Abstract: A biosensor system includes a first optical waveguide optically coupled to a light source; a first ring or disk resonator optically coupled to the first optical waveguide; and a monitoring system that signals the presence of a biological material based on a detected change in one or more transfer characteristics of the first ring or disk resonator.

Abstract: The very effective conversion of ML-236B substances and derivatives thereof into 6′-hydroxylated products with the microorganisms of species Amycolatopsis orientalis, or with an extract or a hydroxylation-effective enzyme derived from said microorganism, is described. The products obtained are suitable as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or intermediates thereof. Thus, the products can be used, for example, as an antihypercholesterolemic in pharmacy.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer production and in particular to a novel copolymer and a process for microbiologically producing the same. More specifically this invention provides for a poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that includes medium length 3-hydroxyacyl monomers and a process comprising culturing a microorganism with a medium chain fatty carbon source and a fatty acid oxidation inhibitor. This invention allows the use of microorganisms which normally incorporate only short chain fatty acids to produce PHAs containing short and medium chain 3-hydroxyacyl monomers. The purpose of this invention is to produce a more versatile PHA polymer which includes C6, C7 and/or C8 3-hydroxyacyl monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitative determination of 1,5-anhydroglucitol in a sample, which comprises mixing the sample and an enzyme having activity that is inhibited by 1,5-anhydroglucitol in a concentration-dependent manner, and measuring the activity of the enzyme; and a reagent for quantitative determination of 1,5-anhydroglucitol which comprises an enzyme having activity that is inhibited by 1,5-anhydroglucitol in a concentration-dependent manner, a substrate for the enzyme, and a reagent for quantitative determination of a product formed by the enzyme activity. The present invention also relates to novel trehalase having a Ki value of 0.33 mM or less for 1,5-anhydroglucitol; and a process for producing novel trehalase having the above-mentioned physicochemical properties, which comprises culturing in a medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia and capable of producing the trehalase, and recovering the trehalase from the culture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for enhanced bioremediation of hydrocarbons removed from a contaminated object comprising: (a) a basin for cleansing said hydrocarbon-contaminated object, said basin having a means for introducing a recycling bioremediating cleaning solution (NATURES WAY PC.TM.) for washing said object, a means for draining said solution from said basin into a biochamber reservoir and a means for screening particles from said solution upon entry into said reservoir; and (b) said reservoir having a means for temperature control between 90.degree. to 112.degree. F., means for aerating said solution, means for agitating said solution, an outlet means to a plurality of filters for filtering said solution, an inlet means from said filters and means for removing filtered sediments.

Abstract: An enzymatic hydroxylation process for the preparation of compounds useful as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and/or as intermediates in the preparation of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors uses a microorganism or an enzyme derived from, or having the structure of an enzyme derived from, said microorganism, which is capable of catalyzing the hydroxylation process.

Abstract: Compound 0406 having a chemical structural formula represented by the chemical formula (1) below and having an excellent immuno suppressive activity, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. ##STR1## (wherein R.sub.1 is --COCH.sub.2 COOH or H; R.sub.2 is --CO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3 or --CO(CH.sub.2).sub.4 CH.sub.3 or H.

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. The presence of the nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism can be further confirmed by performing a DNA extraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterial microorganism of the Rhodococcus or Nocardia species having the ability to degrade zearalenone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel proteolytic enzymes. More specifically, the present invention relates to proteolytic enzymes obtainable from strains of Amycolata and Amycolatopsis. Moreover the invention relates to a process for the preparation of the proteolytic enzyme of the invention, as well as detergent additives and detergent compositions comprising the proteolytic enzyme.

Abstract: A process for the microbiological or enzymatic hydrolytic resolution of racemic trans-2-(alkoxycarbonylethyl) lactams of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl or methoxyethoxyethyl and R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a protecting group is disclosed, whereby an optically enriched compound of the formula Ib or IIa: ##STR2## is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of decomposing hard type rubber products, which comprises treating hard type rubber products with a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia in the presence of soft type rubber products. According to the present invention, hard type rubber products, particularly tires, can be efficiently decomposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterial microorganism having the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone. The present invention also provides a method for the isolation and utilization of a zearalenone-degradation gene encoding a gene product having the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for the generation of transformants into which the zearalenone-degradation gene has been introduced, thereby providing the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone to said transformants. The present invention further provides a method for detoxification of plants pre- or post-harvest using microbes having the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone. The invention also provides a method for detoxification of plants pre- or post-harvest using the zearalenone-degradation gene.

Abstract: A method of producing L-amino acids by fermentation. Microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium which exhibit an auxotrophy relative to an amino acid are used as biocatalysts. The method is characterized in that the carbon source on the one hand and the limiting amino acid on the other hand are fed in two or more different infeed currents to the process. The infeed profiles have, for example, a concave (saccharose) and an exponential (amino acid) form or a convex (saccharose) and likewise a convex (amino acid) form, with specific differing degrees of increase of the currents relative to each other over time.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the high efficiency transformation of species of the genus Nocardia with DNA molecules. DNA vectors for the transformation of genes into Nocardia as well as recombinant Nocardia host cells expressing recombinant genes are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing in culture phenylalanine dehydrogenase at yields of 50+ units of enzyme per litre of culture, one unit measured as the amount required to convert one micro-mole of phenylalanine to phenyl pyrovic acid at 25.degree. C. and pH 10.8, in a growth medium comprising a nitrogen source, a buffer, phenylalanine or phenylpyruvic acid or a salt thereof at 20 mM and optionally a vitamin solution. Using phenylalanine at about 100 mM gives yields of phenylalanine dehydrogenase enzyme of 350+ units per liter of culture.

Abstract: Solid materials are separated from micro organisms by a process which comprises growing them at a fermentation temperature, conditioning them by cooling them without freezing and then heating to above the fermentation temperature without permitting substantial recovery from the conditioning stage.

Abstract: An esterase with a molecular weight of 55,200 .+-.300 Da is suitable for the chemoselective conversion of a compound of the formula II into a compound of the formula I.

Abstract: Compounds useful as intermediates in the preparation of taxanes such as taxol are prepared by contacting one or more C-13 acyloxy-bearing taxanes with an enzyme or microorganism capable of hydrolyzing said acyloxy groups to hydroxyl groups. In a preferred embodiment the microorganism is Nocardioides albus ATCC55424, Nocardioides albus ATCC55425 or Nocardioides luteus ATCC55426 or the hydrolase enzyme is isolated from the microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type of polymer comprising repeating units of formula ##STR1## and in particular to a poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate polyester type polymer. The present invention also relates to a microbiological process for the production of the above type of polymer, to a methylotrophic microorganism (bacterium) for use in such a process, and to means for controlling such bioprocesses.

Abstract: A process for producing L-phenylalanine at high rates of formation and in good yields is provided which comprises allowing a microorganism which belongs to the genus Nocardia and is capable of producing L-phenyl-alanine from phenylpyruvic acid or a salt thereof and an amino group donor to act upon an aqueous solution containing phenylpyruvic acid or a salt thereof and an amino group donor selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts and ammonia in a hydrogen gas atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the stereoselective enzymatic reduction of keto group-containing compounds such as N-(4-(2-chloroacetyl)phenyl)methanesulfonamido to form the corresponding hydroxyl-group containing compound. The process is selective for the D(+) enantiomer and is catalyzed by enzymes such as oxido-reductase or dehydrogense, or by microorganisms such as Hansenula, Rhodococcus, or Norcardia species.

Abstract: A microbiological process, capable of producing polymers comprising monomer repeat units of the structure--O.CH((CH.sub.2).sub.x CH.sub.3).CH.sub.2.--CO--wherein x is particularly 6 from glucose, novel polymers produced through the process and new strains of Pseudomonas for use in the process.

Abstract: Microorganisms or reductases derived therefrom reduce a diketo ester ##STR1## to form the associated 3-hydroxy, 5-hydroxy, or 3,5-dihydroxy esters.

Abstract: New glycopeptide antibiotic A82846, comprising A82846A, A82846B and A82846C, is produced by Nocardia orientalis strains NRRL 18098, NRRL 18099 and NRRL 18100. The A82846 antibiotics have activity against Gram-positive bacteria comparable to that of vancomycin.

Abstract: A process is claimed for the preparation of 1-methyl-1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione characterized by fermenting 1-methyl-5.alpha.-androst-1-ene-3,17-dione (metenolone) with a microorganism culture of the genera Nocardia, Mycobacterium, or Fusarium.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of copolymers comprising 3-hydroxybutyrate (HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (HV) units by the cultivation of certain strains of Corynebacterium, and Rhodococcus, some of which are novel on a substrate containing e.g. glucose. The process can also be used to produce the previously unknown homopolymer of HV by using a substrate of valeric acid.

Abstract: A process for the production of eicosapentaenoic acid comprising the steps of a) culturing a microorganism capable of producing lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid belonging to a genus selected from the group of Pseudomonas, Alteromonas and Shewanella, to produce lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid, and b) recovering the eicosapentaenoic acid from the cultured product; a process for production of a lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid comprising the steps of a) culturing a microorganism capable of producing lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid belonging to a genus selected from the group of Pseudomonas, Alteromonas and Shewanella, to produce lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid, and b) recovering the lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid; and microorganisms capable of producing eicosapentaenoic acid belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas, Alteromonas, and Shewanella.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pathogenic mycoplasma isolated from patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and its use in detecting antibodies in sera of AIDS patients, patients with AIDS-related complex (ARC) or patients dying of diseases and symptoms resembling AIDS diseases. The invention further relates to specific DNA sequences, antibodies against the pathogenic mycoplasma, and their use in detecting DNA or antigens of the pathogenic mycoplasma or other genetically and serologically closely related mycoplasmas in infected tissue of patients with AIDS or ARC or patients dying of symptoms resembling AIDS diseases. The invention still further relates to a variety of different forms of vaccine against mycoplasma infection in humans and/or animals.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic complex, A59770, individual factors and derivatives thereof, are provided. The A59770 compounds are useful as pesticides, particularly as rodenticides. Further provided are methods for reducing a rodent population, rodenticidal compositions, and an A59770-producing Amycolatopsis orientalis culture.

Abstract: A process for the predominantly producing R(-)-mandelic acid or a derivative thereof which comprises subjecting (i) R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, or (ii) a mixture of prussic acid and benzaldehyde or a derivative of benzaldehyde to the action of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of the genus Aureobacterium, Pseudomonas, Caseobacter, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter, Brevibacterium, Nocardia, and Bacillus or treated cells thereof, which the microorganism is capable of stereospecifically hydrolyzing a nitrile group of the R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, in a neutral or basic aqueous reaction system to produce the R(-)-mandelic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of 2,6-difluorobenzamide which comprises subjecting 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile to the action of a suitable hydrolysing microorganism or nitrilase extract therefrom; and Rhodococcus Sp. NCIB 12218 or a mutant thereof, suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: New glycopeptide antibiotics MM 49728, MM 55266, MM 55267/1, MM 55267/2 and MM 55268 are produced by fermentation of Amycolatopsis sp. NCIB 40089.

Abstract: A novel choline oxidase being thermostable at 50.degree. C. at pH 7 to 9 is disclosed. A method for producing the enzyme by using actinomycetes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the production of amides utilizing microorganisms is described, which comprises subjecting nitriles having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms to the action of a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, and genus Arthrobacter or the genus Microbacterium having an ability to hydrate the nitriles to form the corresponding amides in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A method for the fermentation of microorganisms having a high level of ice nucleating activity is disclosed. A high productivity in the fermentation is achieved by using a certain amount of nitrogen source during the growth phase and low temperature during the stationary phase of the fermentation.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel ganglioside ceramidase which has a substrate specificity at least for GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and acts at least on GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and catalyzes the reaction of hydrolysis of ganglioside to lysoganglioside and fatty acid.This invention further provides a process for producing the novel ganglioside ceramidase which comprises cultivating ganglioside ceramidase producing strain belonging to the genus Nocardia in a culture medium and collecting ganglioside ceramidase from the culture.

Abstract: The object of this invention are de-mannosylated teicoplanin derivatives which can be obtained in good yield by microbiological transformation with cultures of Nocardia orientalis NRRL 2450 or Streptomyces candidus NRRL 3218.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of copolymers comprising 3-hydroxybutyrate (HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (HV) units by the cultivation of certain strains of Corynebacterium, and Rhodococcus, some of which are novel on a substrate containing e.g. glucose. The process can also be used to produce the previously unknown homopolymer of HV by using a substrate of valeric acid.

Abstract: Process is described for the production of L-amino acids of general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 means an alkyl radical with at most 12 carbon atoms optionally substituted by hydroxy groups, mercapto groups, halogen atoms, amino groups, carbonyl groups or guanidino groups and/or interrupted by oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms or sulfur atoms, and in the case of mercapto compounds of formula I also their dithio compounds, characterized in that the microorganism Nocardia spec. DSM 3306 or its enzymes are allowed to act on a D,L-imidazolidinedione derivative of general formula II ##STR2## in which R.sub.1 has the above-named meaning or, in the case of mercapto compounds of formula II, also in their dithio compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing an unsaturated fatty acid or derivative thereof which comprises culturing an unsaturated fatty acid-producing microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus in a medium containing a saturated fatty acid or a derivative thereof, or causing the resting cells of the microorganisms to act on a saturated fatty acid or a derivative thereof. Also disclosed herein is a process for producing an alkene or derivative thereof which comprises culturing an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound-producing microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus in a medium containing an alkane or derivative thereof, or causing the resting cells of the microorganism to act on an alkane or derivative thereof.

Abstract: In a method of disassembling resin-molded equipment, a gap is formed in the boundary portion between a metal body and a resin layer disposed around the metal body in order to separate the metal body is separated from the resin layer. To form the gap, either the metal body or the resin layer may be heated, so that the gap is formed by the difference in thermal expansion between the metal body and the resin layer. Alternatively, a microorganism such as ray fungus of Nocardia is attached to the boundary portion between the metal body and the resin layer, and decomposes the resin to form the gap. Since the gap reduces the bonding strength between the metal body and the resin layer and in some cases the metal body may even separate from the resin layer, the metal body may be pulled out with ease.

Abstract: An agent for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors and for the treatment of lowered cellular and humoral immune defense is described which contains an immune modulator, a lipopolysaccharide or an immune modulator tagged with a radioactive tracer, a dyestuff or a cytostatic, or a similar polysaccharide, possibly in and/or on liposomes or lipidized. There is also described a product which contains the agent together with an adjuvant consisting of an aldehyde and an alcohol. There is also described a method for the diagnosis of malignant tumors comprising the step of administering to a mammal a diagnostic effective amount of the agent, optionally together with an adjuvant consisting of an aldehyde and an alcohol.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel ganglioside ceramidase which has a substrate specificity at least for GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and acts at least on GD1a, GM1, GM2 and GM3 and catalyzes the reaction of hydrolysis of ganglioside to lysoganglioside and fatty acid.This invention further provides a process for producing the novel ganglioside ceramidase which comprises cultivating ganglioside ceramidase producing strain belonging to the genus Nocardia in a culture medium and collecting ganglioside ceramidase from the culture.

Abstract: A microbiological process is described for the preparation of 6-desmethyl-6-.beta.-hydroxymethyl and 6-desmethyl-6-.beta.-carboxylovastatin derivatives and 8-acyl analogs thereof.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic, A 42867, is prepared by cultivating the strain Nocardia sp. ATCC 53492, or an antibiotic A 42867-producing mutant or variant thereof, under submerged aerobic conditions in the presence of assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen and inorganic salts. The antibiotic and its addition salts are useful in the treatment of infectious diseases and as growth promotant agents.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of metoprolol in a stereospecific form or a non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and/or a stereospecific form of 4-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenyl glycidyl ether which comprises subjecting 4-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenyl allyl ether to the action of a microorganism having the ability for stereoselective epoxidation of 4-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenyl allyl ether into 4-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenyl glycidyl ether having at least 80% by weight the S configuration, at least partly separating 4-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenyl glycidyl ether and/or reacting 4-(2-methoxyethyl)-phenyl glycidyl ether with isopropylamine and at least partly separating metoprolol and/or converting metoprolol into its non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt.

Abstract: A plasmid transformation system for Rhodococcus was developed using an Escherichia coli-Rhodococcus shuttle plasmid. Rhodococcus sp. H13-A contains three cryptic indigenous plasmids, designated pMVS100, pMVS200 and pMVS300, of 75, 19.5 and 13.4 kilobases (Kb), respectively. A 3.8 Kb restriction fragment of pMVS300 was cloned into pIJ30, a 6.3 Kb pBR322 derivative, containing the E. coli origin of replication (ori) and ampicillin resistance determinant (bla) as well as a Streptomyces gene for thiostrepton resistance, tsr. The resulting 10.1 Kb recombinant plasmid, designated pMVS301, was isolated from E. coli DH1 (pMVS301) and transformed into Rhodococcus sp. AS-50, a derivative of strain H13-A, by polyethylene glycol-assisted transformation of Rhodococcus protoplasts and selection for thiostrepton-resistant transformants. This strain was deposited with the ATCC on Feb. 1, 1988 and assigned ATCC 53719.The plasmid contains the Rhodococcus origin of replication.

Abstract: Nitrile hydration activity of the nitrilase or the immobilized from thereof can be stably preserved by adding as a stabilizer at least one compound selected from nitriles, amides, and organic acids and salts thereof to a solution or suspension of the nitrilase or of the immobilized form thereof.

Abstract: The antibiotic of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is ##STR2## The antibiotic is useful for the treatment of swine dysentery and for promoting growth and/or increasing the efficiency of food utilization in poultry, swine and ruminants.