Abstract: Thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which are the offensive odor components, are provided. Disclosed are thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which belong to Bacillus licheniformis.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations and methods for preventing, suppressing, treating, or controlling pre- or post-harvest disease or decay in plants. In the inventive method, plants are contacted with a formulation including an antagonistic microorganism and a booster composition. The booster composition generally includes about 3 parts Kaolin clay, about 1 part yeast, about 1 part Yucca plant extract, and about 1 part calcium-source material. The antagonistic microorganism may be included in an amount of between about 0.02 parts and about 0.5 parts by weight of the formulation, with about 0.04 parts antagonistic microorganism being preferred in testing to date. The formulation is typically applied to the above ground structures of the plant, including its leaves, flowers, stems, trunk, blossoms and fruit.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations and methods for controlling or suppressing bacterial or fungal plant pathogens, including Erwina amylovora the bacteria that causes fire blight. A formulation for controlling of suppressing a plant pathogen may include at least one beneficial species of bacteria, at least one beneficial species of fungi, a nutrient, at least one compound that extends the length of time that the formulation remains effective. Typically the formulation is applied to the above ground structures of the plant including its leaves, flowers, stems, trunk, blossoms and fruit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid segment having a coding region segment encoding enzymatically active Streptococcus equisimilis hyaluronate synthase (seHAS), and to the use of this nucleic acid segment in the preparation of recombinant cells which produce hyaluronate synthase and its hyaluronic acid product. Hyaluronate is also known as hyaluronic acid or hyaluronan.

Abstract: 1. A compound of Formula (1) and salts thereof: wherein: A is a substituted phenyl group carrying a group of the formula —NR3R4 and an ortho group selected from sulpho, phosphonato and phosphinato; n is 0 or 1; L1 and L2 are each independently H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl or optionally substituted aryl, or L1 and L2 together with the N atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring; R1 and R2 are each independently optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted alkoxy; and R3 and R4 are each independently H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl or optionally substituted aryl, or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring; or R3 is H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl or optionally substituted aryl and R4 is an acyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified enzymes with one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme being replaced by cysteine residues, where at least some of the cysteine residues are modified by replacing thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residue with a thiol side chain to form a modified enzyme, wherein the modified enzyme has high esterase and low amidase activity. Also, a method of producing the modified enzymes is provided. The present invention also relates to a method for using the modified enzymes in peptide synthesis.

Abstract: A method of conducting a rapid microbiological assay of gases is disclosed that utilizes an improved gelatin membrane filter that is pre-filtered before casting to remove microscopic-sized particles.

Abstract: A process and composition for treating an animal waste in a waste holding facility to reduce sulfides and enhance efficient degradation of large amounts of organic matter with reduced odor. The process includes administering a probiotic material capable of promoting organic digestion to an animal and maintaining a sulfide gas concentration of less than 10 ppm from a waste produced by the animal. Maintaining a low sulfide gas concentration can be done by adding an innoculum of sulfide-utilizing bacteria to the waste produced by the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified enzymes with one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme being replaced by cysteine residues, where at least some of the cysteine residues are modified by replacing thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residue with a thiol side chain to form a modified enzyme, wherein the modified enzyme has high esterase and low amidase activity. Also, a method of producing the modified enzymes is provided. The present invention also relates to a method for using the modified enzymes in peptide synthesis.

Abstract: Uridine-5′-monophosphate is produced by cultivating in a nutrient medium an uridine-5′-monophosphate producing mutant of coryneform bacterium and which is characterized by at least a resistance to growth inhibition by pyrimidine analogue or a deficiency in uridine degrading activity or combination of said property by protoplast fusion. This method has the advantage of decreased production of uracil. Thus, uridine-5′-monophosphate can be produced in much greater yields, compared with known methods.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent with a high degree of safety is provided, which is derived from a natural product and can exhibit growth-inhibitory activity against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, which is resistant against pasteurization and causes spoilage of fruit juice. The antimicrobial agent against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria contains as an effective ingredient alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin. A preservative for fruit juice is also provided, which contains as an effective ingredient the alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid (&ggr;-PGA) from high-viscous culture broth, more particularly, to an economical and efficient process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid from high-viscous culture broth with easy removal of microorganisms and a subsequent concentrating process employing a filtration membrane. The present invention provides the process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid from high-viscous culture broth which comprises the steps of: culturing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid-producing microorganism for 15-30 hours under condition of pH 5.0-7.5 and 30-40° C. to obtain high-viscous culture broth with a concentration of 20-30 g/L; removing microorganism from the high-viscous culture broth thus obtained by adjusting pH to 2-4 or 7-9 and centrifuging at 3,000-9,000 rpm for 10-50 minutes; and, obtaining &ggr;-polyglutamic acid by concentrating the culture broth employing filter and precipitating &ggr;-polyglutamic acid by addition of alcohol.

Abstract: Waste such as livestock waste is treated with a combination of protease-producing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria that synergistically reduce nitrogen concentration, and further reduce noxious odors associated with anaerobic decomposition. The protease-producing bacteria break down complex proteins in the waste which enables ammonification by other naturally occurring microorganisms already present in the waste. The denitrifying bacteria then convert products of ammonification such as nitrates and nitrites to nitrogen gas which is released into the atmosphere. The protease-producing bacteria produce neutral and alkaline proteases, and are preferably from the genus Bacillus and include Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens provided at a level of at least approximately 4.5×104 CFU/ml.

Abstract: To reduce the effects of the contaminants in the measurement of microorganisms and the reduction of the time necessary for the measurement. Measurement is performed of the microorganism prior to and following culture, and the difference between the two is found. This prevents errors caused by the effect of contaminants contained in the specimens. Since the measurement of the microorganism is performed by means of a flow cytometer, the microorganisms can be measured even when the culture period is short. Moreover, the measurements are accurate, since the contaminants are not measured. Furthermore, the growth form of the microorganisms can be determined by measuring the changes in the intensity of the light emission over the duration of emission of the forward scattered light detected by means of a flow cytometer.

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: A method is disclosed for the enzymatic degradation of polyester amides. The method involves mixing polyester amides with esterase or protease enzymes in aqueous solution.

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: This invention relates to heat resistant maltose phosphorylase having an activity of 80% or more of the one untreated after treated in a buffer of pH 6.0, at one temperature of 50 to 60.degree. C. for 15 minutes, a process for preparation thereof, bacteria used for preparation thereof, and processes for preparation of .beta.-glucose-1-phosphoric and trehalose using the enzyme.By carrying out enzymatic reaction at high reaction temperatures using this enzyme, it is possible to prepare .beta.-glucose-1-phosphoric acid or trehalose industrially advantageously, with lowering of contamination with various germs and shortening of reaction time.

Abstract: A medium for detecting staphylococci is described. The medium contains components selective for growing staphylococci, and a glucopyranoside indicator substance in sufficient quantity to distinguish colonies containing Bacillus and other microorganisms from colonies containing staphylococci. Methods of detecting staphylococci utilizing such medium are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward efficient, high-yield processes for making ascorbic acid, 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, and esters of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid. The processes comprise reacting the appropriate starting materials with a hydrolase enzyme catalyst such as a protease, an esterase, a lipase or an amidase.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which a new calcium binding site is modified by chemically or genetically altering residues associated with that calcium binding site. The novel .alpha.-amylases have altered performance characteristics, such as low pH starch hydrolysis performance, stability and activity profiles.

Abstract: A biodegradable resin molded article molded from a kneaded material obtained by kneading, melting or mixing a biodegradable resin raw material and at least one of a biodegradable additive and an additive made of a substance existing in the nature, an injection molded article of a biodegradable resin containing a biodegradable resin and an anti-biotic substance, a molded article of a resin composition including a polymer material having an ester bond in the polymer main chain thereof and an alkali or acid component in an amount effective for neutralizing an acidic or alkaline component contained in the polymer material, and a resin molded article having a layer of a biodegradable resin, and a layer of a photolytic resin covering the resin layer and containing an antibiotic.

Abstract: A biologically pure enzyme comprising D-.alpha.-glycerophosphatase from Bacillus licheniformis is disclosed. A genetic construction in a heterologous host capable of producing D-.alpha.-glycerophosphate is also disclosed, wherein the construction includes a protein coding sequence for D-.alpha.-glycerophosphatase from Bacillus licheniformis.

Abstract: A Bacillus licheniformis producing an antifungal principle active against a wide variety of plant pathogenic fungi has been isolated. The microorganism was obtained from the rhizosphere of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The type isolate, strain PR1-36a, is particularly antagonistic to filamentous fungi, including Rhizoctonia and Magnaporthe. The microorganism was shown to be effective as a biocontrol agent for control of Fusarium seedling blight in corn. The antifungal principle produced by the microorganism is diffusible and may be purified by acid precipitation of the culture fluid, followed by ethanol extraction. The antifungal principle is fungistatic against several diverse species of fungi, and shows particularly strong activity against filamentous fungi, many of which are serious plant pathogens.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the rapid detection of biotoxic contaants in a test material comprising combining a sample of the test material with activated spores essentially devoid of detectable enzymatic activity, which activity becomes manifest and increases measurably following germination of the spores and with at least one germinant capable of triggering germination of the spores and a substrate which is catalytically convertible to a product by the enzymatic activity, incubating the mixture for a period of less than one hour to accelarate germination of the spores, increase of the enzyme activity, and a catalytic conversion of the substrate, and detecting the formation of the product of the catalytic conversion of the substrate and the enzyme, the level of the product being maximal in the absence of any biotoxic contaminants, and decreasing in direct proportion to the toxicity of contaminants in the test sample.

Abstract: A Bacillus licheniformis producing an antifungal principle active against a wide variety of plant pathogenic fungi has been isolated. The microorganism was obtained from the rhizosphere of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The type isolate, strain PR1-36a, is particularly antagonistic to filamentous fungi, including Rhizoctonia and Magnaporthe. The microorganism was shown to be effective as a biocontrol agent for control of Fusarium seedling blight in corn. The antifungal principle produced by the microorganism is diffusible and may be purified by acid precipitation of the culture fluid, followed by ethanol extraction. The antifungal principle is fungistatic against several diverse species of fungi, and shows particularly strong activity against filamentous fungi, many of which are serious plant pathogens.

Abstract: An Escherichia coli (ATCC 68319) containing a gene encoding a novel maltogenic amylase of Bacillus licheniformis (BLMA), wherein said gene has a length of about 3.5 kb; said gene expresses a gene product capable of hydrolyzing cyclodextrin, pullulan, as well as starch at an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. at a pH of about 7; said gene product has sugar transferase activity in the presence of glucose; and said Escherichia coli produces said gene product optimally when grown in Luria broth, for 24 hours, at 37.degree. C.

Abstract: Alkaline Bacillus proteases, their use and a method for producing these proteases are described. These are in particular Bacillus proteases from Bacillus pumilus DSM 5777. The alkaline proteases according to the invention are suitable for use in compositions for cleaning and washing purposes.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (s) -2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acid stable levan sucrase derived from Bacillus licheniformis NRRL B-19862. The levan sucrase is produced by culturing Bacillus licheniformis NRRL B-19862 in a suitable nutrient medium but in the absence of sucrose. The invention also discloses compositions containing the levan sucrase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acid stable levan sucrase enzyme which is not induced by sucrose.The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of this enzyme and microorganisms producing the levan sucrase enzyme. The invention also provides compositions containing this enzyme.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: In a fermentive production of polyglutamic acid and a salt thereof, the accumulation of polyglutamic acid can be markedly increased in a very simple manner by adding an alkaline earth metal ion to the medium in a concentration of not less than 0.05 mole per liter.

Abstract: 2-Oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid is treated with a microorganism, which has been optionally treated, capable of asymmetrically reducing 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid into either (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid, and the (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid thus produced is recovered to thereby give optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid.The optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid is an important intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs such as a remedy for hypertension.

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 method for the enantiomeric enrichment of 3-quinuclidinol is disclosed, comprising acid anhydride esterification of the alcohol, followed by preferential enzymatic hydrolysis with a subtilisin protease.

Abstract: An assay method for a component in a specimen containing any one of ATP, deamide-NAD and an amide donor which comprises performing a main reaction which comprises incubating the specimen with NAD synthetase in the presence of ATP, deamide-NAD, an amide donor and Mg.sup.++ to generate NAD; performing a coenzyme cycling reaction by combining the oxidation-reduction reaction system with coenzyme NAD and the oxidation-reduction reaction system with coenzyme reduced NAD, and measuring a consumed or generated component in the cycling reaction. The NAD synthetase can be produced by culturing the microorganism Bacillus licheniformis B-0844 FERM P-6809, in a culture medium, and isolating the thus-produced NAD synthetase therefrom.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: A starch slurry is liquified with alpha-amylase to produce fructose by a process wherein carbonate ion in excess of an amount needed to adjust the pH to about 5.0 to 6.0 is added to the slurry and the pH of the slurry is adjusted to about 5.0 to 6.0. The excess amount is preferably about 2 mM to 20 mM. This process enables obtaining consistent and complete liquefaction.

Abstract: A biologically degradable film is prepared consisting of a synthetic polymer and a biologically degradable polymer. The biologically degradable polymer is divided into small particles by means of enzymes produced by microbes in the form of spores, which enzymes split and release small molecules from the surface of the biopolymer particles. After achieving desired particle size, an emulsion is formed with vegetable oil and particles coated with enzyme protein become coated with vegetable oil, which at the same time interrupts the degradation of the biopolymer particles by the enzyme. The coated particles with the oil is separated from the suspension to remove small molecules after which the particles are redried and then pulverized. The final film is prepared in a film extruder in which the biopolymer is mixed with the synthetic polymer and possibly with other additives that are generally used in forming polymer films.

Abstract: A method of degrading keratinaceous material is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of combining the keratinaceous material with Bacillus licheniformis to form a fermentation media and then fermenting the media for a time sufficient to degrade the material. The method can be used to produce amino acids from keratinaceous material and to produce a hydrolyzed feather product useful as a feed additive from the keratinaceous material.A preferred keratinaceous material for carrying out the present invention is feather, and a preferred bacteria for carrying out the invention is Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1.

Abstract: The preparation of an L-amino acid, particularly valine, leucine, isoleucine, alanine and phenylalanine, from the corresponding .alpha.-keto carboxylic acid by bacterial fermentation in the presence of ammonium ions is carried out with the aid of thermophilic Bacillus strains at temperatures above 45.degree. C., in particular above 60.degree. C. Bacillus strains DSM 406, 452, 461, 42, 463, 465 and 466 are particularly suitable for this purpose. The greater solubility of the amino acid at the elevated fermentation temperature permits the separation out of the amino acid from the reaction mixture simply by cooling, whereafter the depleted reaction mixture can be pumped back into the fermenter. Especially favorable yields are achieved by supplying oxygen to the fermenter to an amount of less than about 20% dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: Addition of alkaline proteolytic enzymes derived from Bacillis licheniformis in the anaerobic stage of bacterial digestion processes to improve the settling properties of the bacterial biomass.

Abstract: A method of degrading keratinaceous material is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of combining the keratinaceous material with Bacillus licheniformis to form a fermentation media and then fermenting the media for a time sufficient to degrade the material. The method can be used to produce amino acids from keratinaceous material and to produce a hydrolyzed feather product useful as a feed additive from the keratinaceous material.A preferred keratinaceous material for carrying out the present invention is feather, and a preferred bacteria for carrying out the invention is Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1.

Abstract: A mixed enzyme product comprising a mixture of the alpha-amylase from Bacillus licheniformis and the alpha-amylase from B. stearothermophilus, said mixture containing from 10%-90%, preferably 25%-90%, more preferably 25%-75% by activity as NU/g DS of the Bacillus licheniformis enzyme and is usable with advantage for liquefaction of starch or starchy grains.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutically active compound in a stereospecific form of the formula ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, like an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt or a pivaloyl ester, wherein R.sub.1 represents an optionally substituted aryl group such as a phenyl or naphthyl group optionally included in a heterocyclic ring system, which is optionally substituted, or represents a heteroaromatic ring system containing in addition to carbon atoms one or more atoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, this ring system being optionally substituted, which comprises subjecting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: Uridine is produced by cultivating in a culture medium a uridine-producing microorganism, which belongs to the genus Bacillus and which is deficient in uridine nucleoside phosphorylase activity and is resistant to a pyrimidine analogue, and recovering the accumulated uridine. This method has the advantage of substantially avoiding the by-production of uracil and uridylic acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing pectin which comprises subjecting a plant tissue containing pectic substances to the action of a microorganism which belongs to the genus Bacillus and possesses an activity liberating pectin from a plant tissue but substantially does not possess an activity of decomposing pectin, or a culture broth or processed material thereof to liberate pectin from said plant tissue and recovering the pectin, which allows to obtain readily a pectin of high molecular weight in high yield.

Abstract: Thermostable bilirubin oxidase having substrate specificity to at least bilirubin and capable of catalyzing a reaction in which biliverdin and water are formed from bilirubin and oxygen. It can be produced by culturing a bilirubin oxidase producing micro-organism belonging to the genus Bacillus, for example, Bacillus licheniformis and then preparing the resultant bilirubin oxidase from the cultured broth.

Abstract: An assay method for a component in a specimen containing any one of ATP, deamide-NAD and an amide donor which comprises performing a main reaction which comprises incubating the specimen with NAD synthetase in the presence of ATP, deamide-NAD, an amide donor and Mg.sup.++ to generate NAD; performing a coenzyme-cycling reeaction by combining the oxidation-reduction reaction system with coenzyme NAD and the oxidation-reduction reaction system with coenzyme reduced NAD, and measuring a consumed or generated component in the cycling reaction. The NAD synthetase can be produced by culturing the microorganism Bacillus licheniformis B-0844 FERM P-6809, in a culture medium, and isolating the thus-produced NAD synthetase therefrom.