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

Abstract: Ethanol and other liquid products are produced from biomass using indirect gasification of the biomass to produce a syngas containing CO2, CO, H2 and methane that passes the syngas without substantial removal of the methane to a fermentation zone for the conversion of the CO and CO2 and H2 to ethanol and the production of a methane rich stream followed by the methane reforming of the methane rich stream to produce additional CO and CO2 and H2 that passes to the fermentation zone.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a photobiological ethanol production and harvesting technology using greenhouse distillation systems with designer photosynthetic organisms, such as designer transgenic oxyphotobacteria. The designer oxyphotobacteria are created such that the endogenous photobiological regulation mechanism is tamed, and the reducing power (NADPH) and energy (ATP) acquired from the photosynthetic process are used for synthesis of ethanol (CH3CH2OH) directly from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The designer use of a pair of NADPH-dependent vs. NAD-dependent glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases in the pathway designs offers a special cyclic “transhydrogenase” redox-shuttle function to convert NADPH to NADH for enhanced photobiological ethanol production. Through combined use of a designer photosynthetic organism with a greenhouse distillation system, the waste solar heat associated with the photobiological ethanol-production process is utilized in harvesting the produced ethanol.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing alcohol or hydrogen gas comprising culturing alcohol-producing microorganisms in a waste fermented solution generated from the bioethanol production process. Glycerol included in the waste fermented solution generated from the bioethanol production process is converted by the microorganisms to butanol under an anaerobic condition. Since the waste fermented solution generated from the bioethanol production process can be utilized as a source of a biofuel, environmental and energy problems can be solved at once.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell which comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a xylose isomerase, wherein the amino acid sequence of the xylose isomerase has at least 75% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 and wherein the nucleotide sequence is heterologous to the host. A cell of the invention may be used in a process for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. Such a process may comprise fermenting a medium containing a source of xylose with a cell of the invention such that the cell ferments xylose to the fermentation product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of variants of the sugar transporter AGT1 that provide enhanced fermentation of oligosaccharides when recombinantly expressed in yeast. The invention further relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants, recombinant yeast cells expressing the variants, and use of the recombinant yeast cells to ferment oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism capable of maintaining its xylose fermentation ability over a long period of time. The present invention also provides a microorganism deficient in the function of expressing NAD kinase gene and/or FPS1 gene, a method for preparing the above microorganism and a method for producing ethanol using the above microorganism.

Abstract: A process for increasing the production of a glycolytic intermediate and/or an organic compound as defined herein by a cell that is able to express a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid molecule gives the cell the ability to increase the production of a glycolytic intermediate and/or the organic compound and wherein the carbon substrate is sugar and/or protein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods for biological production of hydrogen. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention pertain to a modular energy system and related methods for producing hydrogen using organic waste as a feed stock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The method can include fractionating the plant material. The present invention also relates to methods for producing high protein distiller's dried grain from fermentation of plant material, and to the high protein distiller's dried grain produced. The method can include drying a co-product by ring drying, flash drying, or fluid bed drying. The present invention further relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods related to the fermentation of xylose. Host cells having recombinant polynucleotides encoding one or more of aldose reductases, xylitol dehydrogenases, and xylulokinase are provided herein. Host cells having reduced expression of PHO13 are also provided herein. Also provided herein are uses of host cells provided herein, and methods relating to the use of xylose-containing materials.

Abstract: An energy independent dry corn fractionation ethanol production system which utilizes at least one product of a dry corn fractionation process as fuel to generate power for the production of ethanol. Specifically, power production devices and methods of generating power from dry corn fractionation products for the production of ethanol.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and apparatus to convert biomass, including wood and agricultural residues, into low-ash biomass pellets for combustion, alone or in combination with another solid fuel. Some embodiments provide processes for producing low-ash biomass from cellulosic biomass, comprising providing an aqueous extraction solution with acetic acid; extracting the feedstock to produce an extract liquor containing soluble ash, hemicellulosic oligomers, acetic acid, dissolved lignin, and cellulose-rich solids; dewatering and drying the cellulose-rich, lignin-rich solids to produce a low-ash biomass; hydrolyzing the hemicellulosic oligomers to produce hemicellulosic sugars, wherein additional acetic acid is generated; removing a vapor stream comprising vaporized acetic acid from the extract; and recycling the vapor or its condensate to provide some starting acetic acid for the extraction solution. The disclosed processes can produce clean power from biomass.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a genetically enhanced cyanobacterium producing a first chemical compound comprising: a genetically enhanced genome with a first gene inactivation in a first essential or conditionally essential gene of the cyanobacterium, and a first extrachromosomal plasmid harboring the first essential or conditionally essential gene and at least one first production gene for production of the first chemical compound, wherein the cyanobacterium lacks a functional gene conferring biocide resistance. These cyanobacteria can produce a first valuable chemical compound in long-term cultures without the need to employ genes conferring biocide resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods for increasing the efficiency of microbial growth and production of products, such as alcohols and acids by microbial fermentation of substrates containing carbon monoxide. More particularly the invention relates to the provision of an alternative sulphur source to a liquid nutrient medium, such that sulphur is available to one or more microorganisms of the fermentation.

Abstract: An improved process for obtaining value added by-products from an ethanol production whole stillage is disclosed wherein the whole stillage is mixed with additives to form a nutrition enriched product stream that is subsequently dried to produce a nutrition enriched product having a water content of less than 12% by weight. In a preferred embodiment the whole stillage is obtained from a ethanol production process that has utilized a corn flour as the starting feedstock. The corn flour is then hydrolyzed along with added vitamins and/or nutrients and/or enzymes. The hydrolyzed product is then preferably mixed with a soy hull flour, also preferably having a median particle size of less than about 100 microns, and subjected to conventional fermentation conditions to produce an ethanol containing product. The ethanol-containing product is then distilled to produce an ethanol enriched steam and the separate whole stillage to be used as the feedstock.

Abstract: The present methods involves methods of improving ethanol production which may comprise the addition of clay during ethanol production.

Abstract: Mixtures of ethanol and water are dehydrated using starch pearls to adsorb and remove water. Vapor-phase adsorption equilibrium capacities of cassava starch pellets (tapioca pearls) having different particle sizes are disclosed, and tapioca pearl particles are shown to be surprisingly more effective for dehydrating 88 to 97% w/w feed ethanol than corn grits. The adsorption equilibrium curve and BET surface area measurement show that the adsorption capacity of tapioca pearls is a function of surface area available to water molecules. SEM images demonstrate that the particle architecture required for the adsorption and dehydration properties is that of a core-shell configuration with pre-gel starch acting as a central scaffold holding together other particles to the outer layer of the particle. The outer surface area of the pearls, populated with dry starch granules, is the main factor determining the adsorption capacity of the pearls.

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

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions comprising one or more compound components generally recognized as safe for human consumption, and related methods of use, such compositions and methods as can be employed in a wide range of agricultural, industrial, building, pharmaceutical and/or personal care products and applications.

Abstract: An improved ethanol fermentation process with decreased use of acidifiers by adding a composition containing an aldehyde, a fatty acid, a terpene and a surfactant. The method comprising: a) mixing a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation broth containing yeast and/or an enzyme, b) treating said mixture by adding a composition to the fermentor containing: 10-90 wt. % of an antimicrobial aldehyde, preferably selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde, para-formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, and mixtures thereof, 1-50 wt. % of a surfactant having an HLB from 4 to 18, 0-20 wt. % of an antimicrobial terpene, or essential oils, 1-50 wt. % of organic acids selected from C1 to C24 fatty acids, their salts, glycerides and esters thereof, and 1-50 wt. % water; wherein the concentration of aldehyde in the fermentor is from about 0.25 to 3 kg/MT of fermentation feedstock, and c) isolating ethanol and improving yield.

Abstract: Bioreactors, and particularly, photobioreactors having a reactor chamber and surge driver, and methods for using these devices, for example, for the production of carbon-based products are provided. The reactor chamber provides a housing for microorganisms and culture medium. The surge driver produces a surge of the microorganisms and/or culture medium in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for the production of at least one product from the microbial fermentation of a gaseous susbtrate, wherein the gaseous substrate is derived from a biomass liquefaction process. The invention provides a method for improving efficiency of the fermentation by passing biomass accumulated in the fermentation process to the biomass liquefaction process for conversion to a gaseous substrate. In a particular aspect of the invention, the biomass liquefaction process is selected from pyrolysis or torrefaction.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing an ethanol which facilitates the processing of a solid component as a residue generated upon processing, while improving the recovery rate of heat energy contained in leftover food. The method for recovering and producing ethanol and oil is a method for producing ethanol by saccharification, fermentation, and distillation of leftover food. In this method, a three-phase centrifuge for performing separation into three phases of an oil component, an aqueous solution component, and a solid component is used in a step of solid-liquid separation of any one of a saccharified liquid, a fermented liquid, and a distillation waste liquid.

Abstract: Contamination was controlled in fermentations using Zymomonas mobilis as the biocatalyst, without negative impact on fermentation production, by the addition of virginiamycin. The effective concentration of virginiamycin was found to be dependent upon the type of fermentation medium used.

Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate fermentation broth may be processed to produce a high solids syrup having relatively low viscosity that has a high energy content and may be burned in a fermentation production process. The high solids syrup was achieved through liquid/solid separation of broth or depleted broth producing a thin stillage with low suspended solids allowing evaporation to high solids while maintaining low viscosity.

Abstract: Described are variants of alpha (?)-amylases having altered starch hydrolysis profiles. The variants have improved thermostability and increased specific activity, resulting in reduced peak viscosity and altered final viscosity during starch liquefaction. The amylase variants are useful, e.g., in liquefaction and other starch degradation processes.

Abstract: The invention features methods producing isoprene and a co-product, such as ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, or hydrogen from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides compositions comprising isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen. Additionally, the invention provides methods of co-producing isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen by culturing cells under conditions suitable for co-production of isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for processing a beer stream for the recovery of oil. The method include a step of extracting oil from a beer stream into an organic phase comprising an organic solvent to provide in the organic phase at least a portion of the oil. In general, a beer stream refers to a composition containing alcohol, water, oil, and particulates, and can be a result of a fermentation process. When the beer stream is a beer stream from a fermentation process, it can be referred to as a fermentation broth even if it is no longer being subjected to fermentation. The beer stream can contain other components commonly found in a stream coming off a fermentation process such as, for example, glycerol and acetic acid. A method for producing ethanol, and an ethanol production facility are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recapturing heat from a solar-assisted volatile fermentation product production process comprising harvesting a volatile fermentation product from a solar-assisted fermentation product production apparatus and utilizing a heat recovery apparatus for recapturing the heat produced during the solar-assisted fermentation product production process. The volatile fermentation product can be produced in an autotrophic organism or by a fermenting organism fermenting fermentable sugars from one or more sugar crops, starch-containing and lignocellulose-containing materials.

Abstract: The invention provides variants of the Azospirillum irakense CelA ?-glucosidase that have improve ?-glucosidase activity, particularly improved thermoactivity, compared to the wild type enzyme. The invention further provides related polynucleotides, vectors, host cell, and methods for making and using the variants.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing ethanol from polysaccharide alginate contained in a large amounts in brown algae, using the alginate assimilation capacity of the Sphingomonas sp. strain A1 and the strong ethanol production capacity of bacteria such as Zymomonas mobilis. Specifically, a method for producing ethanol using alginate as a raw material comprises causing genes encoding proteins and enzymes involved in Sphingomonas sp. strain A1-derived alginate assimilation and genes encoding enzymes involved in ethanol production to co-exist in a single microorganism and then culturing the microorganism in a medium containing alginate.

Abstract: A method for increasing cuticular wax biosynthesis of plant includes transforming a plant cell with the recombinant vector containing MYB96 (myb domain protein 96) gene from Arabidopsis thaliana. A method for producing a transgenic plant with increased cuticular wax biosynthesis includes transforming a plant cell with the recombinant vector containing the MYB96 gene, and regenerating the transformed plant cell into the transgenic plant. A plant and a seed with increased cuticular wax biosynthesis are produced by the method. A method for producing a biofuel using a cuticular wax includes separating and purifying a cuticular wax from the plant. A composition for increasing cuticular wax biosynthesis of plant includes the MYB96 gene.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing excess above-ground corn residue are disclosed. Systems and methods for combusting corn residue to produce heat for generating steam are also disclosed. Additionally, methods and systems for harvesting and pre-processing corn residue prior to combustion of the corn residue are disclosed.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising the following method steps: A) providing an aqueous solution comprising microorganisms producing low-molecular, organic compounds; B) introducing at least one gas or gas mixture into the aqueous solution; C) recovering the gas flow through a compound comprising an isophoron; and optionally D) separating the low-molecular, organic compound from the composition comprising the isophoron.

Abstract: A range of concentrations exists in which fermentation inhibitors derived from pretreatment of lignocellulosic feed stocks inhibit growth of lactic acid bacteria without affecting fermentive yeast. By optimizing levels of fermentation inhibitors to fall within this range, yeast fermentations of lignocellulosic biomass can be conducted under non-sterile conditions with ethanol yields comparable to those achieved under sterile conditions. Optimised inhibitor levels can be achieved by controlling the water/biomass ratio of a lignocellulosic biomass during and after pretreatment, for example by washing the fiber fraction of a previously pretreated lignocellulosic biomass with a pre-defined amount of fresh water or recycled process solutions. Crude extracts of liquid fraction or process solutions from pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass can also provide an effective anti-baterial treatment for first generation starch fermentations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved SMB process incorporating novel regeneration steps for the separation of ethanol associated oxygenates such as butanediol from a dilute mixture of ethanol and associated oxygenates in water in the presence of organic compounds derived from a biofermentation process. Applicant discovered that increasing the number of raffinate streams alone or in combination with a hot regeneration zone within the SMB cycle can significantly reduce the capital and operating costs associated with the incorporation of the SMB process in a complex for the production of ethanol and butanediol from biofermentation effluent. The process is useful for removing water from dilute aqueous mixtures of organic compounds comprising ethanol in dilute concentration in water and produced by fermentation, biomass extraction, biocatalytic and enzymatic processes which are not economically recoverable by conventional distillation methods.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids and/or alcohols are produced by a fermentation process comprising: growing an immobilized microorganism capable of producing carboxylic acids and/or alcohols in an aqueous medium and in the presence of an organic medium, and recovering the carboxylic acids and/or alcohols from the organic medium; wherein a mesh is placed at an interface of the organic medium and the aqueous medium; and further wherein the organic medium comprises at least one organic solvent and at least one extractant chosen from tri-alkylphosphine oxides and tri-alkylamines.

Abstract: A method for the production water insoluble reactive lignin having low sulfur content and lignosulfonates from lignocellulosic material in a batch or continuous process. Lignocellulosic material is fractionated to produce water insoluble native lignin and lignosulfonates in various ratios, while preserving the cellulose and hydrolyzed hemicelluloses using water, ethanol and sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a host cell deficient in an essential gene, comprising a vector, said vector comprising at least said essential gene and an autonomous replication sequence, wherein the host cell is a filamentous fungal cell. The invention also relates to a host cell deficient in an essential gene, comprising a vector, said vector comprising at least said essential gene and an autonomous replication sequence, wherein the host cell comprises a recombinant polynucleotide construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding a biological compound of interest or a compound involved in the synthesis of a biological compound of interest.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for bioconversion processes in which a ME biocatalyst is surrounded by water-insoluble liquid during the bioconversion to facilitate one or more of mass transfer of substrate to and bioproduct from the biocatalyst and the separation and recovery of bioproduct from the water-insoluble liquid. The ME biocatalyst irreversibly retains microorganisms for the bioconversion and has, in its interior, an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A method of treating seeds includes piercing a multiplicity of seeds such that shells of a majority of the seeds are pierced, aerating the pierced seeds, and reducing a water content of the pierced seeds. Another method of treating seeds includes placing a bulk quantity of seeds in a container, forming a mass of seeds and liquid in the container, sealing the container to create a substantially closed environment inside the container, and fermenting the mass in the sealed container. Another method of treating seeds includes placing a multiplicity of pierced seeds in a ventilated enclosure, forcing air through the enclosure such that the seeds are exposed to the air, and mixing the seeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing ethanol wherein the amount of CO2 by-product is reduced during the fermentation process. The invention includes the use of oxidized lignin during the fermentation process.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of obtaining volatile hydrocarbons produced by photosynthetic microorganisms using a two-phase gaseous/aqueous bioreactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of fermenting plant material in a fermentation medium into a fermentation product using a fermenting organism, wherein one or more carbonic anhydrases are present in the fermentation medium.

Abstract: Dried distiller's solubles is described. Methods for drying condensed distiller's solubles into dried distiller's solubles are presented. The methods may include introducing the condensed distiller's solubles into a drying gas stream and recovering dried distiller's solubles from the drying gas stream.