Abstract: A method for growing probiotic organisms wherein the growth media includes prebiotics especially selected and prepared to be paired with the probiotic organisms being grown. The prebiotic formula is optimized to grow the desired probiotic organisms, as well as important byproducts of the growth process. Specialized freeze-drying buffers may also be paired with certain probiotic organisms for the freeze-drying process.

Abstract: The method for analysis and cell culture comprises the following steps: generating a train (14) of ordered drops (16) in a carrier fluid (40), the train (14) of drops (16) comprising at least one culture drop (42), the culture drop (42) comprising a culture medium (50) and at least one cell (4), circulating the train (14) of drops (16) in a tube (10), incubating the train (14) of drops (16) in the tube (10), measuring at least one parameter indicative of the content of the culture drop (42) in the tube (10) at different times, recovering the culture drop (42) at one end (36) of the tube (10), the steps being carried out in a controlled atmosphere (6).

Abstract: A process for culturing Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum cells, which are capable of growing on gamma-cyclodextrin in a liquid culture medium in a culture vessel. Also disclosed is a process for producing a bio-product, the process comprising culturing Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum cells, which are capable of growing on gamma-cyclodextrin in a liquid culture medium in a culture vessel.

Abstract: A method for growing probiotic organisms wherein the growth media includes prebiotics especially selected and prepared to be paired with the probiotic organisms being grown. The prebiotic formula is optimized to grow the desired probiotic organisms, as well as important byproducts of the growth process. Specialized freeze-drying buffers may also be paired with certain probiotic organisms for the freeze-drying process.

Abstract: Protein-rich nutrient supplements and animal feed supplements derived from an anaerobic bacterial process are generated through a myriad of cell rupturing and protein fractionation/purification processes. Bacterial fermentation systems and methods of obtaining one or more protein-containing portions from a fermentation process using carbon monoxide-containing gaseous substrates are provided. The invention further provides compositions of protein-rich nutrient supplements with useful applications for intake by a variety of different animals and humans.

Abstract: A process is provided for fermentation of syngas that is effective for reducing conductivity and providing an alcohol STY of about 10 g ethanol/(L·day). The process includes introducing the syngas into a reactor vessel and providing a nitrogen feed rate to the reactor vessel of about 100 mg or more nitrogen/gram of cells produced. Fermentation of the syngas is effective for providing a fermentation medium having an average conductivity of about 16 mS/cm or less and an STY of 10 g ethanol/(L·day) or more.

Abstract: Controlling the gas inlet flow rate and energy input to a fermentation reactor to maximize conversion of syngas by maximizing uptake of hydrogen into a medium relative to carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide based on determined volumetric mass transfer coefficients for hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process provides high ethanol productivity levels during fermentation of a CO-containing substrate. The process controls CO-substrate feed rates and cell density to avoid culture upset and CO inhibition. The process includes fermenting a CO-containing gaseous substrate to obtain a target cell density and a target CO feed rate, and then periodically reducing and increasing the CO feed rate.

Abstract: A process is provided for fermenting CO-containing gaseous substrates in a low phosphate medium. The process includes blending a liquid medium that includes at least one transition metal element with a liquid medium that includes at least at least one other transition metal element and one non-metal element to provide a fermentation medium. The process is effective for preventing precipitation of one or more transition metal elements with one or more non-metal elements. The fermentation medium used in the process is prepared in a way that requires significantly lower amounts of water and reduced levels of phosphate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) polypeptides with a modified receptor binding domain of Clostridial botulinum serotype B (B-Hc), comprising one or more substitution mutations corresponding to substitution mutations in serotype B, strain 1, V1118M; Y1183M; E1191M; E1191I; E1191Q; E1191T; S1199Y; S1199F; S1199L; SI 20 IV; or combinations thereof. Specific combination mutations include E1 191M and S1199L, E1191M and S1199Y, E1191M and S1199F, E1191Q and S1199L, E1191Q and S 1199Y, or E 1191 Q and S 1199F. Other substitution mutations are also disclosed. Isolated modified receptor binding domains, chimeric molecules, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for testing agents (e.g., Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) detection and analysis). In particular, the present invention relates to the use of Human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) derived cells for agent detection and analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions (such as for example, culture media) for culturing Clostridium difficile and producing the C. difficile Toxins A and B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a derivative bacterial strain of an avirulent, non-pathogenic Clostridium ghonii that is capable of arresting the growth of, regressing or destroying one or more solid tumours. The present invention further relates to a composition comprising the derivative bacterial strain for targeted lysis of solid tumours. The present invention further relates to methods of producing derivative strains of C. ghonii by serial culturing in tumor bearing animals.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a culture medium and a process for producing proteases with collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activity by bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Particularly, the present invention refers to an animal product-free culture medium for C. histolyticum, characterized by comprising non-animal origin peptones, preferably vegetable peptones, yeast extract and the amino acids cysteine and arginine. The present invention also refers to a process for producing Clostridium histolyticum liquid culture supernatant comprising one or more proteases with collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activity, and pharmaceutical composition comprising as active ingredient the supernatant or the supernatant optionality purified.

Abstract: It was found that bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon. Moreover, the present inventors found that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induced by from these bacteria suppressed proliferation of effector T-cells. From these findings, the present inventors found that the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium or a physiologically active substance derived therefrom made it possible to induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and further to suppress immune functions.

Abstract: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the invidual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for sustaining microorganism culture in a syngas fermentation reactor in decreased concentration or absence of various substrates comprising: adding carbon dioxide and optionally alcohol; maintaining free acetic acid concentrations; and performing the above mentioned steps within specified time.

Abstract: A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbial composition which is tailored based on the spectrum of microbes found more frequently from the intestine of non-secretor individuals than from the intestine of secretor individuals. The present invention further relates to a method of tailoring a microbial composition based on the spectrum of microbes found more frequently from the intestine of non-secretor individuals than from that of secretor blood group status. The present invention relates to use of the secretor status of an individual as a criterion for microbial supplementation tailored based on the differences in the spectra of microbes found between secretor and non-secretor individuals.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing ammonia or ammonium from an organic material, the method by contacting the organic material with at least one hydrolytic enzyme, in a medium, to produce a medium including hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed organic material suitable for microbial fermentation. The hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed medium with organic material is then fermented in the presence of at least one microorganism capable of ammonification, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product that comprises ammonia or ammonium. The organic material includes nitrogenous compounds suitable for conversion to ammonia or ammonium.

Abstract: The present invention provides Clostridium acetobutylicum and an application thereof. A preservation number of the Clostridium acetobutylicum provided in the invention is CGMCC No. 5234. The Clostridium acetobutylicum provided in the present invention can be used for cogeneration of acetone, butanol, ethanol, and 3-hydroxy butanone through fermentation, so as to improve the economic benefit of butanol fermentation. NAD+ coupling and regeneration can be implemented by adding metabolism or growth regulating substances, so as to improve the product yield, and at the same time, the yield of cogeneration products can be flexibly adjusted, so as to cater for the market demand.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing cell death in a gram positive bacterium and methods for reducing the proliferation of a gram positive bacterium that include contacting a gram positive bacterium with a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor. Also provided are methods of treating a subject having a gram positive bacterial infection that include administering to a subject having a gram positive bacterial infection a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor. Also provided are compositions containing a dye (e.g., an azo dye) and a TarO inhibitor, and kits containing at least one of these compositions.

Abstract: Disorders such as headaches can be treated by administration of a botulinum toxin to a patient suffering therefrom, such as a migraine headache. A combined a fixed site/fixed dose and an optional follow the pain variable dosage and injection site paradigm is disclosed for optimizing clinical effectiveness of botulinum toxin administration for patients suffering headache, particularly chronic migraine.

Abstract: Method of cell culture, comprising adding a redox active compound with a redox potential of between ?0.116 to ?0.253 to a culture capable of forming hydrogen via a hydrogenase so that the redox potential is diverted from hydrogen to form a longer chain acids, e.g., butryic acid.

Abstract: Disorders such as headaches can be treated by administration of a botulinum toxin to a patient suffering therefrom, such as a migraine headache. A combined a fixed site/fixed dose and an optional follow the pain variable dosage and injection site paradigm is disclosed for optimizing clinical effectiveness of botulinum toxin administration for patients suffering headache, particularly chronic migraine.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: Species of human-derived bacteria belonging to the Clostridia class have been shown to induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon and suppress immune functions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these bacteria can be used to prevent and treat immune-mediated diseases such as autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for engineering sporulating bacterial cells, particularly a cell of the class Clostridia. In particular, the present invention relates to the generation of sporulation deficient bacteria for the generation of industrial superior phenotypes.

Abstract: A biologically pure isolate of a selected bacterium derived from Clostridium autoethanogenum is described which has improved efficiency in the production of ethanol by anaerobic fermentation of substrates comprising carbon monoxide. The bacterium can produce ethanol and acetate at an ethanol to acetate ratio of at least 1.0 and has a productivity of at least 1.2 g of ethanol/l of fermentation broth per day. The bacterium is also characterized in that it has substantially no ability to sporulate.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a DNA molecule. The DNA molecule includes a nucleotide sequence that encodes the receptor-binding domain of Clostridium difficile toxin A or toxin B in which at least about 10% of the in-frame codons for each amino acid residue has a higher percentage use in the human genome than the corresponding in-frame codons of C. difficile toxin A or toxin B having a known sequence. Methods for generating antibodies to Clostridium difficile toxin A or toxin B, methods for reducing the risk of a C. difficile infection, and methods for treating a C. difficile are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for the production of propanol. Specifically, the methods and systems of the present invention use symbiotic co-cultures for the production of propanol from syngas.

Abstract: A clostridia bacterial species Clostridium pharus, is provided. Under anaerobic conditions Clostridium pharus can convert ethanol and/or acetate to butyric acid.

Abstract: An isolated clostridia bacterial species (Clostridium coskatii ATCC No. PTA-10522, “PS02”) is provided. Under anaerobic conditions C. coskatii can convert CO and/or H2 and/or CO2 to ethanol or acetate. Thus, this bacterium is capable of transforming waste gases (e.g. syngas and refinery wastes) into useful products.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for the production of butanol. Specifically, the compositions of the present invention use syntrophic co-cultures for the production of butanol from syngas.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for the production of butanol. Specifically, the methods and systems of the present invention use syntrophic co-cultures for the production of butanol from syngas.

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: Methods for aiding in the diagnosis of disorders including, but not limited to, PDDs (Pervasive Development Disorders), Dysautonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). In one aspect, a diagnosis method comprises analyzing a stool sample of an individual for the presence of a biological marker (or marker compound) comprising one or more pathogens, which provides an indication of whether the individual has, or can develop, a disorder including, but not limited to, a PDD, Dysautonomia, Parkinsons disease and SIDS. Preferably, the presence of one or more pathogens is determined using a stool immunoassay to determine the presence of antigens in a stool sample, wherein such antigens are associated with one or more pathogens including, but not limited to, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E. histolytica, C. difficile, Adenovirus, Rotavirus or H. pylori.

Abstract: In various embodiments a system is provided that displays heterologous proteins on the surface of a Gram-positive microorganism. In certain embodiments the system displays proteins using a sortase transpeptidase to covalently anchor proteins to the cell wall of the microbe. Novel bacterial strains are provided to exploit this system to display cellulase enzymes and multi-enzyme complexes on the surface of Gram-positive microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus subtilis) through their non-covalent interaction with a scaffoldin protein that is covalently anchored to the cell wall by the sortase transpeptidase. The surface displayed protein complexes contain enzymes capable of degrading cellulose into its component sugars at accelerated rates as compared to solutions of purified enzymes.

Abstract: Described herein are molecules, constructs and methods for the production and secretion of polypeptides of interest by host cells, preferably bacterial host cells, and more particularly gram positive bacteria. In particular, the present invention is related to a polynucleic acid encoding a fusion protein and to uses thereof for the secretion of heterologous or homologous polypeptides of interest by a bacterial host cell, preferably Clostridium bacteria. The present invention further relates to methods and constructs for the production and secretion of heterologous or homologous polypeptides of interest proteins by host cells using such polynucleic acids and fusion proteins.

Abstract: An isolated biologically pure culture of Clostridium tyrobutyricum ITRI04001 or an isolated biologically pure culture of Clostridium tyrobutyricum having the genotypic characteristics of ITRI04001 useful for syngas fermentation. Volatile free acids are produced by a method comprising culturing a microorganism having the genotypic characteristics of ITRI04001 in a medium; providing at least one substrate comprising at least one carbon source chosen from CO and CO2 to the microorganism; and recovering at least one free volatile free acid. Syngas can be the at least one substrate in these processes for producing volatile free acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method in which a microbial fuel cell (MFC) is used in order to produce electrical power while also either eliminating heavy metals or recovering precious metals from wastewater containing the heavy metals or the precious metals, and, more particularly, the invention has advantages including effective elimination of Hg2+ or any other heavy metals in the form of a solid precipitate or deposit of Hg or Hg2Cl2 or any other such deposits or effective recovery of Ag or any other precious metals in the form of solid precipitates or deposits, and incidentally, power is produced, by-products are rendered harmless and long-term economic operation is achieved.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the discovery and isolation of the entire cluster of genes encoding R-type high molecular weight bacteriocins that specifically kill Clostridium difficile bacteria, dangerous human pathogens. Also disclosed are methods of producing the R-type bacteriocins in innocuous producer cells that, unlike C. difficile, do not die in the presence of oxygen. Disclosed also is the specific gene of the isolated gene cluster that determines the killing spectrum of the R-type bacteriocin and the demonstration that the killing spectra of diffocins can be altered by engineering orf1374 of the diffocin genetic locus. This invention offers a potent bactericidal agent and a means to make it in order to kill selectively C. difficile bacteria in the environment of the gastrointestinal tract where they can cause great harm and even death of the infected patient or farm animal.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a sonoporation-based method that can be universally applied for delivery of compounds into Gram positive bacteria. Gram positive bacteria which can be transformed by sonoporation include, for example, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Acetobacterium, and Clostridium. Compounds which can be delivered into Gram positive bacteria via sonoporation include nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, viruses, small organic and inorganic molecules, and nano-particles.

Abstract: A process for fermenting syngas is provided which is effective for decreasing an amount of time needed to inoculate a main reactor. The process includes propagating a culture of acetogenic bacteria to provide an incoulum for a main reactor and fermenting syngas in the main reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial inocula and in particular to standardised inocula for producing reference cultures of microorganisms. The invention has been developed primarily for use as a solid, disc-shaped, inoculum and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient with migraine headache includes administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of an invertebrate presynaptic neurotoxin in a pharmaceutically safe form. The administration includes extramuscular injection of the neurotoxin to emerging nerve points including foraminal sites for enabling neurotoxin access to concentrated nerve bundles at exit points of the foramina.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel anaerobic, extreme thermophilic, ethanol high-yielding bacterium. The invention is based on the isolation of the bacterial strain referred to herein as “DTU01”, which produces ethanol as the main fermentation product, followed by acetate and lactate. The isolated organism is an extremely interesting and very promising organism for the establishment of a sustainable bioethanol production process. The invention further relates to a method for producing a fermentation product such as ethanol.

Abstract: Current approaches for treating cancer are limited, in part, by the inability of drugs to affect the poorly vascularized regions of tumors. We have found that spores of anaerobic bacteria in combination with agents which interact with microtubules can cause the destruction of both the vascular and avascular compartments of tumors. Two classes of microtubule inhibitors were found to exert markedly different effects. Some agents that inhibited microtubule synthesis, such as vinorelbine, caused rapid, massive hemorrhagic necrosis when used in combination with spores. In contrast, agents that stabilized microtubules, such as the taxane, docetaxel, resulted in slow tumor regressions that killed most neoplastic cells. Remaining cells in the poorly perfused regions of tumors could be eradicated by sporulated bacteria.