Abstract: A method of producing a chemical product by continuous fermentation includes filtering a culture liquid of a microorganism(s) through a separation membrane; retaining unfiltered liquid in, or refluxing unfiltered liquid to, the culture liquid; adding a fermentation feedstock to the culture liquid; and recovering a product in the filtrate, wherein the fermentation feedstock contains pentose and hexose, and wherein the microorganism(s) has/have a pathway in which pentose isomerase is used to metabolize pentose.

Abstract: Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-position to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously.

Abstract: Functionalized substrate materials, for example inorganic particles and/or synthetic polymeric particles, are used to enhance bioprocesses such as saccharification and fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic modifications in eukaryotic host cells that have been transformed to express a xylose isomerase that confers on the host cell the ability to isomerize xylose to xylulose. These genetic modifications are aimed at improving the efficiency of xylose metabolism and include, e.g., reduction of nonspecific aldose reductase activity, increased xylulose kinase activity and increased flux of the pentose phosphate pathway. The modified host cells of the invention are suitable for the production of a wide variety of fermentation products, including ethanol, in fermentation processes in which a source of xylose or a source of xylose and glucose are used as carbon source.

Abstract: Methods for production of multiple biofuels through thermal fractionation of biomass feedstocks are described.

Abstract: A process for improving the yield and efficiency of an ethanol fermentation plant that receives organic fermentable feedstock material, prepares the feedstock for fermentation, ferments the feedstock with yeast to produce ethanol, and produces stillage as a byproduct of ethanol fermentation. The process steps which can be operated independently or in combination, may include, but are not limited to, degrading fatty acids in the fermentable feedstock material prior to fermentation; degrading cellulose and hemicellulose present in the feedstock prior to fermentation; adding a surfactant to the fermentable feedstock; separating a liquid fraction from the stillage; recycling the liquid fraction to be combined with the fermentable feedstock; recovering a solid fraction from the stillage; and introducing at least a portion of the solid fraction to an anaerobic digester to produce methane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating and removing aflatoxin-contaminated corn from batches of corn by a floating process, thus producing a distinguishable floating mat of contaminated corn and a separate submerged bed of uncontaminated and less contaminated corn. The methods of this disclosure include removing the floating contaminated corn mat by a vacuum mechanism or by liquid flow. The methods reduce the aflatoxin level in the submerged corn bed as much as 80% from the initial aflatoxin level, while removing no more than 15% from the batch of corn.

Abstract: Ethanol and other liquid products are produced by contacting syngas components such as CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a surface of a membrane under anaerobic conditions and transferring these components into contact with a biofilm on the opposite side of the membrane. These steps provide a stable system for producing liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals. The gas fed on the membrane's gas contact side transports through the membrane to form a biofilm of anaerobic microorganisms that converted the syngas to desired liquid products. The system can sustain production with a variety of microorganisms and membrane configurations.

Abstract: Processes, as well as associated systems, are disclosed for the biological conversion of CO into desired end products such as ethanol. The use of a plurality of perforated plates, for example in the riser section of a bioreactor, which are positioned substantially horizontally and normal to the upward flow of both a CO-containing substrate and liquid culture medium, can significantly improve CO utilization of the bacteria and consequently the overall process economics. The geometry of apertures in the perforated plates is an important determinant of their performance, with fractal patterns and other multi-edged shapes leading to particularly advantageous results.

Abstract: The invention provides a microbial eukaryotic cell capable of utilizing C5 sugars, in particular xylose. Another objective of the invention is to provide an improved protein sequence to enable eukaryotic cells to degrade C5 sugars. The present invention thus provides protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75% identity, preferably 80% identity, most preferably 90% identity, most highly preferably 95% identity to SEQ ID NO. 2 or SEQ ID NO. 8 and having xylose-isomerase activity in a eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid constructs comprising coding sequences operably linked to a promoter not natively associated with the coding sequence. The coding sequences encode Pichia stipitis proteins that allow recombinant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the protein to grow on xylose, and allow or increase uptake of xylose by Pichia stipitis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the coding sequences. Expression of the coding sequences enhances uptake of xylose and/or glucose, allowing increased ethanol or xylitol production.

Abstract: The invention relates to the microbial fermentation of gaseous substrates to produce one or more products. The invention relates to the microbial fermentation of a gaseous substrate derived from the conversion of a biogas stream. The invention relates to the conversion of a biogas stream comprising methane to a gaseous substrate comprising CO or CO plus H2, and the production of one or more products from the microbial fermentation of said gaseous substrate.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to industrial bioconversion of the xylose portion of biomass materials into fuels and chemicals. Another aspect of the invention relates to industrial bioconversion of the xylan portion of biomass materials into fuels and chemicals. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to the bacterium Clostridium thermocellum, a highly cellulolytic organism that has much potential as a biocatalyst in a consolidated bioprocess configuration. In some embodiments, the invention is a genetic modification that confers the ability to ferment xylose to C. thermocellum and the strains created with this modification. In some embodiments, the genetic modification is composed of two genes contained in an operon from T. saccharolyticum. The genes express proteins with xylose isomerase (XI) and xylulokinase activites (XK). In other embodiments, the invention relates to a recombinant Clostridium thermocellum host cell capable of fermenting xylan.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having beta-xylosidase 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 microorganism-containing biocatalysts disclosed have a large population of the microorganisms irreversibly retained in the interior of the biocatalysts. The biocatalysts possess a surprisingly stable population of microorganisms and have an essential absence of debris generation from metabolic activity of the microorganisms. The biocatalysts are composed of highly hydrophilic polymer and have an internal, open, porous structure that promotes community phenotypic changes.

Abstract: Methods for the evolution of NADPH specific ketol-add reductoisomerase enzymes to acquire NADH specificity are provided. Specific mutant ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzymes isolated from Pseudomonas that have undergone co-factor switching to utilize NADH are described.

Abstract: The endogenous pnp gene encoding polynucleotide phosphorylase in the Zymomonas genome was identified as a target for modification to provide improved xylose utilizing cells for ethanol production. The cells are in addition genetically modified to have increased expression of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (RPI) activity, as compared to cells without this genetic modification, and are not limited in xylose isomerase activity in the absence of the pnp modification.

Abstract: A process is provided for fermenting CO-containing gaseous substrates in a low phosphate medium. The process includes blending a liquid medium that includes at least one transition metal element with a liquid medium that includes at least at least one other transition metal element and one non-metal element to provide a fermentation medium. The process is effective for preventing precipitation of one or more transition metal elements with one or more non-metal elements. The fermentation medium used in the process is prepared in a way that requires significantly lower amounts of water and reduced levels of phosphate.

Abstract: Process are provided which are effective for controlling medium conductivity during fermentation of a CO-containing gaseous substrate while providing an STY of about 10 g ethanol/(L·day) or more. The process includes balancing medium conductivity, specific carbon uptake or cell density levels.

Abstract: Provided herein are plants having altered expression of a coding region encoding a hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein. In some embodiments the expression is decreased, and the resulting plant has decreased recalcitrance, increased growth, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments the expression is increased, and the resulting plant has decreased growth, biomass that is more cross-linked, biomass that is more dense, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods for making and using such plants.

Abstract: Polypeptides were identified among translated coding sequences from a metagenomic cow rumen database, that were shown to provide xylose isomerase activity in yeast cells. The xylose isomerase activity can complete a xylose utilization pathway so that yeast can use xylose in fermentation, such as xylose in biomass hydrolysate.

Abstract: Described are novel Kluyveromyces marxianus strains NRRL Y-50798 and Y-50799, that were obtained by UV-C irradiation of wild-type K. marxianus NRRL Y-1109 cultures. The UV-C-mutagenized strains were incubated under anaerobic conditions on xylose or glucose medium for a period of 5 months at 46° C. before being selected. These mutagenized strains have potential application in large-scale industrial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to fuel ethanol given their ability to ferment at temperatures at 46° C. and above.

Abstract: When lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate is included in fermentation medium, the broth resulting from biocatalyst production is complex with low filterability. A heat treatment was found to increase filterability, allowing efficient separation of a liquid fraction from a solid fraction, which is further processed for water recycle and syrup production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for optimizing the production of ethanol by microbial fermentation, particularly microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. The process involves monitoring the hydrogen production by the microorganism, determining an optimum hydrogen production and adjusting the substrate supply rate in response to a change in the hydrogen production thereby keeping the hydrogen production within a desired range.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the manipulation of carbon flux in a recombinant host cell to increase the formation of desirable products. The invention relates to cellulose-digesting organisms that have been genetically modified to allow the production of ethanol at a high yield by redirecting carbon flux at key steps of central metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having glucoamylase activity with improved properties and to compositions comprising these polypeptides suitable for use in the production of a food, beverage (e.g. beer), feed, or biofuel. Also described is an improved and cost-effective process for isolating glucoamylases suitable for large scale protein purification procedures. Furthermore, different methods and uses related to glucoamylases according to the invention are disclosed, such as in a brewing process.

Abstract: A strategy for eliminating or greatly reducing the need for physical/chemical treatments or the use of whole microbes for lignocellulosic biomass and organopollutant degradation is disclosed. The soybean is a practical, cost-efficient and sustainable bioreactor for the production of lignin-degrading and cellulose-degrading enzymes. The use of soybean as a transgenic overexpression platform provides advantages that no other industrial scale enzyme expression system can match. Availability of a battery of related plant biomass degrading enzymes in separate transgenic soybean lines provides unprecedented flexibility in industrial and bioremediation processes. Depending upon the particular application, selected soybean-derived powdered enzyme formulations can be used, and their sequential addition can be orchestrated.

Abstract: Methods of identifying genes conferring ethanol tolerance in yeasts, genes that confer ethanol tolerance, and mutant strains used to identify such genes are described. A gene herein designated HpETT1 was isolated from the yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Expression of HpETT1 in an ethanol sensitive mutant H. polymorpha strain designated 7E complimented ethanol sensitivity of the mutant. When multiple copies of the HpETT1 were integrated into the genome and overexpressed, the transformed strain demonstrated approximately 10-fold greater resistance to ethanol and resistance to the protein misfolding agent AZC. Expression of HpETT1 also increased ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. HpEtt1 has 39% sequence identity to a previously identified protein from S. cerevisiae denoted MPE1, however, the MPE1 gene does not confer ethanol resistance to the 7E mutant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant bacteria and the uses thereof, particularly for the production of ethanol. The invention also relates to methods for the production of such bacteria, as well as to nucleic acid constructs suitable for such production. The invention specifically relates to bacteria having a reconstructed biomass degradation unit.

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 variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.

Abstract: A method produces a chemical product by continuous fermentation including filtering a culture liquid of a microorganism(s) through a separation membrane, retaining unfiltered liquid in, or refluxing unfiltered liquid to, the culture liquid, adding a fermentation feedstock to the culture liquid, and recovering a product in the filtrate, wherein the microorganism(s) is/are a microorganism(s) that undergo(es) catabolite repression, and the fermentation feedstock comprises hexose and pentose.

Abstract: A process for the use of peracid compositions to eliminate and/or control the growth of undesirable bacteria, including contaminating bacteria, in the fermentation production of alcohol is disclosed. Beneficially, the peracid compositions and methods of use of the same do not interfere or inhibit the growth or replication of yeast and have low or no adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: A process for conversion of syngas to liquid products that serve as surface acting agents uses the gas stream at a relatively low pressure to eliminate the use of a compressor. The process uses a liquid stream as the primary energy input to a gas injector that intensely mixes gas and the liquid with reduced compression costs while the presence of the liquid product maintains the gas-liquid dispersion as it flows downward to build a static pressure head. The process lowers the required gas pressure by adjusting the elevation of the gas injector such that a conduit receives the gas-liquid dispersion from the outlet of the injector and confines it as it travels downward to enter the bottom of a column of liquid. The liquid product provides a surface acting agent that prolongs the creation and duration of microbubbles in the gas-liquid dispersion.

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: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of biomass to oxygenated organic compound using a simplified syngas cleanup operation that is cost effective and protects the fermentation operation. The processes of this invention treat the crude syngas from the gasifier by non-catalytic partial oxidation. The partial oxidation reduces the hydrocarbon content of the syngas such as methane, ethylene and acetylene to provide advantageous gas feeds for anaerobic fermentations to produce oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Additionally, the partial oxidation facilitates any additional cleanup of the syngas as may be required for the anaerobic fermentation. Producer gases and partial oxidation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biocatalysts for the production of biofuels, including microorganisms that contain genetic modifications conferring tolerance to growth and fermentation inhibitors found in many cellulosic feedstocks. Methods of converting cellulose-containing materials to fuels and chemicals, as well as methods of fermenting sugars to fuels and chemicals, using these biocatalysts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are: a novel yeast having an ability to efficiently produce ethanol from glucose and xylose in a short time in the coexistence of the glucose and the xylose; and a method for producing ethanol using the novel yeast. A yeast, which was designated as Candida intermedia 4-6-4T2 and was deposited as FERM BP-11509.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a bioalcohol based on the fermentation of syngas. The method includes adding hydrophilic nanoparticles surface modified with hydrophobic groups to a culture medium for fermentation. Also disclosed are hydrophilic nanoparticles surface modified with hydrophobic groups for enhancing bioalcohol yield. The hydrophilic nanoparticles may be, for example, silica nanoparticles.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides real-time adaptive manipulations of conditions in a bioreactor to optimize biochemical reactions occurring within the bioreactor. Optimization of a bioreactor does not need to be performed in small-scale, but real-time adaptive manipulations can occur in a bioreactor while the bioreactor is being used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling bacterial contamination using synergistic interactions of antimicrobials. The invention consists of combinations of chlorine dioxide and organic acid whose combined antimicrobial effect is greater than the sum of their individual activities, i.e., synergistic.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes novel bacterial strains which express a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. The present disclosure further describes methods for producing fermentation products with a microorganism which expresses a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. Further the present disclosure describes methods for increasing production of a fermentation product comprising genetically engineering a microorganism which expresses a xylose isomerase gene to also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla.

Abstract: A high yield method for fermenting carbohydrate to ethanol, comprising a) treating carbohydrate with a composition containing 10-90 wt % of an aldehyde selected from the group consisting of an formaldehyde, para-formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and mixtures thereof, 1-50 wt % of a surfactant having an I JLB from 4 to 18, 0-20 wt % of an antimicrobial terpene, or essential oils, 1-50 wt % of organic acids selected from C1-24 fatty acids, their salts, and glyceride esters thereof, and 1-50 wt % water, b) fermenting said carbohydrate in the presence of yeast in a fermentation broth, and c) isolating ethanol in a higher yield than would be obtained without step a).

Abstract: The description relates to a method of producing bioethanol by separating lignin from a crushed lignocellulose biomass and obtaining cellulose and, if required, hemicellulose and additionally processing the cellulose or the mixture of cellulose and hemicellulose to form sugars and subsequently form bioethanol. The method is characterized in that crushed lignocelluloses biomass is treated with an alkanolamine for extracting the lignin therein, the lignin solution is separated, the residue containing cellulose/hemicellulose is converted to sugars without drying, and the sugars are fermented to obtain bioethanol. The raw cellulose (cellulose/hemicellulose), owing to its high reactivity, can easily be converted into sugar, which can be fermented to form bioethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new enzymes with improved properties and to compositions comprising these enzymes suitable for use in the production of a food, feed, or malt beverage product, such as in a brewing process.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce a product or intermediate, e.g., energy, a food, a fuel, or a material.

Abstract: Corn or soy plant biomass is electron beam irradiation processed and saccharified to produce sugars. The sugars are then converted to products such as alcohols, organic acids, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, oils, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for converting an alcohol to a hydrocarbon fraction having a lowered benzene content, the method comprising: converting said alcohol to a hydrocarbon fraction by contacting said alcohol, under conditions suitable for converting said alcohol to said hydrocarbon fraction, with a metal-loaded zeolite catalyst catalytically active for converting said alcohol to said hydrocarbon fraction, and contacting said hydrocarbon fraction with a benzene alkylation catalyst, under conditions suitable for alkylating benzene, to form alkylated benzene product in said hydrocarbon fraction. Also described is a catalyst composition useful in the method, comprising a mixture of (i) a metal-loaded zeolite catalyst catalytically active for converting said alcohol to said hydrocarbon, and (ii) a benzene alkylation catalyst, in which (i) and (ii) may be in a mixed or separated state. A reactor for housing the catalyst and conducting the reaction is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the manipulation of cofactor usage in a recombinant host cell to increase the formation of desirable products. In some embodiments, the invention provides for a recombinant microorganism comprising a mutation in one or more native enzymes such that their cofactor specificity is altered in such a way that overall cofactor usage in the cell is balanced for a specified pathway and there is an increase in a specific product formation within the cell. In some embodiments, endogenous enzymes are replaced by enzymes with an alternate cofactor specificity from a different species.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for microbial seeding and amendment of traditional alternative fuels production systems and processes using immobilized microbe bioreactors. The system addition utilizes attachment of yeast or other microbial consortia to a substrate to enhance alternative fuels production in fermentation processes. The system allows for the maintenance of a constant concentrated microbial population, thus enhancing alternative fuels production by stabilizing microbial populations. Desired aerobic and anaerobic conditions are maintained using a microbubble aeration device coupled to the Immobilized Microbe Bioreactor (IMBR) seeding reactors. Generation of the microbial populations for seeding requires control of aerobic and anaerobic conditions to ensure growth of a microbial population acclimated to elevated alternative fuels concentrations.