Abstract: The invention provides a process for the hydrolysis of acrylonitrile to acrylic acid, and for the hydrolysis of methacrylonitrile to methacrylic acid, in high yield and at high concentration with high specificity. Acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile is hydrolyzed in a suitable aqueous reaction mixture by a catalyst characterized by a nitrile hydratase and amidase activity of Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, producing the corresponding acid. The acrylic acid or methacrylic acid is isolated as the acid or corresponding salt.

Abstract: A method of extracting non-polar isothiocyanates from a plant includes providing fresh or dehydrated plant material that contains at least one glucosinolate that will form a corresponding non-polar isothiocyanate, and endogenous myrosinase enzyme. Water is added to the plant material and milled, and oil is added thereafter to the water and plant mixture. This mixture is then homogenized after which the oil phase is separated from water phase and solids, such that the non-polar isothiocyanate(s) partition into the oil phase. A stable composition made according to the method includes at least one non-polar isothiocyanate and a vegetable oil. A dietary supplement may be formulated from the stable composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing optically active cyanohydrins of the formula (II), by reacting an aldehyde of the formula (I) with HCN in a water-immiscible organic solvent in the presence of water, in the absence or presence of a buffer, in the presence of a (R)-hydroxynitrile lyase, where X, Y and Z in formula (II) have the same meaning as in formula (I), independently of each other are identical or different and are H, F, Cl, Br, I, OH, O(C1-C4-alkyl), OCOCH3, NHCOCH3, NO2 or C1-C4-alkyl.

Abstract: L(−)-carnitine is synthesized from crotonobetaine, crotonobetaine salts or derivatives in an ecologically advantageous manner by immobilizing cells of Escherichia coli 044 K74 on ceramics, glass beads or polyurethane disks in a two stage continuously operating cell recycle reactor containing a reaction medium. The medium preferably contains between 25 mM and 1 M crotonobetaine and at least 50 mM fumarate. Growing or resting cells of E. coli are retained in the reactor by micro or ultrafiltration membranes which are arranged as a flat membrane module or hollow fiber module. A first stage contains a reactor tank and a second stage contains an external recirculation loop connected to the tank for feeding the reaction medium through a filter unit. L-carnitine is synthesized under anaerobic conditions to produce a reaction medium containing L-carnitine and unreacted crotonobetaine.

Abstract: A gene has been isolated from a Rhodococcus sp. encoding an aldoxime dehydratase enzyme useful for the conversion of aldoxime substrates to nitrilases and other downstream intermediates. The gene has been cloned into a recombinant host and expressed.

Abstract: Process for preparing pure phosphatides starting from mixtures of natural phosphatides, or their single components, such as soybean or egg lecithin or animal phospholipids, or from synthetic phosphatides by reacting them both with phospholipase D derived from Streptomyces hachijoense in a completely aqueous medium in the presence of defined substates containing a primary or secondary alcoholic group, and their uses thereof.

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: The invention relates to a process for the enzymatic cleavage of racemates of aminomethyl-aryl-cyclohexanol derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to 5′-modified nucleotides and to nucleic acids which contain these nucleotides. Processes for incorporating the 5′-modified nucleotides into nucleic acids, and the subsequent site-specific cleavage of the nucleic acids at the 5′-modified monomer building blocks, are also disclosed. These processes can be employed for nucleic acid sequencing, for generating nucleic acid libraries, for detecting mutations, for preparing support-bound nucleic acids and for pharmaceutical purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA coding for cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of the CYP79 family catalyzing the conversion of an aliphatic or aromatic amino acid or chain-elongated methionine homologue to the corresponding oxime. Preferred embodiments of the invention are enzymes catalyzing the conversion of L-Valine and L-Isoleucine such as the cassava enzymes CYP79D1 and CYP79D2, enzymes catalyzing the conversion of tyrosine such as the Triglochin maritima enzymes CYP79E1 and CYP79E2, enzymes catalyzing the conversion of tryptophan to the corresponding oxime indole-3-acetaldoxime such as the Arabidopsis thaliana enzyme CYP79A2 and the Brassica napus enzyme CYP79B5, and enzymes catalyzing the conversion of a chain-elongated methionine homologue such as the Arabidopsis thaliana enzymes CYP79F1 and CYP79F2. Transgenic expression of said DNA or parts thereof in plants can be used to manipulate the biosynthesis of corresponding glucosinolates or cyanogenic glucosides.

Abstract: A method for producing phospholipid using transphosphatidylation, which comprises the steps of homogenizing a mixture of a raw material phospholipid, a hydroxyl-containing acceptor, phospholipase D, and water in the absence of an organic solvent to obtain a homogenized mixture; and subjectng said homogenized mixture to the transphosphatidylation reaction at 15° C. to 65° C. The homogenized mixture has a lamellar lyotropic liquid crystal structure. An objective phospholipid can be obtained from the homogenized mixture through transphosphatidylation without using an organic solvent or calcium.

Abstract: An (R)-2-amino-1-phenylethanol derivative shown by the general formula (IIa) 1

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the therapeutic intervention of Parkinson's disease. More particularly, methods of making and sequestering dopamine are disclosed. Additionally, methods of genetically modifying donor cells by gene transfer for grafting into the central nervous system to treat defective, diseased or damaged cells are disclosed. Methods and compositions for carrying out such gene transfer and grafting are described.

Abstract: Immobilized lipase is prepared by adsorbing lipase from a crude lipase solution onto polyolefin particles such as polypropylene particles which are nonpolar. The crude solution may be a cell-free culture broth. Lipase sources include Pseudomonas burkholderia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Uses of the immobilized lipase include enantioselective conversion of substrates such as enantioselective acylating or hydrolyzing.

Abstract: Process for preparing enantiomer-enriched cyanohydrins in which an acetal or ketal of the formula (I) is reacted 1

Abstract: A process for preparing protected, enantiomer-enriched cyanohydrins of the formula 1

Abstract: The micelle contains multiple units, each of which contains a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part. A preferred unit is dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid. Borate-containing electrolytes include trifluoroborate, trimethylborate and hydrobis(pyridine)boron. Enzymes include peroxidases such as horseradish peroxidase or lignin peroxidase, and laccase. Monomers include unsubstituted and substituted anilines and unsubstituted and substituted phenols. A method is provided 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for preparing a carboxylic acid from the corresponding nitrile using a nitrilase catalyst. More particularly, the instant invention converts 2-methylglutaronitrile to 4-cyanopentanoic acid in aqueous solution using an enzyme catalyst having an nitrilase activity, immobilized in alginate, and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and polyethylenimine.

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 macromolecularizing phenolic compounds or aromatic amine compounds by the action of a catalyst comprising an enzyme having a polyphenol oxidizing activity in the alkali region; applications of the compounds obtained by the above process to thickeners, stabilizers, coagulants, emulsifiers, dispersants, water retainers, antioxidants, adhesives, concrete admixtures, dyes, coating materials, petroleum recovering agent, soil conditioner, a blow-applied seed bearing surface soil stabilizer, deodorants, smell eliminators, agricultural chemical spreaders, feeding stuff binders, bactericides, antimicrobial agents, viral infection inhibitors, bioadhesion preventives, biotic repellents, insecticides, poultices, ink bases or wood treating agents; and method of waste water disposal, a method of deoxygenation and a method of treating wood, concrete or soil in which use is made of the above reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides a multistep synthesis for the preparation of 4,5-diamino shikimic acid derivatives of formula starting from an isophthalic acid derivative of formula 4,5-Diamino shikimic acid derivatives are potent inhibitors of viral neuraminidase.

Abstract: The present invention provides amino alcohol dehydrogenases which catalyze a reaction to produce keto alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, keto acids from corresponding amino alcohols, amines, and amino acids in the presence of NAD+, and a reaction to produce amino alcohols, amines, amino acids from corresponding keto alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and keto acids in the presence of NADH and ammonium ions. Also provided is a method for producing the enzymes and uses of the enzyme. The enzymes of the present invention can be obtained from microorganisms belonging to the genera Streptomyces, Pseudomonas, Burkholdenia, or Arthrobacter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel substance having inhibitory action on cholesteryl ester transfer protein, WK-5344A substance and WK-5344B substance, and process for production thereof. A microorganism belonging to genus Streptomyces having ability to produce WK-5344A substance and WK-5344B substance is cultured in a medium, and the WK-5344A substance and the WK-5344B substance are accumulated in the medium, then the WK-5344A substance and the WK-5344B substance are isolated from the said medium. Since the present substance shows significant inhibitory action on cholesteryl ester transfer protein, the substance is effective for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by accumulation of cholesterol in human.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of (1R,4S)- or (1S,4R)-1-amino-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-cyclopentene of the formulae 1

Abstract: Provided is an industrially advantageous process for producing S,S-2-hydroxypropylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid which does not use expensive optically active substances. S,S-2-hydroxypropylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid is stereospecifically produced from fumaric acid and 2-hydroxypropylenediamine by the action of ethylenediamine disuccinic acid ethylenediamine lyase (EDDS-ase) or from maleic acid and 2-hydroxypropylenediamine by combining the action of EDDS-ase with the action of maleic acid isomerase.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for preparing a carboxylic acid from the corresponding nitrile using a nitrilase catalyst. More particularly, the instant invention converts 2-methylglutaronitrile to 4-cyanopentanoic acid in aqueous solution using an enzyme catalyst having an nitrilase activity, immobilized in alginate, and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and polyethylenimine.

Abstract: Process for preparing pure phosphatides starting from mixtures of natural phosphatides, or their single components, such as soybean or egg lecithin or animal phospholipids, or from synthetic phosphatides by reacting them both with phospholipase D derived from Streptomyces hachijoense in a completely aqueous medium in the presence of defined substates containing a primary or secondary alcoholic group, and their uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for resolving racemates of alkoxy-substituted primary amines by reacting with an ester in the presence of a lipase and subsequently separating the optically active amide which is formed from the unreacted optically active amine. This is followed where appropriate by hydrolysis of the optically active amide, separation of the optically active amine produced thereby from the acid from which the ester is derived, racemization and recycling of the unwanted enantiomer of the amine, and esterification and recycling of the acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the stereoselective preparation of cyclohexylcyanohydrins by reaction of 4-substituted cyclohexanones with a cyanide source in the presence of an oxynitrilase.

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

Abstract: According to the present invention, a novel protein capable of catalyzing transamination stereoselectively and a gene encoding said protein can be provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of deprotecting a hydroxide or amine protected with a group of formula

Abstract: A process for large-scale, low cost, batch or continuous production of polyphenols using enzyme-mediated reactions and methods for recycling non-consumed reactants.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) comprises reacting compounds of formulae (2) and (3) in the presence of an enzyme, wherein A is a thiol-protecting group, B, C and D are each the same or different organic groups of up to 30 C atoms, optionally functionalized at any position, provided that neither a primary amine nor a primary amide is present, and X is a group that can be displaced by NH2.

Abstract: After yeast somatic components are digested with nuclease or hydrolyzed with alkali, polyamine is recovered to obtain a polyamine composition in volume efficiently at a high recovery rate from yeast somatic components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing &agr;-hydroxy acids using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity. More specifically, the invention pertains to use of Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746) nitrilase to hydrolyze glycolonitrile to glycolic acid. Glycolonitrile is reacted in an aqueous mixture with a catalyst having Acidovorax facilis 72W nitrilase activity to give glycolic acid selectively, and at high concentration and high yield.

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: The present invention provides an enzymatic process for the preparation of an acetylated phospholipid from a lecithin by acetylating the lecithin in the presence of vinyl acetate and a catalyst comprising lipase from Mucor miehei having 1,3-position specificity, separating the desired acetylated phospholipid.

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 process for producing cytidine diphosphate choline is provided. The process comprises carrying out an enzymatic reaction using microorganisms having the enzyme activities of cytidine-5′-triphosphate synthetase (pyrG), cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase (CCT) and choline kinase (CKI) and a microorganism capable of producing uridine-5′-triphosphate from orotic acid as the enzyme sources, and orotic acid and choline and/or phosphorylcholine as the substrates; allowing cytidine diphosphate choline to accumulate in the reaction mixture; and recovering cytidine diphosphate choline from said reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing &agr;-hydroxy acids using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity. More specifically, the invention pertains to use of Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746) nitrilase to hydrolyze glycolonitrile to glycolic acid. Glycolonitrile is reacted in an aqueous mixture with a catalyst having Acidovorax facilis 72W nitrilase activity to give glycolic acid selectively, and at high concentration and high yield.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to coenzymes useful for the synthesis of L-carnitine, particularly a compound of coenzyme A, and more particularly gamma-butyrobetainyl-coenzyme A and crotonobetainyl-coenzyme A, to procedures for their preparation and to their use for the production of L(−)-carnitine from crotonobetaine and D(−)-carnitine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers useful for separation of enzymes, which comprises the steps of reacting a complex of enzyme and affinity monomer, a comonomer and a crosslinker, with a polymerization initiator and a polymerization accelerator at ambient temperature and pressure for a period ranging between 2 to 24 hrs, thereby obtaining a crosslinked polymer, crushing the cross linked polymer obtained to fine particles, adding a solvent and extracting imprinted enzyme from the polymer, obtaining the molecularly imprinted polymer, contacting the imprinted polymer with aqueous solution containing imprinted enzyme or a mixture of imprinted enzyme and other enzymes and isolating the enzyme-adsorbed polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to &agr;-galactosidase and to polynucleotides encoding the &agr;-galactosidase. In addition methods of designing new &agr;-galactosidases and method of use thereof are also provided. The &agr;-galactosidases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: A solution having a high concentration of ammonium (meth)acrylate and which is substantially free of (meth)acrylonitrile is made by enzymatic hydrolysis of (meth)acrylonitrile in the presence of water using an enzyme that has Km for (meth)acrylonitrile below 500 &mgr;m and Ki for ammonium (meth)acrylate about 100,000.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microbial transformation process for producing a hydroxyaromatic compound represented by the formula (II): 1

Abstract: The following invention relates to a process for oxidizing alkyl groups attached directly or via a linker, to a sulfonamide moiety (II) by the use of cytochrome P450 enzymes, to give the corresponding alcohol or carboxylic acid (I).

Abstract: Microorganisms producing 5-aminolevulinic acid which show a 5-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activity of 2 to 7 (nmol/min/mg protein) under aerobic culture conditions with a dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.70 to 6.60 ppm; a process for producing 5-aminolevulinic acid characterized by culturing one or more microorganisms and harvesting 5-aminolevulinic acid from the obtained culture; a process for producing 5-aminolevulinic acid characterized by culturing 5-aminolevulinic acid-producing microorganisms in a medium containing 5 to 500 &mgr;M of iron components; and a method for culturing 5-aminolevulinic acid-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: A microorganism is utilized to fermentatively produce useful substances such as amino acids by cultivating the microorganism in a medium to allow a fermentative product to be produced and accumulated in the medium, and collecting the fermentative product, wherein the microorganism to be used is modified by introduction of at least one of a gene coding for a heat shock protein and a gene coding for a &sgr; factor which specifically functions for the heat shock protein gene to enhance expression amount of the heat shock protein in cells, whereby the microorganism is allowed to have added resistance to stress which would otherwise restrain growth of the microorganism and/or production of the fermentative product.

Abstract: An enantioselective process for the preparation of the (S)-enantiomer of an optically active cyanohydrin by reaction of an aldehyde or of a ketone with a cyanide group donor, in which the aldehyde or the ketone is reacted with a cyanide group donor in an organic diluent in the presence of a recombinant (S)-hydroxynitrile lyase from Hevea brasiliensis and the (S)-cyanohydrin formed is isolated from the reaction mixture.