Abstract: A process for preparing beta-fructofuranosidase enzyme and a process for producing fructooligosaccharides, in which the preparation of the enzyme is obtained by cultivating the fungus Aspergillus niger, either wild or mutated, in a preferably semi-solid culture medium, in order to produce an extracellular enzyme, which is submitted to transfructosylation for producing fructooligosaccharides comprising sugars which are formed by one unit of sacrose and by two, three and four units of fructose.

Abstract: Liquefying alkaline amylases, each having residual activity not less than 70% when treated at pH 10 and 45° C. for 30 minutes in the presence of 1 to 100 mM of EDTA or EGTA, are described. Also described are detergents comprising these amylases. In comparison with conventional amylases for detergents, the liquefying alkaline amylases of this invention have a high chelating-agent resisting performance.

Abstract: The properties of dough or bread can be improved by the addition of a carbohydrate oxidase which can oxidize the reducing end of an oligosaccharide more efficiently than the corresponding monosaccharide, e.g., preferentially oxidizing maltodextrins or cellodextrins over glucose. A novel carbohydrate oxidase having the capability to oxidize maltodextrins and cellodextrins more efficiently than glucose may be obtained from a strain of Microdochium, particularly M. nivale. The amino acid sequence of the novel carbohydrate oxidase has very low homology (<20% identity) with known amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Fungamyl-like fungal alpha-amylase, which exhibits improved thermal stability at acidic pH suitable for, e.g., starch processes.

Abstract: An endo-&bgr;-N-acetylglucosaminidase gene encoding the following protein (a) or (b): (a) a protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3; and (b) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 by deletion, substitution, or addition of at least one amino acid and having the activity of endo-&bgr;-N-acetylglucosaminidase.

Abstract: The invention relates to starch conversion processes using glucoamylases derived from Talaromyces emersonii and related glucoamylases.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for converting trimethylhydroquinone diacetate (TMHQ-DA) into trimethylhydroquinone-1-monoacetate (TMHQ-1-MA) by contacting TMHQ-DA with a lipase to effect an enzymatic monosaponification of the TMHQ-DA. Also provided are methods of making (all-rac)-&agr;-tocopherol and (all-rac)-&agr;-tocopherol acetate.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of TL-&ggr;, antibodies to TL-&ggr;, methods of screening for TL-&ggr; modulators using biologically active TL-&ggr;, and kits for screening for TL-&ggr; modulators.

Abstract: Avian and reptile derived heparanase and nucleic acids encoding same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transcription factor found in filamentous fungi, especially in Aspergillii, DNA sequences coding for said factor, its transformation into and expression in fungal host organisms, and the use of said factor in such hosts for increasing the expression of a polypeptide of interest being produced by said host.

Abstract: An isolated DNA with a nucleotide sequence encoding a ripening form of a xylanase fungal origin having bread improving activity. Cells are transformed with this DNA and used to produce the ripening form of xylanase which itself is suitable for use in flour and dough.

Abstract: Novel mannanases comprising e.g. an amino acid sequence as shown in positions 31-330 of SEQ ID NO:2 or their homologues may be derived from e.g. Bacillus sp. I633, or may be encoded by polynucleotide molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 from nucleotide 91 to nucleotide 990, polynucleotide molecules that encode a polypeptide that is at least 65% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 from amino acid residue 31 to amino acid residue 330, or degenerate nucleotide sequences thereof. The mannanases are alkaline and are useful e.g. in cleaning compositions, in a fracturing fluid useful to fracture a subterranean formation, for modifying plant material, and for treatment of cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: Recombinantly produced &agr;-glucuronidases which are useful in food manufacturing and as a feed additive to enhance the utilization of the feed components, and in other industrial applications such as pulp processing are provided. Genes coding for such enzymes can e.g. be isolated from Aspergillus sp. including A. tubigensis or A. niger.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of fucanes for obtaining medicines for modulating metalloprotease and inhibiting leukocytic elastase. Said medicines help activate collagen synthesis inhibit proliferation of gingival fibroblasts, and activate proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. They are useful in particular for treating periodontal pathologies and dermal lesions.

Abstract: A &bgr;-Glucanase enzyme capable of hydrolytically cleaving mixed glucans is presented. The &bgr;-Glucanase is sufficiently stable under alkaline conditions for use in industrial cleaning processes, especially in the brewing industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel micro-organism, Penicillium funiculosum, to a new enzymes mixture obtained from it, and nucleic acid sequences encoding such enzymes.

Abstract: Rural biomass and other cellulosic materials are converted to a protein-enriched animal feed supplement or to single-cell protein by a series of bio-reactions. A first stage bio-reaction is a solid substrate bio-reaction. Enzymes, such as cellulase, produced by the first-stage bio-reaction are added to a second-stage bio-reaction. Raw second-stage bio-reaction feedstock is pretreated to hydrolyze hemicellulose and/or to partially digest starch in the feedstock. In the second-stage bio-reaction, the feedstock is substantially digested and single-cell protein is harvested in an aerobic bio-reaction, while ethanol is produced in an anaerobic reaction. Alternatively, raw biomass or other cellulosic materials can be treated with organic acid (e.g. maleic acid) combined with dry steam to produce a nutritional product that can be directly used as an animal feed supplement.

Abstract: Novel vectors are disclosed for expressing and secreting heterologous polypeptides from filamentous fungi. Such vectors are used in novel processes to express and secrete such heterologous polypeptides. The vectors used for transforming a filamentous fungus to express and secrete a heterologous polypeptide include a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide and a DNA sequence encoding a signal sequence which is functional in a secretory system in a given filamentous fungus and which is operably linked to the sequence encoding the heterologous polypeptide. Such signal sequences may be the signal sequence normally associated with the heterologous polypeptides or may be derived from other sources. The vector may also contain DNA sequences encoding a promoter sequence which is functionally recognized by the filamentous fungus and which is operably linked to the DNA sequence encoding the signal sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cloning and characterization of bves (blood vessel/epicardial substance), a cDNA expressed in developing and adult heart and skeletal muscle cells in chick, mouse and human. Also provided are applications of Bves as a marker for cardiovascular or skeletal muscle diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental plaque hydrolyzing or inhibiting enzyme having simultaneously dextranase and amylase activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered stability, in particular at high temperatures and/or at low pH relative, and/or low Ca2+ to the parent alpha-amylase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transcription factor found in filamentous fungi, especially in Aspergillii, DNA sequences coding for said factor, its transformation into and expression in fungal host organisms, and the use of said factor in such hosts for increasing the expression of a polypeptide of interest being produced by said host.

Abstract: The invention relates to detergents characterized in that they contain &agr;-amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and protease from Bacillus lentus, optionally modified by genetic engineering, in addition to our usual ingredients compatible with said enzymes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polypeptide hybrid containing an amino acid sequence with binding affinity for mutan, the amino acid sequence being bound to an active component useful for oral care purposes; an oral care composition comprising a mutan binding domain; an oral care product comprising such an oral care composition of the invention; and finally the use of a mutan binding polypeptide hybrid or a single unit MBD for oral care purposes, including preventing dental plaque formation and/or removal of existing dental plaque.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent fungal glucoamylase, which exhibits improved thermal stability and/or increased specific activity using saccharide substrates.

Abstract: A natural flavor or fragrance can be easily and effectively produced by using a “unicellularized plant”, obtained by unicellularizing, without destroying, the cells of a plant usable as a starting material for a natural flavor or fragrance, as a material for the natural flavor or fragrance and further applying an enzymatic treatment or chemical treatment or continuously heating the same, to thereby remarkably shorten the aging period for producing the natural flavor or fragrance, or by homogenizing a plant usable as the starting material quickly after harvesting to thereby promote the aging.

Abstract: Apoptosis inducers, anticancer drugs and carcinostatic drugs containing sulfated-fucose-containing polysaccharide(s) and/or degradation product(s) thereof, and a method for inducing apoptosis by using sulfated-fucose-containing polysaccharide(s) and/or degradation product(s) thereof as the active ingredient. A degrading enzyme which is useful in the production of the degradation products of sulfated-fucose-containing polysaccharides.

Abstract: Novel alpha-amylase mutants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylases are disclosed. The mutant alpha-amylases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modifications of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylase to generate the substitution (replacement) or deletion of one or more oxidizable amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor alpha-amylase. Such mutant alpha-amylases have altered oxidative stability and/or altered pH performance profiles and/or altered thermal stability as compared to the precursor. Also disclosed are detergent and starch liquefaction compositions comprising the mutant amylases, as well as methods of using the mutant amylases.

Abstract: Fabrics are laundered in detergent compositions containing a mixture of &agr;-amylase enzymes to remove malodorous materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for reducing gelatin insolubles which includes providing a gelatin solution and adding to the gelatin solution amylase in an amount to provide a concentration of amylase of at least 0.1 ppm for a time sufficient to reduce gelatin insolubles. The present invention also provides a gelatin having a Bloom strength of from 60 to 400 and a concentration of amylase of greater than 0.1 ppm.

Abstract: The properties of dough or bread can be improved by the addition of a carbohydrate oxidase which can oxidize the reducing end of an oligosaccharide more efficiently than the corresponding monosaccharide, e.g., preferentially oxidizing maltodextrins or cellodextrins over glucose. A novel carbohydrate oxidase having the capability to oxidize maltodextrins and cellodextrins more efficiently than glucose may be obtained from a strain of Microdochium, particularly M. nivale. The amino acid sequence of the novel carbohydrate oxidase has very low homology (<20% identity) with known amino acid sequences.

Abstract: Novel acid-stable and thermo-stable enzymes having .alpha.-1,4 hydrolytic activity and a .alpha.-1,6 hydrolytic activity which are derived from strains of the genus Sulfolobus. These enzymes are capable of expressing high levels of .alpha.-1,4 hydrolytic activity, including the maximum .alpha.-1,4 hydrolytic activity thereof, at highly acidic pHs of between about 2.5 and about 4.5. These .alpha.-amylases are further capable of expressing high levels of .alpha.-1,4 hydrolytic activity, including the maximum .alpha.-1,4 hydrolytic activity thereof, at high temperatures of between about 90.degree. C. and about 120.degree. C. Particularly disclosed herein are such enzymes which are derived from strains of the species S. acidocaldarius and, in particular, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius DSM 639. Modified starch degradation (liquefaction and saccharification) processes using these novel enzymes are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more of residues corresponding to A210, H405 and T412 in Bacillus licheniformis are mutated. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved stability and/or activity profiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of constructing a variant of a parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase, which variant has .alpha.-amylase activity and at least one altered property as compared to the parent .alpha.-amylase, comprisesi) analyzing the structure of the parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase to identify at least one amino acid residue or at least one structural part of the Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase structure, which amino acid residue or structural part is believed to be of relevance for altering the property of the parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase (as evaluated on the basis of structural or functional considerations),ii) constructing a Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase variant, which as compared to the parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase, has been modified in the amino acid residue or structural part identified in i) so as to alter the property, and, optionally,iii) testing the resulting Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase variant with respect to the property in question.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more disulfide bonds are introduced into the enzyme via addition or substitution of a residue with a cysteine. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved stability and/or activity profiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of constructing a variant of a parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase, which variant has .alpha.-amylase activity and at least one altered property as compared to the parent .alpha.-amylase, comprising i) analyzing the structure of the parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase to identify at least one amino acid residue or at least one structural part of the Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase structure, which amino acid residue or structural part is believed to be of relevance for altering the property of the parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase (as evaluated on the basis of structural or functional considerations), ii) constructing a Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase variant, which as compared to the parent Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase, has been modified in the amino acid residue or structural part identified in i) so as to alter the property, and iii) testing the resulting Termamyl-like .alpha.-amylase variant for the property in question.

Abstract: The present invention describes a simple and inexpensive purification method for acid-stable fungal alpha-amylase wherein the alpha-amylase is obtained without significant loss of enzyme activity. The purified acid-stable alpha-amylase which is obtained is substantially free from glucoamylase. The method for obtaining an acid-stable alpha-amylase comprises the steps ofadjusting the pH of the enzyme containing solution to a value between 1 and 8,heating the solution to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inactivate glucoamylase,removing the denatured glucoamylase.The purified acid-stable alpha-amylase is used for the conversion of starch. The purified alpha-amylase is also used in an immobilized form.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more asparagine residues are substituted with a different amino acid or deleted. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved low pH starch hydrolysis performance, stability and activity profiles.

Abstract: An enzyme preparation comprising a modified enzyme selected from the group consisting of an amylase, lipase, oxidorcductase, pectinace or hemicellulase, the modified enzyme having an improved performance due to an alkaline pI and/or increased surface activity obtained by chemical modification or amino acid substitution, is useful e.g., in detergents, in baking flour, in animal feed, in the manufacture of cellulosic fabrics and for the treatment of lignocellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A variant of a parent .alpha.-amylase enzyme having an improved washing and/or dishwashing performance as compared to the parent enzyme, wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent enzyme have been replaced by a different amino acid residue and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent .alpha.-amylase have been deleted and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues have been added to the parent .alpha.-amylase enzyme, provided that the variant is different from one in which the methionine residue in position 197 of a parent B. licheniformis .alpha.-amylase has been replaced by alanine or threonine, as the only modification being made. The variant may be used for washing and dishwashing.

Abstract: Novel alpha-amylase mutants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylases are disclosed. The mutant alpha-amylases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modifications of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylase to generate the substitution (replacement) or deletion of one or more oxidizable amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor alpha-amylase. Such mutant alpha-amylases have altered oxidative stability and/or altered pH performance profiles and/or altered thermal stability as compared to the precursor. Also disclosed are detergent and starch liquefaction compositions comprising the mutant amylases, as well as methods of using the mutant amylases.

Abstract: A variant of a parent .alpha.-amylase enzyme having an improved washing and/or dishwashing performance as compared to the parent enzyme, wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent enzyme have been replaced by a different amino acid residue and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent .alpha.-amylase have been deleted and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues have been added to the parent .alpha.-amylase enzyme, provided that the variant is different from one in which the methionine residue in position 197 of a parent B. licheniformis .alpha.-amylase has been replaced by alanine or threonine, as the only modification being made. The variant may be used for washing and dishwashing.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising an amylase enzyme which shows CMCase activity and/or is an amylase showing a positive immunological cross reaction with the antibody of the Fungamyl amylase, or an amylase produced by a host organism in which the gene encoding the Fungamyl has been cloned.

Abstract: A method for transforming strain PF1022, which produces a cyclic depsipeptide (substance PF1022) and belongs to the order Agonomycetales of the class Hyphomycetes has been established by using a plasmid constructed with a promoter, a terminator, a marker gene and a target gene. When the strain PF1022 was transformed by this method, a gene encoding an enzyme, which is the target gene, was transduced into the host. As a result, the utilization of nutrients by the strain PF1022 was improved and, further, its cyclic depsipeptide productivity was also improved.

Abstract: According to the invention a method is provided for liquefying starch comprising the steps of treating the starch prior to or simultaneously with liquefying the starch to inactivate and/or remove the enzyme inhibiting composition present in the starch and form treated starch; adding .alpha.-amylase to the treated starch; and reacting the treated starch for a time and at a temperature effective to liquefy the treated starch. Effective means to treat the starch include the addition of a phytate degrading enzyme and heat treatment, optionally followed by filtration or centrifugation, of granular starch or a starch solution.

Abstract: A variant of a parent .alpha.-amylase enzyme having an improved washing and/or dishwashing performance as compared to the parent enzyme, wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent enzyme have been replaced by a different amino acid residue and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues of the parent .alpha.-amylase have been deleted and/or wherein one or more amino acid residues have been added to the parent .alpha.-amylase enzyme, provided that the variant is different from one in which the methionine residue in position 197 of a parent B. licheniformis .alpha.-amylase has been replaced by alanine or threonine, as the only modification being made. The variant may be used for washing and dishwashing.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more asparagine residues are substituted with a different amino acid or deleted. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved low pH starch hydrolysis performance, stability and activity profiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipase and .alpha.-amylase variants, stabilized towards the inactiviation caused by peroxidase systems, in which variants a naturally occurring tryosine residue has been deleted, substituted with a different amino acid residue at one or more positions. The invention also relates to a method of stabilizing a lipase or an .alpha.-amylase towards the inactivation caused by the preoxidase systems, and detergent compositions comprising a lipase and/or .alpha.-amylase variant of the invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to amino acid and DNA sequences of a unique glucoamylase P that has a high debranching activity, a Trichoderma host cell, transformed with such sequences, the expression of such recombinant glucoamylase P, and the industrial uses for the recombinant enzyme and hosts transformed therewith.