroxyacetone phosphate or a derivative thereof. The addition reaction is catalyzed by aldolase. The inhibitors exhibit an activity comparable to sialyl Lewis X with respect to the E-selectin binding assay and high activities in the P- and L-selectin binding assays. The inhibitors are employable for blocking neutrophil inflamatory conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for converting isoflavone conjugates in vegetable protein materials to isoflavone aglucones by forming an aqueous mixture of a vegetable protein material containing isoflavone conjugates, converting the isoflavone conjugates to isoflavone glucones, and converting the isoflavone glucones to isoflavone aglucones. The vegetable protein material may also contain isoflavone glucones which are converted to isoflavone aglucones. The isoflavone conjugates, isoflavone glucones, or isoflavone aglucones present in the vegetable protein material may be removed from the vegetable materials before, during, or after the conversion process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for improving the property of proanthocyanidins comprising contacting the proanthocyanidin containing solution with tannase and a process for increasing the yield of proanthocyanidins comprising contacting the proanthocyanidin containing solution with tannase in the extraction of the proanthocyanidins.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of producing plant proteins for use in nutritional products that have reduced levels of phytoestrogens, manganese or nucleotides. More specifically, this invention is directed to a method of using ion exchange technology to remove phytoestrogens, manganese or nucleotides from plant proteins. This invention is also directed to the plant protein product resulting from the inventive process and to nutritional products that use the plant protein product as a source of amino nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention aims at enhancing purity of the proanthocyanidin extracts by acting yeast to the proanthocyanidin extracts for fermenting them to thereby assimilate the impurities such as saccharides with yeast to reduce them.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of .delta.-decalactone by the microbial reduction of massoia lactone, characterized in that a bacterium having the ability to reduce massoia lactone is used as the microorganism. The .delta.-decalactone produced according to this process has a highly tastable, mild creamlike scent and flavor, and is hence suitable for use in flavor compositions.

Abstract: Aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein extract and isolate and processes for producing and recovering are disclosed. The aglucone isoflavone extract is made by extracting a vegetable protein material comprising glucone isoflavones with an aqueous extractant having a pH above about the isoelectric point of the protein material to produce an aqueous extract, and reacting the glucone isoflavones with a sufficient amount of beta-glucosidase enzyme or esterase enzyme for a time period, temperature, and pH sufficient to convert at least a majority of the glucone isoflavones in the extract to aglucone isoflavones and thereby produce the aglucone isoflavone enriched extract. The aglucone isoflavone enriched isolates are produced by adjusting the pH of the reacted extract to about the isoelectric point of the vegetable protein material to precipitate the protein material, and separating the protein material to produce an aglucone enriched protein isolate.

Abstract: A process for the biotechnological preparation of alcohols, aldehydes and carboxylic acids by oxidation of compounds of the formula R.sup.1 --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CR.sup.2 R.sup.3, where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the meanings indicated in the description, with the aid of microorganisms is described.

Abstract: An aglucone is isoflavone enriched vegetable protein extract and protein material are provided, as well as a high genistein content material and a high daidzein content material. Isoflavone conjugates in a vegetable material are converted to isoflavone glucosides by treating the vegetable material at a temperature and a pH for a period of time sufficient to effect the conversion. The isoflavone glycosides are converted to glucose isoflavones by enzymatic reaction. The vegetable material is extracted with an aqueous extractant having a pH above about the isoelectric point of protein in the vegetable material to extract protein and the isoflavones either before or after conversion of the isoflavone conjugates to isoflavone glucosides or the conversion of the isoflavone glucosides to aglucone isoflavones. An aglucone isoflavone enriched protein material is produced by precipitating the protein and aglucone isoflavones from the extract.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the isolation of the hypolipaemic active substance lovastatin from a sample, e.g. fermentation broth, mycelium or filtrate of Aspergillus terreus (ATCC 20542) or Aspergillus oryzae (ATCC 74135) by extraction with butyl acetate. Simultaneously with the concentration of the extract, lactonisation takes place. There follows a direct crystallization of lovastatin in the lactone form from butyl acetate.

Abstract: Novel light producing 1,2-dioxetanes are described of the formula ##STR1## wherein ArOX is an aryl ring substituted with an X oxy group and A are passive organic groups which allow the 1,2-dioxetane to produce light when triggered by removing X. X is a chemically labile group which is removed by an activating agent. The 1,2-dioxetane compounds can be triggered to produce light at room temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel enzymatic process for the preparation of flavors, in particular of the ionones and C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aldehydes. The invention discloses a process for the preparation of optically active alpha ionone, beta ionone, C.sub.6 aldehydes such as n-hexanal, trans-2-hexanal, C.sub.10 aldehydes such as trans-2, cis-4-decadidienal, and trans-2, trans-4-decadienal. The invention also relates to a process for the production of alcohols, particularly C.sub.6 and C.sub.10 alcohols.

Abstract: A novel microorganism, Penicillium adametzioides and a process of using the microorganism to produce compactin, the process consisting of fermentation in a nutrient medium.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition containing at least one derivative of 5-methoxy 8-methyl 2-phenyl 7H-1-benzopyran-7-one, the method of preparing these derivatives, and novel derivatives are disclosed. The cosmetic composition contains at least one compound of formula (I) ##STR1## as a coloring in a suitable cosmetic carrier, wherein R is a methyl, hydroxymethyl, or methoxymethyl radical. The cosmetic compositions may include lipsticks, nail varnishes, hair lotions and face make-up products.

Abstract: A process for separating a natural B avermectin from a natural avermectin containing fermentation broth by using an aqueous precipitation. The process comprises extracting natural avermectins from the fermentation broth with a water miscible solvent and adding sufficient water to precipitate the natural B avermectins. Preferably, the water miscible solvent is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alcohol, acetone, or acetonitrile. In addition, an acid, base, salt or surfactant may be added to facilitate the precipitation. This invention provides an isolation technique that substitutes the use of an aqueous precipitation for nonaqueous solvent precipitations. The reduction in use of nonaqueous solvents provides economic, environmental and safety benefits.

Abstract: Novel compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is independently hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, acyloxy groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkyloxy with 1 to 6 carbon atoms or from 1 to 5 sugar moieties; and R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen, or alkyl with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The compounds are producible by aerobic cultivation on suitable nutrient media under suitable conditions of a strain of the fungus Ascochyta sp., subsequent recovery of the active component from the fermentation medium, and optionally modifying the active compound to obtain a compound of the desired formula I. Disclosed is also microorganisms capable of producing said compounds, compositions containing said compounds, and the use of such compositions for controlling fungi in valuable crops, animals, including birds and mammals, and in the preservation of wood, paints and edible products.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for resolving a racemic (C>3) alkyl (R, S) chroman-2-carboxylate compound useful as intermediates in the synthesis of optically pure pharmaceutical compounds is disclosed. The process utilizes a microbial enzyme derived from Serratia marcescens to catalyze the enantioselective hydrolysis of the (C>3) alkyl (S)-chroman-2-carboxylate enantiomer of the racemic mixture to its corresponding carboxylic acid at a faster rate than the R-enantiomer. An enantiomerically pure S-configured carboxylic acid is thereby formed which can undergo acidic esterification to provide an optically pure (C>3) alkyl (S)-chroman-2-carboxylate intermediate for subsequent pharmaceutical synthesis. The nonhydrolyzed (C>3) alkyl (R)-chroman-2-carboxylate enantiomer can also be isolated to provide an optically pure pharmaceutical precursor.

Abstract: An immunosuppressant compound is produced having the structure: ##STR1## or a mirror image thereof, wherein X.sub.1 is 2,2-dimethylvinyl and X.sub.2 and X.sub.3 together are .dbd.CH.sub.2 ; or X.sub.1 is 2,2-dimethyloxiranyl, and X.sub.2 and X.sub.3 together are --0--CH.sub.2 --; or X.sub.1 is 1,2-dihydroxy-2-methyl-propyl, X.sub.2 is --CH.sub.2 OH, and X.sub.3 is OH; or X.sub.1 is 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl, X.sub.2 is H, and X.sub.3 is CH.sub.2 OH; or X.sub.1 is COOR, and X.sub.2 and X.sub.3 together are .dbd.O, where R is a lower alkyl, phenyl, or benzyl group; or X.sub.1 is 2-methylpropyl, X.sub.2 is H, and X.sub.3 is CH.sub.3. The compound can be produced by culturing Fusarium subglutinans f. sp. tripterygii ATCC 74358 isolated from the stems of Tripterygium wilfordii. A pharmaceutical composition for immunosuppression therapy is prepared containing the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: Aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein whey, whey protein and processes for producing and recovering such are disclosed. Aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein whey is made by treating whey comprising glucone isoflavones with a sufficient amount of beta-glucosidase enzyme or esterase enzyme or acid to convert at least a majority of the glucone isoflavones to aglucones and thereby provide an aglucone enriched whey. An aglucone enriched whey protein is obtained by recovery of the protein.

Abstract: Aglucone isoflavone enriched protein concentrates and processes for producing and recovering are disclosed. The process comprises an isoelectrie wash of a vegetable protein material to provide a protein concentrate, which is slurried and reacted with a sufficient amount of beta-glucosidase enzyme or esterase enzyme for a time period, temperature, and pH sufficient to convert at least a majority of the glucone isoflavones contained in the concentrate to aglucone isoflavones.

Abstract: A Monascus purpureus 94-25 (NBIMCC 2325) strain microorganism produces pigments and biologically active products when cultivated on a culture medium based on waste disposals from the milk industry. The pigmented product obtained possesses superoxide dismutase and antioxidant properties and has applications in the food and beverage industry and cosmetics industry. The present process is suitable for large scale manufacture and, by its application, a large amount of waste and by-products from the milk processing industry is utilized and thus an ecologically clean and wasteless technology is created.

Abstract: The invention is a process for producing N-substituted glucamines, a process for oxidizing an N-substituted glucamine with an oxidizing microbe or extract thereof, and a process for oxidizing an N-substituted glucamine with an oxidizing microbe or extract thereof and reducing the oxidized N-substituted glucamine to an N-substituted-1-deoxynojirimycin. In addition, a one pot process for producing N-substituted-1-deoxynojirimycin from D-glucose is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a process for producing N-substituted glucamines, a process for oxidizing an N-substituted glucamine with an oxidizing microbe or extract thereof, and a process for oxidizing an N-substituted glucamine with an oxidizing microbe or extract thereof and reducing the oxidized N-substituted glucamine to an N-substituted-1-deoxynojirimycin. In addition, a one pot process for producing N-substituted-1-deoxynojirimycin from D-glucose is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing frenolicin B. The process comprises fermenting a broth so as to produce frenolicin, said broth having a microorganism capable of producing frenolicin. The frenolicin is then converted in the broth under anaerobic conditions to deoxyfrenolicin. The deoxyfrenolicin is converted to frenolicin B.

Abstract: A process for production of canthaxanthin comprising the steps of culturing a microorganism capable of producing canthaxanthin and belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, such as Corynebacterium sp. SQH 348 (FERM BP-4284), and recovering canthaxanthin from the culture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing the isoflavone genistein. Genistein is prepared by fermenting the bacteria Saccharopolyspora erythraea in the presence of a soy-based substrate. A process of recovering genistein from a bacterial fermentation medium using alkaline, organic solvent extraction is also provided.

Abstract: A biotransformation process for the production of an intermediate used in the chemical synthesis of an antibiotic compound.

Abstract: A process for resolving racemic alkyl 1,4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylates useful as intermediates in the synthesis of optically pure pharmaceutical compounds such as (S)-doxazosin is disclosed. The process utilizes a microbial enzyme derived from Serratia marcescens to catalyze the enantioselective hydrolysis of the alkyl (S)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylate enantiomer of the racemic mixture to its corresponding carboxylic acid at a faster rate than the R-enantiomer. An enantiomerically pure S-configured carboxylic acid is thereby formed for subsequent pharmaceutical synthesis. The nonhydrolyzed alkyl (R)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-carboxylate enantiomer can also be isolated and racemized, and the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction repeated.

Abstract: The production of natural delta-decanolide and/or delta-dodecanolide or mixtures thereof, by means of the biohydrogenation of a substrate containing the corresponding unsaturated lactones, delta-decen-2-olide and delta-dodecen-2-olide, respectively, and mixtures thereof, is performed by means of the use of a microorganism chosen from the group consisting of Saccharomyces delbrueckii, Pichia ohmeri, Hansenula anomala, Pichia stipitis, Debaromyces hansenii, Zymomonas mobilis, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Schawnniomyces occidentalis, Sarcina lutea and Geotrichum candidum.

Abstract: A process for production of canthaxanthin comprising the steps of culturing a microorganism capable of producing canthaxanthin and belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, such as Corynebacterium sp. SQH 348 (FERM BP-4284), and recovering canthaxanthin from the culture.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for the preparation of chiral epoxides, monohydroxy or dihydroxy compounds of formula ##STR1## by the stereoselective epoxidation or hydroxylation of benzopyrans of formula ##STR2## or resolution of compounds of formula ##STR3## The compounds of formula I and II are intermediates useful in the preparation of pyranyl cyanoguanidine derivatives.

Abstract: A novel process for producing tocopherols and their precursors is described.

Abstract: New compounds, which we have named the "Leustroducsins" have the formula (I): ##STR1## in which R represents a 5-methylhexanoyloxy group, a 6-methyloctanoyloxy group or a 7-methyloctanoyloxy group, and salts thereof, and may be prepared by fermentation using a microorganism of the genus Streptomyces, especially a strain of the species Streptomyces platensis, such as strain SANK 60191 (FERM BP-3288). These compounds may be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of: adverse reactions resulting from cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy; infections; cancer; cerebral dysfunction; and fungal infections.

Abstract: A process for the separation of at least one isomer from a mixture of isomers of a tetrahydropyran-2-one, having at least two chiral centres, which comprises selective reaction of at least one isomer with a reagent catalysed by a hydrolase enzyme whereby at least one isomer is preferentially converted into a distinct chemical species from the other isomers so that it is susceptible of separation by an appropriate chemical or physical separation process in which the tetrahydropyranone is of Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein: Z is --H or a protecting group susceptible of reaction with the reagent under the influence of the enzyme; andY is optionally substituted hydrocarbyl.

Abstract: A process for the separation of at least one isomer from a mixture of isomers of a tetrahydropyran-2-one, having at least two chiral centers which comprises selective reaction of at least one isomer with a reagent catalyzed by a hydrolase enzyme whereby at least one isomer is preferentially converted into a distinct chemical species from the other isomers so that it is susceptible of separation by an appropriate chemical or physical separation process in which the tetrahydropyran-2-one is of Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein: Z is --H or a protecting group susceptible of reaction with the reagent under the influence of the enzyme; andY is formyl or protected formyl.

Abstract: A tocopherol cyclase is produced in homogenous form which acts on phytyl benzoquinol derivatives to produce R', R', R'-tocopherols enantioselectively. The cyclase has a molecular weight of from about 48 kD to about 50 kD as determined by SDS-PAGE. The cyclase is isolated from Chlorella protothecoides, Dunaliella salina and wheat leaves of the Fidel variety.

Abstract: An immobilized lipase is employed in an organic solvent to esterify diol lactone derivatives of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to form HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors of formula (I). ##STR1## This process allows for the efficient, one-step production of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors of structural formula (I).

Abstract: In an assay method in which a member of a specific binding pair is detected by means of an optically detectable reaction, the improvement wherein the optically detectable reaction includes the reaction, with an enzyme, of a dioxetane having the formula ##STR1## where T is a cycloalkyl or polycycloalkyl group bonded to the 4-membered ring portion of the dioxetane by a spiro linkage; Y is a fluorescent chromophore; X is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, heteroalkyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, or enzyme-cleavable group; and Z is hydrogen or an enzyme-cleavable group, provided that at least one of X or Z must be an enzyme-cleavable group, so that the enzyme cleaves the enzyme-cleavable group from the dioxetane to form a negatively charged substituent bonded to the dioxetane, the negatively charged substituent causing the dioxetane to decompose to form a luminescent substance that includes group Y of said dioxetane.