Abstract: An isolated and purified bacterium is provided which was isolated from a high-level radioactive waste site of mixed waste. The isolate has the ability to degrade a wide variety of organic contaminants while demonstrating high tolerance to ionizing radiation. The organism is uniquely suited to bioremediation of a variety or organic contaminants while in the presence of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The method aims at obtaining from waste and more particularly from municipal solid waste (MSW) the energy contained therein at the highest level for industrial use by means of natural technologies and with low environmental impact. The method, denoted by the acronym NEW (Natural Energy from Waste) operates through the following process phases: a) aerobic digestion of the putrescible biological part to produce stabilized waste which is easy to handle, b) separation of a fraction rich in materials with a high heat value, c) storage of the residue, rich in biodegradable and inert substances, compacted into appropriate geometrical shapes in bioreactors which can be activated and sealed, d) activation of the bioreactors with water and their service in time during anaerobic digestion to supply biogas to be used for the production of energy, e) bio-stabilization and dehydration of the residual material of the anaerobic treatment with air, f) possible recovery of the materials produced in this way.

Abstract: Processes, systems, and methods for producing combustible gas from wet biomass are provided. In one aspect, for example, a process for generating a combustible gas from a wet biomass in a closed system is provided. Such a process may include growing a wet biomass in a growth chamber, moving at least a portion of the wet biomass to a reactor, heating the portion of the wet biomass under high pressure in the reactor to gasify the wet biomass into a total gas component, separating the gasified component into a liquid component, a non-combustible gas component, and a combustible gas component, and introducing the liquid component and non-combustible gas component containing carbon dioxide into the growth chamber to stimulate new wet biomass growth.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the heterologous expression of a secondary metabolite encoded by a biosynthetic pathway. Also provided is a method for introducing a large sized DNA molecule into the chromosome of a heterologous host using a transposable element. Novel myxochromide S derivatives are also provided.

Abstract: Production of heterologous protein by fungal cells is good when the feeding medium comprises a carbon source comprising 50 to 100 wt % of ethanol and an inducer.

Abstract: A method for producing ethanol from cellulose, the method including the steps of hydrolyzing said cellulose with enzymes produced by ethanologenic microorganisms to form a fermentable sugar or mixture of fermentable sugars, and fermenting the fermentable sugars with a yeast consortium to produce ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of ethanol by harvesting starch-accumulating filament-forming or colony-forming algae to form a biomass, initiating cellular decay of the biomass, fermenting the biomass in the presence of a yeast, and the isolating the ethanol produced. The present invention further relates to processing of the biomass remaining after ethanol production to recovering biodiesel starting materials and/or generation of heat and carbon dioxide via combustion.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel synthetic or natural E4orf4 or Bcl-2 peptides particularly useful in antitumoral, antiviral and antiparasitic treatments, said peptides being less than 30 amino acids long and binding in vitro to a phosphatase 2A protein holoenzyme or one of its subunits. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the novel peptides, vectors expressing same, as well as antibodies identifying same and probes identifying transcripts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for reducing solid waste volume and landfill mass. More particularly, the process of the present invention is directed to reducing organic waste with or without production and collection of a useful product. The process of the present invention involves supplying at least one oxidizing agent in the presence of an aqueous medium into organic materials. The oxidizing agent oxidizes and breaks down a portion of these materials. After addition of the oxidizing agent, at least one species of microorganism may be supplied into the channel and the microorganism consumes the oxidized organic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microbial hydrogen-producing process, comprising: providing at least one Clostridium microbe and at least one Bacillus microbe; and co-culturing said at least one Clostridium microbe and said at least one Bacillus microbe in a fermentation culture system to produce hydrogen. The present invention also provides a microbial hydrogen-producing system, characterized by that the system comprises at least one Clostridium microbe and at least one Bacillus microbe, and it uses an organic waste medium as the substrate to perform a hydrogen-producing fermentation having high efficiency, high stability, and high reproducibility.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring set of microbial organisms. The set of organisms includes: at least a first constituent complementary metabolizing organism (CMO) exhibiting the ability to metabolize a first carbon substrate and having substantially impaired metabolic capacity for a second carbon substrate, and at least a second constituent complementary metabolizing organism (CMO) exhibiting the ability to metabolize the second carbon substrate and having substantially impaired metabolic capacity for the first carbon substrate, wherein a co-culture of the at least first and second CMOs exhibit simultaneous metabolism of a mixture having the first and second carbon substrates compared to either CMO alone. Simultaneous metabolism of a mixture having first and second carbon substrates can include an enhanced rate of metabolism of the first and second substrates compared to either CMO alone. Also provided is a bioprocess for producing a chemical compound.

Abstract: Methods for producing immunoglobulin molecules or immunologically functional immunoglobulin fragments, the fragments comprising at least functional portions of the variable domains of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, are described. The methods comprise producing the heavy and the light chains in two separate host cells and refolding the immunoglobulin molecule or fragment ex vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides a curing agent comprising a plant-based nitrite derived from plant material comprising nitrate and a process for preparing the curing agent comprising contacting a plant material with an organism capable of converting nitrate to nitrite. The curing agent can be used to preserve or cure meat or meat products.

Abstract: A simple and efficient method of producing mammalian reovirus is developed using HEK 293 cells. The method provides for fast production of reovirus in high yield. Furthermore, this method provides for a simpler purification procedure of the produced reovirus.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for making compound microbial preparation to improve soil quality, activate soil, effectively degrade soil pollution, and help growth of crops is comprised of having first individual cultivation of multiple single microbial series; each microbial series during the individual cultivation producing multiple life organisms; followed by crossing cultivation among those single microbial series in a specific sequence to develop a compound microbial preparation containing multiple single microbial series, multiple hormones produced by individual microbial series, and hormones produced by each single microbial series during the cross cultivation.

Abstract: An isolated microbial consortium is described that includes a first microbial consortium having Thermacetogenium phaeum to metabolize a complex hydrocarbon substrate into metabolic products comprising an acetate compound. The consortium also includes a second microbial consortium having a methanogen to convert the acetate compound into a final product that includes methane. Also, a method of increasing production of materials with enhanced hydrogen content. The method includes isolating Thermacetogenium phaeum from geologic formation water, culturing the isolated Thermacetogenium phaeum to increase the Thermacetogenium phaeum population, and introducing a consortium of the cultured Thermacetogenium phaeum, which may include spores of Thermacetogenium phaeum, into a hydrocarbon formation containing a complex hydrocarbon substrate.

Abstract: A biocomposite is produced from natural fiber fabrics embedded in a matrix of biosynthetic polyhydroxy-alkanoate (PHA) polymers. The PHA is synthesized using aerobic microbial biosynthesis using mixed bacterial cultures and a feedstock containing anaerobic degradation products such as methane and volatile fatty acids derived from microbial biodegradation of organic waste materials, which may include waste biocomposites. Monomers may be added to the synthesized PHA polymer to control mechanical properties of the resulting biocomposite. The natural fibers and/or PHA may be pretreated using various techniques to improve the bond between the fibers and the PHA resin matrix and water absorption resistance of the fibers. The composite may be a laminate of treated and untreated fabric layers, or differently treated layers, to achieve good in-service performance as well as rapid and/or optimal biogas production when taken out of service and put in an anaerobic environment to degrade.

Abstract: Provided are an Escherichia species microorganism and Corynebacterium species microorganism that are transformed with a foreign NADP dependent glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene and have the ability to produce L-lysine and a method of producing L-lysine using the microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for decreasing the foam formation during cultivation of a microorganism and to a method for producing an enhanced amount of a product of interest. The method comprises that the microorganism is modified in such a way that the microorganism does not produce an essential amount of at least one of the proteins, polypeptides or peptides associated with foam formation during cultivation of the unmodified microorganism. In particular the method comprises that the microorganism is modified not to produce an essential amount of amphipathic or hydrophobic proteins, polypeptides or peptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for generating infectious Newcastle disease virus (NDV) entirely from cloned full-length cDNA and to the use of vaccines and diagnostic assays generated with and derived from the process. The process offers the possibility to modify the NDV genome by means of genetic modification and allows for the introduction of mutations, deletions and/or insertions. The process can be used to modify the virulence of NDV, thus generating new attenuated live vaccines with enhanced properties. The process can be used to modify the antigenic make-up of NDV, to allow the generation of live NDV marker vaccines that can be serologically distinguished from NDV field strains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel obligately symbiotic thermophile Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 (Accession NO: KCTC 0685BP), and a thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1. The present invention also relates to a pure culture method of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1, a method of growth measurement for Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 and its relative symbiotic bacteria showing low-growth yield using nitrate respiration, and a screening method of relative symbiotic strains of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 from the environment using a specific antibody to it. Therefore, the thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 in this invention can provide more stable catalysts in enzymatic biotransformation processes which enzymatically produce valuable medico-amino acids 3,4-dehydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) and L-tryptophan.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel Methylobacterium species that are capable of degrading nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds. Compositions, kits and methods of using the Methylobacterium species for the degradation of nitroaromatic and nitramine pollutants are provided. More specifically, compositions and methods for the degradation or bioremediation of nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives and explosive residues are provided.

Abstract: A process for bacterial oxidation of sulphide ores and concentrates in which the ore or concentrate is leached with a bacterial culture containing one or more strains of both Sulfobacillus and Thermoplasma.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a bacterial composition having immunomodulation properties comprising at least one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus PTA-4797, Lactobacillus plantarum PTA-4799, Lactobacillus salivarius PTA-4800, Lactobacillus paracasei PTA-4798, Bifidobacterium bifidum PTA-4801 and Bifidobacterium lactis PTA-4802. An other subject of the invention is an immunomodulation method comprising the step of using the at least one strain selected from the preceding group.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of ethanol by harvesting starch-accumulating filament-forming or colony-forming algae to form a biomass, initiating cellular decay of the biomass in a dark and anaerobic environment, fermenting the biomass in the presence of a yeast, and the isolating the ethanol produced. The present invention further relates to processing of the biomass remaining after ethanol production to recovering biodiesel starting materials and/or generation of heat and carbon dioxide via combustion.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of gallic acid using co-culture comprising providing a tannin-rich mixed substrate and a culture medium in fluid communication with each other, adding an induced innoculum comprising the fungi Rhizopus oryzae and Aspergillus foetidus to the substrate to obtain a fermented mass and gallic acid, extracting the gallic acid from the culture medium and the fermented mass using an organic solvent followed by evaporation of the organic solvent to obtain gallic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel process of lignin degradation using a consortium of bacteria. To date, biodegradation of lignin has been centered to fungi only. Degradation of lignin by bacteria confer a new understanding that may be of tremendous industrial significance. This invention also discloses the isolation and acclimatization of ligninolytic bacteria from a specific site.

Abstract: A biodegradation process for the organophosphonate product of Sarin (O-isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) hydrolysis, i.e., isopropylmethylphosphonate (IMPA). This process provides a feasible biodegradation demilitarization alternative to Sarin incineration. Public opposition of nerve agent incineration is widespread, and alternative methods are sought to help the U.S. Army meet the 2007 demilitarization deadline imposed by the Chemical Weapons Convention. This process uses a two-step approach to IMPA biodegradation. In the first step, a concentrated IMPA solution is used as the sole nutritional carbon and phosphorus source for microbial cultures. The second step involves diluting the culture and adding an inexpensive carbon source to encourage bacterial phosphate assimilation. The biodegradation typically involves a consortium of microorganisms comprising Methylobacterium radiotolerans GB21, Agrobacterium tumefaciens GB2GA, Klebsiella oxytoca GB2CS, GB272, Aureobacterium sp.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for producing high titer, substantially purified preparations of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) that can be used as vectors for gene delivery. At the onset of vector production, AAV producer cells of this invention typically comprise one or more AAV packaging genes, an AAV vector comprising a heterologous (i.e. non-AAV) transgene of interest, and a helper virus such as an adenovirus. The AAV vector preparations produced are generally replication incompetent but are capable of mediating delivery of a transgene of interest (such as a therapeutic gene) to any of a wide variety of tissues and cells. The AAV vector preparations produced according to this invention are also substantially free of helper virus as well as helper viral and cellular proteins and other contaminants. The invention described herein provides methods of producing rAAV particles by culturing producer cells under conditions, such as temperature and pH, that promote release of virus.

Abstract: A process for the heterotrophic or predominantly heterotrophic production of whole-celled or extracted microbial products with a high concentration of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, producible in an aerobic culture under controlled conditions using biologically pure cultures of heterotrophic single-celled fungi microorganisms of the order Thraustochytriales. The harvested whole-cell microbial product can be added to processed foods as a nutritional supplement, or to fish and animal feeds to enhance the omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid content of products produced from these animals. The lipids containing these fatty acids can also be extracted and used in nutritional, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel obligately symbiotic thermophile Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1(Accession NO: KCTC 0685BP), and a thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1. The present invention also relates to a pure culture method of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1, a method of growth measurement for Symbiobacterium toebu SC-1 and its relative symbiotic bacteria showing low-growth yield using nitrate respiration, and a screening method of relative symbiotic strains of Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 from the environment using a specific antibody to it. Therefore, the thermostable L-tyrosine phenol-lyase and L-tryptophan indole-lyase produced by Symbiobacterium toebii SC-1 in this invention can provide more stable catalysts in enzymatic biotransformation processes which enzymatically produce valuable medico-amino acids 3,4-dehydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) and L-tryptophan.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrolyzed fermented medium containing microorganisms includes providing at least one solid plant product reduced to small pieces and mixed with sugar and biocompatible liquid such as milk for fermentation at a temperature of between 35 and 58 degrees C. until the acidity of the medium reaches the range of 300 to 900 in Terner degrees. Alternatively, the medium is prepared by mixing in predetermined amounts of sprouted grains, biocompatible liquid inoculated with at least one of a variety of non-pathogenic microorganisms, vegetables, fruits, berries, high protein products, herbs, sugar, and a chemical element such as potassium. The mixture is then fermented at a selected temperature for a specified length of time to reach high acidity and high concentration of products of bacterial metabolism. A liquid phase is separated from a solid sediment phase and can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide sequences enabling mycobacteria to adhere to host cells (e.g., epithelial cells). More particularly, the invention relates to a mycobacterial heparin-binding haemagglutinin type antigen from M. bovis ECG or M. tuberculosis. The invention also relates to a recombinant peptide sequence enabling mycobacteria to adhere to host cells. The polypeptides can be used to prepare vaccines against mycobacterial infections and for serological diagnosis of mycobacterial infections.

Abstract: A polyester containing aromatic moieties is contacted with microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester to decompose or reduce it. Preferably, either or both of Trichosporon FERM BP-6445 or Arthrobacter FERM BP-6444 was contacted with the polyester to decompose or reduce it. A fiber made of the polyester or a cloth made of such fiber may be reduced by contacting it with the microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester.

Abstract: The biological addition to organic-mineral fertilizers contains two bacteria associations taken in the ratio 1–2:0.5–1, with one of the associations containing Azotobacter chroococcum and Beijerinckia fluminensis nitrogen binding bacteria in the ratio 1–0.5:1–0.5 and the other association containing Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus mucilaginosis bacteria, which decompose phosphorus- and potassium containing compounds, in the ratio 1–5:0.5–2, as well as a preservative and micro- and macroelements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the major OprI lipoprotein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to elicit a Type-1 immune response towards a heterologous antigen. The invention relates specifically to the use of OprI—antigen fusion proteins to elicit the Type-1 response. More particularly, the present invention is directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising OprI and/or OprI fusion proteins, optionally together with a suitable excipient, to stimulate the Th1 dependent, cellular immune response.

Abstract: A method of detecting increased levels of DNA single strand breaks in a eukaryotic cell sample, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a eukaryotic cell sample to a water-soluble tetrazolium salt under conditions in which said tetrazolium salt is converted to a formazan dye in said cell sample in the presence of NADH or NADPH; and then (b) detecting the presence of the formazan dye in said cell sample, with decreased levels of the formazan dye indicating increased levels of DNA single strand breaks in the eukaryotic cell sample.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes a biologically active compound bound by a glycoprotein matrix. A method is also provided for the manufacture of a composition of the invention. The glycoprotein matrix can be formed by permitting the growth of glycoprotein producing bacteria in the presence of the active ingredient. The composition of the invention provides a method for increasing the stability and bioactivity of the active ingredient. A method is also provided for administering an active ingredient to a host by utilizing a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: This invention is directed to Bacillus mutants which produce a factor which potentiates the pesticidal activity of a Bacillus related pesticide, a chemical pesticide and/or a virus with pesticidal properties.

Abstract: A process for converting organic waste materials into useable products and products thereof is disclosed. According to the process, organic waste materials are contacted with ozone thereby converting said waste material to a substrate or medium. The substrate is a product of the process and it may be further contacted with organisms for bioconversion to further products. The organisms can include bacteria, yeast, fungi, plant cells, animal cells and genetically engineered organisms which are selected for their ability to bioconvert the substrate and produce a selected product.

Abstract: A nucleic acid having a first nucleotide sequence encoding an infectious hepatitis C virus, a second nucleotide sequence encoding a ribozyme, and an inducible promoter operably linked to the first and second nucleotide sequences, the ribozyme being configured to remove a 3′ sequence unnecessary for replication of the infectious hepatitis C virus from a transcript initiated by the inducible, is described. A cell containing the nucleic acid and methods of using the cell are also described.

Abstract: A modified water-immiscible solvent useful in the extraction of acetic acid from aqueous streams is a substantially pure mixture of isomers of highly branched di-alkyl amines. Solvent mixtures formed of such a modified solvent with a desired co-solvent, preferably a low boiling hydrocarbon, are useful in the extraction of acetic acid from aqueous gaseous streams. An anaerobic microbial fermentation process for the production of acetic acid employs such solvents, under conditions which limit amide formation by the solvent and thus increase the efficiency of acetic acid recovery. Methods for the direct extraction of acetic acid and the extractive fermentation of acetic acid also employ the modified solvents and increase efficiency of acetic acid production. Such increases in efficiency are also obtained where the energy source for the microbial fermentation contains carbon dioxide and the method includes a carbon dioxide stripping step prior to extraction of acetic acid in solvent.

Abstract: A mutated expandase enzyme having higher activity on penicillin G is provided to produce phenylacetyl-7-aminodeacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA), which mutated expandase enzyme has one or more amino acid substitutions selected form M73T, S79E, V275I, L277K, C281Y, G300V, N304K, I305L and I305M.

Abstract: Immobilized cell beads incorporating formulated microbial consortium comprising a synergistic mixture of the following bacterial strains namely, Enterobacter sakazaki, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas sobria selected from the following isolated bacterial strains namely, Yersinia enterocolitica, Aeromonas sobria, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia liquefaciens, Enterobacter sakazaki, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloaca, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus are prepared, the formulated microbial consortium is immobilized in an appropriate immobilizing agent resulting in the formation of beads and the beads are used for instant BOD estimation using an electronic device and the formulated cell beads are reusable and are capable of assimilating most of the organic matter present in varied industrial effluents.

Abstract: A probiotic composition and method for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, hyperlipidemia and autoimmune diseases. The probiotic composition comprises a culture having lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus lactic acid bacteria and a carbohydrate enriched media, whereby the culture and media are combined and allowed to ferment until a desired ratio of the lactobacillus bulgaricus and streptococcus thermophilus organisms as well as a desired number of total organisms per dose are achieved. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a probiotic composition of the present invention and administering the composition to a patient having at least one of gastrointestinal disorders, hyperlipidemia or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A method of generating and recovering gas from naturally existing subsurface formations Of coal, carbonaceous shale or organic-rich shales comprising the steps Of: injecting into fracture of the subsurface formation, under substantially anaerobic conditions, a consortia of selected anaerobic, biological microorganisms for in situ conversion of organic compounds in said formation into methane and other compounds; and producing methane through at least one well extending from said subsurface formation to the surfaces.

Abstract: A probiotic composition and method for the treatment of obesity. The probiotic composition comprises a culture having Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus lactic acid bacteria and a carbohydrate enriched media, whereby the culture and media are combined and allowed to ferment until a desired ratio of the Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus organisms as well as a desired number of total organisms per dose are achieved. Once the desired ratios are achieved, the composition is concentrated and lyophilized. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a probiotic composition of the present invention and administering the composition to a patient for the treatment of obesity.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic microbiology, and, more particularly, to compositions and methods for detecting and differentiating one or more viruses or other intracellular parasites present in a specimen. The present invention also provides compositions and methods to evaluate the susceptibility of a organisms to antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: A modified water-immiscible solvent useful in the extraction of acetic acid from aqueous streams is a substantially pure mixture of isomers of highly branched di-alkyl amines. This solvent is substantially devoid of mono-alkyl amines and alcohols. Solvent mixtures formed of such a modified solvent with a desired cosolvent, preferably a low boiling hydrocarbon which forms an azeotrope with water are useful in the extraction of acetic acid from aqueous gaseous streams. An anaerobic microbial fermentation process for the production of acetic acid employs such solvents, under conditions which limit amide formation by the solvent and thus increase the efficiency of acetic acid recovery. Methods for the direct extraction of acetic acid and the extractive fermentation of acetic acid also employ the modified solvents and increase efficiency of acetic acid production.