Abstract: An ester is caused to act on a 2-substituted-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester as a racemate in the presence of hydrolase under substantially anhydrous conditions to effect a transesterification resulting in the resolution.The compound thus resolved is converted to an optically active 2,6-cis-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one and the resulting compound is recrystallized to give optically active 5,6-anti-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one and 5,6-syn-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one. Thus an optically active compound having plural chiral centers.Further, an optically active 2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one obtained by transesterification and recrystallization is reacted with an alcohol to produce an optically active 2-substituted-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester.

Abstract: A novel microorganism, Coniothyrium fuckelii ATCC 74227, and a process of using the microorganism for the production of lovastatin comprising fermenting Coniothyrium fuckelii ATCC 74227 or a lovastatin-producing mutant thereof in a nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen, and inorganic salts under aerobic fermentation conditions.

Abstract: The invention refers to a new microbial process for preparing .beta.,.delta.-dihydroxy-7-[1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-2.6-dimethyl-8-(2-methy l-butyryloxy)-naphthalen-1-yl]-heptanoic acid .delta.-lactone of formula (I) and .beta.,.delta.-dihydroxy-7-[1,2,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-2.6-dimethyl-8-(2-methy lbutyryloxy)-naphtalen-1-yl]-heptanoic acid of formula (II), ##STR1## by the aerobic fermentation of the submerged culture of an imperfect fungus strain biosynthesizing the above compounds, in a nutrient medium containing utilizable carbon and nitrogen sources as well as mineral salts, and by isolating the product of formula (I), which comprises cultivating a strain of the new Aspergillus obscurus fungus species producing the above compound(s) of formulas (I) and/or (II), in a temperature range of 25.degree. to 30.degree. C. and, if desired, separating the product(s) formed from the fermentation broth, then isolating it in the lactone form of formula (I) and, if desired, purifying the same.

Abstract: Lovastatin is produced by a process of fermentation using a fungal transformant produced by introducing into a non-lovastatin expressing Aspergillus strain such as a strain of Aspergillus oryzae the DNA of a lovastatin-expressing strain of Aspergillus terreus .

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein fiber wherein a vegetable protein material is extracted to form a slurry of protein, fiber and glucone isoflavones. The pH of the slurry is adjusted to about 6 to 8 and the slurry reacted with a beta glucosidase to convert the glucone isoflavones in said slurry to aglucone isoflavones. The fiber fraction is then recovered from the slurry by centrifugation or similar means to provide an aglucone enriched fiber.

Abstract: An ester is caused to act on a 2-substituted-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester as a racemate in the presence of hydrolase under substantially anhydrous conditions to effect a transesterification resulting in the resolution.The compound thus resolved is converted to an optically active 2,6-cis-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one and the resulting compound is recrystallized to give optically active 5,6-anti-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one and 5,6-syn-2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one. Thus an optically active compound having plural chiral centers.Further, an optically active 2,5,6-substituted-1,3-dioxan-4-one obtained by transesterification and recrystallization is reacted with an alcohol to produce an optically active 2-substituted-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester.

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

Abstract: A process for the in vitro production of chemically modified polyphenolic polymer (PPP). First, stable, highly active extracellular tyrosinase is produced from genetically transformed microorganism such as Streptomyces antibioticus. The tyrosinase is then incubated with a reaction substrate such as l-tyrosine, hydrolyzed protein, or an oligopeptide in combination with l-tyrosine. The ratio of the oligopeptide/tyrosine combination as well as variation in the concentration of tyrosinase can be used to modify the color, the molecular size, and the spectral absorbance properties of the PPP produced. Alternatively, or additionally, oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorite can be used to modify the color of the PPP, regardless of the method used to produce the PPP, and the PPP can subsequently be fractionated using molecular weight cut-off ultrafiltration. Organic solvents can also be used in the method of making PPP to produce PPPs having variable but reproducible physical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel process for the production of pyrocomenic acid [3-hydroxy-4(1H)-pyran-4-one and rubiginol [3,5-dihydroxy-4(1H)-pyran-4-one, which are starting materials for synthesis of maltols useful as food spices as well as additives for cosmetics.The chemical reactions possibly taking place in the fermentation and the heating post-treatment thereof in the present invention are shown as follows: ##STR1## The microorganisms usable in the above oxidation fermentation include Gluconobacter rubiginosus IFO 3244, Gluconobacter suboxydans IFO 3254, Gluconobacter melanogenus IFO 3293, Pseudomonas fluorescens IFO 3081, Erwinia carotovara IFO 3380 etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aglucone isoflavone enriched vegetable protein fiber wherein a vegetable protein material is extracted to form a slurry of protein, fiber and glucone isoflavones. The pH of the slurry is adjusted to about 6 to 8 and the slurry reacted with a beta glucosidase to convert the glucone isoflavones in said slurry to aglucone isoflavones. The fiber fraction is then recovered from the slurry by centrifugation or similar means to provide an aglucone enriched fiber.

Abstract: Compounds which are useful as substrates for enzymes are disclosed. An enzyme-controlled process is provided for generating a colored species from an initially substantially colorless material as a result of enzymatic attack. The process can be exploited to provide an enzyme-amplified diagnostic assay method to detect an analyte of interest present in a test sample.

Abstract: Meta-hydroxyphenylacetylenes are produced from phenyl-substituted ketal or acetal precursors. Using biotransformation processes, these precursors serve as substrates that are converted to cis-dihydrodiol intermediates. The cis-dihydrodiols can be converted chemically to the corresponding meta-substituted compounds, e.g., meta-substituted phenols, and then to m-hydroxyphenylacetylene, which is an intermediate needed to produce acetylene-terminated resins. The biotransformation step employs arene-2,3-dioxygenase in intra- or extra- cellular form.

Abstract: Described is a process for the preparation of compositions of matter containing octalactones defined according to the structure: ##STR1## which includes the stereoisomers having the structures: ##STR2## by means of the sequential steps of (i) fermentation of caprylic acid or the ethyl ester of caprylic acid defined according to the generic structure: ##STR3## wherein R is hydrogen or ethyl using a microorganism selected from the group consisting of:Mortierella ramanniana var. ramanniana--CBS 112.08Mortierella ramanniana var. ramanniana--CBS 478.

Abstract: Novel strains of Aspergillus terreus have been discovered which provide fermentation production of at least 5.2 g/L of 7-[1,2,6,7,8,8a(R)-hexahydro-2(S),6(R)-dimethyl-8(S)-hydroxy-1(S)-naphthyl ]-3(R),5(R)-dihydroxyheptanoic acid (triol acid, I), but with production of not more than 0.85 g/L of (triol acid)-related side products and specifically less than 0.10 mg/liter of lovastatin. The predominant fermentation product triol acid, may be converted in a straightforward manner to its lactone form, in which it is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase and thus useful as an antihypercholesterolemic agent, and in which it may also serve as an intermediate for preparation of other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel process for the microbiological manufacture of L-ascorbic acid from L-gulono-gamma-lactone, a process for preparing the enzyme being responsible for the microbiological oxidation of L-gulono-gamma-lactone, and said enzyme as a homogeneous protein, which is a L-gulono-gamma-lactone dehydrogenase.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes employing cultures which are useful for preparing compounds of structural formula (I).

Abstract: A microbiological process for the oxidation of methyl groups in aromatic 5- or 6-member ring heterocycles to the corresponding carboxylic acid. The heterocycle serves as the substrate and exhibits no substituent on the carbon atoms adjacent to the methyl groups to be oxidized. The reaction of the heterocycle takes place by means of microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas utilizing toluene, xylene, or cymene. The enzymes of the microorganisms been previously induced.

Abstract: Biosynthetic production of 7-[1',2',6',-7',8',8a'(R)-hexahydro-2'(S),6'(R)-dimethyl-8'(S)-hydroxy-1'( S)-naphthyl]-3(R),5(R)-dihydroxyheptanoic acid, "triol acid", is accomplished by enzymatic hydrolysis of lovastatin acid or a salt thereof, by treating it with Clonostachys compactiuscula ATCC 38009 or ATCC 74178, or mutants thereof, or a cell-free extract derived therefrom, or a hydrolase derived therefrom. The triol acid and its lactone form are both inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase and thus useful as anti-hypercholesterolemic agents, and may also serve as intermediates for preparation of other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Also, in the synthesis of simvastatin by direct methylation of lovastatin, selective hydrolysis of residual lovastatin salt by treatment with Clonostachys compactiuscula ATCC 38009 or ATCC 74178 or mutants thereof or a cell-free extract derived therefrom, or a hydrolase derived therefrom yields the "triol" salt which can be easily separated from simvastatin.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing delta-lactones useful for incorporation in flavourings and fragrances, wherein a micro-organism which is preferably acceptable for making "food grade" products and which does not metabolize delta-lactones, is cultured aerobically in a culture medium containing as the substrate, an 11-hydroxy fatty acid having an odd number .gtoreq.5 of carbon atoms between the carboxyl group and the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy group. The preferred micro-organism is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae species. The delta-hydroxy-alkanoic acid reaction product of the process is lactonized either in the fermentation broth or after separation therefrom. Especially suitable is 11-hydroxy palmitic acid. The hydroxy fatty acid may be added either pure or as the mixture obtained by hydrolysis of an ester thereof. Enzymatic hydrolysis of such ester may be done in situ in the fermentation broth.

Abstract: A microbiological process for oxidation of methyl groups in aromatic 5- or 6-ring heterocycles to the corresponding carboxylic acid. The reaction of the heterocycle takes place by microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas, which utilize toluene, xylene or cymene. An inducer, the aromatic heterocycle, as the substrate, and a carbon source and energy source are fed in and, after the maximal product concentration is reached, the product is separated.

Abstract: A process for the purification of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor employing preparative high performance liquid chromatography is described.

Abstract: Novel cytochrome P-450.sub.sca-1, P-450.sub.sca-2 and P-450.sub.sca-3 enzymes are produced by cultivation of Streptomyces carbophilus SANK 62585, and are suitable for use in hydroxylation processes.

Abstract: The process consists of culturing in a closed photobioreactor (2) microalgae suspended in a culture medium (1), the oxygen produced by the microalgae by photosynthesis being collected and then reinjected into the culture medium, separating (6) the microalgae from the culture medium (1), dissolving (12) the microalgae, grinding or crushing (14) the solution of microalgae, adding (16) a solvent to the ground or crushed solution for solubilizing the antioxidants produced by the microalgae and then separating (18) the liquid phases present.

Abstract: The fungus Beauveria sulfurescens has been employed to introduce hydroxyl groups into artemisinin and derivatives of artemisinin, an antimalarial. Hydroxylated derivatives of artemisinin and derivatives of artemisinin produced thereby possess antimalarial activity, and can serve as intermediates in the synthesis of further derivatives useful in treating malaria.

Abstract: Process for the production of gamma- or delta-lactones according to the general formula: ##STR1## in which R is a saturated, mono-, di- or triunsaturated linear alkyl chain comprising from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and in which R.sub.1 is alkylene comprising 2 or 3 carbon atoms, entailing the operation which consists in culturing, in a substrate comprising a hydroxide or hydroperoxide of linoleic acid or of linolenic acid, of their esters or of their glycerides, or of an oleic acid derivative obtained by the photooxygenation of oleic acid or autoxidation of fats which contain it, a microorganism capable of performing beta-oxidations of said substrate.

Abstract: Described is a microbiological method for producing the cyclic ether having the chemical structure: ##STR1## using a sclareol derivative having one of the structures: ##STR2## and using the microorganism: Cryptococcus laurentii, ATCC 20920.

Abstract: Derivatives of ML-236B carboxylic acid, its salts and esters and corresponding lactone have a hydroxy group at the 3"-position and optionally also at the 6'-position. These derivatives may be prepared by the enzymatic hydroxylation of a corresponding ML-236B compound employing an enzyme produced by a microorganism of the genus Streptomyces or Amycolata, especially Streptomyces sp. SANK 62285, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62385, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62485, Streptomyces sp. SANK 62585, Amycolata autotrophica SANK 62781, Amycolata autotrophica subsp. canberrica SANK 62882 or Amycolata autotrophica subsp. amethystina SANK 62981. These derivatives have the ability to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to cultures and processes employing these cultures which are useful for preparing compounds of structural formula (I).

Abstract: According to the present invention, mevalonic acid can be produced in such a high yield as to be available on an industrial scale by culturing specified microorganism(s) such as Saccharomycopsis fibuligera IFO 0107 and then collecting mevalonic acid from the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention concerns natural 5-decanolide and 5-dodecanolide, obtainable by biocatalytic reduction of natural 2-decen-5-olide, respectively 2-dodecen-5-olide, as well as the production of natural 5-decanolide and 5-dodecanolide by biocatalytic reduction of the corresponding unsaturated natural 2-decen-5-olide, respectively 2-dodecen-5-olide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for preparing pyrocatecholic compounds from monophenolic compounds using catalysis by monophenol monooxygenase in an aqueous solution containing metal ions. The metal ions form complexes with the pyrocatecholic products. This method increases the yield of pyrocatecholic products. In particular, the method of the instant invention can be used to increase the yield of L-DOPA, a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the oxidation of methyl groups in aromatic 5- or 6-member ring heterocycles to the corresponding carboxylic acid. The heterocycle serves as the substrate and exhibits no substituent on the carbon atoms adjacent to the methyl groups to be oxidized. The reaction of the heterocycle takes place by means of microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas utilizing toluene, xylene, or cymene. The enzymes of the microorganisms have been previously induced.

Abstract: An antitumor antibiotic designated BMY-42428 is produced by fermentation of Actinomadura madurae ATCC-53806. The BMY-42428 antibiotic exhibits both antimicrobial and antitumor activities.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing an optically active hydroxy lactone which comprises reacting under substantially anhydrous conditions and in the presence of an enzyme an ester and a racemic compound represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or 1, any one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is a hydroxy group, and R.sup.2 =R.sup.3 =H or R.sup.2 =R.sup.3 =CH.sub.3 when R.sup.1 is the hydroxy group, and R.sup.1 =R.sup.3 =H when R.sup.2 is the hydroxy group, to effect a transesterification reaction, and resolving to an optically active alcohol which has R- or S-configuration and the ester of the symmetric alcohol.

Abstract: A phosphorus-containing analog-ligand having a stereoconfiguration that substantially corresponds to the stereoconfiguration of an amide- or ester-forming transition state is used to induce production of receptor molecules whose antibody combining sites have stereospecific amide or ester synthase catalytic activity when reacted with a ligand containing (i) a carbonyl carbon atom and (ii) an amine or alcohol group that are structurally capable of forming a preselected stereoisomer of a carboxylic amide or ester.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the immunoassay of AZT (3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine), also known as zidovudine, in biological fluids such as serum, semen, plasma and urine, as well as other body fluids. The invention also includes (1) various novel analogs of AZT useful in preparing immunogens for antibodies to AZT and in preparing labeled AZT, (2) immunogens for antibodies to AZT, (3) monoclonal and polylonal antibodies to AZT, (4) labeled AZT analogs and (5) diagnostic test kits for the immunoassay.

Abstract: Enantiomerically pure (2R)-hydroxy-substituted benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid esters and (2S)-hydroxy-substituted benzopyran-2-carboxylic acids, are prepared by the Pseudomonas lipase-catalyzed selective hydrolysis of racemic (2RS)-hydroxy-substituted benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid esters in solution or suspension in an aqueous or aqueous/organic medium, at a pH of from about 5 to about 10.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of gamma and delta lactones from organic carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof is disclosed. The process comprises cultivating, under aerobic conditions, a fungus of the genus Mucor in a suitable medium containing the carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: In a process for the reduction of ketones, the keto compounds are enantioselectively reduced to give secondary alcohols by means of microorganisms. Keto compounds of the formulaR.sup.3 NH--CHR.sup.1 --CO--CH.sub.2 --COOR.sup.2in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the meanings defined herein are used as starting compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of colorants and/or active compounds by culturing a microorganism of the genus Monascus in a sterilizable fluidized-bed fermenter of low water content, such as was proposed in German Patent Application P 3,625,698.6. The fluidizable particle used here is the microorganism itself--in pellet form or grown on carriers--which can be supplied with nutrients by spraying in substrate solutions. The colorants and/or active compounds are isolated by extraction with organic solvents.

Abstract: A new antibiotic having the chromophore structure of the plurmycin family of antibiotics is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces violaceus ATCC 53807. The new antibiotic designated BU-3839T, exhibits potent antibacterial activity and also inhibits the growth of tumors in experimental animal systems.

Abstract: A microbiological process is described for the preparation of 6-desmethyl-6-.beta.-hydroxymethyl and 6-desmethyl-6-.beta.-carboxylovastatin derivatives and 8-acyl analogs thereof.

Abstract: A new process for the production of tocopherols by tissue culture, which comprises (1) preparing a callus of a plant Carthamus tinctorius, (2) inoculating the callus into a synthetic nutrient medium and culturing the callus to produce tocopherols, and (3) recovering the tocopherols. The tocopherols thus produced are minaly .alpha.-tocopherol, which has the strongest vitamin E activity among tocopherol analogs.

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.

Abstract: A biotransformation for the formation of a 3-keto-5-hydroxy simvastation analog (I) or a 8-acyloxy derivative thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-[3'-propionic acid]-5.alpha.-hydroxy-7a.beta.-methyl-hexahydro-1-indanone-.delta.-lacton e, having the formula ##STR1## for the chemical synthesis of a pharmaceutical steroid, which includes cultivating, in the presence of cholesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, or a mixture of sitosterol and sitostanol, a mutant of the parent species R. australis of the genus Rhodococcus.

Abstract: An acidic polycyclic ether antibiotic, having structure established by X-ray crystallography, is formed by fermentation of a novel microorganism, Streptomyces sp. ATCC 53862. This novel antibiotic is useful as an anticoccidial in chickens, in the prevention or treatment of swine dysentery, and as a growth promotant in cattle and swine.

Abstract: A phosphorous-containing analog-ligand having a conformation that substantially corresponds to the conformation of an amide- or ester-forming transition state is used to induce production of receptor molecules whose antibody combining sites have amide or ester synthase catalytic activity when reacted with a ligand containing (i) a carbonyl carbon atom and (ii) an amine or alcohol group that are structurally capable of forming a preselected carboxylic amide or ester bond.

Abstract: New intermediate, an optically active (1S,5R)-7,7-alkylenedioxy-2-alkoxycarbonylbicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-one which is useful for the synthesis of an optically active carbacyclin. This intermediate is prepared, as a non-reduced compound, from a racemic compound, (1SR,5RS)-7,7-alkylenedioxy-2-alkoxycarbonyl-cis-bicyclo[3.3.0]octan-3-one , by treatment of the racemic compound with a microorganism. The microorganism has an ability of specifically reducing the keto group of the (1R,5S) epimer of the racemic compound.

Abstract: A novel microorganism, mutant chol 149-K14 (DSM 2065) and process for the preparation of 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-(3'-propionic acid)-5.alpha.-hydroxy-7a.beta.-methyl-hexahydro-1-indanone and the .delta.-lactone thereof comprising culturing a steroid compound of animal or plant origin with the above microorganism mutant in an aqueous nutrient medium under aerobic conditions.