Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of L-sorbose and/or D-sorbitol. The present invention further relates to novel bacterial strains useful in this process.

Abstract: Mixed bacterial compositions minimally contain a mixed population of bacteria including at least one species of Nitrosomonas capable of converting ammonia to nitrite, at least one species of Nitrobacter capable of converting nitrite to nitrate, at least one species of Pseudomonas capable of converting nitrate to nitrite and capable of metabolizing urea, and at least one species of Enterobacter capable of metabolizing bacterial waste products and fermenting lactose. The ability of these aforementioned bacteria to metabolize the odor; and partially decompose the waste material producing the odor is enhanced by the addition of an acclimated mixed bacterial culture to the mixed bacterial composition containing the aforementioned species of Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter. The acclimated mixed bacterial culture includes at least one and up to four different species or strains of Pseudomonas, at least one species of Acinetobacter, and at least one species of Enterobacter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing L-tryptophan in a single-stage reaction, comprising carrying out an L-tryptophan producing reaction with glycine, formaldehyde and indole as raw materials in an aqueous solution in the presence of microbial cells having serine transhydroxymethylase or a treated products thereof and microbial cells having tryptophan synthase or tryptophanase, or a treated products thereof; and collecting produced L-tryptophan from the reaction solution.

Abstract: A time serial signal from a signal source is input into a delay circuit, and the signal is read out from arbitrary intermediate taps of the delay circuit to obtain a specific delayed signal. Alternatively, a time serial signal from a signal source is allotted to a plurality of memory circuits, and the allotted signal contents are read at a specific moment to obtain a specific delayed signal. By distributing the delayed signals in this manner, a signal distribution apparatus can send a serial signal, from its beginning with little delay, to multiple terminals requesting the signal at arbitrary times.

Abstract: The strains of Actinetobacter species (bicoccus) B-6445, Arthrobacter species S-1212, and Rhodococcus species S-1213 were deposited on Jan. 1, 1993 in the All-Union Collection at the All-Union research institute for genetics and selection of microorganisms. A method for biological purification from oil pollutions and spills incorporates introduction of a bacterial culture into the pollution or spill, used as the bacterial culture being made of the strains mentioned before, taken either individually or in any combination with one another, the weight ratio between the bacterial culture and the oil pollution being 1:10-10.sup.5, respectively.

Abstract: The instant invention describes a process for the manufacture of butanol and like volatile organic compounds by fermenting carbohydrates, mainly polysaccharide, with micro-organisms which convert carbohydrates into mainly butyric acid and other acids. The acids are subsequently transferred to the solventogenesis production stage using a different strain of bacteria which continuously produces butanol and like volatile organic compounds, via a multistage fermentation process that is stable, high yielding (weight product per unit weight carbohydrates) and productive (faster throughput). By employing one microbe (the first) in the major pathway to produce the acid of choice specifically and faster, and provide for another microbe (the second) with the unique property to convert the acid to a solvent, carbohydrates are not wasted on ancillary product. The unique advantage of the second microbe is that it has the capability of converting acids into solvents (solventogenesis).

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: A method for determining the sensitivity of at least one nonparaffinophilic microorganism from a specimen obtained from a patient to an antimicrobial agent. The method includes providing at least one receptacle containing an aqueous solution that does not contain a carbon source and inoculating the solution with the specimen. The method further includes placing into the receptacle (i) a slide having bound thereto a carbon source and (ii) a predetermined quantity of an antimicrobial agent to be tested. By observing the nonparaffinophilic microorganism growth or lack thereof on the slide, it can be determined whether the predetermined quantity of the antimicrobial agent is effective in inhibiting growth of the nonparaffinophilic microorganism on the slide. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a microbial process for producing 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as 2KGA) by fermentation or microbial cell reaction with at least one microorganism capable of producing 2KGA, wherein the improvement comprises taking out, from the fermentation broth or microbial cell reaction mixture, the produced 2KGA alone or together with a low molecular-weight cation as the counter ion by electrodialysis.

Abstract: Thermus aquaticus biovar. Nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) is an absolute aerobic bacteria. It grows at temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, but its best growth is achieved at 72.degree.-76.degree. C. It produces protein decomposing enzymes functional at a temperature of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid groups. A method for improving the quality of soil comprising applying to the soil a biologically pure culture of an absolute aerobic bacterium Thermus aquaticus biovar. nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) having a growth temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, a growth optimum temperature of 72.degree.-76.degree. C., and producing protein decomposing enzymes functional at temperature range of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and being active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid.

Abstract: For therapeutic use, and particularly for promoting growth or weight gain in livestock under intensive husbandry, a formulation comprises a first microorganism capable of producing lactic acid in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal and a second microorganism capable of producing a bactericide to which the microorganisms are resistant. The formulation may also comprise the means for digesting fiber and/or lactoperoxidase.

Abstract: A method for producing 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (hereinafter referred to as 2KGA) which comprises(1) culturing a microorganism capable of producing 2KGA from L-sorbose, in a liquid culture medium containing a substrate to produce 2KGA and(2) recovering the produced 2KGA, while recovering the microorganism in the culture broth,(3) inoculating the recovered microorganism to a new liquid culture medium for the following culture and(4) repeating said culture and recovering at least once.The present invention provides an industrially advantageous, versatile method for producing 2KGA that shortens the overall culture time, and reduces the amounts of starting medium materials and culture waste.

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: A method for determining the sensitivity of at least one nonparaffinophilic microorganism from a specimen obtained from a patient to different antimicrobial agent and predetermined quantities thereof. The method includes providing at least one receptacle containing an aqueous solution and inoculating the solution with the specimen. The method further includes placing into the receptacle (i) a slide coated with a carbon source and (ii) a predetermined quantity of an antimicrobial agent to be tested. By observing the nonparaffinophilic microorganism growth or lack thereof on the slide, it can be determined whether the predetermined quantity of the antimicrobial agent is effective in inhibiting growth of the nonparaffinophilic microorganism on the slide. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and other phenoxy ether compounds. The phenoxy ether bond of 2,4-D is enzymatically cleaved by 2,4-D .alpha.-ketoglutarate dioxygenase to form 2,4-dichlorophenol, which is assayed by the 4-aminoantipyrine method. The enzyme is supplied in a dried form, preferably immobilized on a solid support, and is stable at room temperature for several months even in a highly impure state, e.g., crude cell extracts or dried cells.

Abstract: Clostridium thermocellum biovar. nov. SK522 (FERM BP-345 g) is a thermophilic cellulose decomposing bacteria, capable of solubilizing lignin and fermenting cellulose excellently. Although its temperature limit for growth is 40.degree.-80.degree. C., it grows best at 65.degree.-72.degree. C.Thermus aquaticus biovar. nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) is an absolute aerobic bacteria. It grows at temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, but its best growth is achieved at 72.degree.-76.degree. C. It produces protein decomposing enzymes functional at a temperature of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid groups.Both strains can be mix-cultured. Depending on various purposes, as the mix culture is able to decompose organic materials containing cellulose and/or lignin, it can be used for soil improvement.

Abstract: A method for determining the sensitivity of at least one nonparaffinophilic microorganism from a specimen obtained from a patient to different antimicrobial agent, and predetermined quantities thereof. The method includes providing at least one receptacle containing an aqueous solution and adjusting the solution to mimic the in vivo clinical conditions of said patient. The method further includes inoculating the solution with the specimen and placing into the receptacle (i) a slide coated with a carbon source and (ii) a predetermined quantity of an antimicrobial agent to be tested. By observing the nonparaffinophilic microorganism growth or lack thereof on the slide, it can be determined whether the predetermined quantity of the antimicrobial agent is effective in inhibiting growth of the nonparaffinophilic microorganism on the slide. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-bacterial agent for controlling the growth of certain lactic acid bacteria is provided. The anti-bacterial agent, or bacteriocin, is produced by Propionibacterium jensenii, and specifically by the P126 and P1264 strains of the particular species. The process employs the bacteriocins to inhibit the growth of other bacterial cultures, including yogurt starter cultures. The bacteriocins are stable across a broad range of pHs and are stable at relatively high and prolonged temperatures and have a wide activity spectrum against bacteria. The bacteriocins are particularly useful in controlling the over-acidification of yogurt to decrease the sour taste often found in yogurt.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence or absence of a nonparaffinophilic microorganism in a specimen taken from a patient. The method includes providing a receptacle containing an aqueous solution and adjusting the solution to mimic the in vivo clinical conditions of the patient. The method further includes inoculating the solution with the specimen and then placing in the receptacle a slide coated with a carbon source to bait the nonparaffinophilic microorganism. The slide is then analyzed after exposure to the specimen to determine the presence or absence of the nonparaffinophilic microorganism. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for detecting the presence of an organism in a sample of liquid involves collecting an extinction spectrum of liquid sample, deconvoluting the spectrum to obtain a particle size distribution for the sample, comparing the spectrum and the particle size distribution with, respectively, a control spectrum and a control particle size distribution for the organism, and determining from the comparisons whether the organism to be detected is present in the sample. The apparatus and method permit on-line real-time quantitative classification, identification, and viability assessment of an organism such as a harmful microorganism in a water supply line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the biotransformation of a carbohydrate carbon source to 1,3-propanediol using mixed yeast and bacterial cultures wherein the carbohydrate is first fermented to glycerol by the yeast cell and then converted to 1,3-propanediol by the bacterial cell containing an active diol or glycerol dehydratase enzyme in this process both the yeast and bacterial cultures are supported on the same carbon source, and 1,3-propanediol is isolated from the media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and system for the production of ethanol wherein a microalga capable of accumulating starch in the cells thereof is cultured, the culture solution containing the grown algal cells is concentrated, and ethanol is formed by maintaining the resulting slurry in a dark and anaerobic atmosphere while keeping its pH in the range of 6.0 to 9.0. This process and system can further include additional steps and units for subjecting the residual slurry, from which ethanol has been separated, to methane fermentation, burning it to generate carbon dioxide, and using the carbon dioxide in the microalga culturing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the electrochemical regeneration of pyridine cofactors.The process of the invention is characterized by the use, in a reaction medium subjected to electrolysis, of a cytoplasmic hydrogenase enzyme.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and a medium for simultaneous determination of the number and presence of living fecal coliform and Escherichia coli in a sample comprising 6-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-D-glucose or isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside as a galactosidase inducer and methyl-beta-D-glucuronide as a glucuronidase inducer. The sterile semi-solid medium also comprises non-target bacterial inhibitors, target bacterial enhancers, and multiple fluorogen and/or chromogan substrates that produce color and fluorescence upon cleavage by a specific enzyme expressed by the target bacteria in which expression is enhanced. The simultaneous detection of total coliforms via its expression of beta-galactosidase, and Escherichia coli as the target bacteria via its expression of beta-galactosidase and beta-glucuronidase is achieved rapidly and efficiently using this medium.

Abstract: A mixed bacteria culture for biodegrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants includes Achromobacter sp. and Mycobacterium sp. which have been grown together and gradually acclimated to utilize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as a primary food source. The mixed bacteria culture can be utilized for in situ or ex situ bioremediation of contaminated soil, or in any of various conventional bioreactors to treat contaminated liquids such as landfill leachates, groundwater or industrial effluents. The bacteria, the nutrients used to sustain growth of the bacteria, and the products of the biodegradation of the polycyclic aromatic or other hydrocarbons are all substantially harmless to the environment. The mixed bacteria can be utilized in the presence of oxygen, or hydrogen peroxide can be used alone or in combination with oxygen as an effective alternative electron acceptor. The mixed bacteria culture of Achromobacter sp. and Mycobacterium sp.

Abstract: The new casein hydrolyzate does not contain any unhydrolyzed casein and is characterized by a defined molecular weight distribution. The method is characterized by being performed by means of three defined proteolytic enzymes and a non-pH star method. The casein hydrolyzate exhibits an optimal balance between DH, free amino acids, bitterness and yield.

Abstract: Methods of degrading napalm and/or trinitrotoluene involve contacting the waste with specific intra-amoebic isolates of ATCC 40908 and/or dispersants derived therefrom. Useful isolates include is deposited as ATCC 77529, NAP-1 deposited as ATCC 77526 and 13 deposited as ATCC 77527.

Abstract: A method of producing methane from organic waste includes the following steps: The waste is first shredded. The waste is inoculated first with aerobic microorganisms. The waste is then fermented with the aerobic microorganisms. Then the waste is inoculated with anaerobic microorganisms. The waste inoculated with anaerobic microorganisms is placed in an oxygen free environment. Methane is then evolved from the waste. Preferably the waste is enriched with nitrogen prior to the anaerobic fermentation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing D-mandelic acid comprising the steps of:(1) treating racemic mandelic acid with a culture broth, cells or treated cells of a microorganism having ability of converting L-mandelic acid into benzoylformic acid.(2) treating the reaction mixture of the step (1) with a culture broth, cells or treated cells of a microorganism having ability of stereoselectively reducing benzoylformic acid into D-mandelic acid, and(3) isolating and collecting the D-mandelic acid from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A mixed bacteria culture for biodegrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants includes Achromobacter sp. and Mycobacterium sp. which have been grown together and gradually acclimated to utilize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as a primary food source. The mixed bacteria culture can be utilized for in situ or ex situ bioremediation of contaminated soil, or in any of various conventional bioreactors to treat contaminated liquids such as landfill leachates, groundwater or industrial effluents. The bacteria, the nutrients used to sustain growth of the bacteria, and the products of the biodegradation of the polycyclic aromatic or other hydrocarbons are all substantially harmless to the environment. The mixed bacteria can be utilized in the presence of oxygen, or hydrogen peroxide can be used alone or in combination with oxygen as an effective alternative electron acceptor. The mixed bacteria culture of Achromobacter sp. and Mycobacterium sp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the in situ biological conversion of coal to methane comprising culturing on a coal-containing substrate a consortium of microorganisms capable of degrading the coal into methane under suitable conditions. This consortium of microorganisms can be obtained from an underground cavity such as an abandoned mine which underwent a change from being supplied with sewage to where no sewage was present, since these conditions have favored the development of microorganisms capable of using coal as a carbon source and converting coal to methane. The consortium of microorganisms obtained from such abandoned coal mines can be isolated and introduced to hard-to-reach coal-containing substrates which lack such microorganisms and which would otherwise remain unrecoverable.

Abstract: Stable and safe cosmetic compositions comprising melanin production inhibitors wherein the melanin production inhibitors have been extracted lichens cell cultures.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a high-reliability composite dielectric layer (19) includes the formation of a first oxynitride layer (14) on the surface (12) of a silicon substrate (10). The formation of the first oxynitride layer (14) is followed by an oxidation step to form a silicon dioxide layer (16) at the surface (12) of the substrate (10) and underlying the first oxynitride layer (14). The composite dielectric layer (19) is completed by exposing the substrate (10) to nitrous oxide, and diffusing a nitrogen bearing species through both the silicon dioxide layer (16) and the first oxynitride layer (14) to form a second oxynitride layer (18) underlying the silicon dioxide layer (16). The composite dielectric layer (19) exhibits a nitrogen-rich region at the interface between second oxynitride layer (18) and the silicon substrate (10). A second nitrogen rich region is also formed near the surface of the first oxynitride layer (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of lignolytic enzymes by means of white rot fungi. In the process, a culture composed of the fungi of the subclass of the Aphyllophorales is placed in a closed fermentation vessel filled with a nutrient solution and the suspension is gently moved for the production of pellets of Aphyllophorales, such that there cannot be any shearing forces which would destroy the pellets, wherein the enzymes are produced with the addition of yeasts or benzaldehydes, chlorobenzaldehydes, nitrobenzaldehydes, hydroxybenzaldehydes, aminobenzaldehydes, methylbenzaldehydes, diaryls or triaryls, dialkylalkanes, trialkyl alkanes, open-chained or cyclic imines or derivatives of the aforementioned substances as inductive compounds, wherein the induction may take place one time or several times, and the enzymes are subsequently harvested.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of oligonucleotide probes for use in the detection of bacteria associated with medical disorders of the human mouth, wherein said probes consist essentially of a segment of nucleic acid capable of selectively hybridizing under hybridizing conditions, to the 16S or 23S ribosomal RNA [rRNA] of said bacteria. Methods for detection, as well as diagnostic kits for the assay of these bacterium, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hyperthermostable alpha-amylase is provided by culturing strains of Pyococcus. These enzymes are of great interest for industrial applications, for example in starch liquefaction processes. The microorganisms Pyococcus woesei or Pyococcus furiosus are capable of producing the desired alpha-amylase with the following properties:(a) a pH optimum between 4.0 and 6.0;(b) a temperature optimum between 80 and 120 degrees centigrade;(c) an activity which is essentially independent of calcium ions; and(d) a residual activity of 100% after one hour at 90 degrees centigrade and of at least 80% after one hour at 100 degrees centigrade in the presence of stabilizing amounts of substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus and variants thereof capable of producing an antibacterial substance which is a peptide or protein or a conjugate thereof, the antibacterial substance produced by the bacteria, and processes for producing fermented milk by using any one of the bacteria as a starter. The lactic acid bacteria produce the antibacterial substance, so that use of any one of the lactic acid bacteria as a starter for fermented milk inhibits growth of another lactic-acid-foxing lactic acid bacteria also used as a starter owing to the antibacterial substance produced during fermentation. It is therefore possible to suppress the formation of the acid during storage or transportation of fermented milk, thereby making it possible to prevent taste and flavor variations and quality deterioration of the product.

Abstract: A basic L-amino acid and an acidic L-amino acid may be concurrently produced by either culturing a basic L-amino acid-producing bacteria under conditions for producing an acidic L-amino acid or mix-culturing a basic L-amino acid-producing bacteria and an acidic L-amino acid-producing bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of D-sorbitol in high yield. 2-Keto-L-gulonic acid is an important intermediate for the production of L-ascorbic acid into which it can be converted.

Abstract: Normally transcriptionally silent genes in a cell line or microorganism may be activated for expression by inserting a DNA regulatory element which is capable of promoting the expression of a normally expressed gene product in that cell or which is promiscuous, the regulatory element being inserted so as to be operatively linked with the normally silent gene in question. The insertion is accomplished by means of homologous recombination by creating a DNA construct including a segment having a DNA segment of the normally silent gene (targeting DNA) and the DNA regulatory element to induce gene transcription. The technique is also used to modify the expression characteristics of any endogenous gene of a given cell line or microorganism.

Abstract: A method for the screening of potential antifungal agents comprises testing the inhibitory effect of the potential antifungal agent in two tests, a first test for inhibition of pathogen development in sterilised soil infested with mycelium of Pythium spp and a second test against for inhibition of disease development in a growing plant of a species susceptible to disease from damping-off disease complex in the presence of the said complex, identifying agents giving potential inhibitory effect in both tests compared with control and submitting same for further examination. Using this method four particularly useful microorganisms which display antifungal activity in a wide spectrum, shown in further testing and in field trials, of disease fungi have been provided. Methods of using such microorganisms and compositions and compositions containing same are also described.

Abstract: A process is provided for solubilizing phosphate from phosphate containing ore by treatment with microorganisms which comprises forming an aqueous mixture of phosphate ore, microorganisms operable for solubilizing phosphate from the phosphate ore and maintaining the aqueous mixture for a period of time and under conditions operable to effect the microbial solubilization process. An aqueous solution containing soluble phosphorous can be separated from the reacted mixture by precipitation, solvent extraction, selective membrane, exchange resin or gravity methods to recover phosphate from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of alkaline earth salts of acetic acid. Biomass is fermented under appropriate conditions to produce acetic acid, which is extracted from the fermentation broth with the aid of a basic liquid ion exchanger dissolved in an organic phase. The organic phase containing the product acetic acid is then reacted directly with a basic material such as limestone, and the resulting alkaline earth acetate product is recovered from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A process is described for converting organic materials (such as biomass wastes) into a bioplastic suitable for use as a biodegradable plastic. In a preferred embodiment the process involves thermally gasifying the organic material into primarily carbon monoxide and hydrogen, followed by photosynthetic bacterial assimilation of the gases into cell material. The process is ideally suited for waste recycling and for production of useful biodegradable plastic polymer.

Abstract: A process for preparation of R-(-)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol which comprises cultivating in a medium containing racemate 3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol a bacterium, which, when cultivated in a medium containing racemate 3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol as a sole carbon source, can grow and proliferate, has an ability to assimilate S-(+)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol preferentially compared to R-(-)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol and belongs to the genus Pseudomonas, or its culture cells; and recovering R-(-)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol from the resulting culture broth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorgaisms which produce the aroma and flavor of traditional Korean soybean paste. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the soybean paste which comprises inoculating a pure boiled soybean medium with Bacillus subtilis PM3 or Bacillus subtilis SS9 and culturing it at 25.degree.-35.degree. C. for 40-60 days to produce the soybean paste. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the soybean paste, which comprises inoculating a pure boiled soybean medium with Bacillus subtilis PM3 or Bacillus subtilis SS9 together with a fusant yeast ST723-F31 or Bacillus licheniformis SSA3-2M1 and culturing them at 25.degree.-35.degree. C. for 40-60 days to produce the soybean paste.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a hydroxy protecting group and R.sub.2 represents a carboxy protecting group, which comprises:hydrolyzing a compound of formula II ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above and R represents an alkyl, alkenyl or phenylalkyl group having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, in the presence of an enzyme capable of selectively hydrolyzing the ester group of the 2-substituent thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of oligonucleotide probes for use in the detection of bacteria associated with medical disorders of the human mouth, wherein said probes consist essentially of a segment of nucleic acid capable of selectively hybridizing under hybridizing conditions, to the 16S or 23S ribosomal RNA [rRNA] of said bacteria. Methods for detection, as well as diagnostic kits for the assay of these bacterium, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an organic compound from manure, including the steps of:i) concentrating the manure to form a vapor;ii) condensing said vapor to form a condensate;iii) adding to said condensate micro-organisms which are capable of producing the organic compound; andiv) separating from the condensate the organic compound produced by the micro-organisms.These micro-organisms comprise species of the genera Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Escherichia, Microbacterium, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas.

Abstract: A mutant Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.