Abstract: The invention relates to a novel amylolytic enzyme extracted from the microorganism Bacillus sp. A 7-7 (DSM 12368), to sufficiently similar proteins having an amylolytic function, to methods for the production thereof and to diverse fields of application for these proteins. In addition, they can be further developed beyond the implemented fields of application for other, above all, technical purposes. The invention particularly relates to washing and cleaning agents containing amylolytic proteins of the aforementioned type, to methods for cleaning textiles or hard surfaces that involve the use of such amylolytic proteins or analogous agents, and to their use for cleaning textiles or hard surfaces.

Abstract: SHE, a Starch Hydrolytic Enzyme active in maize endosperm (Zea mays), and the cDNA sequence encoding SHE are disclosed. The specificity of native, purified SHE is similar, in general terms, to previously known alpha-amylases. However, the activity of SHE toward amylopectin results in hydrolysis products that are distinctly different from those of other alpha-amylases. SHE, and its homologous equivalents in other plants such as rice, Arabidopsis, apple and potato, can be used in starch processing for generating different, e.g., larger sized, alpha-limit dextrins for industrial use, as compared to those generated by previously known alpha-amylases or other starch hydrolytic enzymes. In addition, modification of the expression of this enzyme in transgenic maize plants or in other transgenic organisms (including bacteria, yeast, and other plant species) can be useful for the generation of novel starch forms or altered starch metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filamentous fungal host cells and particularly Trichoderma host cells useful for the production of heterologous granular starch hydrolyzing enzymes having glucoamylase activity.

Abstract: A display device and a display panel driving method, in which a matrix panel includes pixel portions each have a series circuit of a bistable element and a light emitting element, every time one scan line is specified in order in accordance with an input image signal, a driving line corresponding to at least one pixel portion to be driven to emit light on the one scan line is specified in accordance with the input image signal, a first predetermined voltage lower than a turn-off threshold voltage is applied between the one scan line and the specified driving line, and thereafter a second predetermined voltage higher than a turn-on threshold voltage is applied therebetween.

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: The present invention relates to novel variant EGIII or EGIII-like cellulases that have improved stability. The variant cellulases have performance sensitive residues replaced to a residue having modified stability.

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: A transgenic plant cell expressing a maltogenic amylase (such as Novamyl®) or a beta-amylase; a transgenic plant regenerated from said cell; seeds generated from such plant where said seeds comprise a maltogenic amylase or a beta-amylase and the use of said seeds, optionally in ground form, for catalyzing an industrial process, such as e.g. in baking. The maltogenic amylase providing an anti staling effect in bread produced from the seeds in question.

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 invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like ?-amylase, comprising mutations in two, three, four, five or six regions/positions. The variants have increased stability at high temperatures (relative to the parent). The invention also relates to a DNA construct comprising a DNA sequence encoding an ?-amylase variant of the invention, a recombinant expression vector which carries a DNA construct of the invention, a cell which is transformed with a DNA construct of the invention, the use of an ?-amylase variant of the invention for washing and/or dishwashing, textile desizing, starch liquefaction, a detergent additive comprising an ?-amylase variant of the invention, a manual or automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising an ?-amylase variant of the invention, a method for generating a variant of a parent Termamyl-like ?-amylase, which variant exhibits increased.

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 mutant &agr;-amylases that may be produced at high yield from recombinant microorganisms.

Abstract: Described herein are a novel group of &agr;-amylases belonging to a common sequence region as well as proteins with amylolytic function which are sufficiently similar to these &agr;-amylases. Also described are methods for production of such enzymes, as well as various possible uses for such amylolytic proteins, in particular in detergents and cleaning agents. Also described herein is a PCR-based method for identifying and producing novel &agr;-amylases from isolated nucleic acids, in particular from DNA isolated from collections of microorganisms, as well as particular primer oligonucleotides which may be used in the described method.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the intrinsic activity of an enzyme in a raw enzyme solution, the method comprising treating the raw enzyme solution with an effective amount of a purifying agent, most preferably, activated carbon, to effect the enhancement and provide an enzyme solution of enhanced activity. Preferred enzymes are amylase, glucoamylase, cellulase, xylanase, and all other group 3 hydrolases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent &agr;-amylase, which parent &agr;-amylase (i) has an amino acid sequence selected from the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3, and SEQ ID No.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules are described encoding a starch granule-bound protein as well as methods and recombinant DNA molecules for the production of transgenic plant cells and plants synthesizing a modified starch with modified viscosity properties and a modified phosphate content. Moreover, the plant cells and plants resulting from those methods as well as the starch obtainable therefrom are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding enzymes which are involved in the starch synthesis in plants. These enzymes are starch synthases from wheat.

Abstract: A plant transformation vector for transforming host plant cells with a chimeric selectable marker gene is disclosed. The gene includes, operatively linked in sequence in a 5′ to 3′ direction, (i) a DNA promoter sequence from the rice beta-glucanase 9 (gns9) gene; (ii) a selectable marker gene, and (iii) a 3′ untranslated terminator region. Also disclosed are a vector pair containing the transformation vector, a method of obtaining transformed monocots whose seeds produce a selected heterologous protein during sed germination, and a plant whose cells are transformed with the chimeric selectable marker gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a gene product by expressing a gene encoding said gene product in angiosperm host cells, which method comprises: a) constructing a vector expressible in angiosperm host cells, said vector comprising a promoter region derived from an amylase gene selected from SBAmyA, SBAmyB, SBAmyC genes or SBAmyD of the sugar beet and a gene encoding a desired gene product; b) transforming a compatible angiospasm host cell with said vector; c) cultivating the resulting transformant host cell to a sugar-depleted or sugar-free condition to promote the expression of said gene under the control of such promoter region; and d) recovering the product of the expressed gene. The sugar beet gene when incorporated into a dicot seed or plant has improved biological properties. The gene sequences and the products thereof are claimed.

Abstract: Genes encoding novel cellulases, and a gene encoding a protein that facilitates the action of such novel cellulases, the novel cellulases and a protein that facilitates the action of such cellulases, and enzyme preparations containing such proteins are described. The native hosts and the culture medium of said hosts containing said novel cellulases are also disclosed. These proteins are especially useful in the textile and detergent industry and in pulp and paper industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for extracting beta-amylase from cereal by means of cellulase. The invention further relates to the use of cellulase in the extraction of &bgr;-amylase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like a-amylase, which variant has a-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent a-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency and specific activity.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of altering starch synthesis in a plant by modifying the starch priming activity of the plant. In particular, this is achieved by altering the expression or activity of a starch primer which is preferably encoded by the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a sequence substantially homologous thereto. Also provided are plants in which the starch priming activity has been altered and plant parts.

Abstract: An antifouling paint composition comprising an enzyme, such as endopeptidase, Subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62) and Alcalase®, and a rosin compound, wherein the enzyme is effective to reduce or prevent fouling by aquatic organisms of a surface coated with the composition. Also disclosed is a method for preventing fouling of a surface by aquatic organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA molecules encoding enzymes which are involved in the starch synthesis of plants. These enzymes represent two different isotypes of the soluble starch synthase as well as a starch granule-bound starch synthase. This invention furthermore relates to vectors, bacteria, as well as to plant cells transformed with the DNA molecules described and to plants regenerated from them.

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: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which code for enzymes and which are involved in the synthesis of starch in plants. These enzymes concern isoamylases derived from wheat. The invention also relates to vectors and host cells which contain the described nucleic acid molecules, especially transformed plant cells and plants which can be regenerated therefrom, which exhibit an increased or reduced activity of the inventive isoamylases.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel chloroplast targeted novel &bgr;-amylase sequence (ct &bgr;-amylase), a novel chloroplast targeting nucleic acid sequence and a novel &bgr;-amylase sequence. There is also disclosed an inducible promoter which is independently stimulated by light or sugar stimulus. Methods of transforming plants using these sequences are described, as well as transformed plant cells, transformed plants and seed thereof, as well as chimaeric genes containing the sequences.

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 an amino acid sequence of second starch branching enzyme (SBE II) of potato and a fragment thereof as well as to the corresponding isolated DNA sequences. Furthermore, the invention relates to vectors comprising such an isolated DNA sequence, to processes for production of transgenic potatoes, and to the use of said potatoes for the production of starch. The starch obtained will show a changed pattern of branching of amylopectin as well as a changed amylose/amylopectin ratio.

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: Recombinant, thermostable alpha-glucosidases from archaeal micro-organisms and isolated DNA encoding for such alpha-glucosidases are provided. The isolated DNA is obtained by use of DNA or antibody probes prepared from the DNA encoding S. sulfataricus alpha-glucosidase. Also provided are methods for producing recombinant archaeal thermostable alpha-glucosidase and transformants incorporating thermostable alpha-glucosidase. Autoprocessing of plant tissue through the use of transgenic thermostable glycosyl hydrolases is described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for ultrasensitive detection comprising an electrically inert porous sheet sandwiched between two positively charged fine electrodes. The invention uses the capacity of the electrodes, resulting from their powerful electrostatic properties, for sensing marked antibody complexes related to antigens detected in the sample, and to leave marked antibodies non-complexed with said antigens free. The method consists in depositing a sample droplet on the porous material sheet upstream of the electrodes and in detecting downstream of the electrodes, in a signal-zone, the possible presence of an antigen-antibody complex which has diffused in the porous material. The invention is useful for detecting some millipicogrammes of antigen per milliliter of sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant &agr;-amylase having an amino acid sequence obtained by making deletion or replacement by another arbitrary amino acid residue of at least a methionine residue at the 202-position or a position homologous thereto among amino acid residues set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, which constitute a liquefying alkaline &agr;-amylase, a gene thereof, and a detergent composition comprising the mutant &agr;-amylase. The mutant &agr;-amylase has the optimum pH in an alkaline range, an excellent &agr;-amylase activity, and high and lasting resistance to oxidizing agents, and is hence particularly useful as a component of detergent compositions containing a bleaching agent and an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding enzymes which are involved in the starch synthesis in plants. These enzymes are starch synthases from wheat. The invention further relates to vectors and host cells containing said nucleic acid molecules, in particular transformed plant cells and plants regenerated from these cells, which exhibit an increased or a reduced activity of the described starch synthases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquefying alkaline alpha-amylase, and a DNA encoding for the same and functional fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of &agr;-amylase useful for starch saccharification from a novel plant source Tinospora cordifolia Miers belonging to Menispermaceae group of plant.

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: A plant transformation expression cassette for transforming host plant cells with a selectable marker gene is disclosed. The cassette includes, operatively linked in sequence in a 5′ to 3′ direction, (i) a DNA promoter sequence from the rice beta-glucanase 9 (gns9) gene; (ii) a selectable marker gene, and (iii) a 3′ untranslated terminator region. Also disclosed are a expression cassette pair containing the transformation vector, a method of obtaining transformed monocots whose seeds produce a selected heterologous protein during sed germination, and a plant whose cells are transformed with the chimeric selectable marker gene.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid constructs encoding cellulytic enzymes derived from a strain of Bacillus agaradherens, recombinant vectors and host cells comprising such constructs, and methods for obtaining cellulytic enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the production of a transgenic plant of rice crop comprising the steps of infecting an immature embryo of rice crop with the genus Agrobacterium for transformation; co-culturing the infected embryo with a dicot suspension culture during the step of transformation; allowing the transformed embryo to grow into a callus in a selective medium comprising a sufficient amount of a plant growth hormone for the growth of rice crop; and allowing the cultured callus to regenerate root and shoot in a regeneration medium comprising a pre-determined amount of nutrients for the growth of rice crop. The invention is further directed to a transformed rice plant made by methods of this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like &agr;-amylase, comprising mutations in two, three, four, five or six regions/positions. The variants have increased stability at high temperatures (relative to the parent). The invention also relates to a DNA construct comprising a DNA sequence encoding an &agr;-amylase variant of the invention, a recombinant expression vector which carries a DNA construct of the invention, a cell which is transformed with a DNA construct of the invention, the use of an &agr;-amylase variant of the invention for washing and/or dishwashing, textile desizing, starch liquefaction, a detergent additive comprising an &agr;-amylase variant of the invention, a manual or automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising an &agr;-amylase variant of the invention, a method for generating a variant of a parent Termamyl-like &agr;-amylase, which variant exhibits increased.

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: A method of producing enzymes in which plant seeds are subjected to a softening process and a germination process in an aqueous environment and wherein a substance is added to the aqueous environment at least before and during the softening process, the substance selected from the group consisting of liposomes and niosomes and mixtures thereof, the substance containing a germination enhancing factor, the substance relatively easily and rapidly permeating a biomembrane and the germination enhancing factor enhancing the germination process.

Abstract: A chimeric gene for use in producing a mature protein in secreted form by stably transformed plant cells is disclosed. The gene includes a DNA coding sequence encoding a fusion protein having an (i) N-terminal moiety corresponding to the portion of the rice .alpha.-amylase signal sequence peptide identified by SEQ ID: 1 and, (ii) immediately adjacent the C-terminal amino acid of said portion, a protein moiety corresponding to the protein to be produced. Also disclosed are a fusion protein encoded by the gene, and a method of producing a mature protein in secreted form by plant cells.