Abstract: The present invention describes a bio-based process to produce high quality protein concentrate (HQPC) by converting plant derived celluloses into bioavailable protein via aerobic incubation, including the use of such HQPC so produced as a nutrient, including use as a fish meal replacement in aquaculture diets.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for culturing mammalian cells. The method provides greater control over cell growth to achieve high product titer cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hEGF (human epidermal growth factor) which has the same activity as the wild form, in high concentration and with a high degree of purity. More specifically, the invention relates to an hEGF expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for the polypeptide of sequence number 14; a host cell in which the expression vector has been genetically transformed; and a method for producing hEGF, comprising a step in which the expression vector is created and is genetically transformed in yeast from which the KEX1 gene is lacking. Using the method of the present invention, it is possible to produce a large volume of human derived EGF which has the same size and activity as human derived EGF, and this EGF can be used in various ways such as in medicine and cosmetics.

Abstract: An improved cryopreservation process and substances can involve a cellular collection (1) in a cryopreservation fluid (4) that has been conditioned or treated (7) to enhance the cryopreservation process by adding (18) energy (19) such as in the surface energy of a substance in the cryopreservation fluid (4) prior to reducing energy for that same cryopreservation media for freezing. This can offer enhanced-post-cryogenic viability of the cryopreserved structures or a more optimum cooling curve (22) for a specific cell type.

Abstract: Processes for extracting and recovering nutrients from organic wastes to create a cell culture broth for microorganisms involve the main steps of mixing, solid/liquid separation, optimization, and sterilization. In an embodiment, the method for converting organic waste material into a cell culture broth or growth media includes: (a) mixing an organic waste material with one or more solvent to create a mixture of liquids and solids under substantially turbulent conditions; (b) separating the mixture of liquids and solids into a liquid stream and solid stream; and (c) sterilizing the liquid stream, whereby the cell culture broth or growth media comprises the sterilized liquid stream.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing or promoting germination of bacterial spores, and yeasts are disclosed herein. The composition of the present invention comprises an extract obtained from banana or any member belonging to the genus Musa that may be used alone or in a growth medium to promote and enhance germination of bacterial spores, growth of bacterial, yeast, and fungal cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention refers to articles for collecting samples from a surface, articles for microbiological analyses of said samples, and methods of use of said articles. The articles include sample collectors, sample housings with optional barrier layers, and sample-ready reagent strips comprising hydrophilic agents to grow and detect microorganisms. The disclosure includes methods to collect, detect, and quantify microorganisms in a surface sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutrient medium, containing 10 to 20 parts by weight of yeast extract, 15 to 30 parts by weight of peptone, 35 to 75 parts by weight of monosaccharides and disaccharides, up to 3 parts by weight of mineral substances, 0.02 to 1 parts by weight of gellan gum, and water.

Abstract: Techniques for generating microtissues, including a micro-fabricated platform including at least one micro-well including a plurality of micro-cantilevers coupled thereto and surrounded by a plurality of ridges, each micro-cantilever including a cap at a terminal end thereof. The platform can be immersed in a suspension of cells. The suspension of cells can be driven into at least one micro-well, and the ridges can be de-wetted to remove excess suspension and isolate the suspension of cells in each micro-well. The cells can be driven in the suspension of each micro-well toward a top surface of the suspension, which can be polymerized to form a matrix. The cells can be cultivated to spontaneously compact the matrix such that the micro-cantilevers anchor and constrain the contracting matrix to form a band of microtissue that spans across the micro-cantilevers.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a cell culture vessel having at least one first zone and at least one second zone, wherein the first zone is a transfer zone for a culture medium which essentially contains no cells and the second zone is a cell culture zone. The invention further includes methods utilizing the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: Surfactant-containing compositions are described which include a protein component that has the effect of improving the surface-active properties of the surfactants contained in the compositions. The surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component demonstrate significantly lower critical micelle concentrations (CMC), reduced surface tensions, and reduced interfacial tensions than do comparable compositions having no protein component. In addition, the surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component has the effect of converting greasy waste contaminants to surface active materials.

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: An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which is novel at the elemental composition level, and to provide a technique for providing such a microorganism. The present inventor has succeeded in causing a microorganism to efficiently contain a non-essential element by decreasing the content of an essential nutrient source for the microorganism, a C source, an N source, a P source, or an S source, and by adding an X compound containing the non-essential element as a constitutive element in a manner to make up for the decreased amount, and then culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to yeast strains and, in particular, to yeast stains for use in fermentation processes. The invention also relates to methods of fermentation using the yeast strains of the invention either alone or in combination with other yeast strains. The invention thither relates to methods for the selection of yeast strains suitable for fermentation cultures by screening for various metabolic products and the use of specific nutrient sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nutritive medium, medium supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations. Specifically, powdered nutritive medium, supplement, subgroup formulations, cell culture media comprising all of the necessary nutritive factors for in vitro cell cultivation, buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent are provided. Particularly, methods of production of these media, supplement, subgroup, buffer formulations and kits, and methods for the cultivation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using these dry powdered nutritive media, supplement, subgroup and buffer formulations are provided. Methods of producing sterile, powdered media or supplement (e.g., powdered FBS, powdered transferrin, powdered insulin, powdered organ extracts, powdered growth factors), media subgroup and buffer formulations by gamma irradiation are provided.

Abstract: A method of buffering a chemical or biological composition, comprising adding to the composition an effective buffering amount of at least one protonated or un-protonated amine-quaternary ammonium compound having a general formula: wherein the variables R, G, n and k are as defined herein.

Abstract: The subject invention provides advantageous new media formulations, methods for their production, methods for cultivating cells using the media as well as compositions thereof and their use for enhanced expression of recombinant proteins. In certain embodiments, the subject invention provides media for use in producing recombinant proteins in yeast systems, such as Pichia pastoris.

Abstract: Method for culturing resistant vineyards that selects indigenous vines, with natural stock, the fertilizer for which comprises local grasses/weeds, without other nutrients, harvesting being in the autumn. Fermentation method that is based on pressed grapes, in 20-25% of the vats, the wild yeasts thereof being produced and, in initial states, 3.5-6% vol. alcohol being achieved, with subsequent topping-up every 7-15 days; the total added sugar undergoes stepwise fermentation. Three different yeasts are obtained: white yeast (1), slow-growth yeast (2) and yellow yeast (3). Said yeasts make it possible directly to obtain high-quality beverages, such as cider, beers, cognacs, rums, vodkas, etc., with products having an alcohol content of up to 60% vol./vol. Fermentation also takes place with highly concentrated solutions of sucrose, molasses, sugars resulting from starch hydrolysis, and various plant materials. The production of bread, pastries and quality derived products is facilitated.

Abstract: A method for culturing cells or microorganisms by dissolving oxygen or carbon dioxide in a culture solution containing a nutrient including: supplying gas containing oxygen or carbon dioxide into inside of a glass porous body being configured to have cylindrical shape and a large number of uniformly fine pores in the outer surface and being configured to seal the end of the glass porous body; generating bubbles that have a 50% diameter of 200 ?m or less in a volume-based particle size distribution from the outer surface of the porous body by using gas containing oxygen or carbon dioxide that is supplied from an unsealed end of the glass porous body; suppressing aggregation of the bubbles by at least one of a cell-protecting agent for protecting the cells and a protein hydrolysate included in the culture solution; and dissolving oxygen or carbon dioxide in the culture solution.

Abstract: High cell density cultures of yeast were found to have higher tolerance for butanol in the medium. The high cell density yeast cultures had greater survival and higher glucose utilization than cultures with low cell densities. Production of butanol using yeast in high cell density cultures is thus beneficial for improving butanol production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to embedding live or dead microorganisms and/or bioactive materials in a protective dry formulation matrix, wherein the formulation includes the bioactive microorganism or material, a formulation stabilizer agent, and a protective agent. The formulation is prepared by dispersing all the solid components in a solution, with or without a vacuum, and cooling the solution to a temperature above its freezing temperature. The methods include a primary drying step of the formulation at a desired temperature and time period, and an accelerated secondary drying step under maximum vacuum and elevated temperature, to achieve a final desirable water activity of the dry material.

Abstract: Surfactant-containing compositions are described which include a protein component that has the effect of improving the surface-active properties of the surfactants contained in the compositions. The surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component demonstrate significantly lower critical micelle concentrations (CMC), reduced surface tensions, and reduced interfacial tensions than do comparable compositions having no protein component. In addition, the surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component has the effect of converting greasy waste contaminants to surface active materials.

Abstract: A method of buffering a chemical or biological composition, comprising adding to the composition an effective buffering amount of at least one protonated or un-protonated amine-quaternary ammonium compound having a general formula: wherein the variables R, G, n and k are as defined herein.

Abstract: It is intended to utilize ?-glucan produced by a bacterium belonging to Aureobasidium sp. From a bacterium belonging to Aureobasidium sp., a mutant with little pigment accumulation is constructed by a mutagenesis means of, for example, irradiating with ultraviolet light or treating with a mutagen. A culture obtained by culturing this mutant in a liquid culture medium is usable as a composition with a large ?-glucan content without showing any intense dark green color caused by the accumulation of melanin-like pigments. This composition may be taken as such as a functional food having the physiologically active functions of the ?-glucan-containing composition. Alternatively, it may be added to foods, drinks. food additives, cosmetics and so on.

Abstract: A cell culture polysaccharide microcarrier includes (1) a cross-linked polysaccharide microcarrier base having a neutral or negative charge at pH 7, and (ii) a polypeptide conjugated to the base. The polypeptide may contain a cell adhesive sequence, such as RGD. Cells cultured with such microcarriers exhibit peptide-specific binding to the microcarriers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising one or more fluid channels, one or more fluid ports, and a V-shaped particle retention structure. The fluid channel is generally opposite the particle retention structure, fluid ports are located between the fluid channel and the particle retention structure, and the particle retention structure has sloped side walls. Fluid, including reagents, can be delivered to the microfluidic device through the one or more fluid channels or the fluid ports. The invention also relates to methods of using the microfluidic device to monitor, observe, measure, or record a biological parameter of a particle, to separate a single particle from a group of particles, to culture a cell, to treat a particle, and to move a particle back and forth in the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for the growth of microorganisms for the production of organic chemicals, for example, coenzyme Q10.

Abstract: Cell culture media, concentrated media and feeds, methods of manufacturing cell culture media and feeds, and methods of culturing cells are provided. One or more small peptides, including dipeptides are added to the cell culture media to provide improved stability and improved conditions for culturing cells.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for cultivating micro-organisms on solid growth medium in a solid state fermenting reactor by utilising external vibration for transportation and even inoculation of the solid growth medium. The reactor to be used is realized by attaching an external vibrator and at least one inoculation feed inlet to its outer wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an alanine-rich yeast containing alanine at a high concentration and includes: a method involving liquid-culturing a yeast in a stationary phase of proliferation under the condition that the pH of a liquid medium is ?7.5 and <11; a method for producing an alanine-rich yeast by adjusting the pH of a liquid medium to ?7.5 and <11, and then culturing the yeast in this pH range; a method of producing an alanine-rich yeast, wherein the yeast is Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Candida utilis; an alanine-rich yeast obtained by any one of said methods; an alanine-rich yeast extract extracted from said alanine-rich yeast; a seasoning composition including said alanine-rich yeast extract; and an alanine-containing food and drink including said alanine-rich yeast, said alanine-rich yeast extract or said seasoning composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the enrichment of non-photosynthetic micro-organisms with organic selenium, and more particularly with selenomethionine, from a compound of the seleno-hydroxyacid type such as 2-hydroxy-4-methylseleno-butanoic acid in the (D, L) form or in the form of an enantiomer, salt, ester, or amide derivative of said compound, and to the use of micro-organisms, particularly bacteria thus enriched in the fields of animal or human nutrition, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A method for producing ethanol by fermentation includes the preparation of a starter culture, inoculation of a mash with the starter culture, fermentation of the mash, and recovery of ethanol from the mash. The starter culture includes a tallow base with Chinese tallow tree parts and water which are inoculated with micro-organisms, where the micro-organisms include yeast. The micro-organisms are grown in the tallow base, and used to inoculate the mash. The mash is then fermented, and ethanol is recovered from the mash.

Abstract: A method for producing a microbial growth stimulant (MGS) from a plant biomass is described. In one embodiment, an ammonium hydroxide solution is used to extract a solution of proteins and ammonia from the biomass. Some of the proteins and ammonia are separated from the extracted solution to provide the MGS solution. The removed ammonia can be recycled and the proteins are useful as animal feeds. In one embodiment, the method comprises extracting solubles from pretreated lignocellulosic biomass with a cellulase enzyme-producing growth medium (such T. reesei) in the presence of water and an aqueous extract.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for culturing yeast at a neutral pH level. Yeast cultured under neutral pH conditions exhibit desirable characteristics useful for biological purposes, such as the development of vaccines, prophylactics and therapeutics. The invention also provides for compositions and kits comprising yeast grown using the methodologies disclosed herein.

Abstract: Effective processes are provided for the production of xylitol and ethanol and other products from solutions derived from lignocellulose-containing material in biomass. The solutions can be hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed before being fermented with microbes. The fermented solution can be distilled and can be subsequently separated, such as, by chromatographic separation, membrane separation, etc. The recovered xylitol solution can be crystallized to provide pure xylitol crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of fermentation-based products, through the fermentation of a carbohydrate substrate in the presence of a microorganism capable of fermentation. The fermentation process may be enhanced through use of a rice bran material as a nutrient source.

Abstract: The production process for yeast for fat-soluble component extraction according to the invention comprises a breeding step wherein yeast having fat-soluble components to be extracted are bred, in such a manner that the pH of the medium decreases as growth proceeds, until falling below the limit of the breedable pH range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of fermentation media. More specifically, the invention provides a method for preparing a composition useful for culturing microbial cells wherein whole and/or autolysed yeast cells are enzymatically treated to obtain the composition. The microbial cultures obtained have increased stability and are useful in the manufacturing of food, feed and as a pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medium for the detection and/or identification of a Candida yeast, the medium comprising: a chromogen; carbohydrate in the range 1-5 gms/liter; and an alcohol; the medium being such that growth of the Candida yeast under appropriate conditions results in hydrolysis of the chromogen to generate a chromophore of a derived color which is a different color from that generated by hydrolysis of the chromogen in a standard medium.

Abstract: A fermentation process for the production of ethanol from natural sources, such as corn, comprising introducing a fermentable sugar, an inoculant, and a stabilized chlorine dioxide into a fermentation system is disclosed. The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added preventatively to the fermentation system, at concentrations in the fermentation system of acetic acid no greater than 0.30% (weight/volume) and lactic acid no greater than 0.60% (weight/volume). The stabilized chlorine dioxide is added in an amount effective to substantially prevent growth of bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising one or more fluid channels, one or more fluid ports, and a V-shaped particle retention structure. The fluid channel is generally opposite the particle retention structure, fluid ports are located between the fluid channel and the particle retention structure, and the particle retention structure has sloped side walls. Fluid, including reagents, can be delivered to the microfluidic device through the one or more fluid channels or the fluid ports. The invention also relates to methods of using the microfluidic device to monitor, observe, measure, or record a biological parameter of a particle, to separate a single particle from a group of particles, to culture a cell, to treat a particle, and to move a particle back and forth in the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the culturing of cells by continuous perfusion culturing of a cell culture comprising cell culture medium and cells, wherein cell culture medium is added to the cell culture, the cell culture is circulated over a filter module comprising hollow fibers resulting in an outflow of liquid having a lower cell density than the cell culture and the flow within the filter module is an alternating tangential flow. Preferably, culture medium is added at a particular perfusion rate and/or biomass is removed form the culture at least once. The method is especially suitable for the culturing of aggregating cells. The invention also relates to such a process wherein a biological substance, preferably an antibody, is produced by the cells, which biological substance may be further purified in downstream processing.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of a gene involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids containing unsaturation at the carbon 9 position (i.e., “?9-elongase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, ?9-elongase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) to eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6). The production of dihomo-?-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) from eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6), and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) from dihomo-?-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) is then catalyzed by ?8-desaturase and ?5-desaturase, respectively. AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: A microorganism culture medium comprising a derivative A? of a chromogen A, and a chromogen B, where the chromogen A is a chromogen being oxidized to a colorant, and the chromogen B is a chromogen being reduced to a colorant. The derivative A? acts as a substrate of an enzyme generated when a microorganism is growing, and is then converted to the chromogen A, and the derivative A? and the chromogen B are substantially not colored in the culture medium unless a microorganism is inoculated.

Abstract: Effective processes are provided for the production of xylitol and ethanol and other products from solutions derived from lignocellulose-containing material in biomass. The solutions can be hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed before being fermented with microbes. The fermented solution can be distilled and can be subsequently separated, such as, by chromatographic separation, membrane separation, etc. The recovered xylitol solution can be crystallized to provide pure xylitol crystals.

Abstract: Media and kits are disclosed for use in processes requiring microbial culture. More specifically, the invention provides carrageenan-stabilized agar-based microbial culture media and kits constructed using the media. The media and kits of the invention may allow the construction of kits with increased shelf stability and useful life. Further, the media and kits of the invention may be used in kits and methods useful in the manual determination of the type of infection present in a specimen in periods of about 24 hours. The stabilized culture media of the invention are useful in a broad variety of applications. In an embodiment, the media contains both an agar medium and iota carrageenan.

Abstract: Disclosed is a yeast cell whose genetic complement includes an inactive allele of the yeast CDC7 gene, a first nucleic acid that encodes a mammalian Cdc7 protein, and a second nucleic acid that encodes a mammalian Dbf4 protein. The yeast cell is dependent on the mammalian Cdc7 and Dbf4 proteins for viability. The yeast cell can be used to identify potential anti-proliferative agents by virtue of their inhibition of the mammalian Cdc7 and Dbf4 proteins. In some embodiments, a control yeast cell which does not depend on Cdc7 for viability is used in a secondary screen.

Abstract: A cellophane agar medium is made of a cellophane piece with groove portions on at least one surface thereof and a nutritious agar formed on the surface of the cellophane piece via the groove portions. Then, the cellophane agar medium is disposed under wet condition, and a microbe is inoculated and cultivated on the cellophane agar medium. A fixing solution is added to the cellophane agar medium to fix the microbe to the cellophane agar medium. Thereafter, a given sample is made of the cellophane agar medium with the microbe and then, observed with a scanning electron microscope or a transmission electron microscope.

Abstract: Provided is a process of and product resulting from adding a sub-lethal amount of a peroxide, or said peroxide in combination with sub-lethal ultra violet radiation, to a growing culture of a yeast; observing the change in absorbance of the culture at 256 nm as a measure of the injury occurring to the yeast cells, and upon reaching a predetermined absorbance value, purifying the water-soluble yeast extract from the peroxide containing yeast culture. The resulting product has at least 1.5 respiratory units per mg dry weight and has significantly increased amounts of 15, 25 and 55 kilo Daltons (kD) molecular weight products compared to a Live Yeast Cell Derivative as determined by SDS slab gel electrophoresis. This product can be combined with a cosmetically acceptable carrier to provide a composition suitable for topical application to the skin.