Abstract: In one aspect, methods to enhance the production of ethanol and other fermentive end products from a wide variety of feedstocks by Clostridium microorganisms, such as Clostridium phytofermentans are disclosed. A method of improving fermentation performance of Clostridium microorganisms, such as Clostridium phytofermentans through the use of a fed-batch strategy is described, as well as methods of producing fermentive end products, such as alcohols and/or chemicals by fermenting Clostridium microorganisms, such as Clostridium phytofermentans in the presence of fatty acid-containing compounds and/or at reduced pH.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing butanol by fermentation of carbohydrates using mixed populations of acidogenic-phase cells and solventogenic-phase cells of Clostridium in a solitary vessel. The present system as described does not require intermittent adjustment of pH or venting of headspace gases. The method provides a process for removal of the butanol product which does not irreversibly harm the cells and conditions are described where such cells may resume butanol synthesis in the same solitary vessel. The invention also describes compositions and biologically pure cultures which comprise the Clostridium cells as disclosed. Also, a biologically pure Clostridium beijerinkii strain NRRL No. B-50244 is disclosed.

Abstract: An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for producing organic acid with higher fermentation efficiency. The present invention provides a method for producing organic acid from an organic material by allowing bacterial cell or treated products thereof to act on an aqueous reaction solution containing the above organic material, which is characterized in that after completion of the reaction, the aqueous reaction solution is recovered, cell or treated products thereof are separated from the recovered aqueous reaction solution, and the separated cell or treated products thereof are allowed to act on a fresh aqueous reaction solution, so that the cell or treated products thereof are repeatedly used.

Abstract: Methods of using clostridial toxins and other biological agents to thin skin and control fine wrinkles in humans are provided. In preferred embodiments the methods provide beneficial effects in humans.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin, or other neuromuscular inhibitors, injected into the lower leg muscle of infants, less than a year old, with idiopathic clubfoot is shown to be an effective therapy in correcting this physical deformity. Following a protocol of manipulations, castings, and injections, clubfoot is effectively treated, and surgical treatment procedures can be avoided.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen-producing bacterium, which excels in hydrogen yield and hydrogen production rate, and is usable for industrial hydrogen production from biomass as a production source. That is, it is intended to provide a bacterium belonging to the genus Clostridium which has a property of producing hydrogen at a rate of 60 mmol or more per hour per liter of a culture liquid which contains glucose as a substrate, by batch cultivation in a YNU anaerobic culture medium at 47° C. and pH 6.0, and a hydrogen production method comprising the use of the bacterium belonging to the genus Clostridium.

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 method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Agents for treating pain, methods for producing the agents and methods for treating pain by administration to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of the agent. The agent can include a clostridial neurotoxin, or a component or fragment or derivative thereof, attached to a targeting moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is selected from a group consisting of transmission compounds which can be released from neurons upon the transmission of pain signals by the neurons, and compounds substantially similar to the transmission compounds.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a botulinum neurotoxin inhibitor employing a botulinum neurotoxin substrate complex having a peptide substrate, preferably SNAP-25, a reporter domain on one side of said peptide substrate and an immobilization domain on the opposite side of said peptide substrate. The botulinum neurotoxin inhibitor is identified by its ability to decrease the relative amount of cleaved complex, detected through measuring a decrease in complex bound to a solid support. The method of the present invention also utilizes novel cells that express a botulinum neurotoxin substrate complex. The methods of the present invention are adapted for cell based screening to monitor the catalytic activity of a BoNT in living cells and to identify molecules that inhibit the catalytic activity of a BoNT in living cells.

Abstract: A novel clostridia bacterial species (Clostridium ragsdalei, ATCC BAA-622/PTA-7826, “P11”) is provided. P11 is capable of synthesizing, from waste gases, products which are useful as biofuel. In particular, P11 can convert CO to ethanol. Thus, this novel bacterium transforms waste gases (e.g. syngas and refinery wastes) into useful products. P11 also catalyzes the production of acetate.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin, among other presynaptic neurotoxins is used for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headaches associated with vascular disorders. Presynaptic neurotoxins are delivered focally, targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion. Exemplary delivery is carried out by way of injection.

Abstract: Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention discloses attenuated Clostridium perfringens organisms that express a substantially nontoxic alpha-toxin. The expressed alpha-toxin is a deletion mutein that relative to the alpha-toxin of the mature alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens strain 13, is missing at least nine consecutive amino acid residues including His68. The present invention also discloses attenuated organisms that encode the muteins, as well as the use of such attenuated organisms as vaccines.

Abstract: Clostridium phytofermentans cells (American Type Culture Collection 700394T) and all other strains of the species can ferment materials such as biomass into useful products and coproducts, such as ethanol, hydrogen and organic acids. Compositions that include Clostridium phytofermentans are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: Agents for treating pain, methods for producing the agents and methods for treating pain by administration to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of the agent. The agent can include a clostridial neurotoxin, or a component or fragment or derivative thereof, attached to a targeting moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is selected from a group consisting of transmission compounds which can be released from neurons upon the transmission of pain signals by the neurons, and compounds substantially similar to the transmission compounds.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing butanol by fermentation of carbohydrates using mixed populations of acidogenic-phase cells and solventogenic-phase cells of Clostridium in a solitary vessel. The present system as described does not require intermittent adjustment of pH or venting of headspace gases. The method provides a process for removal of the butanol product which does not irreversibly harm the cells and conditions are described where such cells may resume butanol synthesis in the same solitary vessel. The invention also describes compositions and biologically pure cultures which comprise the Clostridium cells as disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses attenuated Clostridium perfringens organisms that express a substantially nontoxic alpha-toxin. The expressed alpha-toxin is a deletion mutein that relative to the alpha-toxin of the mature alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens strain 13, is missing at least nine consecutive amino acid residues including His68. The present invention also discloses attenuated organisms that encode the muteins, as well as the use of such attenuated organisms as vaccines.

Abstract: Clostridium phytofermentans cells (American Type Culture Collection 700394T) and all other strains of the species can ferment materials such as biomass into useful products and coproducts, such as ethanol, hydrogen and organic acids. Compositions that include Clostridium phytofermentans are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the anaerobic production of 1,3 propanediol, by culturing a Clostridium strain in an appropriate culture medium comprising glycerol as a source of carbon, wherein said Clostridium strain does not produce substantially other products of the glycerol metabolism selected among the group consisting of: butyrate, lactate, butanol and ethanol, and recovering of 1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: At least one isolated microorganism, which converts at least 10% by weight, and preferably 50% by weight, of cellulosic biomass to a lower alkyl alcohol by direct digestion, and which produces at least 4% by volume of the lower alkyl alcohol in an aqueous-based digestion medium.

Abstract: Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: Agents for treating pain, methods for producing the agents and methods for treating pain by administration to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of the agent. The agent can include a clostridial neurotoxin, or a component or fragment or derivative thereof, attached to a targeting moiety, wherein the targeting moiety is selected from a group consisting of transmission compounds which can be released from neurons upon the transmission of pain signals by the neurons, and compounds substantially similar to the transmission compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved media for the cultivation of Clostridium histolyticum and culture supernatants for the biotechnological production of collagenase enzymes. The nutrient media according to the invention comprise one or more peptones from a non-mammalian source, preferably plant-derived peptones. The media can additionally comprise fish gelatin. The invention provides media, culture supernatants comprising Clostridium histolyticum collagenase, and methods to produce said collagenase.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol including a combination of biochemical and synthetic conversions results in high yield ethanol production with concurrent production of high value coproducts. An acetic acid intermediate is produced from carbohydrates, such as corn, using enzymatic milling and fermentation steps, followed by conversion of the acetic acid into ethanol using esterification and hydrogenation reactions. Coproducts can include corn oil, and high protein animal feed containing the biomass produced in the fermentation.

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: Methods of using clostridial toxins and other biological agents to thin skin and control fine wrinkles in humans are provided. In preferred embodiments the methods provide beneficial effects in humans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions of activated botulinum toxin type B. In particular, the present invention relates to botulinum toxin type B pharmaceutical compositions wherein at least 75% of said botulinum toxin type B is activated—i.e., “nicked”. The invention also relates to a process of activating botulinum toxin type B wherein at least 75% of said botulinum toxin type B is nicked. The invention further relates to methods for the treatment of a variety of neuromuscular diseases, pain, inflammatory and cutaneous disorders comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition of activated botulinum toxin type B wherein at least 75% of said botulinum toxin type B is nicked.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin, among other presynaptic neurotoxins is used for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headaches associated with vascular disorders. Presynaptic neurotoxins are delivered focally, targeting the nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve, the occipital nerve and the intranasal terminals of the parasympathetic fibers originating in the Sphenopalatine ganglion. The administration preferably targets the extracranial nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve in the temporal area, the extracranial occipital nerve endings in the occipital area, and the intranasal terminals of the trigeminal nerve and parasympathetic fibers originating in the Sphenopalatine ganglion. The delivery is carried out by way of injection or topically.

Abstract: The present invention provides microorganisms, in which the activity of 4-hydroxybenzoate polyprenyltransferase or 2-octaprenylphenol?2-octaprenyl-6-methoxyphenol flavin reductase is reduced or lost, and which have an ability to produce lactic acid, in particular, microorganisms comprising a chromosomal DNA in which a gene encoding a protein having 4-hydroxybenzoate polyprenyltransferase activity or a protein having 2-octaprenylphenol?2-octaprenyl-6-methoxyphenol flavin reductase activity is partially or completely defective; and a process for producing lactic acid using the microorganisms.

Abstract: A device and a method for rapidly determining the effectiveness of sterilization or disinfection processes are provided. The method involves contacting a biological indicator containing a known number of live spores to a sterilization or disinfection process. When the spores are killed, the minerals in the spores are released. Water is contacted with the dead spores to form an aqueous solution. A parameter related to the concentration of a mineral in the aqueous solution is measured. The effectiveness of the germicidal process is determined from the parameter and the initial number of spores in the biological indicator. Measuring the parameter by measuring the conductivity of the aqueous solution is particularly effective and sensitive.

Abstract: Non-recombinant bacteria that produce ethanol as the primary fermentation product, associated nucleic acids and polypeptides, methods for producing ethanol using the bacteria, and kits are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for reducing or eliminating antibiotic resistance in bacteria, comprising exposing the bacteria to a composition comprising a yeast cell wall preparation in an amount effective for reducing or eliminating resistance of the bacteria to at least one antibiotic. In one embodiment, the method comprises exposing the bacteria to the yeast cell wall preparation in an amount effective for eliminating a plasmid conferring resistance to the antibiotic, or for preventing transfer of the plasmid between bacteria. In another aspect, a method is provided for reducing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in an animal, comprising administering to the animal a composition comprising a yeast cell wall preparation in an amount effective for reducing or eliminating the presence of an antibiotic-resistant bacterial population in the animal.

Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers packed across a cross sectional area of the membrane module, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for surrounding the outside of the hollow fibers with a process gas from a gas supply conduit; and a liquid supply conduit operably connected to the hollow fibers for supplying a process liquid to the hollow fiber lumens. The gas supply conduit enables the formation of a biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and the production of a liquid product.

Abstract: Animal product free (APF) media and processes for the culture and fermentation of botulinum toxin producing Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The botulinum toxin obtained can be used for formulating and compounding botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The APF media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products and use non-animal based products instead of the animal-derived products. Preferably, the APF media used are substantially free or free of animal derived products.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an isolated hydrogen gas producing microorganism, termed Enterobacter sp. SGT-T4™ and derivatives thereof. Compositions and methods comprising the disclosed microorganisms are also provided. The disclosed invention also relates to a method to increase the hydrogen production rate and yield of hydrogen gas producing microorganism in the presence of diatomaceous earth and other absorptive materials. Further, the disclosure relates to the production of high microalgal biomass and microalgal oils suitable for economical industrial scale bio-diesel production from processed bacterial fermentation wastes as feedstock using the green microalga Chlorella protothecoides.

Abstract: Chromatographic processes and systems for purifying a botulinum toxin from an APF fermentation medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the biological production of 1,3-propanediol from a fermentable carbon source in a single microorganism. In one aspect of the present invention, an improved process for the conversion of glucose to 1,3-propanediol is achieved by the use of an E. coli transformed with the Klebsiella pneumoniae dha regulon genes dhaR, orfY, dhaT, orfX, orfW, dhaB1, dhaB2, dhaB3, and orfZ, all these genes arranged in the same genetic organization as found in wild type Klebsiella pneumoniae. In another aspect of the present invention, an improved process for the production of 1,3-propanediol from glucose using a recombinant E. coli containing genes encoding a G3PDH, a G3P phosphatase, a dehydratase, and a dehydratase reactivation factor compared to an identical process using a recombinant E. coli containing genes encoding a G3PDH, a G3P phosphatase, a dehydratase, a dehydratase reactivation factor and a 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase (dhaT).

Abstract: Clostridium phytofermentans cells (American Type Culture Collection 700394T) and all other strains of the species can ferment materials such as biomass into useful products and coproducts, such as ethanol, hydrogen and organic acids. Compositions that include Clostridium phytofermentans are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to biochemical synthesis of 6-amino caproic acid from 6-aminohex-2-enoic acid compound or from 6-amino-2-hydroxyhexanoic acid, by treatment with an enzyme having ?,?-enoate reductase activity towards molecules containing an ?,?-enoate group and a primary amino group. The invention also relates to processes for obtaining suitable genetically engineered cells for being used in such biotransformation process, and to precursor fermentation of 6-amino caproic acid from intermediates leading to 6-amino caproic acid. Finally, the invention relates to certain novel biochemically produced compounds, namely 6-aminohex-2-enoic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, as well as to caprolactam produced therefrom and to nylon-6 and other derivatives produced from such biochemically produced compounds or caprolactam.

Abstract: Methods for treating a non-spasm caused pain by peripheral administration to a patient of a therapeutically effective amount of a neurotoxin, such as a botulinum toxin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of botulinum based pharmaceuticals used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatment. This invention offers an improvement on the prior art by eliminating the potential of blood-borne contamination with botulinum based pharmaceuticals. Recombinant serum albumin is taught for use in the place of human serum albumin as a stabilizing or enhancing agent.

Abstract: A class of novel agents that are able to modify nociceptive afferent function is provided. The agents may inhibit the release of neurotransmitters from discrete populations of neurones and thereby reduce or preferably prevent the transmission of afferent pain signals from peripheral to central pain fibers. They comprise a galactose-binding lectin linked to a derivative of a clostridial neurotoxin. The derivative of the clostridial neurotoxin comprises the L-chain, or a fragment thereof, which includes the active proteolytic enzyme domain of the light (L) chain, linked to a molecule or domain with membrane translocating activity. The agents may be used in or as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pain, particular chronic pain.

Abstract: Chromatographic processes and systems for purifying a botulinum toxin from an APF fermentation medium.

Abstract: Media and processes for the fermentation of Clostridium botulinum and obtaining a botulinum toxin for use in formulating botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The growth media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products using non-animal based products to replace the animal-derived products. Preferably, the media used are substantially free of animal derived products.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for use in culturing Clostridium difficile and producing Clostridium difficile toxins.

Abstract: The invention features a polypeptide complex synthesized by bacteria of the genus Clostridia that contains the serotype E botulinum neurotoxin and five neurotoxin associated polypeptides having molecular weights of about 118, 80, 65, 40, and 18 kDa. respectively. The complex is useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions that are caused by excessive release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals.