Abstract: The present invention provides a novel biosynthetic pathway for the production of isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. Further embodiments provide non-naturally occurring microorganism that have been modified to produce isoprene from 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol or 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol and methods of producing isoprene using said microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for pre-treating cellulosic material and processes for improving hydrolysis thereof. In particular, cellulosic material such as woody biomass is contacted with one or more enzymes in a re-pulping step. The cellulosic material is then contacted with one or more enzymes to improve hydrolysis of the cellulosic material. The hydrolysis is also enzymatically enhanced by use of an amylase and/or mannanase.

Abstract: The invention provides for compositions and methods for producing isoprene by using recombinantly engineered cells that utilize a system of dual IspG enzymes in addition to isoprene synthase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engineering plants to express higher levels than endogenous amounts of terpenoids, such as farnesene. Plants that can be so engineered include those with large carbon stores, such as sweet sorghum and sugar cane.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions of variant polypeptides having isoprene synthase activity with improved solubility. In particular, the present invention provides isoprene synthase variant for increased isoprene production in recombinant host cells.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing butadiene by forming two vinyl groups in a butadiene synthesis substrate. These pathways described herein rely on enzymes such as mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase, isoprene synthase, and dehydratases for the final enzymatic step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing substances from the cellulosic material.

Abstract: Yeast cell belonging to the genus Saccharomyces having introduced into its genome at least one xylA gene and at least one of each of araA, araB and araD genes and that is capable of consuming a mixed sugar mixture comprising glucose, xylose and arabinose, wherein the cell co-consumes glucose and arabinose, has genetic variations obtained during adaptive evolution and has a specific xylose consumption rate in the presence of glucose that is 0.25 g xylose/h, g DM or more.

Abstract: Described herein are host cells comprising lactate dehydrogenase activity, lactaldehyde dehydrogenase activity, lactaldehyde reductase activity, propanediol dehydratase activity, and/or n-propanol dehydrogenase activity, wherein the cells are capable of producing n-propanol. Also described are methods of producing n-propanol comprising (a) cultivating the host cells having lactate dehydrogenase activity, lactaldehyde dehydrogenase activity, lactaldehyde reductase activity, propanediol dehydratase activity, and/or n-propanol dehydrogenase activity in a medium under suitable conditions to produce n-propanol; and (b) recovering the n-propanol. Methods of producing polypropylene from the recombinant n-propanol are also provided.

Abstract: A two-stage process for upgrading a gaseous stream containing CO2 and H2S in which the gaseous stream and pressurized water are provided to a first stage absorption process in which a portion of the CO2 is absorbed by the pressurized water. The reduced-CO2 gaseous stream and a chemical solvent suitable for absorbing CO2 and H2S are provided to a second stage absorption process in which the H2S and remaining CO2 are removed from the gaseous stream, producing an acid gas stream and an upgraded gaseous stream meeting pipeline-quality specifications.

Abstract: Provided herein compositions and methods for producing isoprenoids, including squalene. Is certain aspects and embodiments provided are genetically converted yeast and uses therefore. In some aspects and embodiments, the genetically converted yeast produce isoprenoids, preferably squalene. Also are provided methods of producing squalene using a genetically converted yeast or a non-genetically converted yeast. The invention also provides squalene produced by genetically converted yeast or non-genetically converted yeast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the digestion of organic material into biogas which comprises: treating the organic material to reduce the number of viable microorganisms in the organic material; treating the organic material with one or more enzymes; separating the liquid fraction from the solid fraction of the enzyme-treated organic material; and digesting the liquid fraction to form biogas.

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 for methods for the production of isoprene in recombinant marine bacterial cells via the heterologous expression of isoprene synthase enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing substances from the cellulosic material under high temperature conditions.

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 features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells.

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 novel strain of Schizochytrium sp. that can produce large quantities of squalene, the methods for the production of lipid compounds of interest using said strain and the products and compositions prepared with said strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides means useful for establishing an excellent isoprene monomer production system. Specifically, the present invention provides a polynucleotide of the following (a), (b), or (c): (a) a polynucleotide comprising (i) the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, or (ii) the nucleotide sequence consisting of the nucleotide residues at positions 133 to 1785 in the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a polynucleotide that comprises a nucleotide sequence having 90% or more identity to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; or (c) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under a stringent condition with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; and the like.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treatment of a bagasse-derived material which treatment increases the degradability of the lignocellulosic fibres. In particular the invention relates to methane production from enzymatically treated bagasse-derived material, where the enzyme-treatment of the invention is used to increase the methane production in comparison with untreated bagasse.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. The invention additionally provides a method for producing acetyl-CoA, for example, by culturing an acetyl-CoA producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an acetyl-CoA pathway enzyme or protein in a sufficient amount to produce acetyl-CoA, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce acetyl-CoA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CO2 biological capture method comprising the implementation of a photosynthesis reaction by cyanobacteria on the hydrogen carbonate ions of a carbonate system comprising calcium, allowing biomass and calcite (CaCO3) to be produced. The invention allows energy valorization and mineral sequestration of CO2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreactor having a reactor chamber and one or more support chambers. The reactor chamber can have one or more flexible walls for enclosing microorganisms and culture medium. The reactor chamber provides an enclosure for microorganism and culture medium. The support chamber can also have one or more flexible walls. When inflated to a predetermined amount, the support chamber causes the microorganisms and culture medium to distribute to a substantially even depth across the reactor chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, compositions and methods for the biological production of pentose sugars, such as 2-methylerythritol (2-ME), 1-deoxyxylulose (1-DX), and monoacetylated-2-C-methylerythritols, using recombinant cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into hydrocarbons, e.g., n-alkanes and n-alkenes, wherein the n-alkanes are secreted into the culture medium via recombinantly expressed transporter proteins. In particular, the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules is contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase 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 provides for compositions and methods for producing isoprene by using recombinantly engineered cells that utilize a system of dual IspG enzymes in addition to isoprene synthase.

Abstract: In the present invention, integrated processes for producing a biofuel are disclosed. Specifically, processes integrating photobioreactors with anaerobic digestion are disclosed. Anaerobic digestion can convert biomass into a biofuel. However, anaerobic digestion also produces carbon dioxide (CO2). Because it is a greenhouse gas, the production of carbon dioxide is not desirable. Algae can be grown in a photobioreactor as long as light, carbon dioxide, and water are provided. In the present invention, the anaerobic digestion process is integrated with the photobioreactor process thereby providing a useful solution for the carbon dioxide that is generated and providing a source of carbon dioxide for the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A process for the crystallisation of a water-soluble compound from a solution of water and a solvent is provided. A process for the manufacture of crystalline sucrose from sugar palm juice or sucrose-containing biomass comprising such crystallisation process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of squalene from microalgae belonging to the family of Thraustochytriales sp., preferably at concentrations of between 2 and 12 g per 100 g of dry biomass. The method is characterised in that it comprises steps consisting in: culturing microalgae belonging to the family of Thraustochytriales sp. at a temperature of between 25 and 35° C., preferably between 28 and 32° C., and more preferably of the order of 30° C.; and adding between 1 and 1000 ?g of vitamin B12 per litre of culture medium to said culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified yeast strain which is prepared by introducing a vector that expresses HMG-CoA reductase (hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase) and farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, and a method for producing squalene using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y2805 modified yeast strain that is transformed with a vector including the HMG1 gene, and ispA or Erg20 gene, and a method for producing squalene with high efficiency by culturing the modified yeast strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of economically preparing paraffin compounds corresponding to gasoline fuel or lubricating base oil using volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for complete anaerobic digestion of polymer mixtures of the composition: a) 25 to 95% by weight of a polyhydroxyalkanoate selected from the group consisting of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) and b) 5 to 75% by weight of an aliphatic polyester comprising: i) 65 to 100 mol %, based on components i to ii, of succinic acid or of a succinic acid derivative; ii) 0 to 35 mol %, based on components i to ii, of an aliphatic C5-C36-dicarboxylic acid, of a corresponding acid derivative or of a mixture; iii) 98 to 100 mol %, based on components i to ii, of a C2-C8-alkylenediol or C2-C6-oxyalkylenediol; iv) 0 to 2% by weight, based on the polymer obtainable from components i to iii, of at least one polyfunctional compound comprising at least two isocyanate, isocyanurate, oxazoline or epoxide groups or at least three alco

Abstract: Improved methods for anaerobic digestion of organic matter to produce biogas. Among the improvements given are including ferric iron in a hydrolysis reactor to increase the rate and efficiency of anaerobic hydrolysis to provide substrates for methanogenesis. A solids separation step is added after hydrolysis and before methanogenesis to improve the efficiency of the methanogenesis step. Other improvements involve using separate tanks for the hydrolysis and methanogenesis stages and using two (or more) methanogenesis tanks in sequence, and switching the order of the two (or more) methanogenesis tanks periodically.

Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing isoprene by culturing cells under conditions suitable for isoprene production while maintaining cell viability and/or metabolic activity.

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: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a yeast cell, wherein said cell comprises a functional gene coding for soluble hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase; one or more gene(s) coding for steryl acyltransferase(s) in said cell are defective or deleted; and said cell is prototrophic for at least histidine, leucine or uracil. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of said cell for the production of one or more terpene(s). Further, the present invention relates to methods of generating said cell and the production of one or more terperne(s) and a pharmaceutical or cosmetically composition, a lubricant or transformer oil comprising said terpene(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of biofuels by utilizing efficient biomass digestion and fermentation by a new thermophilic microorganism generated after fusion of two different bacteria Clostridium thermocellum and C. acetobutylicum and properly mutating the fused bacteria to produce biofuels and other economically important chemicals in a single vessel from lignocellulosic derived renewable biomass. All the necessary biochemical digestions and fermentation are carried out by this single thermophilic microorganism in one single vessel eliminating the need for multiple step digestion and fermentation processes, requiring multiple chambers. It also significantly reduces the rate limiting steps where increasing accumulation of alcohol, butanol and other substances become toxic to the very bacteria that produce these biofuels. The single vessel is incubated at high temperatures (45° C. or above) to eliminate the need for periodic stoppage and restarting of the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides fungal xylanase and/or beta-xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce xylanase and/or beta-xylosidases, as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme compositions for high temperature saccharification of cellulosic material and to uses thereof.

Abstract: A process for making propylene by dehydration of propanol can include gasifying a carbonaceous solid or liquid feedstock, or reforming a gaseous carbonaceous feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas can be fermented or co-fermented by means of a microorganism into propanol. The microorganism can be a wild strain having the natural capability to ferment synthesis gas into propanol. The microorganism can be a microorganism possessing the required nucleic acid sequence information to express the enzymes for the biosynthesis of C3-oxygenates modified with the required nucleic acid sequence information to express the enzymes of the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. The microorganism can be a microorganism possessing the required nucleic acid sequence information to express the enzymes of the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, modified with the required nucleic acid sequence information to express the enzymes for the biosynthesis of C3-oxygenates.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon and hydrogen fuels and other products may be produced by a process employing a combination of fermentation and electrochemical stages. In the process, a biomass contained within a fermentation medium is fermented with an inoculum comprising a mixed culture of microorganisms derived the rumen contents of a rumen-containing animal. This inoculated medium is incubated under anaerobic conditions and for a sufficient time to produce volatile fatty acids. The resultant volatile fatty acids are then subjected to electrolysis under conditions effective to convert said volatile fatty acids to hydrocarbons and hydrogen simultaneously. The process can convert a wide range of biomass materials to a wide range of volatile fatty acid chain lengths and can convert these into a wide range of biobased fuels and biobased products.

Abstract: The NonA alkene synthase in Synechococcus sp. displays selective synthesis of 1-nonadecene. Heterologous recombination of a domain, i.e. the acyl binding domain, with other acyl binding proteins, affects acyl substrate chain-length binding selectivity and therefore the chain-length of the synthesized 1-alkenes. Compositions and methods are provided to selectively synthesize 1-alkenes of various chain lengths.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for producing methane by a two-stage anaerobic digestion of organic feed, comprising i) subjecting an organic feed suspension (a) to acidogenesis and methanogenesis in a first reactor (1); ii) withdrawing an effluent (b) from said first reactor and subjecting it to solid/liquid separation (2), thus obtaining effluents high (d) and low (c) in solids, wherein the volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in said first reactor is controlled by the withdrawal rate; iii) subjecting the effluent low in solids (c) to acidogenesis and methanogenesis in a second reactor (3), thus producing methane gas in said first and second reactor.

Abstract: Methods of isoprenoid production are provided by the present invention. In particular, transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacteria and methods for producing isoprene and pinene using a host transgenic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 cyanobacterium are provided.