Abstract: The patent application describes a process for the enzymatic chiral synthesis of L-phosphinothricin by transamination from its corresponding keto acid PPO with aspartate as amino donor. It is possible by a suitable reaction procedure to achieve a quantitative conversion on use of approximately equimolar amounts of amino donor and acceptor with complete consumption of the donor amino acid aspartate. The use of thermally stable transaminases makes a higher reaction rate and correspondingly large space/time yields possible.

Abstract: A method for enzymatically synthesizing a polymer by combining a preselected quantity of an enzyme, a first reactant selected from polymers with at least one carboxylic acid pendant group, a second reactant selected from alcohols, i.e., polyols, in a reaction vessel; heating the reaction vessel to a preselected temperature; and maintaining the reaction vessel at the preselected temperature for a preselected time with mixing, wherein an esterification reaction results at at least one carboxylic acid pendant group of the polymer with one hydroxyl group from the polyol and results in a modified polymer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane, particularly in high yields, using a peroxidase enzyme site and reacting propane-2-nitronate at the enzyme under appropriate conditions. Peroxidases such as chloroperoxidase, soybean peroxidase and horseradish peroxidase are used. High yields include those amounts that increasingly aid in the manufacture of commercial quantities of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane.

Abstract: A process for preparing protected, enantiomer-enriched cyanohydrins of the formula where R1 and R2 independently of one another can be an unsubstituted, monosubstituted or polysubstituted C1-C20-alkyl, C5-C20-aryl, C5-C20-heteroaryl, C5-C20-alkaryl, C5-C20-alkylheteroaryl or C5-C20-aralkyl radical or an unsubstituted, monosubstituted or polysubstituted C5-C20-heterocycle, or C5-C20-alkylheterocycle or together can be an unsubstituted or substituted C4-C20-alkylene radical, which can contain one or more heteroatoms in the chain, or one of the radicals is hydrogen, and R3 can be an unsubstituted or substituted C1-C20-alkyl, C5-C20-aryl or C5-C20-heteroaryl radical, by reacting an aldehyde or ketone of the formula where R1 and R2 are defined as above, in the presence of an (R)- or (S)-hydroxynitrile lyase in an organic, aqueous or 2-phase system or in emulsion at a temperature of ?5 to +40° C. with a carbonic ester nitrile of the formula where R3 is defined as above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purification process whereby deferoxamine B produced by a microorganism and in mixture with other polyhydroxamates produced by the microorganism may be converted into its mesylate salt substantially free of the other polyhydroxamates and substantially free of chloride ion. The process includes adsorption and desorption of the deferoxamine B on an adsorption resin, direct precipitation of the deferoxamine free base out of the eluent from the adsorption resin, contacting of the deferoxamine B free base with methanesulfonic acid and isolation of the deferoxamine B mesylate salt by precipitation. This process minimizes decomposition of deferoxamine B.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol, the method comprising the step of allowing at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Morganella and others, to act on an enantiomeric mixture of an &agr;-aminoketone or a salt thereof having the general formula (I): to produce an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol with the desired optical activity having the general formula (II) described below in a high yield as well as in a highly selective manner:

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gene encoding a protein having an excellent catalyst ability for producing (S)-N-substituted cyclic imino acid represented by the general formula (2) (=the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2)): and to provide a novel method for producing the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2) by an asymmetric hydrolization of the N-substituted cyclic imino acid ester represented by the general formula (1): in a manner of gene engineering technology utilizing the novel gene provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing optically active 3-hydroxypentanenitrile with high yield. Optically active 3-hydroxypentanenitrile is prepared by stereoselectively reducing 3-ketopentanenitrile by action of an enzyme, which asymmetrically reduces 3-ketopentanenitrile to optically active 3-hydroxypentanenitrile. Also, alkali metal salt of 3-ketopentanenitrile, which is a stable compound without problems regarding storage, can be efficiently obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of phospholipids of general formula (I) with the exclusive aid of phospholipase D from a phospholipid mixture and without using organic solvents, wherein phosphatidyl acid is produced in an aqueous, unbuffered phase with phospholipase D and at least one bivalent metal ion in a first step and at least one phospholipid of general formula (I) is produced from the phosphatidyl acid having at least one compound of general formula (II) R3—OH in a second step. Phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositeand/or phosphatidylglycerine are obtained as products. In another embodiment of the invention, the PLD is identical or different in both steps of said method, wherein in the latter case the pH values for the first and second steps of the method are different, said values lying particularly between 6.5 and 8.0, especially between 5.0 and 7.5.

Abstract: The use of L-carnitine and its alkanoyl devivatives, optionally in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, as osmotic agents in the preparation of solutions for medical use, particularly for peritoneal dialysis, is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel sphingolipid ceramide N-deacylase (SCDase) having a wide substrate specificity; a method for enzymatically producing a lysosphingolipid or a sphingolipid derivative using the SCDase which is useful in the fields of medicine, carbohydrate engineering, cell engineering, and the like; the lysosphingolipid or sphingolipid derivative obtained by this production method; a gene which encodes a polypeptide having an SCDase activity useful in sphingolipid technology; a method for industrially producing a polypeptide having an SCDase deacylase activity and a recombinant polypeptide thereof using a transformant to which the gene is introduced; a probe or primer which hybridizes to the gene; and an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to the polypeptide.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a compound using a biocatalyst. In the method for continuously producing a compound using a biocatalyst in one or a plurality of reaction tanks, the downstream reaction temperature is set higher than the upstream reaction temperature of the flow of the catalyst in a reaction tank or between reaction tanks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gene encoding a protein having an excellent catalyst ability for producing (S)-N-substituted cyclic imino acid represented by the general formula (2) (=the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2)): and to provide a novel method for producing the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2) by an asymmetric hydrolization of the N-substituted cyclic imino acid ester represented by the general formula (1): in a manner of gene engineering technology utilizing the novel gene provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-substituted 3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by halohydrin dehalogenase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by ketoreductase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-ketobutyric acid derivatives The present invention also provides methods and compositions for preparing vicinal cyano, hydroxyl substituted carboxylic acid esters.

Abstract: A process for the production of ortho-aminophenols from nitroarenes using a biocatalyst consisting of pure enzymes, partially purified enzymes, cell lysate, intact cells, or a metal reaction linked with a subsequent enzymatic reaction. The biocatalyst is an enzyme system that makes use of a nitroreductase enzyme that initially reduces the nitroarene to the hydroxylaminoarene and a mutase enzyme that converts the hydroxylaminoarene to an ortho-aminophenol. The biocatalyst can also consist of a coupled, two-step metal and enzyme reaction in which the metal, such as zinc, catalyzes the transformation of the nitroarene to the hydroxylaminoarene and the mutase then catalyzes the transformation of hydroxylaminoarene to the corresponding ortho-aminophenol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing an aqueous acrylamide solution by hydrating acrylonitrile in an aqueous solution while in the presence of a biocatalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of an aqueous acrylamide solution by hydration of acrylnitrile in an aqueous solution in the presence of a bio-catalyst.

Abstract: A new enzymatic process for preparing 1,2-diacylated phospholipids using an enzyme preparation possessing phospholipase activity towards acylation at the sn-1 and sn-2 sites in a microaqueous reaction system. More particularly, the 1,2-diacyl-phospholipids produced according to the esterification/transesterification process are obtainable in high yield and purity and carry identical desired carboxylic acid, preferably fatty acid, acyl groups at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions. The process involves esterification/transesterification (acylation) of a glycerophospholipid, preferably glycerophosphoryl choline (GPC) with a desired carboxylic acid, preferably fatty acid, or their derivatives in the presence of the above mentioned appropriate enzyme preparation.

Abstract: A method for producing from one of the optical isomers (optical isomer I) of an amino acid represented by Formula (1):R—CH(NH2)—COOH (1), wherein R is defined in the specification, the other of the optical isomers (optical isomer II), said method comprising reacting a biological material which has an ability of converting said one of the optical isomers (optical isomer I) to said the other of the optical isomers (optical isomer II), the isomerism being on the basis of an assymetric carbon atom to which both of an amino group and a carboxyl group are bound and said ability being not inhibited seriously by an amino acid transferase inhibitor &bgr;-chloro-D-alanine, &bgr;-chloro-L-alanine or gabaculine, with said one of the optical isomers (optical isomer I).

Abstract: A biotechnological method is described for preparing compounds of the general formulas wherein R1 is acyl or acyloxy and R2 is a hydrogen atom or C1-10 alkyl, comprising the conversion of a lactam of the general formula by means of a hydrolase in the presence of a nucleophile and in the presence of a base in a constant pH range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparation of optically active azabicyclo heptanone derivates using lactamases that will react with racemic lactam of formula (I) to give a single enanotiomer of lactam (III) and the corresponding ring opened compound of formula (IV) in an enantiomerically pure form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enzymatically producing optically active mandelic acid derivatives. An optically active mandelic acid derivative (shown as Formula II) is produced by reacting a culture or cell body of a microorganism, or processed products thereof, with a phenylglyoxylic acid derivative, and then recovering the obtained optically active mandelic acid derivative, wherein the microorganism has the ability to stereo-selectively reduce the phenylglyoxylic acid derivative. An optically active mandelic acid obtained according to the present invention is useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for purifying the lysophosphatidylethanolamine with high purity by treating the phospholipid mixture with enzymes, followed by solvent fractionaltion without the column purification. The method of the present invention comprises hydrolyzing phospholipid mixture containing 10-99 weight % of phosphatidylethanolamine with phospholipase A2 to produce lysophospholipid; and treating the lysophospholipid with the solvent mixture comprising water and one or more organic solvents selected from the group consisting of low alcohol, hydrocarbon and alkylester to eliminate impurities except lysophosphatidylethanolamine.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the preparation of a chiral insecticidal and acaricidal compound of formula I. Also provided are intermediate compounds useful in the process of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of an aminoalcohol of the formula 1

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-substituted 3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by halohydrin dehalogenase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by ketoreductase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-ketobutyric acid derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for isotopically labeling a functional group possessed by an amino acid residue of a protein. The present invention also provides a protein whose functional group in an amino acid residue is isotopically labeled. A functional group in an amino acid residue of a protein is substituted with an isotope-labeling group derived from an isotope-labeling compound by making use of the action of an enzyme. In particular, the carboxyamide nitrogen atom in a glutamine residue of a protein is replaced with an isotopically labeled atom by acting a transglutaminase on the glutamine residue.

Abstract: Methods for preparing enantiomerically enriched aminopentanenitriles are provided. The methods involve selective acylation of an enantiomeric mixture of 3-aminopentanenitrile or selective hydrolysis of an enantiomeric mixture of 3-aminopentanenitrile amide in the presence of an enzyme selected from the group comprising lipase, esterase, and acylase. The methods yield R-aminopentanenitrile, which can be used to produce pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: A hydrolyzing/dehydration condensing enzyme having the physical and chemical properties (1) to (3): (1) function and substrate specificity: the enzyme catalyzes a hydrolyzing or dehydration condensing reaction of an amide bond; (2) an optimal temperature range of about 55° C.; and (3) an optimal pH range of 6-8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising hydrolysis or trans esterification of one of the two enantiomeric forms of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched ester of formula I or IV by a higher rate than the other by an enzyme to give an ester and a acid (III) or two different esters (V) and (VI) with different R groups both with increased enantiomeric purity and a esterification process of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched acid (VII) by an enzyme to give an ester and an acid both with increased enantiomeric purity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the increased production of biotin and the biotin precursor dethiobiotin using a bacterium that produces a lysine-utilizing DAPA aminotransferase. This method involves the use of a bacterium that is either grown in the presence of lysine or deregulated for lysine biosynthesis.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyurethane, comprising polyesterifying a carbamate containing at least two functional groups selected from hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups or esters or anhydrides thereof, in the presence of a polyesterification enzyme, and optionally in the presence of one or more copolymerizable monomers having two or more functional groups selected from hydroxyl groups and carboxylic acid groups or esters or anhydrides thereof. This process enables a broader range of polyurethanes to be accessed commercially than the previously described processes.

Abstract: Polynucleotide constructs encoding growth factor independent catalytically active membrane targeted PI 3-kinase mutants useful for therapeutic and research purposes are described. In addition, a method for using the polynucleotide constructs to screen for inhibitors of PI 3-kinase, a method for making 3′ phosphorylated inositol phospholipids, methods of reducing cell death after trauma, and methods of overcoming insulin resistance are described.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol, the method comprising the step of allowing at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Morganella and others, to act on an enantiomeric mixture of an &agr;-aminoketone or a salt thereof having the general formula (I): 1

Abstract: D-enzyme compositions are described comprising an amino acid residue sequence that defines an polypeptide able to catalyze an enzymatic reaction.

Abstract: A recombinant wherein an arginine decarboxylase gene (adi) was amplified and expressed is created by genetic engineering means, and the recombinant, or arginine decarboxylase or an arginine decarboxylase-containing material obtained from the recombinant, is used to decarboxylate arginine to produce agmatine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel bioactive compound 12-(2′-CARBOXY-5′-METHOXYPHENYL)-2,12-DIHYDROXY-DODECA-4-ONE “Sporotricolone”, mainly as acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitor, along with a process for the isolation of said compound from fungus Sporotrichum species.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing acrylamide with good storage stability and improved acrylamide polymer physical properties using a microbial catalyst. A microbial catalyst having catalytic activity to convert from acrylonitrile to acrylamide is washed with an aqueous acrylic acid solution, and then the washed microbial catalyst is used for the conversion reaction, so that the production of the above acrylamide is achieved.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing an (S)-2-amino-&ohgr;-oxoalkanoic acid derivative in which the corresponding aldehyde is converted into the corresponding acetal-protected aldehyde, the acetal-protected aldehyde is converted into the corresponding aminonitrile, the aminonitrile is converted into the corresponding amino acid amide, the amino acid amide is subjected to an enzymatic, enantioselective hydrolysis in which the (R)-enantiomer of the amino acid amide remains and the (S)-enantiomer is converted into the (S)-amino acid, and the (S)-amino acid is isolated. Preferably, the reaction mixture obtained after the conversion of the aminonitrile into the amino acid amide is treated with a benzaldehyde to form the Schiff base of the amino acid amide. The Schiff base is separated out and is converted into the free amino acid amide.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of (R)-enantiomeric, optically active cyanohydrins by reacting an aldehyde or a ketone with a cyanide group donor in the presence of (R) oxynitrilase, wherein a reaction mixture comprising a) an aldehyde or a ketone dissolved in an organic solvent; said organic solvent is immiscible or only slightly miscible with water, b) any aqueous R)-oxynitrilase solution and c) a cyanide group donor is stirred in such away that an emulsion is formed which remains intact until the end of the enzymatic reaction. After the enzymatic reaction has terminated, the (R)-cyanohydrin is isolated from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing optically active cyanohydrin. An immobilized enzyme is used in the invention, in which (S)-hydroxynitrile lyase is immobilized in a carrier comprising a porous inorganic material.

Abstract: A methods for producing a hydroxy-amino acid or derivative thereof, such as statine, phenylstatine or isostatine, is provided. A substituted &bgr;-ketodiester having a ketone group and two ester functional groups is contacted with a ketoreductase under conditions permitting the reduction of the ketone group to an alcohol. Only one of the ester functional groups is regioselectively hydrolyzed to the corresponding carboxylic acid, whereby a non-hydrolyzed ester functional group remains. Either the carboxylic acid or the non-hydrolyzed ester functional group is converted to an amine or a derivative thereof to produce a hydroxy-amino acid or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides novel processes for making ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate, e.g., (R)-ethyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid, and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid. The invention provides protocols for making and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid and ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate by whole cell processes, cell lysate processes, “one pot processes” and “multi-pot” processes using a variety of parameters.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyronitrile of formula (I) wherein * signifies the (R) stereoisomer; and Ph is the phenyl group C6H5, which process comprises reacting, in a biphasic system, 3-phenylpropionaldehyde of formula (X): with a cyanide compound in the presence of (R)-hydroxynitrilase, wherein the reaction is carried out a temperature below (10)° C. Preferably, the reaction is carried out at a temperature in the range of from −(5)° to (0)° C. The compounds of formula (I) thereby prepared are useful in the preparation of the family of ACE inhibitors known as ‘prils’, of the general formula (A): wherein R′ is hydrogen or C1-C2 alkyl and R″ is selected from a large number of possible moieties. Example of “prils” include lisinopril, cilazapril, enalapril, benazepril, ramipril, delapril, enalaprilat, imidapril, spirapril, trandolapril and others.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane, particularly in high yields, using a peroxidase enzyme site and reacting propane-2-nitronate at the enzyme under appropriate conditions. Peroxidases such as chloroperoxidase, soybean peroxidase and horseradish peroxidase are used. High yields include those amounts that increasingly aid in the manufacture of commercial quantities of 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for enzymatic polymerization which includes (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme; and (2) incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The template can be a micelle, a borate-containing electrolyte, or lignin sulfonate. Such a complex possesses exceptional electrical and optical stability, water solubility, and processibility, and can be used in applications such as light-weight energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries), electrolytic capacitors, anti-static and anti-corrosive coatings for smart windows, and biological sensors.

Abstract: Nitroreductases, and genes encoding the same, are provided that demonstrate preferential catalytic conversion of the alkylating agent CB1954 into its highly cytotoxic 4-hydroxylamine (4HX) derivative, this derivative demonstrating anticarcinoma properties. Accordingly, the catalytic activity of the nitroreductase enzymes of the present invention may be employed to achieve catalysis of CB1954 into its cytotoxic derivative in a site-directed manner, such as by Directed-Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (DEPT).

Abstract: A process for producing a substance with a microbial catalyst in which a rise of the temperature of a reaction using a microbial catalyst is controlled to produce the substance at a fixed rate, or in which a substrate of the microbial catalyst is added at a fixed rate and a reaction temperature rise is controlled while a reaction using a microbial catalyst is carried out in order to produce the substance at a fixed rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of discovering nitroreductases and biocatalytic methods for reducing compounds comprising a nitro group.