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: A method and mixture for denitrifying aerobic bacterial compositions and for aerobic methods for biological treatment of aqueous systems polluted by nitrogen waste products. A mixture of and limited to bacillus bacteria are added to the treatment subject. Optionally enzymes can be added to the mixture. Optionally a particulate carbon ingredient can be placed into the treatment subject. Optionally a living tissue ingredient can be used.

Abstract: An in vitro model system for viral infection is comprised of a tissue block from adult tonsil or lymph node supported on a matrix which is flexible and porous and wherin the supported tissue block is cultured in a medium whose surface is congruent with the tissue block/matrix interface. The histoculture system can be used to screen for antiviral drugs and to monitor the course of viral diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns lactic acid bacteria with anxiolytic properties and not inducing sedative effect. Said lactic acid bacteria are useful in particular for preparing foods or medicines.

Abstract: An immobilized microbial consortium is formulated which comprises of a synergistic mixture of isolated bacteria namely, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia enterocolitica, Serratia liquefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Enterobacter cloaca, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter amalonaticus and Enterobacter sakazaki. The formulated microbial consortium is immobilized on charged nylon membrane. The said immobilized microbial consortium is attached to dissolved oxygen probe for the preparation of electrode assembly. The prepared electrode assembly is used for rapid and reliable BOD estimation. The prepared electrode assembly is used for monitoring of BOD load of synthetic samples such as Glucose-Glutamic acid (GGA) used as a reference standard in BOD analysis and industrial effluents; covering a range from low to high biodegradable organic matter.

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 method for degrading an undesirable ether-based environmental contaminant by contacting the ether with a hydrogen-oxidizing microorganism to convert the ether to innocuous compounds which are environmentally acceptable, including treating the ether-based contaminants in situ or removing them from the contaminated site for treatment in a bioreactor, examples of the ether-based contaminants being tertiary butyl ethers of the type utilized as gasoline oxygenates, for example, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether, and methyl tert-amyl ether, and also ether solvents, for example, tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial strains useful for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The present invention further relates to the use of these strains for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose. The present invention further relates to the use of these novel bacterial strains for the production of pyrroloquinoline quinone and a nontoxic lipopolysaccharide. Also described is the strains of the present invention transformed by a vector.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a growth media for mass multiplication of bio-control fungi, comprising a chopped, shade-dried distillation waste in a plastic bag that is plugged with cotton followed by autoclaving and an inoculation of a strain of bio-control fungi such as Trichoderma harzianum or Gliocladium virens, and incubating the bags at room temperature for 14-30 days, and then shade drying and grinding the product to obtain a fine powder.

Abstract: An immobilized microbial consortium is formulated which comprises of a synergistic mixture of isolated bacteria namely, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia enterocolitica, Serratia liquefaciens, Pseudomonas fluoresces, Enterobacter cloaca, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter amalonaticus and Enterobacter sakazaki. The formulated microbial consortium is immobilized on charged nylon membrane. The said immobilized microbial consortium is attached to dissolved oxygen probe for the preparation of electrode assembly. The prepared electrode assembly is used for rapid and reliable BOD estimation. The prepared electrode assembly is used for monitoring of BOD load of synthetic samples such as Glucose-Glutamic acid (GGA) used as a reference standard in BOD analysis and industrial effluents; covering a range from low to high biodegradable organic matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial strains useful for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The present invention further relates to the use of these strains for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose. The present invention further relates to the use of these novel bacterial strains for the production of pyrroloquinoline quinone and a nontoxic lipopolysaccharide. Also described is the strains of the present invention transformed by a vector.

Abstract: Provided is an industrially advantageous process for producing S,S-2-hydroxypropylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid which does not use expensive optically active substances. S,S-2-hydroxypropylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid is stereospecifically produced from fumaric acid and 2-hydroxypropylenediamine by the action of ethylenediamine disuccinic acid ethylenediamine lyase (EDDS-ase) or from maleic acid and 2-hydroxypropylenediamine by combining the action of EDDS-ase with the action of maleic acid isomerase.

Abstract: An automated method for the silver metal staining of a biological specimen includes treating the biological specimen with a solution including non-gelling gelatin, a solution including a silver salt and a solution including a reducing agent. Non-gelling gelatin is soluble in cold water and the non-gelling gelatin solution can be formed and dispensed onto the biological specimen from liquid dispensers at room temperature. The method can be used in an automated process to detect spirochetes and other bacteria in tissue sections.

Abstract: Screening procedures are disclosed for identifying compounds useful for inhibiting infection or pathogenicity. Methods are also disclosed for identifying pathogenic virulence factors.

Abstract: A process is provided for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. Further, a process for producing lipids includes a fermentation by growing euryhaline microorganisms which are capable of producing 1.

Abstract: Rural biomass and other cellulosic materials are converted to a protein-enriched animal feed supplement or to single-cell protein by a series of bio-reactions. A first stage bio-reaction is a solid substrate bio-reaction. Enzymes, such as cellulase, produced by the first-stage bio-reaction are added to a second-stage bio-reaction. Raw second-stage bio-reaction feedstock is pretreated to hydrolyze hemicellulose and/or to partially digest starch in the feedstock. In the second-stage bio-reaction, the feedstock is substantially digested and single-cell protein is harvested in an aerobic bio-reaction, while ethanol is produced in an anaerobic reaction. Products of the invention can serve as feed supplements to enhance protein content of animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses high density antagonistic microbe base materials and a method of producing the same, more particularly, a method for—preparing high density antagonistic microbe base material comprising the steps of: inoculating a mixture of native microbes as main components to organic medium to obtain crude bacteria by subculture; and further inoculating the obtained crude bacteria in a culture medium consisting or crushed soil from volcanic rocks mineral, combined nutrients and water, culturing and then being subjected to air ventilation under agitating the cultured material along the rise in temperature.

Abstract: An immobilized microbial consortium is formulated which comprises of a synergistic mixture of all the bacterial strains of Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus circulans, Yersinia enterocolitica, Enterobacter cloaca and Bacillus brevis. The formulated microbial consortium is immobilized on a non-biodegradable and economically cheaper support. The said immobilized microbial consortium is used for the biodegradation of synthetic phenol as well as phenol present in petroleum refinery effluent. The results of biodegradation obtained with the microbial consortium immobilized on coconut fiber are compared with those obtained with microbial consortium immobilized on well known support. The coconut fiber used for immobilization proved to be a better support than a well known support such as calcium alginate.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treatment of animal feed or silage by treatment with a mixed culture of heterofermentive lactic acid bacteria and homofermentive lactic acid bacteria of the proper ratio. Bacterial strains for such treatment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacterial strains belonging to the genera Gluconobacter, Ketogulonogenium and Bacillus useful for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The present invention further relates to the use of these strains for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid in mixed culture by fermentative conversion of D-sorbitol. The present invention further relates to the strains of the present invention transformed by a vector.

Abstract: The populating method for populating a substrate with living cells provides a population with at least one populating phase and at least one perfusion phase. During the populating phase the substrate can be held in contact with the cell suspension by continuous rotation in various spatial arrangements. The populating device of the invention (10) comprises a rollable container (10a) and a removable insert in it with a means (12) for inserting the substrate being populated, such as a plastic or collagen matrix. The insert is designed so that in interaction with the inserted substrate, two liquid-tight chambers are formed within the container on opposite sides of the inserted substrate, so as to allow separate populating of both sides of the substrate. The container have liquid inlets and outlets (16) and may also have gas inlets and outlets. The rollable populating reactor (10) is inserted into a roller cabinet for certain phases of the populating.

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: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent corn-steep without a drying substrate, said corn-steep containing lactic acid. It also relates to a method of obtaining this pulverulent corn-steep as well as to its use in the fermentation industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel microorganism capable of oxidizing manganese such as the genus Cedecea bacterium GSJ/MITA24A/ASHO-RO/1, the genus Aeromonas bacterium GSJ/MITA24B/ASHO-RO/2, or the genus Shewanella bacterium GSJ/MITA24C/ASHO-RO/3; to a method for removing manganese from water containing manganese, which comprises contacting the water containing manganese with a microbial symbiont of algae and one or more microorganisms capable of oxidizing manganese to oxidize and precipitate the manganese, thereby removing the manganese from the water; and to a method of recycling the recovered manganese.

Abstract: L-Ribose is produced by the steps of producing ribitol from a saccharide raw material by using a microorganism having an ability to produce ribitol from a saccharide raw material, producing L-ribulose from the ribitol by using a microorganism having an ability to produce L-ribulose from ribitol, and producing L-ribose from the L-ribulose by using a microorganism having an ability to produce L-ribose from L-ribulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate wherein a microorganism having malate isomerase activity or matter processed therefrom and a microorganism having ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate ethylenediamine lyase activity or matter processed therefrom are allowed to act on a substrate solution containing maleic acid, maleic anhydride, or a maleic acid salt, and ethylenediamine, in the presence of at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals, iron, zinc, copper, nickel, aluminum, titanium and manganese. The present invention enables to accumulate [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate in a higher yield and at a high concentration within a reaction system using maleic acid as a raw material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a complex carbohydrate, which comprises: selecting, as enzyme sources, a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing a sugar nucleotide from a nucleotide precursor and a sugar, or a treated product of the culture broth, and a culture broth of a microorganism or animal cell capable of producing a complex carbohydrate from a sugar nucleotide and a complex carbohydrate precursor, or a treated product of the culture broth; carrying out an enzyme reaction in an aqueous medium containing the enzyme sources, the nucleotide precursor, the sugar and the complex carbohydrate precursor to form and accumulate the complex carbohydrate in the aqueous medium; and recovering the complex carbohydrate from the aqueous medium, and a process for producing a sugar nucleotide, which comprises selecting, as an enzyme source, a culture broth of a microorganism capable of producing a sugar nucleotide from a nucleotide precursor and a sugar, or a treated product of the cultur

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid or a salt thereof from D-sorbitol by fermentation with microorganisms in a nutrient medium containing D-sorbitol that is incubated in a first fermentation vessel with a microorganism capable of converting D-sorbitol to L-sorbose, whereafter the resulting fermentation broth containing L-sorbose is transferred to a second fermentation vessel where it is incubated with a microorganism capable of converting L-sorbose to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. In a particularly preferred embodiment of this process, the fermentation broth from the first fermentation vessel is sterilized before being transferred to the second fermentation vessel. 2-keto-L-gulonic acid is a valuable intermediate for the production of vitamin C.

Abstract: A bacterial culture capable of degrading ethers, especially branched alkylethers including MTBE, under aerobic conditions has been prepared.

Abstract: A method and composition for preventing and treating infection from clinically relevant bacterial isolates is disclosed. The composition contains an anti-bacterial agent that inhibits the growth of the bacteria, including members of both gram negative and gram positive isolates. In particular, the anti-bacterial agent comprises a bacteriocin produced by Propionibacterium. For instance, in one embodiment, the bacteriocin is produced by the B1264 strain of Propionibacterium jensenii.

Abstract: A fermentation process is disclosed for producing an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor such as lovastatin or compactin. In particular, it relates to a process wherein at least part of the assimilable nitrogen source and, optionally, the carbon source is provided continuously or intermittently to the culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of production for a fermentation product, in which ripe compost is subjected to treatment with worms, bacteria and fungi, after which the fermentation product is dug off, and, if necessary, ground and sifted. After digging off the product, it can be pre-dehydrated at a temperature below 50 .degree. C., if one so wishes, then --if necessary--it can be ground and sifted, and be subjected to desiccation, during which the temperature of the fermentation product does not rise above 30.degree. C. during the desiccation process. Ripe compost, consisting of vegetable, fruit and garden waste, is especially suitable as basic material. If one so wishes, the fermentation product can be pelleted before desiccation. The pellets can, for example, be used as floor cover in animal pens or as cat's box litter. The non-dried product is especially suitable as a supplement for garden and pot-plant soil.

Abstract: Degradable polyesters useful in packaging, packing, agricultural, biomedical, and other applications are made by reacting amine-protected glutamic acid with diols or epoxy compounds. The polyesters include a thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester, a thermoset heterochain polyester and a thermoset heterochain aromatic polyester. Each of these polyesters can be hydrolyzed into monomers using a biological catalyst such as the enzyme lipase. The thermoplastic main chain aliphatic polyester and the thermoset heterochain polyester can be degraded to respiratory gases and biomass with a mixed culture of Rhizopus chinesis, Rhizopus delemar, Penecillium pinophilum, Aspergillus niger and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms. This mixed culture of microorganisms can also be used to degrade other polyesters containing hydrolyzable backbone polyesters.

Abstract: Xanthan molecules are degraded using an xanthanase enzyme complex that is stable at temperatures above 250.degree. F., such as those temperatures found in some wellbores and process streams. The xanthanase enzyme complex is produced by a novel soil bacterium. The xanthanase enzyme complex may be used to remove xanthan based formation damage, such as drilling filter-cakes and filtrates, or to remove xanthan based filter-cakes and/or residues present in processing equipment. The xanthanase enzyme complex may also be used to reduce the viscosity of xanthan-containing fluids, such as hydraulic fracturing fluids, blocking gels, drilling muds, and process fluids. The xanthanase enzyme complex may also be used in conjunction with other well or process treatments, such as stimulations and cementing operations, to improve the effectiveness of these treatments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the generation and use of ferric ions produced by acidophilic, chemoautotrophic bacteria.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous effluents that contain ethyl-tert-butyl ether (ETBE) to reduce the ETBE concentration is described, characterized in that in the presence of effluents, at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Gordona terrae CIP I-1889 and Rhodococcus equi CIP I-2053 and in the presence of at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Pseudomonas cepacia CIP 1-2052, Arthrobacter globiformis ATCC 53596, Bacillus coagulans ATCC 53595, Pseudomonas stutzerii ATCC 53602 and Mycobacterium vaccae JOB5 are grown to degrade essentially all of the ETBE. The concentration of ETBE in the effluent is equal to at most 1500 mg/L. Application for the water treatment industry.

Abstract: A method and mixture for denitrifying aerobic bacterial compositions and for aerobic methods for biological treatment of aqueous systems polluted by nitrogen waste products. A mixture of and limited to bacillus bacteria are added to the treatment subject. Optionally enzymes can be added to the mixture. Optionally a particulate carbon ingredient can be placed into the treatment subject. Optionally a living tissue ingredient can be used.

Abstract: The cDNA that encodes a glycoprotein receptor from the tobacco hornworm which binds a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been obtained and sequenced. The availability of this cDNA permits the retrieval of DNAs encoding homologous receptors in other insects and organisms as well as the design of assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides and the development of methods to manipulate natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to destroy target cells, tissues and/or organisms.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing a compound of the formula or the S-enantiomer thereof,wherein:R is alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, or cycloalkylalkyl,R.sup.1 is halogen;R.sup.2 is halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or ##STR1## wherein the process comprises treating the associated racemic alcohol with an acylatingagent ##STR2## (wherein L is a leaving group) and an enzyme or microorganism capable of enantioselective acylation. This process may also be used to isolate the unreacted R- or S-alcohol. The acylated product may be enantioselectively hydrolyzed with a lipase or lipase-supplying microorganism to the S- or R-alcohol. Compounds prepared by this invention are useful antipsychotic agents or useful intermediates therefor.

Abstract: A method and composition for preventing and treating acne is disclosed. The composition contains an anti-bacterial agent that inhibits the growth of the cutaneous bacteria that are believed to cause acne. In particular, the anti-bacterial agent comprises a bacteriocin produced by Propionibacterium. For instance, in one embodiment, the bacteriocin is produced by the B1264 strain of Propionibacterium jensenii. The bacteriocins of the present invention can be contained in a topical preparation that is applied to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid protein comprising the Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein I (OprI) which is fused with its amino terminal end to the carboxy-terminal end of a carboxy-terminal portion of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa outer membrane protein F (OprF), as well as to monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against this hybrid protein. Both, the hybrid protein and the antibodies directed to the hybrid protein confer protection against an infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa to laboratory animals or man.

Abstract: A reusable immobilized microbial composition is formulated. The formulated microbial composition comprises a synergistic mixture of the bacterial strains of Enterobacter cloaca, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Yersinia enterocolitica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter sakazaki and Serratia liquefaciens. The formulated microbial composition is immobilized on an appropriate immobilizing agent to form beads. The said beads are tested as microbial seeding material for BOD analysis using Glucose Glutamic Acid (GGA) as a reference standard. The obtained BOD values by the formulated beads are compared with BOD values obtained by sewage as seeding material using synthetic samples as well as industrial effluents. The formulated microbial beads are ready-to-use as well as reusable seeding material in BOD analysis. The said beads can be reused up to five times with same efficacy.

Abstract: A process of conversion of low protein, cellulose containing waste into a fodder or fodder supplement is provided.

Abstract: An isolated mixed bacterial culture, preferably BC-1, ATCC No. 202057, which degrades ethers, especially branched alkylethers including MTBE, under aerobic conditions has been prepared.

Abstract: This invention pertains to substantially purified cultures of a gram-negative, aerobic, filamentous bacterium with cells ranging in length from 20-200 .mu.m, that accumulates intracellular poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate in intracellular granules, and that degrades chlorinated aliphatic compounds such as trichloroethylene and dichloroethylene, as well as phenol and other substituted benzenes. The invention includes the representative strain A-1, which has been deposited at the American Type Culture Collection under the accession number 55581. Also included are methods for using the new bacterium for bioremediation of contaminated environmental sites.

Abstract: The invention is a consortium of thermophilic methanotrophic organisms in culture medium containing said consortium reproduced at temperatures of 50.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., said consortium being comprised primarily of ovoid or rod-shaped organisms. The consortium can be instilled into soil or water to degrade pollutants, especially hydrocarbons and substituted hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a highly productive fusant of Tolypocladium inflatum, a producing strain of cyclosporin A with immunosuppressive properties wherein the selection of the fusant KD461, designed to produce a large amount of cyclosporin A, was made available by the following steps of: developing amino acid-dependent mutants of Tolypocladium inflatum, wild strain isolated from soil, which mutants are induced by UV radiation; conjugating L-valine-dependent and L-leucine-dependent mutants to promote the demand and utility of L-valine and L-leucine, precursors of cyclosporin A, together with an organic nitrogen-source.

Abstract: Coal is treated aerobically or anaerobically to produce humic acid, volatile fatty acids, lower alcohols, and/or methane using a consortium of bacteria designated Mic-1 or KSARC56. This process can also be used to convert aromatic compounds, such as phenols and derivatives thereof, to methane and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The method of the invention involves providing a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The first receptacle contains a sterile aqueous broth and the second receptacle contains an aqueous broth including a carbon source. The method then includes placing into the first receptacle a first support surface having a paraffin wax coating thereon and placing into the second receptacle a second support surface having a hydrophobic material coating thereon. A body specimen, such as sputum, is then introduced into each of the first and second receptacles. The presence of a nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism in the body specimen is determined by observing (i) a lack of microorganism growth on the paraffin coated material of the first support surface and (ii) a presence of microorganism growth on the hydrophobic material coating of the second support surface.An associated kit is also disclosed.