Abstract: The present invention relates to cellobiohydrolase variants having improved thermostability and/or thermoactivity in comparison to wild-type Myceliophthora thermophila CBH2b.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Talaromyces transformant comprising one or more recombinant gene, capable of producing cellulase in the absence of cellulase inducer in a glucose medium, having a cellulase activity of 2 WSU/ml or more, in 16 times or more diluted supernatant or broth.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant GH61 proteins obtained from Myceliophtora thermophila, and nucleic acids that encode such proteins. The invention also provides protein fractions isolated from M. thermophila supernatant that have GH61 protein activity. These preparations can be used to increase yield of products from reactions in which a cellulose-containing substrate undergoes saccharification by one or more cellulase enzymes, such as endoglucanase, ?-glucosidase, or cellobiohydrolase. Combinations of GH61 protein and cellulases can be used to break down cellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars in the production of ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants and nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods of using the variant enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes, inter alia, for the treatment of a starch-based feedstock. The processes include mixing together a starch-based feedstock and a working fluid to form a slurry, hydrating the starch-based feedstock with the working fluid, adding an enzyme to the slurry, pumping the slurry into a substantially constant diameter passage of a fluid mover, and injecting a high velocity transport fluid into the slurry through one or more nozzles communicating with the passage, thereby further hydrating and heating the starch-based feedstock and dispersing the starch content of the slurry. Apparatuses for carrying out such processes are also provided. Processes for converting starch in feedstocks into oligosaccharides and systems for producing sugars and ethanol using the processes and apparatuses of the invention are also provided. Processes for calculating ethanol yield using the apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biomass process comprising split dosage of the cellulose hydrolysing enzyme.

Abstract: A Robotic Algae Harvester (RAH) of the present invention works by providing a CO2 collection mechanism that is installed in power plants or vehicles. These systems are available using current technology and have been proven to be scalable. CO2 is then transported to RAH using ships. The RAH will feed and re-circulate algae broth through the photobioreactors (PBRs). The PBRs float in the ocean while the algae through photosynthesis will transform the CO2 into biomass in a continuous process. The extracted algae will processed into a stable mix of oil and bi-product and transferred to the ship that brought the CO2. The algae is then processed onshore in some of the following manners: converted to biodiesel via transesterification; converted to bio-ethanol via fermentation; burned for electricity generation; and/or used as protein for animal feed or food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides means for the production of ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylases, nucleic acids encoding the alpha-amylases, methods of producing the alpha-amylases, and methods of using the alpha-amylases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent alpha-amylase, the variant having improved stability or activity at low calcium conditions or at low pH.

Abstract: A sugar mixture comprising: monosaccharides; oligosaccharides in a ratio ?0.06 to total saccharides; disaccharides in a ratio to total saccharides ?0.05; pentose in a ratio to total saccharides ?0.05; at least one alpha-bonded di-glucose; and at least one beta-bonded di-glucose. Also disclosed are methods to make and/or use such mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants and nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods of using the variant enzymes.

Abstract: A static solid state bioreactor and method of using same. The bioreactor comprises a vessel having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end having a sealable opening. A gas distribution system in communication with the upper end and the lower end of the vessel. A liquid distribution system in communication with the upper end of the vessel. A liquid recovery system in communication with the lower end of the vessel. A material removal system disposed at the lower end of the vessel for removing biomass from the vessel.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a fermentation product from a sugar hydrolysate obtained from a feedstock containing hemicellulose, by (i) removing suspended fiber solids from said sugar hydrolysate to obtain a clarified sugar solution; (ii) fermenting xylose in the clarified sugar solution in a fermentation reaction with yeast to produce a fermentation broth comprising the fermentation product; (iii) separating the yeast from the fermentation broth to produce a yeast slurry; (vi) treating the yeast slurry thus obtained with an oxidant to kill microbial contaminants, thereby an oxidant-treated yeast slurry; (v) re-introducing at least a portion of the oxidant-treated yeast back to step (ii) to increase the concentration of yeast in said fermentation reaction; and (vi) recovering the fermentation product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a polypeptide comprising or consisting of an X46 domain and further a starch degrading enzyme and uses of such composition. The polypeptide comprising or consisting of an X46 domain can boost the activity of a starch-degrading enzyme.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating biomass that may include introducing a biomass to a chamber; exposing the biomass in the chamber to a shock event to produce a shocked biomass; and transferring the shocked biomass from the chamber. In some aspects, the method may include pretreating the biomass with a chemical before introducing the biomass to the chamber and/or after transferring shocked biomass from the chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing bioethanol from biomass. The feedstock for preparation of bioethanol, i.e. the biomass, is pretreated by a combination of chemical and physical methods. The method is advantageous in that detoxification is unnecessary since the substances that inhibit fermentation are not produced and acid reconcentration for recycling is not needed. Further, since the sonication makes saccharification easier, removal of lignin (delignification), which interferes with the saccharification of cellulose, is unnecessary. Accordingly, the present disclosure allows to produce bioethanol with high yield and at low cost in an environment-friendly manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is 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, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing 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 multi-cellulase enzyme composition for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic biomass said composition comprising a cellobiohydrolase (CBH) enzyme, an endoglucanase (EG) enzyme and a ?-glucosidase (BG) enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite yeast suitable for high concentration alcohol fermentation from sugar-containing raw materials, characterizing in that the composite yeast comprises any kind of dried yeast selected from Brewers yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, grape wine yeast Saccharomyces uvarum Beijerinek, and nutritious materials which are necessary for yeast growth, the nutritious materials include: the dried yeast 40-70 parts by weight, a nitrogen source 20-40 parts by weight, a phosphorous source 5-10 parts by weight, an other inorganic salt 2.5-5 parts by weight, a trace vitamin 1-2.5 parts by weight and a bacteriostatic 0.5-1.2 parts by weight. The present invention further relates to a method for preparation of the composite yeast suitable for high concentration alcohol fermentation from sugar-containing raw materials.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol from a pretreated feedstock is provided. The feedstock is selected from grasses, cereal straws, stover, and combinations thereof, and least about 80% of the feedstock has a particle length of between about 2 cm and about 40 cm. This process comprises wetting the feedstock in liquid, pressing the wet feedstock through one roll press or a series of roll presses to remove at least a portion of water and soluble substances from the wetted feedstock and to shear the feedstock to produce feedstock particles of a size suitable for pumping at a solids concentration of about 8% to about 20% when slurried. At least one roll press, or at least one roll press in the series of roll presses comprises rolls with circumferential v-shaped grooves. The pressed feedstock particles are slurried to produce a slurried feedstock having a consistency of between about 8% and about 20%, and the slurried feedstock pumped into a pretreatment reactor.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of carbohydrates from any of a number of sources into butanol and hexanol for fuel or chemical use is disclosed. The process includes conducting a homoacetogenic fermentation to produce an acetic acid intermediate which is chemically converted to ethanol. The ethanol and a remaining portion of the acetic acid intermediate are used as a substrate in an acidogenic fermentation to produce butyric and caproic acid intermediates which are then chemically converted to butanol and hexanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase 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 present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate.

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: The present invention relates to variant endoglucanases having improved thermoactivity, improved thermostability, and improved viscosity reduction activity over wild-type M. thermophila endoglucanase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent fungal glucoamylase, which exhibits altered properties, in particular improved thermal stability and/or increased specific activity.

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: A process for producing ethanol including a combination of biochemical and synthetic conversions results in high yield ethanol production with concurrent production of high value coproducts. An acetic acid intermediate is produced from carbohydrates, such as corn, using enzymatic milling and fermentation steps, followed by conversion of the acetic acid into ethanol using esterification and hydrogenation reactions. Coproducts can include corn oil, and high protein animal feed containing the biomass produced in the fermentation.

Abstract: Methods for enzymatically isolating lignin and other bioproducts, such as fermentable sugars, from herbaceous plant materials, are described. The methods can provide improvements, such as increased product purity and reduced process energy requirements and product modifications and contamination. Systems for practicing the methods also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of ethanol from starch. Specifically, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ethanol from starch such as tapioca, potato, sweet sorghum, rice by liquification and saacharification of starch and subsequent fermentation of mono saccherides to ethanol in presence of thermophilic micro-organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation product from ligno-cellulosic material, comprising the following steps: a) optionally pre-treatment b) optionally washing; c) enzymatic hydrolysis; d) fermentation; and e) optionally recovery of a fermentation product; wherein in step c) an enzyme composition is used that has a temperature optimum of 55 degrees C. or more, the hydrolysis time is 40 hours or more and the temperature is 50 degrees C. or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for production of fermentation products, including bioethanol by non-pressurised pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of waste fractions containing mono- and/or polysaccharides, having a relatively high dry matter content. The process in its entirety, i.e. from non-pressurised pre-treatment over enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation to sorting of fermentable and non-fermentable solids can be processed at a relatively high dry matter content in a single vessel or similar device using free fall mixing for the mechanical processing of the waste fraction.

Abstract: A method is presented for the production of cellulosic ethanol, acetic acid and derivatives from the extract containing fibers and hemicelluloses after steam cooking of biomass in a host plant. The process is integrated with the host plant process to minimize the effect of loss of heat value from the extracted hemicelluloses and eliminate the need for the waste water treatment plant.

Abstract: Ethanol and other liquid products produced by contacting carbon monoxide (CO) and/or a mixture of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2 (hydrogen) with a microorganism in a bioreactor are separated using a combination of distillation and vapor permeation membranes. The bioreactor passes an effluent with an ethanol concentration of 1 to 6 wt % to a distillation column that produces an overhead vapor stream enriched in ethanol. A series of vapor permeation membranes retain ethanol as retentate and produce a 99 wt % or higher ethanol product. Ethanol depleted permeate streams flow back to the column and the bioreactor. Coupling a bioreactor with distillation and pervaporation efficiently and economically separates ethanol when present at low concentration in an aqueous fermentation broth. The separation arrangement may also include a flash zone ahead of the distillation column to raise the concentration of the ethanol in the input stream to the distillation column.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for pre-treating non-wood lignocellulosic material containing less than 5 % (w/w) starch or sugar in a process for production of ethanol from lignocellulose, comprising the steps of: adding organic acid or organic acid-producing bacteria to the lignocellulosic material; storing the lignocellulosic material in the presence of the organic acid for a period of at least two weeks in an atmosphere of less than 5% oxygen to obtain organic acid-impregnated material; and heating the organic acid-impregnated material at a temperature of at least 160° C. to obtain pre-treated lignocellulosic material, wherein no, or substantially no, inorganic acid or base, including SO2, is added in the method.

Abstract: Described are variants of a parent ?-amylase that exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent ?-amylase: specific activity, substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage, thermal stability, pH-dependent activity, pH-dependent stability, oxidative stability, Ca2+ dependency, pI, and wash performance. The variants are suitable for starch conversion, ethanol production, laundry washing, dish washing, hard surface cleaning, textile desizing, and/or sweetener production.

Abstract: Improved manganese peroxidases, polynucleotides encoding improved manganese peroxidase and vectors and cells thereof are provided, as well as methods for converting a cellulose-containing biomass feedstock to ethanol using improved manganese peroxidases and cells expressing a heterologous manganese peroxidase as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for converting chitin into N-acetylglucosamine, glucosamine and ethanol. The chitin may be used directly from the environment, for example, as occurs in invertebrate cuticles, fungal cells and/or algae. Mutant bacteria were created by knocking out or inactivating one or more genes preferably resulting in the chitin catabolic sensor maintaining an activated state. Methods are further provided for converting the N-acetylglucosamine into ethanol by means of a genetically engineered yeast strain which can be optionally co-cultivated with the Vibrionaceae to produce significant yields of ethanol.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a fermentation product from a sugar hydrolysate obtained from a feedstock containing hemicellulose, by (i) removing suspended fiber solids from said sugar hydrolysate to obtain a clarified sugar solution; (ii) fermenting xylose in the clarified sugar solution in a fermentation reaction with yeast to produce a fermentation broth comprising the fermentation product; (iii) separating the yeast from the fermentation broth to produce a yeast slurry; (vi) treating the yeast slurry thus obtained with an oxidant to kill microbial contaminants, thereby an oxidant-treated yeast slurry; (v) re-introducing at least a portion of the oxidant-treated yeast back to step (ii) to increase the concentration of yeast in said fermentation reaction; and (vi) recovering the fermentation product.

Abstract: For extracting phosphorous from algae-in a body of water, the algae are deposited into a sealable tank (200) that is then evacuated, thereby rupturing the algal cell walls. The ruptured algae are then moved to a second tank (260), mixed with water and bacterial cultures, and allowed to settle until the lipids rise to the top and the oil-less debris settles to the bottom. The second tank also contains sacrificial (295) and rusted electrodes (320). The phosphorous from the algae combines with the rust. The lipids and debris are then removed. Next, an electrical source (315) causes the rust to be removed from the rusted electrodes and settle. In addition, a phosphorous-rich scum floats to the top. These components are placed in storage containers for later use and the water is returned, thereby reducing its phosphorous content.

Abstract: At least one isolated microorganism and a fermentation method to convert hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, and/or carbon monoxide gas to a lower alkyl alcohol and/or carboxylic acid and to produce at least 2% by volume of the lower alkyl alcohol or carboxylic acid in an aqueous-based medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved fungal strains. In some embodiments, the improved fungal strains find use in hydrolyzing cellulosic material to glucose.

Abstract: The present application provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to glucose, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and processes for producing glucose from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for converting lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol, comprising the step of contacting the lignocellulosic biomass with a mixture for a period of time at an initial temperature and an initial pH, wherein the mixture comprises a first microorganism and a second microorganism, thereby producing an amount of ethanol. The first microorganism or the second microorganism may be a thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism. The first microorganism may be a native cellulolytic microorganism or a native xylanolytic microorganism; and the second microorganism may be a genetically engineered xylanolytic microorganism or a genetically engineered cellulolytic microorganism. The microorganisms may be Clostridium thermocellum or Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum, or any number of a wide variety of others.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of alcohols and/or solvents from a cellulosic or lignocellulosic substrate, comprising at least the following steps: a step A for alkaline pre-treatment of said substrate, comprising a step for heating in the presence of an alkaline chemical reagent and an optional washing step; a step B constituted by a step for adjusting the pH and a step for enzymatic hydrolysis of the pre-treated substrate, at the end of which a hydrolysate is obtained constituted by a liquid phase containing sugars and a solid residue; a step for alcoholic fermentation of the hydrolysate obtained; a step for separation/purification (step C2) at the end of which one or more purified alcohols and/or solvents are obtained; a step for extracting the solid residue; a step D for acid digestion of at least a fraction of the extracted solid residue, at the end of which a portion or all of the product obtained is recycled to step B.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl7, and the corresponding BGL7 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL7, recombinant BGL7 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing sugar cane to concurrently produce sugar from cane juice, and ethanol and other co-products from bagasse. The apparatus comprises equipment for separating a cane juice stream and a fibrous bagasse from a sugar cane feed-stock, equipment for refining the cane juice, equipment for processing the fibrous bagasse for recovery therefrom of a cellulosic pulp and a liquor stream, equipment for saccharification and fermentation of the cellulosic pulp to produce a fermentation beer therefrom, and equipment for recovery of an ethanol stream from the fermentation beer. Legacy sugar mills may be retrofitted with a bagasse biorefining apparatus to concurrently produce ethanol and co-products, with existing cane juice extraction and processing operations.