Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and a method for continuously preparing furfural using lignocellulosic raw material. The system comprises an acid solution output unit, a raw material mixing unit, a feeding unit, a main reaction unit, a discharging unit, a stripping reaction column, a separation unit, and a purification unit. The method comprises an acid solution output step, a raw material mixing step, a feeding step, a hydrolysis reaction step, a discharging step, a stripping reaction step, a separation step, and a purification step. The present invention is a genuine continuous production system, which achieves continuous acquisition of products in terms of time, reduces labor intensity, and improves production efficiency. The whole process has a reasonable design, high furfural yields and low unit energy consumption.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant microorganisms and methods for the production of 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA from a carbon source. The method provides for engineered microorganisms that express endogenous and/or exogenous nucleic acid molecules that catalyze the conversion of a carbon source into 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA. The disclosure further provides methods of producing polymers derived from 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for making gamma lactones comprising reacting a carboxylic acid substrate with a heterologous cytochrome P450 (CYP450) protein with carboxylic acid 4-hydroxylase activity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for purifying organic acids, including: a first extraction which includes separating an aqueous solution of organic acids into a first organic layer and a first aqueous solution layer by adding a solvent containing an amine and an alcohol; removing the alcohol from the separated first organic layer; and a second extraction which includes separating the first organic layer from which the alcohol has been removed into a second organic layer and a second aqueous solution layer by adding water.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant microorganisms and methods for the production of 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA from a carbon source. The method provides for engineered microorganisms that express endogenous and/or exogenous nucleic acid molecules that catalyze the conversion of a carbon source into 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA. The disclosure further provides methods of producing polymers derived from 4-HMF, 2,4-furandimethanol, furan-2,4-dicarbaldehyde, 4-(hydroxymethyl)furoic acid, 2-formylfuran-4-carboxylate, 4-formylfuran-2-carboxylate, and/or 2,4-FDCA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a furan derivative comprising the steps of (a) converting a monosaccharide to provide a keto-intermediate product; and (b) dehydrating the keto-intermediate product to provide a furan derivative; wherein the keto-intermediate product is pre-disposed to forming keto-furanose tautomers in solution. The method may further comprising a step of oxidizing the furan derivative to provide a furandicarboxylic acid or a furandicarboxylic acid derivative.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes that combine microbial production of organic intermediates and subsequent synthetic transformation to provide compounds of industrial value, including compounds used in fragrances.

Abstract: A process for fermenting syngas and a fermentation medium provides high ethanol productivity while removing medium components that were previously thought to be essential. The process is effective for providing a specific STY of at least about 1 g ethanol/(L·day·gram cells). In this aspect, the fermentation medium has less than about 1.04 ppm boron, less than about 0.16 ppm manganese, less than about 0.26 ppm molybdenum, or less than about 0.16 ppm copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotransformation of furanic compounds. More particular the present invention relates to novel genetically modified cells with improved characteristics for biocatalytic transformation of furanic compounds and a vector suitable for the genetic modification of a host cell. Further aspects of the invention are aimed at processes for biotransformation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (HMF-acid) and its precursors with the use of the cell according to the invention.

Abstract: Construction and expression of synthetic pathways to produce (5) or (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) as enantiomerically-pure products by genetically engineering cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Under optimized growth conditions, the pathway employing phaA and phaB from R. eutropha was the most effective, producing up to 533.4±5.5 mg/l (R)-3HB after 21 days photosynthetic cultivation. For the first time, the feasibility and high efficiency of producing 3HB using solar energy and CO2 as sole energy and carbon sources by engineered cyanobacteria is demonstrated.

Abstract: A method of forming homoallylic compounds 2 from cyclopropylvinyl precursors 1 in the presence of a Bronsted acid HQ

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having ?-xylosidase activity, catalytic domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides and catalytic domains.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered transaminase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type transaminase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered transaminase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered transaminase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered transaminase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran and, more generally, cycloether derivatives through the cyclodehydration of 1,4- or 1,5-diols. More specifically, the process of the invention involves (i) the stereoselective cyclodehydration in water of 1,4- or 1,5-diols including at least one chiral tertiary alcohol functional group with retention of the initial chirality, and/or (ii) the cyclodehydration in water of 1,4- or 1,5-diols, said diols being non-miscible with and/or non-soluble in water, into corresponding cycloether derivatives, by bringing the reaction mixture to high temperature water (HTW) conditions and/or by mixing the aqueous reaction mixture with a solid catalyst, such as for example a smectite clay. Also, the use of the process for manufacturing ambrafuran, especially (?)-ambrafuran and other cycloether derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an isolated cellulose degrading fungus and pharmaceutical substances produced by the fungus.

Abstract: A process for mechanical destructuring of starch-based biomass was developed that makes use of a short application of high compression, impact, and shearing forces. The biomass may be destructured using a specific energy input that is less than 40% of the total combustible energy of the biomass. The destructured starch-based biomass, with or without saccharification and/or in-feed glycosyl hydrolase enzymes, may be used in feed applications. The destructured starch-based may saccharified to produce syrups and fermentable sugars, and for production of products including ethanol using a biocatalyst.

Abstract: Processes are described for producing furfural from a mixture of pentoses and hexoses, by dehydrating and cyclizing pentoses to provide furfural using a water-soluble acid at elevated temperatures in the presence of a low-boiling, water-immiscible organic solvent, such as toluene, which is effective for extracting the furfural into an organic phase portion. In certain embodiments, a fermentation step occurs prior to the dehydration step to convert hexoses in the mixed pentoses and hexoses to ethanol while conserving pentoses therein for making furfural.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for enhancing the biosynthesis and/or secretion of sapogenins in the culture medium of plant and microbial cell cultures. Further, the disclosure also relates to the identification of novel genes involved in the biosynthesis of sapogenin intermediates, as well as to novel sapogenin compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel monascuspurpurone compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof as described in the specification, the process for preparation of the same, and the composition comprising the same. The uses of a monascuspurpurone compound for promoting adipocyte differentiation, for increasing the activity of PPAR? and/or C/EBP?, for lowering blood glucose, for preventing and/or treating a disease or disorder related to insulin resistance, and for preventing and/or treating metabolic syndrome or its complications are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of degrading or converting biomass material enriched with hemicellulosic material into fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The hydroxymethylfurfural derivative is represented by the general formula (A) (wherein, R is selected from the group consisting of the following formula (I), (II) HOOCCH2COCO—, (III) HOOCCH2CH2COCO—, and (IV) a hydrogen atom).

Abstract: Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.

Abstract: A genetically modified microorganism comprising a polynucleotide encoding ?-ketoglutarate synthase or a mutant thereof, and a polynucleotide encoding pyruvate carboxylase or a mutant thereof; wherein the genetically modified microorganism has decreased malate quinone oxidoreductase activity and/or decreased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity compared to an unmodified microorganism of the same type, and wherein the genetically modified microorganism produces 4-hydroxybutyrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent cellobiohydrolase II. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Provided are compounds and compositions derived from Pseudomonas sp., particularly, Pseudomonas fluorescens or Pseudomonas protegens and more particularly strain having the identifying characteristics of Pseudomonas ATCC 55799 having antimicrobial properties and particularly, antibacterial properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity, beta-xylosidase activity, or beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material using an enzyme composition in the presence of a reducing agent. The present invention also provides methods for producing a fermentation product and methods of fermenting a cellulosic material using an enzyme composition in the presence of a reducing agent.

Abstract: A process for the production of furan derivatives from D-glucose, wherein A) D-glucose is converted into D-fructose in an enzymatic process, wherein redox cofactors are used and regenerated, whereby, as a result of at least two further enzymatically catalyzed redox reactions proceeding in the same reaction batch, one of the two redox cofactors accumulates in its reduced form and, respectively, the other one in its oxidized form, whereby D-glucose is converted into D-fructose, involving two or more oxidoreductases, and B) D-fructose is converted into furan derivatives, and the use of furan derivatives produced in this manner.

Abstract: An acylating agent and a hydrolase are caused to act on a hydroxypyranone represented by formula (I) in a water-containing organic solvent, to thereby produce an acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II) (wherein R1 represents an acyl group). Then, an acetylene organic metal compound represented by formula (III) (wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a tri-substituted silyl group, and M represents an alkali metal atom, aluminum, or a magnesium monohalide) and a coordinating additive are caused to act on the acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II), to thereby produce an alkyne compound represented by formula (IV). The alkyne compound represented by formula (IV) is hydrolyzed with acid, to thereby produce a dihydrofuran compound represented by formula (V).

Abstract: A microorganism expressing a vector encoding a CoA-dependent succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase to efficiently produce a C4 compound, and methods for the use thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a business method and system for generating sugars and recycling a non-biomass component from a waste stream. In some embodiments, a waste stream comprising cellulose and a non-biomass component is saccharified to produce glucose, followed by recovery of the glucose and non-biomass component, which may be recycled to another site associated with production of a cellulose-containing product that contains the non-biomass component. In certain scenarios, the waste stream is generated at a first location, cellulose pretreatment (if desired) and hydrolysis are conducted at a second location, and the non-biomass component is recycled to the first location or a third location. The non-biomass component may include metals, metal oxides, salts, organic compounds, inorganic compounds, oligomers, or polymers, for example.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a 4-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutanal, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or putrescine pathway and being capable of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, wherein the microbial organism comprises one or more genetic modifications. The invention additionally provides methods of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutanal, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or putrescine or related products using the microbial organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant cells and their use in the production of 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate, 2,3-dihydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone.

Abstract: Processes are described for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, comprising fractionating lignocellulosic biomass in the presence of a solvent for lignin (such as ethanol), a hydrolysis catalyst (such as sulfur dioxide), and water, to produce a liquor containing hemicellulose, cellulose-rich solids, and lignin; hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to produce hemicellulosic monomers; saccharifying the cellulose-rich solids to produce glucose; recovering the hemicellulosic monomers and the glucose, separately or in a combined stream, as fermentable sugars; and fermenting the fermentable sugars to a fermentation product having a higher normal boiling point than water. Process integration of mass and/or energy is disclosed in many specific embodiments. The fermentation product may include an organic acid, an alcohol, a diol, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from fructose in a single-phase aqueous solution comprising an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacteria and the uses thereof. The invention particularly relates to bacteria having a metabolic pathway ratio between Pentose phosphate and glycolysis greater than 0.5, and their uses in the chemical, pharmaceutical or agro-chemical industries, e.g., for producing compounds of industrial interest.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of biotransforming a carbohydrate of a raw material into a chemical, by cultivating Lactobacillus diolivorans in the presence of the raw material to produce a chemical substance, and isolating the chemical substance in the purified form, and the use of L. diolivorans in one of a series of biotransformation methods, wherein carbohydrates from at least two different carbohydrate sources of low purity are transformed into chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps a) providing a secondary alcohol, b) oxidizing the secondary alcohol by contacting it with an NAD(P)+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase and c) contacting the oxidation product of step a) with a transaminase, wherein the NAD(P)+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase and/or the transaminase is a recombinant or isolated enzyme, to a whole cell catalyst for carrying out the method, and to the use of such a whole cell catalyst for oxidizing a secondary alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant filamentous fungal host cells producing cellulolytic enzyme compositions and methods of producing and using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having xylanase activity, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding domains. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding domains.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity, catalytic domains and cellulose binding domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains.

Abstract: Described is a nucleic acid sequence isolated from Persicaria hydropiper and encoding a drimenol oxidase protein, expression vectors comprising such nucleic acid sequence, chimeric genes comprising such nucleic acid sequence, host cells or host organisms altered to harbour the drimenol oxidase nucleic acid sequence, and the drimenol oxidase protein itself. Methods for producing cinnamolide and/or drimendiol and/or enhanced levels of cinnamolide and/or drimendiol, in a cell or organism harbouring such nucleic acid sequence are provided. Transgenic organisms comprising the nucleic acid sequence or a chimeric gene of the invention are also provided. The present invention especially relates to transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to insects and enhanced insect antifeedant properties.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity, catalytic domains and cellulose binding domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant Trichoderma host cells producing Aspergillus fumigatus cellulolytic enzyme compositions and methods of producing and using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme compositions comprising a polypeptide having cellobiohydrolase II activity, a polypeptide having xylanase activity, and one or more cellulolytic proteins and their use in the degradation or conversion of cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a product of one or more enzymatic pathways. The pathways used in the methods of the invention involve one or more conversion steps such as, for example, an enzymatic conversion of guluronic acid into D-glucarate (Step 7); an enzymatic conversion of 5-ketogluconate (5-KGA) into L-Iduronic acid (Step 15); an enzymatic conversion of L-Iduronic acid into Idaric acid Step 7b); and an enzymatic conversion of 5-ketocluconate into 4,6-dihydroxy 2,5-diketo hexanoate (2,5-DDH) (Step 16). In some embodiments the methods of the invention produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as a product. The methods include both enzymatic and chemical conversions as steps. Various pathways are also provided for converting glucose into 5-dehdyro-4-deoxy-glucarate (DDG), and for converting glucose into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The methods also involve the use of engineered enzymes that perform reactions with high specificity and efficiency.

Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a process for producing furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and/or levulinic acid from cellulosic biomass, comprising: fractionating the feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin, sulfur dioxide, and water, to produce a liquor containing hemicellulose, cellulose-rich solids, and lignin; hydrolyzing the hemicellulose contained in the liquor, to produce hemicellulosic monomers; dehydrating the hemicellulose to convert at least a portion of C5 hemicelluloses to furfural and to convert at least a portion of C6 hemicelluloses to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural; converting at least some of the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to levulinic acid and formic acid; and recovering at least one of the furfural, the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, or the levulinic acid. Other embodiments provide a process for dehydrating hemicellulose to convert oligomeric C5 hemicelluloses to furfural and to convert oligomeric C6 hemicelluloses to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.