Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing ensiled plant materials using the anaerobic bacterium Megasphaera elsdenii and ensiled plant materials thereof.

Abstract: A processing aid for an extrudable food composition includes from about 60% to about 99% by weight of at least one edible emulsifier and from about 1% to about 40% by weight of a short chain carboxylic acid. The extrudable food composition may include from about 80% to about 90% by weight of a raw material; from about 1% to about 18% by weight added moisture; from about 0.1% to about 3% of a processing aid, wherein the processing aid includes at least one edible emulsifier and at least one short chain carboxylic acid. The raw material is selected from one or more of corn meal, whole grain corn meal, rice, whole grain flour, rice pea, brown rice, wheat flour, whole wheat flour, pea flour, black bean, pinto bean flour, potato flour, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a composition for enhancing an immune checkpoint blockade therapy. A composition for enhancing an immune checkpoint blockade therapy, which contains an exopolysaccharide of a lactic acid bacterium is provided. Preferred examples of the lactic acid bacterium include Lactobacillus bacteria (especially Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus OLL1073 R-1).

Abstract: The application generally relates to bioproduction of molecules of interest in micro-organisms, more particularly in microalgae. In particular, the application relates to methods for increasing triacylglycerol production in micro-organisms, in particular in microalgae, using recombinant micro-organisms which have been genetically engineered to produce or overproduce nitric oxide (NO) and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods that enable co-incubation of microorganisms. Also provided are methods of making such devices for co-incubation of microorganisms, and various applications of such devices.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the production of renewable fatty acids from photosynthetic prokaryotic microorganisms, such as a blue green algae, any specie of the phylum Cyanophyta, a chloroplast of a green algae and/or a Cyanobacterium. Engineered or natural strains of these organisms or organelles can be used to produce both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with variable chain length specificity from 8-18 carbons. The fatty acids can then be secreted into the culture medium, allowing for rapid, continuous and efficient separation of fatty acid product without harvesting of cell mass.

Abstract: A medium for the culture and detection of target microorganisms, having at least one natural or synthetic specific substrate configured to detect at least one enzyme activity or metabolic activity of the target microorganisms and at least one compound that inhibits or delays the germination of spores of microorganisms, other than the target microorganisms, that are capable of interfering with the culture and detection of the target microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of making a C4 diacid from a sugar source by fermentation with a microorganism is described that includes supplementing the fermentation medium with relatively low amounts of betaine. The use of betaine can substantially reduce or even completely eliminate the need for complex nutrient source such as yeast extract, and eliminate a need for vitamins such as biotin, while maintaining a high level of production of the C4 diacid from a simplified sugar based media. The use of betaine improves yield from sugar, final titer, and rate of production per hour. The method is particularly suitable for microorganisms that otherwise display a dependence on yeast extract for high productivity, more particularly for any bacteria, and most particularly for the production of succinic acid from the bacterium Actinobacillus succinogenes. An improved strain of A succinogenes is also described, having a mutation in a betaine transporter that improves C4 diacid production in the presence of betaine.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for culturing microorganisms. The disclosure includes mixtures of different microorganisms, especially mixtures of cyanobacteria with fermentative microorganisms. For example, methods and compositions related to co-cultures of yeast and cyanobacteria are provided. Also provided are feedstocks derived from cyanobacteria as well as methods of making such feedstocks and methods of culturing microorganisms in such feedstocks.

Abstract: Selective enrichment media and methods for selectively growing and detecting Salmonella spp. The media comprise a carbon and nitrogen source, an inorganic salt, a fermentable sugar, one or more selective agents, and an efflux pump inhibitor. Various selective agents include sulfa drugs, surfactants, aminocoumarins, cycloheximide, supravital stains, ascorbic acid, bromobenzoic acid, myricetin, rifamycins, polyketides, and oxazolidinones. Various efflux pump inhibitors include arylpiperazines, such as 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)piperazine, and quinoline derivatives, such as 4-chloroquinoline. The selective agents and efflux pump inhibitors are provided in the media in combinations and amounts that inhibit growth of non-Salmonella microorganisms without substantially affecting growth and metabolism of Salmonella species. Methods of selectively growing and detecting Salmonella species are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using meso-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutane for the maintenance and/or improvement of biological cell function and activity, and for the prevention of improper cell functioning or cell death, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo over time and/or during exposure to stress. Meso-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybutane can be used to promote cell survival and as a cell protection agent, to increase cell viability, and to improve conversion of progenitor or stem cells to mature cells, whether in vitro, in vivo, ex-vivo, or transplanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the activation of silent genes in microorganisms by co-cultivation of an inducer and a recipient microorganism. The inducer is selected from a chemical inducer, a microorganism inducer which is selected from a killed microorganism cell and/or inactivated culture medium in which said microorganism cell had been cultured and/or medium inducer. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for screening for an inducer and to a method of screening for a recipient microorganism by co-cultivation of an inducer and a recipient organism. The methods are useful for the detection of medicaments, such as antibiotics. The present invention further relates to media for culturing microorganisms comprising an inducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a salmon flesh color improving method and a salmon flesh color improving feed which are usable for producing a salmon having a mild reddish orange flesh color close to the flesh color of wild fish, and a salmon and fish flesh thereof produced by such a flesh color improving method. The present invention also provides a method for producing a salmon having a mild reddish orange flesh color, comprising cultivating the salmon with a feed comprising a carotenoid colorant mixed therein, the carotenoid colorant comprising at least astaxanthin, phoenicoxanthin, canthaxanthin and adonixanthin.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in an Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans culture is disclosed. The method includes inhibiting an enzyme, such as citrate synthase, aconitase, or isocitrate dehydrogenase, in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle leading to alpha-ketoglutarate.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for improving amplification or detection of a target nucleic acid in a sample containing PCR inhibitors, such as polyphenols. One aspect provides an enhancer composition including casein or polyvinylpyrrolidone, or a modified polymer thereof. Another aspect provides a method of amplifying a target nucleic acid with an enhancer composition including casein or polyvinylpyrrolidone, or a modified polymer thereof. Another aspect provides a method for culturing microorganisms in media containing PVP or casein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of use of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to modulate microbial activity, such as to enhance or inhibit the activity of microorganisms. In one example, MSM (such as about 0.5% to 5% MSM) is used to enhance fermentation efficiency, such as to enhance fermentation efficiency associated with the production of beer, cider, wine, a biofuel, dairy product or any combination thereof. Also disclosed are in vitro methods for enhancing the growth of one or more probiotic microorganisms and methods of enhancing growth of a microorganism in a diagnostic test sample. Methods of inhibiting microbial activity are also disclosed. In one particular example, a method of inhibiting microbial activity includes selecting a medium that is susceptible to H1N1 influenza contamination; and contacting the medium with MSM at a concentration of about 10% to about 16% of weight by volume, thereby inhibiting H1N1 influenza microbial activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for the production of ?-carotene from submerged cultures of mucoral fungi such as Blakeslea, Choanephora or Phycomyces by adding lectin to the culture medium and performing pH control once fermentation has started. The method involves ?-carotene recovery stage that makes it possible to simplify the process, optimize yields and increase purification of the product.

Abstract: A method for increasing the content of ubiquinone (CoQ10) and ubiquinol (CoQH2) in phototrophic microorganisms that were cultivated in a culture medium in a bioreactor under light irradiation, wherein the phototrophic microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of blue algae, green algae and yellow-green algae, comprising a step of inducing oxidative stress. By virtue of the fact that oxidative stress was induced by incubating the phototrophic microorganisms together with Fe3+ in the culture medium, a higher content of CoQ10 and CoQH2 is obtained. Moreover, the microorganisms thus obtained have a higher content of trivalent iron, which is particularly relevant for the human diet. From the phototrophic microorganisms it is possible to produce an oily extract and also a dried algae product.

Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.

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

Abstract: A process for the use of low concentration levels of Penicillin G Procaine to eliminate or control the growth of unwanted or undesirable bacteria (contaminating bacteria) in the fermentation production of alcohol without inhibition of the growth or replication of the yeast.

Abstract: Provided is a method for culturing cells, which prevents the possibility of mycoplasma contamination by culturing the cells using biomass extract obtained by culturing a strain with amphidinol productivity, preferably a strain such as Amphidinium klebsii, Amphididinium carterae, and the like belonging to Dinoflagellates, or using a fraction obtained from the extract; and a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells by culturing the cells contaminated by mycoplasma using the amphidinol derivatives. In addition, provided is a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells, including a combination of single cell-isolating enzyme solution treatment and cell aggregate removal.

Abstract: Provided is a method for culturing cells, which prevents the possibility of mycoplasma contamination by culturing the cells using biomass extract obtained by culturing a strain with amphidinol productivity, preferably a strain such as Amphidinium klebsii, Amphididinium carterae, and the like belonging to Dinoflagellates, or using a fraction obtained from the extract; and a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells by culturing the cells contaminated by mycoplasma using the amphidinol derivatives. In addition, provided is a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells, including a combination of single cell-isolating enzyme solution treatment and cell aggregate removal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of cultivating or isolating a microorganism using one or more quinones as growth factors. Also disclosed are methods of treating a mammalian species with deficiency in symbionts using such compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of increasing lipid levels in an algal or yeast cell population, methods of producing saturated or monounsaturated triacylglycerols in an algal or yeast cell population, and methods of decreasing polyunsaturated triacylglycerol production in an algal or yeast cell population by contacting the cell population with a chemical compound that is capable of increasing lipid levels or altering the lipid composition in the cell population.

Abstract: Disclosed are culture media, protocols and kits for diagnosis of toxigenic Clostridium difficile, where the culture medium comprises Cooked Meat Medium with glucose; yeast extract; taurocholate; cycloserine; and cefoxitin.

Abstract: The system for fermentation using algae of the present invention includes a first reactor and a second reactor being in fluid communication with each other. A first valve placed between the first reactor and the second reactor controls the fluid connection between the reactors. A gas inlet, in fluid connection to the first reactor, is located at an end opposite the second reactor. A devolatization unit or cell lysis chamber is connected to the second reactor by a second valve. A biomass stream having gas, liquid and biosolids contents passes through the first reactor with gas. The biomass stream mixes and dissolves the gas in the reactors. The cellular structure of the biomass stream ruptures in the devolatization unit, allowing the processed materials, such as oil, gas, and biosolids, to be harvested for use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The method comprises the step of delivering urea from a floating vessel to a region of a photic zone of the ocean, whereby the number of phytoplankton is caused to increase in the region upon addition of the urea. The method can be used for producing carbon cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoic acids, or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), from substrates which cannot be used as a source of carbon and/or energy for microbial growth or PHA synthesis and which have microbial and environmental toxicity. According to one embodiment of the invention, a process for the production of PHA is provided wherein an enzyme such as methane monooxygenase is used to convert volatile organic compounds into PHA through the use of microorganisms that are unable to use volatile organic compounds as a source of carbon for growth or PHA production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a culture medium for Haemophilus influenzae type b, characterized in that the source of protein nitrogen is of non-animal origin and comprises at least one plant peptone and in that the heme source consists of protoporphyrin IX. This medium serves in particular for the production of polyribosyl phosphate (PRP) and for the manufacture of a vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis.

Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.

Abstract: The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a method of treating an organic substance-containing waste liquid, and a treatment apparatus therefor, and an additive for treating an organic substance-containing waste liquid, and a bacterium for degrading an organic substance component or the like in the waste liquid, capable of accomplishing at least one of treatment of the organic substance-containing waste liquid with a high efficiency and a high treatment rate, without substantially generating a foul odor, and obtainment of water quality that is suitable for releasing to sewage, a public water area, or the like. This problem is solved by providing a method of treating an organic substance-containing waste liquid characterized by contacting an activated sludge containing a specified bacterium with an organic substance-containing waste liquid.

Abstract: A process for the culture of Leptospires in a protein-free culture medium and without any fatty acid source in the culture medium, wherein a fatty acid source is fed continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: Wheat bran culture mix is used to inoculate organic waste and produce an inoculated waste material, where the wheat bran culture mix includes soil derived microbes. The inoculated waste material is shredded to produce shredded inoculated waste material which is fermented the shredded inoculated waste material for at least 7 days. Contents from the fermenter are then transferred into a dewatering device to produce dewatered contents which are then separated into soluble and suspended products.

Abstract: Compositions of peptides and surface-active agents are described, as are methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions are capable of affecting metabolic rates in biological systems, and to accelerate nutrient uptake without a concomitant increase in biofilm production.

Abstract: Contamination was controlled in fermentations using Zymomonas mobilis as the biocatalyst, without negative impact on fermentation production, by the addition of virginiamycin. The effective concentration of virginiamycin was found to be dependent upon the type of fermentation medium used.

Abstract: A method and point of use kit to determine under field conditions the presence and/or amount of a selected Pseudomonas species capable of bioremediating organic environmental pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A carotenoid producing bacterium belonging to the genus Paracoccus that selectively produces canthaxanthin so that the amount thereof is not less than 90 percent by weight of the total amount of produced carotenoids including ?-carotene, ?-cryptoxanthin, echinenone, canthaxanthin, 3-hydroxyechinenone, 3?-hydroxyechinenone, zeaxanthin, phoenicoxanthin, adonixanthin, and astaxanthin. A method for producing canthaxanthin by culturing the above bacterium, and then collecting carotenoids from bacterial cells or a culture solution after the culturing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of increasing lipid levels in an algal or yeast cell population, methods of producing saturated or monounsaturated triacylglycerols in an algal or yeast cell population, and methods of decreasing polyunsaturated triacylglycerol production in an algal or yeast cell population by contacting the cell population with a chemical compound that is capable of increasing lipid levels or altering the lipid composition in the cell population.

Abstract: A latent effervescent body comprising a selective agent is disclosed. A method of using the latent effervescent body in a method to selectively enrich a target microorganism is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a sample, a culture medium, and the latent effervescent body. The method further comprises contacting the sample, the culture medium, and the latent effervescent body under conditions to facilitate growth of the target microorganism. The method further comprises releasing the selective agent from the latent effervescent body. Optionally, the method includes detecting a microorganism.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for culturing microorganisms. The disclosure includes mixtures of different microorganisms, especially mixtures of cyanobacteria with fermentative microorganisms. For example, methods and compositions related to co-cultures of yeast and cyanobacteria are provided. Also provided are feedstocks derived from cyanobacteria as well as methods of making such feedstocks and methods of culturing microorganisms in such feedstocks.

Abstract: A method for recombinantly expressing a macromolecule in a host cell is disclosed which involves culturing a host cell which contains two nucleic acid sequences, i.e., a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a membrane-permeabilizing agent and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a desired macromolecule under the operative control of an inducible promoter, to a selected cell density that permits accumulation of the agent. Thereafter the host cell is exposed to an environmental condition that induces the agent to disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane without complete lysis of the cell membrane. The host cell thereby allows transport through the membrane of small molecular weight compounds. These resulting host cells are cultured in the presence of a nutrient cocktail that contains components that can transport through the disrupted cell membrane, e.g., an inducing agent that induces the tightly regulated promoter and metabolic requirements that permit expression of the macromolecule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and means for the neutralization, binding, and/or inactivation of antimicrobials in a test sample. The invention is also directed to a method of detecting the presence of one or more microorganisms in a test sample by culturing the test sample in a culture media comprising one or more primary amine-containing compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for anaerobic diseases such as solid tumor, comprising in combination a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of an anaerobic disease containing the transformed anaerobic microorganism as an active component and a pharmaceutical composition containing as an active component an anaerobic microorganism colonization and growth enhancer for enhancing the specific colonization and proliferation of the anaerobic microorganism at an anaerobic disease site. Furthermore, the present invention provides to an anaerobic microorganism colonization and growth enhancer for enhancing colonization and growth of the transformed anaerobic microorganism at a disease site that is in an anaerobic environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selectively enhancing the growth of bacteria from the Lactobacillus casei group in a mixed culture, by adding manganese to the culture medium. Said method is suitable in particular in the case of mixed cultures associating Lactobacillus casei with yogurt bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells that involves subjecting a sample containing minicells to density gradient centrifugation in a biologically compatible medium. The method optionally includes a preliminary differential centrifugation step and one or more filtration steps. The invention also provides a method for purifying bacterial minicells in which a sample containing minicells is subjected to a condition that induces parent bacterial cells to adopt a filamentous form, followed by filtration of the sample to separate minicells from parent bacterial cells. The inventive methods optionally include one or more steps to remove endotoxin from purified minicell preparations, and/or treatment of purified minicell preparations with an antibiotic. Additionally, the invention provides purified minicell preparations, prepared according to the foregoing methods, and containing fewer than about 1 contaminating parent bacterial cell per 107, 108, 109, 1010, or 1011 minicells.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of germ cells or gametes. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying germ cells or gametes, or methods of administering modified germ cells or gametes to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inducing desired activity in enzymes or microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes. The invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing activity in microorganisms. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods for inducing and stabilizing nitrile hydratase activity, amidase activity, and asparaginase I activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising enzymes or microorganisms having induced and/or stabilized activity.