Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the production of isomalto-oligosaccharides syrups. The method comprises the use of enzymes immobilized on a re-usable carrier. The carrier is preferably an anion exchanger. The enzymes used for the conversion of starch hydrolysates are transglucosidase and pullulanase preferably these enzymes are co-immobilized. The carrier/enzyme conjugate is further reinforced by cross-linking.

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: A plurality of polypeptides derived from intercellular spaces of plant cells having frost tolerance. Some of the polypeptides are ice nucleators for developing ice crystals in extracellular spaces of plant tissue, some of the polypeptides are antifreeze components which control ice crystal growth in extracellular spaces and some of the polypeptides are enzymes which adapt plant cell walls to function differently during formation of ice crystals in plant intercellular spaces.

Abstract: An expression vector comprising a promoter capable of directing expression of a coding sequence in an angiosperm cell, and a 3' untranslated region of a rice .alpha.-amylase gene, wherein, after the coding sequence is inserted into the vector, the 3' untranslated region and the coding sequence are transcribed into a single mRNA. Also featured are methods of producing a polypeptide in angiosperm cells using such a vector.

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 invention provides a promoter capable of expressing an introduced gene in plant seeds, a vector comprising said promoter, a method for producing transgenic plants through transformation of plants with said vector, and a transgenic plant as transformed with said vector.After a suitable foreign gene and a terminator are linked to the promoter, the resulting vector may be introduced into seeds of barley or other plants, thereby intentionally modifying the seeds and making the resulting seeds produce foreign substances therein.

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: The invention is directed to a pharmaceutical preparation with a modulatory effect on malignant tumors, which contains a combination of protease proenzymes and amylases in a ratio between 1:100 and 100:1 in enzymatic activity units, and a protease inhibitor. The invention is also directed to use of such a preparation to modulate the effects of malignant tumors in humans and animals.

Abstract: A plurality of polypeptides derived from intercellular spaces of plant cells having frost tolerance. Some of the polypeptides are ice nucleators for developing ice crystals in extracellular spaces of plant tissue, some of the polypeptides are antifreeze components which control ice crystal growth in extracellular spaces and some of the polypeptides are enzymes which adapt plant cell walls to function differently during formation of ice crystals in plant intercellular spaces.

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: .alpha.-Amylase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes starch, can be found in all plants. The modification of potato starch production, in particular, is important in the preparation of various food products. The present invention pertains to expression vectors for producing antisense .alpha.-amylase RNA which is complementary to, or which hybridizes specifically to, potato .alpha.-amylase mRNA. This invention also includes a vector system which operates to introduce into the genome of a plant an expression vector for producing antisense .alpha.-amylase RNA, and a microorganism of the genus Agrobacterium which contains such a vector system and which is capable of infecting a plant. This invention also provides a genetically modified plant containing in its genome an expression vector for producing antisense .alpha.-amylase RNA.

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: This invention provides for the secretion of heterologous protein in plant systems. In particular, this invention provides for the production of heterologous proteins in plant cultu1res and seeds. Where seeds are the source of the protein, the heterologous genes are expressed during germination and isolated from a malt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel .alpha.-glycosyl derivative of a catecholamine or its salt, said .alpha.-glycosyl derivative being prepared by allowing a saccharide-transferring enzyme together with or without glucoamylase to act on a solution containing an .alpha.-glucosyl saccharide and one of catecholamines in order to form an .alpha.-glycosyl derivative of said catecholamines, and recovering the resultant .alpha.-glycosyl derivative. The .alpha.-glycosyl derivative overcomes conventional drawbacks of catecholamines, and does not substantially exhibit or have a reducing activity and undesirable toxicity, but has a relatively-high stability and exerts the inherent physiological activities of catecholamines in vivo. Thus, the .alpha.-glycosyl derivative is advantageously used as a variety of pharmaceuticals in the form of an injection, tablet, etc.

Abstract: The invention comprises two grain conditioners. The first grain conditioner, which is suitable for use on all grains, comprises a pectinase, a protease, a beta-glucanase and an amylase. The second grain conditioner, which is designed for use on easier-to-digest grains, comprises a pectinase, a beta-glucanase, an amylase and a hemicellulase. The invention also comprises animal feeds which comprise a grain which has been conditioned with one of the grain conditioners of the invention designed to be effective on that grain and methods of increasing the weight gain and feed utilization efficiency of an animal comprising feeding the novel animal feeds of the invention to the animal. The invention further comprises a method of conditioning a grain which comprises providing the grain, contacting the grain with one of the grain conditioners of the invention designed to be effective on that grain and incubating the grain and grain conditioner together for at least about 30 minutes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel .alpha.-glycosyl derivative of a catecholamine or its salt, said .alpha.-glycosyl derivative being prepared by allowing a saccharide-transferring enzyme together with or without glucoamylase to act on a solution containing an .alpha.-glucosyl saccharide and one of catecholamines in order to form an .alpha.-glycosyl derivative of said catecholamines, and recovering the resultant .alpha.-glycosyl derivative. The .alpha.-glycosyl derivative overcomes conventional drawbacks of catecholamines, and does not substantially exhibit or have a reducing activity and undesirable toxicity, but has a relatively-high stability and exerts the inherent physiological activities of catecholamines in vivo. Thus, the .alpha.-glycosyl derivative is advantageously used as a variety of pharmaceuticals in the form of an injection, tablet, etc.

Abstract: According to the invention a method is provided for liquefying starch comprising the steps of adding a sodium composition to the starch prior to or simultaneously with liquefying the 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. Preferred sodium compositions comprise sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfite, sodium ascorbate, sodium acetate, sodium nitrate, sodium tartrate, sodium tetraborate, sodium propionate, sodium citrate, sodium succinate, monosodium glutamate, trisodium citrate, sodium phosphate or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquefying alkaline .alpha.-amylase having the enzymatic properties described below, a production process thereof and a detergent composition containing the same.1) Action:It hydrolyzes .alpha.-1,4-glucosidic linkages in starches, amylose, amylopectin and partial degradation products thereof and from amylose, forms glucose (G1), maltose (G2), maltotriose (G3), maltotetraose (G4), maltopentaose (G5) and maltohexaose (G6). It however does not act on pullulan.2) Isoelectric point:It has an isoelectric point higher than 8.5 when measured by an isoelectric focusing electrophoresis.The amylase according to the present invention has a liquefying activity capable of permitting degrading starches and starchy polysaccharides at high random, and has an optimum pH on the alkaline side. Owing to the high isoelectric point, it can be purified readily. Detergents with the amylase incorporated therein have excellent detergency especially against the soil of smeared food.

Abstract: The molecular characteristics and a partial amino acid sequence of an endo-.beta.-1,4-glucanase obtainable from Aspergillus aculeatus are described, as well as corresponding recombinant DNA sequences, vectors, and transformed hosts. Use of the endo-.beta.-1,4-glucanase or a pectinase preparation enriched with the endo-.beta.-1,4-glucanase for degradation or modification of plant cell walls is described.

Abstract: A process for preparing a dextrin containing a dietary fiber characterized by dissolving a pyrodextrin in water and causing .alpha.-amylase to act on the solution.

Abstract: A method of catalyzing in vitro reactions using seeds containing enhanced amounts of enzymes is disclosed. The method involves adding transgenic, non-wild type seeds, preferably in a ground form, to a reaction mixture and allowing the enzymes in the seeds to increase the rate of reaction. By directly adding the seeds to the reaction mixture the method provides a solution to the expensive and problematic process of extracting and purifying the enzyme. Methods of treatment are also provided whereby a subject lacking a sufficient supply of an enzyme is administered the enzyme in the form of seeds containing enhanced amounts of the enzyme.

Abstract: A method for preparing an immobilized enzyme conjugate, whereby the enzyme is treated with a polyfunctional amine reactive material for forming a treated enzyme-containing adduct before being immobilized on a solid support which has been contacted with a solution of a polyamine compound. The method is especially preferred for use with glucoamylase, fungal .alpha.-amylase and .beta.-amylase. Immobilized enzyme conjugates formed by use of this method include treated enzyme-containing adducts. The immobilized enzyme conjugates disclosed herein are more stable and the enzymes immobilized therein are more tightly-held than those otherwise obtained and provided.

Abstract: .alpha.-Amylase, an enzyme that hydrolyses starch, can be found in all plants. The modification of potato starch production, in particular, is important in the preparation of various found products. The present invention discloses nucleotide sequences of potato .alpha.-amylase genes and the corresponding amino acid sequences. The present invention also describes DNA probes comprising .alpha.-amylase nucleotide sequences, as well as expression vectors that produce active .alpha.-amylase enzymes. These expression vectors can be used to produce transgenic potato plants.

Abstract: A method for preparing an immobilized enzyme conjugate, whereby the enzyme is treated with a polyfunctional amine reactive material for forming a treated enzyme-containing adduct before being immobilized on a solid support which has been contacted with a solution of a polyamine compound. The method is especially preferred for use with glucoamylase, fungal .alpha.-amylase and .beta.-amylase. Immobilized enzyme conjugates formed by use of this method include treated enzyme-containing adducts. The immobilized enzyme conjugates disclosed herein are more stable and the enzymes immobilized therein are more tightly-held than those otherwise obtained and provided.

Abstract: To obtain enzymes from an enzyme-containing suspension, such as fermentation broth, the suspension is placed, together with particulate material capable of binding enzyme, such as ion exchange resin, in a vertical container. An ascending stream of inert gas, such as dry nitrogen, is passed through the resulting composition at a rate sufficient for fluidization. The resulting composition is mixed and evaporated until an adequate amount of enzyme is bound to the particulate material. Concentration of enzyme in the suspension is directly proportional to the amount of enzyme bound to particulate material. The residual suspension is forced out of the container by a pulse of compressed gas, and the bound enzyme is eluted. To speed up the process, the stream of gas and/or the composition are heated to enzyme-tolerated temperatures. The resulting composition can be further subjected to a washing step after removal of the residual suspension and prior to elution of the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of liquefying starch wherein the liquefaction step is carried out at pH less than 6. It also relates to the use of antioxidants.

Abstract: Quantitative assay and reagent for the determination of chlorine ion in body fluid. Body fluid is contacted with a reagent which includes deactivated .alpha.-amylase, a compound capable of chelating calcium ion, a calcium chelate compound, and an .alpha.-amylase activity-measuring substance; the amount of .alpha.-amylase activity is proportional to the amount of chlorine ion present in the body fluid. The assay is suitable for automation.

Abstract: Cross-linked polyglucans obtained by cross-linking polyglucans having branched chains intermolecularly and/or intramolecularly or cross-linked homooligomers obtained by cross-linking .alpha.-1,4-linked homooligomers of glucose intermolecularly can selectively adsorb glucoamylase and/or .beta.-amylase thereto. By the use of such three-dimensional, cross-linked high molecular weight substances, glucoamylase and .beta.-amylase can be isolated and purified extremely efficiently.

Abstract: A thermostable amylase having the following properties: (1) Action: acting on raw starch to produce mainly maltose and matotriose; (2) Optimum pH: about 6.0; (3) Stable pH: after incubation at a pH of 5 to 8 for one hour at 22.degree. C., the residual activity thereof is at least 95%; (4) Optimum temperature: 70.degree. C.; (5) Thermostability: the enzyme is not substantially inactivated by incubation at 60.degree. C. or 70.degree. C. for 15 minutes; and after incubation at 70.degree. C. for one hour, the residual activity thereof is at least 90%; (6) Molecular weight: 52,000.+-.

Abstract: Electrophoretic resolving gel compositions, discontinuous stacking gel systems containing these and other resolving gel compositions, and kits for preparing such gel systems, comprising one or more polysaccharide hydrogels of which agarose is typical wherein at least one of the gels in the resolving gel composition has been derivatized and at least one of the gels in the resolving gel composition has been depolymerized sufficiently to reduce its casting-effective viscosity.

Abstract: This invention allows high-purity maltose to be manufactured both simply and economically by sequentially going through the steps of liquefaction of starch, saccharification of the resulting liquefied substance by combining with general-purpose enzymes and further saccharification with an enzyme which hydrolyzes oligosaccharides of trisaccharide or more, and also allows the economical and favorable manufacturing of maltitol, the reduced product of the above maltose, by going through an additional reduction step.

Abstract: A biologically degradable film is prepared consisting of a synthetic polymer and a biologically degradable polymer. The biologically degradable polymer is divided into small particles by means of enzymes produced by microbes in the form of spores, which enzymes split and release small molecules from the surface of the biopolymer particles. After achieving desired particle size, an emulsion is formed with vegetable oil and particles coated with enzyme protein become coated with vegetable oil, which at the same time interrupts the degradation of the biopolymer particles by the enzyme. The coated particles with the oil is separated from the suspension to remove small molecules after which the particles are redried and then pulverized. The final film is prepared in a film extruder in which the biopolymer is mixed with the synthetic polymer and possibly with other additives that are generally used in forming polymer films.

Abstract: A for measurement of .alpha.-amylase activity uses a substrate comprising a malto-oligo saccharide represented by general formula (I) or (V) described below:A - Gn - B (I)A - Gn - I (V)wherein A represents: ##STR1## B represents a monosaccharide or a derivative thereof other than glucose; I represents inositol or a derivative thereof; G represents glucose; and n represents an integer of 3 to 15; in formula (II) or (III), R.sub.1 to R.sub.4 each represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or (CH.sub.2)yCOOM (wherein y is 0, 1 or 2 and M represents a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal); and X.sub.1 to X.sub.4 each represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom. The method for measurement of .alpha.-amylase activity comprises contacting a substrate containing a malto-oligo saccharide represented by general formula (I) or (V) described above with a sample in the presence of glucosidase and measuring a liberated monosaccharide, inositol or a derivative thereof thereby to measure .alpha.

Abstract: A substrate for measurement of .alpha.-amylase activity comprising a malto-oligo saccharide respresented by general formula (I) or (V) described below:A--Gn--B (I)A--Gn--I (V)wherein A represents: ##STR1## B represents a monosaccharide or a derivative thereof other than glucose; I represents inositol or a derivative thereof; G represents glucose; and n represents an integer of 3 to 15; in formula (II) or (III), R.sub.1 to R.sub.4 each represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or (CH.sub.2)yCOOM (wherein y is 0, 1 or 2 and M represents a hydrogen atom or an alkali metal); and X.sub.1 to X.sub.4 each represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom.

Abstract: A vector including a DNA sequence encoding a secretory signal sequence substantially identical to the secretory signal-encoding sequence of a glucoamylase gene from Saccharomyces diastaticus or S. cerevisiae; and upstream from the signal-encoding sequence, a DNA sequence capable of promoting transcription in yeast (e.g., a high yield promoter, such as the promoter of the triose phosphate isomerase gene), transcription of the signal-encoding sequence being under the control of the transcription-promoting sequence, a site for the insertion into the vector of a heterologous DNA sequence, in reading frame with the signal-encoding sequence. The vector is useful as an expression vector in yeast.

Abstract: Amylase treated granular starches provide a microporous matrix material adapted for absorption and releasable containment of functional compositions. The microporous starch granules are chemically derivatized to enhance absorptive and structural properties. Absorbed functional substances are released from the microporous starch matrix under the influence of mechanical compression, by diffusion into a surrounding fluid or as a result of degradation of the granular starch matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in the alpha-amylase method of hydrolyzing a heated slurry of raw starch into starch fragments, the improvement comprising adding a hydrolytically effective amount of the enzyme, glucoamylase, to the reaction slurry.The present invention further relates to a method for the production of high solids dextrim adhesives from raw starch. In carrying out the invention, an aqueous slurry containing raw starch is subjected to hydrolysis at an elevated temperature by the action of two thermally stable enzymes, alpha-amylase and glucoamylase. Once the viscosity of the reaction slurry is reduced to 1000-2000 centipoise as determined by a Brookfield viscometer at 20 rpm, 100.degree. F., and at 45-55% solids (approximately 2.5 hrs.), the enzymes are then inactivated and the reaction is complete. The rheological properties of the resulting slurry can be adjusted as needed.

Abstract: An aqueous stabilized enzyme preparation to be used for measuring the amount of .alpha.-amylase in a liquid sample like serum or urine containing a blocked and labeled oligosaccharide being the substrate for the .alpha.-amylase to be measured in the presence of exo-enzymes which aqueous preparation, preferably consisting of two separate solutions is stabilized by adding a buffer, a taurocholic acid derivative, an albumin, and a polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: This inverntion concerns a glycoamylase gene cloned into the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, method for cloning such a gene into such yeasts and cloning vehicles containing such a gene, suitable for use in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast containing a glucoamylase gene are of potential use in the brewing industry.

Abstract: Starch hydrolyzates having a dextrose equivalent value of not more than about 25 which contain up to about 20% glucose by weight and up to about 40% maltose by weight, with the combination of glucose and maltose not exceeding about 40% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of use of a two component biocidal preparation suitable for controlling slime, microbial organisms such as bacteria, and fungi in industrial waters is disclosed. The preparation includes a biocide and a polysaccharide degrading enzyme effective against those polysaccharides typically found in industrial waters.

Abstract: Retardation of bread staling and avoidance of gummy mouthfeel by incorporation of 0.25-5 SKB units/100 grams of cereal or bacterial alpha-amylase and 10-50 PUN of a pullulanase per 100 grams of flour in the dough.

Abstract: A reagent suitable for .alpha.-amylase determinations. The reagent contains a modified, blocked amylaceous polysaccharide substrate, e.g., starch glyolate, an exating by amylose, a buffer and an enzymatic glucose measuring system. The glycolate substrate is selected such that the ratio of methylated glucose to glucose is between 1:4 to 1:16. The system permits an impid assay in a single vid within 7 minutes and can be automated.

Abstract: A process for the production of xylose by enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan wherein an aqueous solution containing xylan is treated with a carrier having bonded thereto xylanase enzyme and a carrier having bonded thereto .beta.-xylosidase and, optionally, uronic acid-splitting enzyme.