Abstract: A solid support for immobilization of microorganism cells is made of a synthetic polymer such as a polyolefin, in admixture with an organic polymeric plant material such as corn fibers, oat hulls, starch, and cellulose. Preferably, the synthetic polymer is in an amount of about 50-95% wt-% and the plant material is in an amount of about 5-50 wt-%. Preferred polyolefins are polyethylene and polypropylene. The plant material may be a mixture including a plant material that functions as a nutrient to enhance growth of the microorganism on the support. The support may be produced by combining the synthetic polymer and plant material to form a composite, dough-like thermoplastic composition. The composition may be prepared in an extrusion mixer and co-extruded as an extrudate to form a shaped article.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes in a continuous reaction series is disclosed utilizing crude cellular methanol oxidase and catalase produced by an acceptable organism. The process maintains a steady-state aldehyde concentration whereby enzyme activity is promoted and side reactions are eliminated.In particular, the process has two reactors operating in series continuously producing a fermenter effluent containing growing, intact Candida boidinii cells at a cell concentration of about 0.5 to about 3% by weight of the effluent by continuous culture of the cells on a methanol carbon source, continuously introducing the effluent from the first reactor to the second reactor, adding an alcohol feed at about 0.2-10% w/w and oxygen to the second reactor, maintaining a steady-state aldehyde and alcohol concentration in the reaction mixture, the concentration of residual alcohol being about 0.1-9% w/w by controlling the rates of introduction of effluent and alcohol feed.

Abstract: A process for irreversible regio- and stereoselective enzyme catalyzed acylation of alcohols using enol esters as acylating reagents is disclosed. The present invention permits the selective modification of hydroxyl group(s) of chiral and meso alcohols, including sugars, organometallics, and glycosides. The enol freed upon transesterification rapidly tautomerizes to the corresponding volatile aldehyde or ketone thereby preventing the reverse reaction from occurring.

Abstract: A process is described for the dimerization of a substituted aromatic compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X represents --OH, --SH or --NHR where R is H, an alkyl group or an aryl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an alicyclic group, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a hydroxy group, or an amino group; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 can have the same definition as R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 and may additionally represent a hydrogen atom; which comprises reacting the substituted aromatic compound in the presence of a peroxidase enzyme, a peroxide and a radical transfer agent in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Ferulic acid, vanillic acid, coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde can be prepared from eugenol with the aid of a new Pseudomonas species.

Abstract: Biocatalytic oxidative processes wherein oxidizable substrates are reacted in the presence of soybean peroxidase are described. Preferred biocatalytic oxidative reactions include the oxidation of sulfides, O-dealkylation of alkyl aryl ethers, N-dealkylation of aromatic amines, halogenation of halogen-reactive compounds and polymerization of aromatic amines. Examples of such reactions include the oxidation of alkyl aryl sulfides, the O-dealkylation of methoxybenzenes, the N-dealkylation of N,N-dimethyl aromatic amines halogenation of 5,5-dimethyl 1,3-cyclohexane dione, and the polymerization of aniline which can yield an intrinsically conductive polymer (ICP). A solution of substrate is prepared and then contacted with soybean peroxidasein the presence of a peroxide, preferably hydrogen peroxide. The reactions are preferably carried out in the presence of 10 to 100 mM calcium ions.

Abstract: A Legionella specific antibiotic AL072, a Streptomyces sp. AL91 producing the antibiotic, and a process for producing the antibiotic are disclosed. Further, the antibiotic compound has a specified formula. The formula is ##STR1## In addition the process also includes extraction of a culture broth provided by cultivating the microorganism Streptomyces sp. AL91, accession number KCCM 10055, with isopropyl alcohol and ethyl acetate to obtain an extract containing the antibiotic compound. The compound is then isolated from the extract by chromatography on a column filled with octadecyl silica gel and also by high pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract: Lactams of 1-amino-3-carboxylic acid cyclic compounds are produced in enantiomeric form, together with an enantiomer of the corresponding ring-opened amino-acid or ester, by reaction of the racemic lactam with a novel lactamase. The products are useful in the synthesis of chiral carbocyclic nucleotides. The enantiomer is preferrably 2-azabicyclo(2.2.1)hept-5-en-3-one. It is desirable to isolate the enantiomer comprising predominantly the (+) enantiomer and a residual amount of the (-) enantiomer, wherein the (+) enantiomer is present in an enantiomeric excess of at least about 88% over the (-) enantiomer or the enantiomer comprising predominantly the (-) enantiomer and a residual amount of the (+) enantiomer, wherein the (-) enantiomer is present in an enantiomeric excess of at least about 98% over the (+) enantiomer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of monoterpene compounds (such as perillyl alcohol, aldehyde and .alpha.-terpineol) from limonene is described. The process uses Bacillus stearothermophilus which is effective at high temperatures (55.degree. to 70.degree. C.). A preferred strain of Bacillus stearothermophilus is ATCC 55596.

Abstract: Microorganisms from the genus Bacillus are used to convert chenodeoxycholic acid to 3-alpha-hydroxy-7-keto-5-beta-cholanic acid under aerobic conditions and alkaline pH. Preferred strains are Bacillus FERM BP-4390, Bacillus FERM BP-4391, Bacillus FERM BP-3651, Bacillus FERM BP-3393, Bacillus FERM BP-3398, Bacillus FERM BP-3395 and Bacillus FERM BP-3396. Microorganisms from the genus Bacillus are used to convert cholic acid to 3-alpha-hydroxy-7,12-diketo-5-beta-cholanic acid under aerobic conditions and alkaline pH. Preferred strains are Bacillus FERM BP-3393 and Bacillus FERM BP-3398. Microorganisms from the genus Bacillus are used to convert cholic acid to 3-alpha, 12-alpha-dihydroxy-7-keto-5-cholanic acid under aerobic conditions and alkaline PH. Preferred strains are Bacillus FERM BP-3395 and Bacillus FERM BP-4390.

Abstract: A process is disclosed by which a substrate is catalytically converted to a cis olefin via a syn elimination reaction. The catalyst is a monoclonal antibody or paratope-containing molecule that binds to the substrate as well as to a bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane or bicylo[2.2.2]octane compound that is an analogue to the substrate having its bulky substituents in eclipsed positions. The chemical reaction is carried out in an aqueous medium. The catalyst molecules and hybridoma cells that secrete those molecules are also contemplated, as is a process for using cyclopentadiene or cyclohexadiene to prepare a hapten used to induce production of the catalyst molecules.

Abstract: The aldehydes, N-hexanal, 3-(Z)-hexen-1-al and 2-(E)-hexen-1-al, and their corresponding alcohols are enzymatically produced in high yield from linoleic, linolenic acid or a natural precursor thereof such as hydrolyzed oil. The acid or natural precursor is mixed with soy flour containing lipoxygenase which converts the acid to 13-hydroperoxy-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid or 13-hydroperoxy-octadeca-9,11,15-trienoic acid. Guava homogenate containing lyase is added to convert the 13-hydroperoxy-octadeca-9,11-dienoic acid into n-hexanal or the 13-hydroperoxy-octadeca-9,11,15-trienoic acid into 3-(Z)-hexen-1-al. The n-hexanal or 3-(Z)-hexen-1-al is recovered, or reduced with yeast to n-hexanol or 3-(Z)-hexen-1-ol, respectively. Alternatively, the 3-(Z)-hexen-1-al is isomerized to obtain 2-(E)-hexen-1-al which is recovered or reduced with yeast to 2-(E)-hexen-1-ol which is recovered. The yeast used for reducing and isomerizing is Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract: Biocatalytic oxidative processes wherein oxidizable substrates are reacted in the presence of a peroxidase such as soybean peroxidase or another legume peroxidase is described.

Abstract: Ferulic acid, vanillic acid, coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde can be prepared from eugenol with the aid of a new Pseudomonas species.

Abstract: A new antibiotic cyclic lipopeptide having the formula ##STR1## wherein R is H or OH and a method of producing is described. The agent has very high activity against human pathogens and is of very low mammalian toxicity.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phenylaldehydes, in particular vanillin by converting compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 =H, OH, OCH.sub.3 and C.sub.1-4 alkyl,R.sub.3 =H, OH, OCH.sub.3 and C.sub.1-4 alkyl, andR.sub.2 =H, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, --CH.sub.2 OH, --COOH, --OCH.sub.3 and --CH.sub.2 O--R.sub.4, whereinR.sub.4 =benzoyl or C.sub.1-4 alkanoyl orR.sub.2 =--CO--CH.sub.2 --CO--;the last radical combining two structures having formula I or its tautomeric isomers in the presence of the enzyme lipoxidase (EC 1.13.11.12) (also called lipoxygenase) into the phenylaldehyde compounds having the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 have the meanings indicated above.

Abstract: Described is a new process for producing the immunosuppressant, L-682,993, a C-31 demethylated derivative of L-679,934 (FK-506), produced under fermentation conditions utilizing the new mutant microorganism Streptomyces sp. (Merck Culture Collection MA 7017) ATCC No. 55334, being a blocked second generation mutant of Streptomyces sp. (MA 6858) ATCC No. 55098. The macrolide immunosuppressant is useful in preventing human host rejection of foreign organ transplants, e.g. bone marrow and heart transplants.

Abstract: Taxol is produced from a taxol-producing microorganism Taxomyces andreanae BS 279.92. Radioactive taxol products and methods for use of the radioactive labelled taxol are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of vanillin through the bioconversion of a vanillin precursor with a tissue culture of undifferentiated callus cells derived from a vanilla plant and/or enzymes obtained therefrom in the presence of a water soluble sulfhydryl compound and optionally, also in the presence of an assimilable carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing vanillin. Culturing of a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Pycnoporus or of their variants and mutants is performed in a culture medium to which a benzenoid precursor of vanillin has been added, and the vanillin produced by bioconversion of the benzenoid precursor is recovered.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for enzymatically converting lower alkyl alcohols to corresponding aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of oxygen under process conditions which increase the catalytic capacity of alcohol oxidase enzymes. Such process conditions involve low temperatures, high substrate concentrations and an enriched supply of oxygen. Enzymes may be used in the form of whole cells, a soluble cell free extract or a highly purified fraction, and the process may be employed in batch or continuous operation.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is provided for removing low molecular weight contaminants from a contaminant-containing material. This contaminant-containing material can include alcohol compounds, aldehyde compounds and peroxide compounds. The method comprises providing an alcohol oxidase enzyme-based catalyst system including coimmobilized transition metals comprising platinum and copper for catalytically oxidizing the contaminant-containing material. Then, the contaminant-containing material is catalytically oxidized in the presence of the alcohol oxidase enzyme-based catalyst system to form organic acid compounds. The organic acid compounds can then be removed.

Abstract: In the enzymatic stereoselective ester cleavages of 2-arylpropionate, the reaction rate of the hydrolyzing enzymes can be drastically increased if the vinyl ester of the 2-arylpropionate is employed as the substrate.

Abstract: Bacteria that metabolize phenylacetate along a mandelate-to-cis,cis-muconate pathway are disclosed. Bacteria that express the pathway for metabolizing phenylacetate through a mandelate intermediate can be isolated reproducibly by first selecting bacteria that can utilize both L-phenylalanine and mandelate as the sole carbon source and then blocking alternate pathways for the degradation of L-phenylalanine. The activity of selected enzymes along the mandelate-to-cis,cis-muconate pathway can be blocked in these bacteria to effect the accumulation of selected intermediates.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.

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 present invention is directed to a process for the production of vanillin through the bioconversion of a vanillin precursor with a ferulic acid degrading microorganism in the presence of a water soluble sulfhydryl compound and optionally, also in the presence of an assimilable carbon source.

Abstract: An immobilized isozyme of Lipase MY or AY from Candida rugosa is used for stereoselectively hydrolyzing racemic mixtures of esters of 2-substituted acids, other than 2-halo propionic acids, transesterifying esters or acids or esterify acids or alcohols, at high enantiomeric excess, in an organic solvent. Immobilization of the isozyme may be carried out in the presence of an organic acid such as stearic acid. The immobilized isozyme may be used with a fatty acid or fatty acid ester that increases stereoselectivity or rate of hydrolysis of a mixture of racemic esters.

Abstract: A new antitumor antibiotic designated herein as BU-3862T is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces hygroscopicus ATCC 53709. BU-3862T and its diacetyl and dihydro derivatives inhibit the growth of tumors in experimental animals.

Abstract: Claimed is a process for the production of optically active bicyclo[3.3.0]octanedione-carboxylic acid esters of Formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 jointly represent an oxygen atom, orR.sub.1 and R.sub.2 individually represent the residue OR.sub.4 where R.sub.4 means methyl- or ethyl-, andR.sub.3 is a straight or branched-chain alkyl group of 1-3 carbon atoms,comprising enantioselectively saponifying and decarboxylating with .alpha.-chymotrypsin an optically inactive, prochiral bicyclo[3.3.0]octanedionedicarboxylic acid diester of Formula II ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 have the meanings set forth above, and recovering a compound of Formula I.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of producing sarcosine oxidase by cultivating microorganisms belonging to genus Streptomyces and possessing an ability to produce sarcosine oxidase, and collecting sarcosine oxidase from the obtained culture. As an example of said microorganisms used in this invention, Streptomyces sp. KB210-8SY discovered by the prevent inventor is known.Said microorganisms are cultivated usually by using a culture medium, and from the obtained culture, sarcosine oxidase is isolated and purified.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.

Abstract: The enantiomers of formulas ##STR1## are prepared in a sequence starting from the racemic compound of formula ##STR2## wherein X is hydro or bromo when Y is bromo, or X is chloro when Y is chloro. The key step of this process involves a microbial reduction of the compound of formula (3) to give a ketone and an alcohol of high enantiomeric purity.

Abstract: A. parasiticus is employed to hydroxylate biphenyls or terphenyls. The hydroxylation reaction is enhanced by gradually adding a carbon source to the culture medium-reaction medium, preferably in an amount to maintain the ammonium level below 300 ppm. during the bioconversion phase. Employment of a mutant strain of A. parasiticus which was isolated following ultraviolet light mutagenesis to reduce its tendency to produce aflatoxins is preferred.

Abstract: A biocatalytic method for reacting organic, especially poorly water-soluble substances. Enzymes, prokariotic and eukariotic cells or combinations of enzymes and cells are immobilized in lyotropic liquid crystals (mesophases), preferably with inverse phase structure. The supply of substrate and the removal of product are performed via one or more solvent phases. Organic solvents function as solvent phases. In addition, an aqueous solvent phase can also be present. In order to produce these two and three-phase systems, three-component systems consisting of water, organic solvent and surfactant are used.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of rosmarinic acid of the formula ##STR1## by enzymatic reaction of 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-lactic acid with caffeoyl-coenzyme A in the presence of rosmarinic acid synthase. Ketodopa, which is readily accessible from dopa, is used as the starting material and caffeoyl-CoA is preferably regenerated by addition of caffeic acid.

Abstract: Whole cells of methylotrophic yeasts are able to oxidize benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde in aqueous reaction media. However, the low water solubility of the reactant and product of this bioconversion, combined with the ability of both to strongly inhibit the reaction, suggested to us the use of non-aqueous reaction fluids. Using non-aqueous systems, it was found that Pichia pastoris can be used to oxidize higher alcohols. The alcohol oxidase from such yeast had been previously reported unable to oxidize such alcohols. Purified alcohol oxidase was shown to function in a number of two-phase systems of varied aqueous to organic phase concentrations. The stability and biocatalyst recovery of the enzyme was improved by immobilization.

Abstract: A method and compositions including a 1,2-dioxetane and a fluorescent compound is described. In particular, enzymatic triggering of a triggerable 1,2-dioxetane admixed with a surfactant and the fluorescent compound attached to a hydrocarbon to provide a co-surfactant in a micelle or other structure providing close association of these molecules is described. The method and compositions are useful in immunoassays and in DNA probes used for various purposes.

Abstract: An oxidoreductase is provided which, in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD.sup.+) as a co-enzyme, will catalyse the oxidation of polyols having at least one hydroxyl group on each of at least two adjacent carbon atoms, e.g. 1,2-ethanediol. The enzyme has an apparent relative molecular mass M.sub.r of about 330,000 has substantially no specificity for monohydric alcohols and may be isolated from a micro-organism belonging to the genus Microbacterium.

Abstract: Novel microorganisms can be used to convert n-eugenol to coniferylaldehyde.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) from glycerol by culturing the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae having the identifying characteristics of NRRL B-4011, under aerobic conditions, in an aqueous nutrient medium containing glycerol and a compound that causes 3-HPA to be accumulated by blocking the conversion of 3-HPA to trimethylene glycol. This process is particularly useful for the production, from renewable resources, of acrylic acid, an industrially important plymerizable monomer used in the manufacture of synthetic polymers and plastics and which is presently derived from fossil fuel sources.

Abstract: A process for the purification of alcohol oxidase from whole cells of Pichia pastoris grown on methanol by the sequential steps of autolysis, crossflow filtration, ultrafiltration and recrystallization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for converting alcohols to aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide through the use of a methanol oxidase enzyme. The process involves introducing a lower alkyl or lower alkylene alcohol, such as methanol, ethanol, or allyl alcohol, as an aqueous solution into a reaction zone. Methanol oxidase enzyme that is stable in methanol concentrations of at least 0.5% and formaldehyde concentrations of at least 1.0% is also introduced into the reaction zone, which is maintained at an elevated pressure in contact with an oxygen-containing gas. The preferred methanol oxidase enzyme has the properties of the methanol oxidase enzyme produced by Hansenula polymorpha ATCC 34438. Both batchwise and continuous processes are disclosed. Also disclosed is a process in which a catalase is present in the reaction zone to decompose hydrogen peroxide as it is formed, so that the net reaction is the conversion of alcohol to aldehyde.

Abstract: A hybrid chemical/biological process which is highly effective to destroy the herbicide, Atrazine, in wasterwater solutions is herein disclosed. The process comprises subjecting the atrazine molecule in an aqueous carrier to ozone to produce the oxidized product, diamino-s-triazine and thereafter, metabolizing the diamine in soil having indigenous and selected microogranism capable of degrading the diamine to carbon dioxide. Also disclosed is a disposal system capable of preforming the process of the invention in a single system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel coenyme independent L-sorbose dehydrogenase and a process for producing the same. The enzyme provided by the present invention catalyzes the oxidation of L-sorbose to L-sorbosone, the precursor of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid which is an important intermediate in the production of vitamin C.Due to the release duties in foreign countries, the original deposits with respect to the following strains have been transferred to the deposit under the Budapest Treaty at Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Fermentation Research Institute, Japan on Jan. 29, 1987. And the following accession numbers have been allotted to each strain.______________________________________ strain Old No. New No. ______________________________________ Gluconobacter oxydans FERM-P No. 8422, Accession No. UV-10 FERM BP-1267 Gluconobacter oxydans E-1 FERM-P No. 8353, Accession No. FERM BP-1265 Gluconobacter oxydans H-2 FERM-P No. 8354, Accession No. FERM BP-1266 Gluconobacter oxydans L-8 FERM-P No.

Abstract: New antibiotic A80915 and its dehydrochlorination derivatives are useful antibacterial agents. Methods of making antibiotic A80915 by culture of Streptomyces aculeolatus, NRRL 18422, and compositions containing an A80915 antibiotic also are provided.

Abstract: Acetaldehyde producing strains of Zymononas mobilis are produced by selection against allyl alcohol. The selected strain produces acetaldehyde in a carbohydrate containing medium under direct aeration.

Abstract: Novel microorganisms can be used to convert n-eugenol to coniferylaldehyde.

Abstract: A microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas (ATCC 53716) metablizes cinnamate to produce acetophenone in a receoverable quantity upon fermentation in an aqueous nutrient medium containing cinnamate as a carbon source and, optionally, assimilable sources of nitrogen and inorganic substances.

Abstract: Methylotrophic yeasts of the genera Pichia, Torulopsis, Candida and Hansenula when grown on methanol, make use of an enzyme, alcohol oxidase, to catalyse the initial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. Non-growing whole cells of such methylotrophic yeasts were used in place of purified alcohol oxidase for the production of flavoring aldehydes from their respective alcohols. To reduce end product inhibition a number of amine buffers, which chelate the aldehydes, were studied and an increase in aldehyde production was demonstrated with selected buffers which maintain a weakly alkaline pH.