Abstract: A production method of hemp fiber for spinning, the method including: an immersion treatment process of immersing raw hemp fiber in a treatment liquid including an alkali, water, and at least one type of enzyme selected from the group consisting of cellulose-degrading enzymes and glycosidic bond hydrolyzing enzymes for an immersion time of from 30 minutes to 60 minutes under conditions of a temperature of from 60° C. to 100° C.; a water-washing process of washing the immersion treated hemp fiber with water; and a drying process of drying the water-washed hemp fiber.

Abstract: Nonwoven textile fabrics in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin. The nonwoven fabric can include staple fibers to a lesser extent than the individualized bast fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven textile fabric is formed into a web while in a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: Whole corn kernels or particles thereof are enzymatically disassembled. The method can produce a solid starch fraction, a solid pericarp fraction, and a liquid fraction. A high purity starch solids product can be provided suitable for use as a feedstock in other chemical processes.

Abstract: In various implementations, methods may be implemented to extract pectin from citrus peel. The methods may include using a mild organic acid, an enzyme, or a mild organic acid/enzyme combination, to extract at least a portion of the pectin from the citrus peel. The methods may further include using high temperature and a short extraction time. In some implementations, no additional water is added, other than the water necessary to originally prime the system. The methods may further involve pressing the citrus peel or fruit waste to reduce the moisture content before adding the acid, enzyme, or acid/enzyme combination. In some implementations, the extracted pectin may be provided as a concentrated liquid or may be combined with cellulose and/or hemi-cellulose to form a composite ingredient.

Abstract: A method for making particles containing carboxyalkyl cellulose, comprising blending a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a starch in water to provide an aqueous gel; treating the aqueous gel with a crosslinking agent to provide a crosslinked gel; drying the crosslinked gel to provide a solid; comminuting the solid to provide a plurality of particles.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to novel methods and compositions for the production processes of algae cell components from algae of the genus Scenedesmus. The extractability of algae cellular components is improved and the process is optimized and accelerated by using the enzyme compositions according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for expanding an endothelial progenitor cell in vitro. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for culturing a hemangioblast comprising incubating a hemangioblast in a serum-free culture medium containing one or more factors selected from the group consisting of stem cell growth factor, interleukin-6, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 and thrombopoietin, and a vascular endothelial cell produced by the method; and a serum-free culture medium containing one or more factors selected from the group consisting of stem cell growth factor, interleukin-6, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and thrombopoietin, and a kit for the preparation of the serum-free culture medium and the like.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining citrus fiber from citrus pulp. Citrus fiber is obtained having a c* close packing concentration value of less than 3.8. The citrus fiber can be obtained having a viscosity of at least 1000 mPa·s, wherein said citrus fiber is dispersed in standardized water at a mixing speed of from 800 rpm to 1000 rpm, to a 3 w/w % citrus fiber/standardized water solution, and wherein said viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 5 s?1 at 20° C. Citrus fiber can be obtained having a CIELAB L* value of at least 90. The citrus fiber can be used in food products, feed products, beverages, personal care products, pharmaceutical products or detergent products.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for modifying citrus fiber. Citrus fiber is obtained having a c* close packing concentration value of less than 3.8 w %, anhydrous basis. The citrus fiber can have a viscosity of at least 1000 mPa·s, wherein said citrus fiber is dispersed in standardized water at a mixing speed of from 800 rpm to 1000 rpm, to a 3 w/w % citrus fiber/standardized water solution, and wherein said viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 5 s?1 at 20 C. Citrus fiber can be obtained having a CIELAB L* value of at least 90. The citrus fiber can be used in food products, feed products, beverages, personal care products, pharmaceutical products or detergent products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency and specific activity.

Abstract: A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organisms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry.

Abstract: A method of degumming jute fibers with complex enzyme, wherein said complex enzyme comprises pectinase and laccase, comprises the steps of: a. soaking the jute fibers in the water solution of said complex enzyme made from pectinase and laccase and adjusting the weight proportion of said complex enzyme water solution and said jute fibers; b. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a first temperature, then keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the first temperature for a certain period of time; c. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a second temperature; then, keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the second temperature for another period of time; d. conducting enzyme deactivation of the jute fibers processed with said complex enzyme.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated 10216740 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10216740 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10216740 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10216740, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10216740. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10216740.

Abstract: A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organisms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency and specific activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue to a satisfactory level within a short period. Also disclosed is a bacterium for use in the method. Further disclosed is a material for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue, which contains the bacterium. A bacterium is found which is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue under natural conditions satisfactorily and stably. The bacterium can be used for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue. A material containing cells of Bacillus pumilus KS-C4 strain (FERM BP-10842) that is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue or a culture of the cell is added to a plant residue.

Abstract: A method of making a Bacillus alpha-amylase variant that increases alpha-amylase production and the alpha-amy-lases produced thereby. The recombinant alpha-amylases can be placed in compositions and used for purposes of laundry detergents, cleaning and dishwashing detergents, fabric desizing, starch liquefaction, cereal liquefaction, starch saccharification, biofilm removal, and starch hydrolysis in cane sugar processing.

Abstract: Using site-directed mutagenesis to mutate the Xanthomonas campestris pectate lyase gene, variants of Xanthomonas campestris pectate lyase with improved thermostability and/or enzymatic activity have been expressed in Escherichia coli, and then isolated and purified. The mutant Xanthomonas campestris pectate lyases are more effective than the wild-type enzyme, also expressed in E. coli, in removing pectic compounds from natural hemp fiber.

Abstract: Antibodies or fragments thereof having CDR regions replaced or fused with biologically active peptides are described. Flanking sequences may optionally be attached at one or both the carboxy-terminal and amino-terminal ends of the peptide in covalent association with adjacent framework regions. Compositions containing such antibodies or fragments thereof are useful in therapeutic and diagnostic modalities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified monocotyledonous plant cells and plants whose starch has an apparent amylose content of less than 5% by weight and an increased activity of a protein with the activity of a starch synthase II and an increased activity of a protein with the activity of a glucan, water dikinase. Such plants synthesize starch with an increased hot-water swelling power. Methods and processes for the generation/preparation of these plant cells, plants, starches and flours are likewise subject matter of the present invention.

Abstract: Pseudomonas saccharophila G4-forming amylase (PS4), and variants thereof, advantageously can be used in an enzyme-catalyzed high temperature liquefaction step to produce ethanol from starch, e.g., cornstarch. PS4 produces significant amounts of maltotrioses, which can be utilized by S. cerevisiae in a subsequent fermentation step to produce ethanol. This property of PS4 advantageously allows ethanol to be produced from liquefacted starch in the absence of a saccharification step. PS4 variants are provided that exhibit improved properties, such as thermostability and/or altered exo-specific and endo-specific amylase activity.

Abstract: Variants of B. licheniformis alpha-amylase exhibit improved enzymatic performance, including increased themostability and reduced calcium dependence. Compositions comprising the variants are useful in methods of starch processing, starch liquefaction, fermatation, starch saccharification, cleaning, laundrying, textile desizing, baking, and biofilm removal. The nucleic acids encoding the variants are also disclosed.

Abstract: SHE, a Starch Hydrolytic Enzyme active in maize endosperm (Zea mays), and the cDNA sequence encoding SHE are disclosed. The specificity of native, purified SHE is similar, in general terms, to previously known alpha-amylases. However, the activity of SHE toward amylopectin results in hydrolysis products that are distinctly different from those of other alpha-amylases. SHE, and its homologous equivalents in other plants such as rice, Arabidopsis, apple and potato, can be used in starch processing for generating different, e.g., larger sized, alpha-limit dextrins for industrial use, as compared to those generated by previously known alpha-amylases or other starch hydrolytic enzymes. In addition, modification of the expression of this enzyme in transgenic maize plants or in other transgenic organisms (including bacteria, yeast, and other plant species) can be useful for the generation of novel starch forms or altered starch metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an isolated and purified enzyme with xylanolytic activity having more than 70% homology, preferably more than 80% homology with the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 11.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for liquefaction and saccharification of polysacharide containing biomasses having high dry matter content (>20%) and preferably possessing large average particle size. The polysaccharide containing biomasses are subject to enzymatic hydrolysis in a mixer that utilizes “free fall” mixing. “Free fall” mixing provides mechanical degradation of the biomass during hydrolysis and, in the case of lignocellulosic biomass, promotes movement of cellulase enzymes along cellulose chains, which improves enzymatic hydrolysis at high dry matter.

Abstract: Novel variant ?-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which the residues corresponding to R179 and G180 in Bacillus stearothermophilus (SEQ ID NO.2) are deleted. The disclosed variant ?-amylase enzymes show altered or improved stability and/or activity profiles.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a yeast which is tolerant to copper and which can incorporate copper at a high concentration, and also a method of removing or recovering copper from extracellular solution. The present invention is copper-tolerant yeast and the pectinases produced by the yeast. Particularly, the present invention is copper-tolerant yeast Cryptococcus sp. N6 strain isolated from deep-sea sediments and the pectinases produced by the yeast.

Abstract: A class of wheat SBEII genes, called SBEII-1, can be used to influence properties of starch produced by a plant, including the gelatinization temperature of the starch. Such a starch is useful, for example, in certain industrial applications for the preparation or processing of foodstuffs such as bakery products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) (amino acids 236–242 of SEQ ID NO: 2) belonging to Family 1 of polysaccharide lyases have good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly process for the selective oxidation of carbohydrates. The process comprises the addition of a hydroperoxide, including hydrogen peroxide, to a carbohydrate having primary alcohol groups, particularly including polysaccharides, wherein said carbohydrate is contact with a nitroxyl radical mediator and the process is catalyzed by a peroxidase enzyme in the presence of halide ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high molecular weight Dermatophagoides proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, and therapeutic and diagnostic reagents derived from such proteins.

Abstract: A process of producing starch from plant material is provided which involves adding extraneous protein to the plant material. This produces a network of protein. The starch is isolated from the protein network/plant material mixture.

Abstract: A process for treating a pectin with a pectin methyl esterase (PME) is descibed. Here, the PME is not a plant PME—but the PME is capable of exhibiting at least one plant PME property; wherein the at least one plant PME property comprises at least block—wise de-esterification of the pectin.

Abstract: Enzyme feed supplements containing fungal cellulase produced by Trichoderma viride are specially adapted for increasing protein digestability of dairy cow and cattle feed. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include enzyme formulations adapted for application to corn and enzyme formulations adapted for application to grain sorghum, to which is added Trichoderma viride cellulase. An increase in protein digestability has been evidenced by increased protein content of milk and increased nitrogen retention from the feed.

Abstract: A method for obtaining starch from maize involving soaking maize kernels in water to produce soaked maize kernels, grinding the soaked maize kernels to produce a ground maize slurry, and incubating the ground maize slurry with enzyme (e.g., protease).

Abstract: An amino acid sequence is described that affects PME activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for enhancing the concentration of the fiber derived dissolved and colloidal substances in process water that comes from mechanical pulping. According to the invention, process water is treated with enzyme preparations that have an effect on carbohydrates and that contain mannanase and/or endoglucanase, in particular, which break down the soluble carbohydrate polymers contained by the process water into low molecular weight oligosaccharides. The treatment prevents an increase in viscosity so that process water can be concentrated into a high dry content, or the treatment can be used to lower the viscosity of previously concentrated process water to facilitate after-treatment.

Abstract: Novel alpha-amylase mutants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylases are disclosed. The mutant alpha-amylases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modifications of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally occurring or recombinant alpha-amylase to generate the substitution (replacement) or deletion of one or more oxidizable amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor alpha-amylase. Such mutant alpha-amylases have altered oxidative stability and/or altered pH performance profiles and/or altered thermal stability as compared to the precursor. Also disclosed are detergent and starch liquefaction compositions comprising the mutant amylases, as well as methods of using the mutant amylases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microbial pectate lyases, more specifically to microbial enzymes exhibiting pectate lyase activity as their major enzymatic activity in the neutral and alkaline pH ranges, to a method of producing such an enzyme, and to methods for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries.

Abstract: A method for causing gelling or increase of viscosity of an aqueous medium containing a gellable polymeric material having substituents with phenolic hydroxy groups comprises adding an oxidase, particularly a laccase, to the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A method of releasing particulates from a solid matrix is provided. The method is effected adding to the solid matrix a degrading enzyme capable of degrading the solid matrix, to thereby release the particulates from the solid matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having pectin acetylesterase activity and isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Pectin degrading enzymes derived from or endogeneous to Bacillus licheniformis or other Bacillus species which are at least 99% homologous to Bacillus licheniformis based on aligned 16S rDNA sequences have optimum activity at pH higher than 8. The pectin degrading enzymes belongs to the enzyme classes pectate lyases (EC 4.2.2.2), pectin lyases (EC 4.2.2.10) and polygalacturonases (EC 3.2.1.15) and are useful in industrial processes under alkaline conditions such as in textile processing and as an active ingredient eg in laundry detergents and hard surface cleaning products.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more of residues corresponding to A210, H405 and T412 in Bacillus licheniformis are mutated. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved stability and/or activity profiles.

Abstract: Animal feed compositions and methods for treating one or more of soy, pea or rape-seed, or other material derived from Fabales or Cruciferaceae, with an enzyme having rhamnogalacturonase activity, wherein the enzyme having rhamnogalacturonase activity cleaves a rhamnogalacturonan backbone to produce rhamnose as a non-reducing end (RGase II) or cleaves a rhamnogalaturonan backbone to produce galacturonic acid as a non-reducing end.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more disulfide bonds are introduced into the enzyme via addition or substitution of a residue with a cysteine. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved stability and/or activity profiles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to purifying starch granules from starch-bearing crops, preferably maize, which include treating starch granules with a thermally tolerant, broad pH range proteolytic enzyme that is specific for surface-associated proteins. Also disclosed are purified starch granules which are substantially free of surface-associated proteins. Uses of the isolated starch granules are disclosed.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for preparing fine-granuled starch from kernels of oats or rice. In the method, the kernels are ground and the starch is separated from the starch containing fraction obtained by the milling. An essential feature of the invention is that a suspension of the said fraction or of starch separated from it is treated with a surface-active agent or a lipolytic enzyme for disintegrating compound granules or aggregates of starch granules. Except the particle size, also functional properties of starch are affected. Disintegration of compound granules is enhanced by alkaline conditions and by mixing of the suspension. The fine-granuled starch obtained can be applied in foods and, for instance, for biodegradable plastics and for surface treatment agents. The invention can be included as a part of an integrated fractionation process, in which, in addition to starch, an oil fraction, an enriched fibre fraction, and a surplus fraction suitable for feed, are obtained.

Abstract: A recombinant .beta.-amylase which is superior to the original recombinant .beta.-amylase in thermostability has been obtained by a site-directed mutagenesis with the recombinant .beta.-amylase gene coding 531 amino acid residues. Substitutions were MET.sub.181 of said enzyme with Leu, Ser.sub.291 with Ala, Ile.sub.293 with Val, Ser.sub.346 with Pro, Ser.sub.347 with Pro, Gln.sub.348, with Asp and Ala.sub.372 with Ser.

Abstract: An enzyme exhibiting rhamnogalacturonase activity, capable of cleaving a rhamnogalacturonan backbone in such a manner that galacturonic acids are left as the non-reducing ends, and which exhibits activity on hairy regions from a soy bean material and/or on saponified hairy regions from a sugar beet material. The enzyme has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 and is encoded by the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1.