Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a yeast of the species Metschnikowia fructicola. The yeast is identified as NRRL Y-30752 and is capable of inhibiting growth of a deleterious micro-organism on a portion of a plant to which a biologically effective amount of a culture of the yeast is applied. Further disclosed is a composition for use in protection of agricultural produce including a biologically effective amount of Metschnikowia fructicola and a carrier. Further disclosed is an article of manufacture including packaging material and the disclosed composition which is identified for use in protection of agricultural produce from a deleterious micro-organism. Further disclosed is a method of inhibiting growth of a deleterious micro-organism on a portion of a plant including applying at least one time an agriculturally effective amount of yeast of the genus Metschnikowia to the portion of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel white rot lignin-modifying fungus Flavodon flavus deposited at National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India, at accession No. 312 which is being deposited in ATCC with accession No. ______, and a process for removal of dyes in dye-containing waste-waters and soil, said process comprising the steps of growing the white rot fungus Flavodon flavus in a nutrient medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen source, having optimal salinity up to 15 parts per thousand for a period of about 4-10 days, contacting biomass with effluents containing dyes for a period of at least 5 days followed by separation of the fungal biomass from the effluents by conventional methods to render the effluents substantially free of dyes.

Abstract: There is disclosed novel Phellinus linteus Yoo. This mushroom is identified as novel as analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and by microbiological features. A polysaccharide substance isolated from the fruiting bodies or mycelia the strain and other Phellinus spp. has an anticancer activity by inciting the cytotoxicity of T-cells and the antibody forming potency of B-cells. Also, the polysaccharide substance shows a potent activity against cancer metastasis. The polysaccharide substance, which can stimulate the immunity of the body, may be effective in the prophylaxis and treatment of immune-related diseases, such as cancers and AIDS, and in the study on the basic mechanism of the diseases.

Abstract: A potential energy field flow bioreactor for processing a reagent includes a flow pathway, preferably in the form of a spiral, through which pathway is flowed reactant particles and at least one initial reagent adapted to react therewith. The reaction generates an energy potential difference between the beginning of said pathway and its end thereby polarizing the reactant particles, whereby they adhere to each other and become immobilized within the pathway.

Abstract: An isolated strain of the Moniliella species that converts glucose to erythritol with a conversion rate of at least about 45% is disclosed, as is a method of producing erythritol from such a strain.

Abstract: A chitosan having a weight average molecular weight of 50,000-140,000 g/mole and a degree of deacetylation of 85-95%. Also disclosed are a method of preparing a chitosan from a fungus, and a method of using a chitosan for treating breast or cervical cancer.

Abstract: Provided is a process of and product resulting from adding a sub-lethal amount of a peroxide, or said peroxide in combination with sub-lethal ultra violet radiation, to a growing culture of a yeast; observing the change in absorbance of the culture at 256 nm as a measure of the injury occurring to the yeast cells, and upon reaching a predetermined absorbance value, purifying the water-soluble yeast extract from the peroxide containing yeast culture. The resulting product has at least 1.5 respiratory units per mg dry weight and has significantly increased amounts of 15, 25 and 55 kilo Daltons (kD) molecular weight products compared to a Live Yeast Cell Derivative as determined by SDS slab gel electrophoresis. This product can be combined with a cosmetically acceptable carrier to provide a composition suitable for topical application to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method which can prevent browning of hydrolyzed protein obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of vegetable protein material. A vegetable protein material containing saccharides is mixed with the fungal culture and is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis in a liquid reaction system. The reaction is conducted first at a temperature ranging from 15° C. to 39° C. with aeration and agitation, and then, after stopping the aeration, the reaction is conducted and completed at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Aerothricins represented by the Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an Aerothricin of the Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of such Aerothricins for the preparation of medicaments, as well as to processes for the preparation of the Aerothricins of the Formula (I).

Abstract: A process for producing an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol, the method comprising the step of allowing at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Morganella and others, to act on an enantiomeric mixture of an &agr;-aminoketone or a salt thereof having the general formula (I): to produce an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol with the desired optical activity having the general formula (II) described below in a high yield as well as in a highly selective manner:

Abstract: A mushroom fungus belonging to the order of Agaricales, is cultured with good efficiency by using a liquid culture medium in such a way as to prepare the mycelia separated from the culture medium such that the culturing liquid can be served for food use. A liquid culture medium containing 3 to 16 g/liter of sucrose and 1 to 6 g/liter of maltose as a carbon source and 0.3 to 1.2 g/liter of yeast extract as a nitrogen source is inoculated with Agaricus mycelia and culturing is conducted by blowing into the culture medium sterilized air of 20 to 90% of the oxygen concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plants that are stably infected with an endophyte fungus. The purpose in providing to plants unique fungal endophytes is to import desired traits. These traits include insect resistance and drought tolerance and improved persistence to the plants. The plants specifically grass without inoculation with the endophyte would not evidence these traits as strongly. Endophyte inoculated grass can be used as turfgrass or foraging material depending on the grass type selected. In the present invention an endophyte that has a native host of meadow fescue was discovered. This endophyte did not provide animal toxicity's. This endophyte was transferred to a non-native host, Lolium perenne L. The transfer of Neotyphodium siegelii to Lolium perenne L. as a host was unique. The endophyte when in the non-native host evidenced stable inheritance and lacked the herbivore toxic effect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel stereoselective processes for the preparation of (S)-1-arylethanols by the reduction of the corresponding keto group containing compounds by microorganisms. (S)-1-arylethanols are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds that are inhibitors of &ggr;-secretase useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the establishment of a cultivation condition that is suitable for the large-scale production of pharmacologically active filtrates from a culture of A. camphorata, in particular, by optimizing the agitation rate and/or pH value during the cultivation. The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining pharmacologically active compositions from a culture of A. camphorata through a series of fractionation. This invention is further directed to the uses of the above compositions in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the in vitro aseptic mass production and sporulation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The method comprises providing symbiotic root organs with AMF propagules and spores after the root organs are inoculated with AMF inoculums in advance to form AMF propagules in the root organs and cultivating them in an aseptic container, and then providing the whole symbiotic root organs and AMF propagules with liquid medium for a temporary contact between the liquid medium and the root organ with AMF propagules in order to cultivate AMF, then removing the liquid medium from the symbiotic root organs and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal propagules and finally repeating former two steps periodically to facilitate the mass production and sporulation of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phytase variants, their preparation and uses, which phytase variants, when aligned according to FIG. 1, are amended as compared to a model phytase in at least one of a number of positions. Preferred model phytases are basidiomycete and ascomycete phytases, such as Peniophora phytase and Aspergillus phytases. Preferred phytase variants exhibits amended activity characteristics, such as improved specific activity and/or improved thermostability.

Abstract: A method for converting organic solid waste into humic products and the corresponding apparatus, in which a preliminary aerobic fermentation of the organic solid waste is performed, followed by a second aerobic fermentation of the organic waste in the presence of specific microorganisms in order to provide a basic precursor on which the selective metabolization occurs of specific bacterial strains to provide the humic product.

Abstract: The entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and certain related species, such as P. javanicus are useful for controlling infestations by subterranean termites, particularly those belonging to the family Rhinotermitidae. The family Rhinotermitidae includes two species of subterranean termites having extremely high economic importance in the United States; namely the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki), and the native (North American) subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). Large numbers of infectious propagules of the fungus, such as blastospores and conidia can be readily cultured on media that are easily and inexpensively prepared and incorporated into formulations for controlling termites. These fungi are useful for protecting living trees, plants, wood, wood structures, and other cellulosic materials susceptible to termite infestation and damage.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining taxanes from novel sources are disclosed. Angiosperms other than hazelnut and the gymnosperm ginkgo have been discovered to be sources of taxane, including paclitaxel. Taxane may also be obtained from fungal endophytes from these plants. Methods for optimizing the recovery of taxane from plant sources are disclosed in which a plant part is surface-sterilized before extracting taxane therefrom or before culturing fungal endophytes therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant of Monascus purpureus, designated as Monascus purpureus M011, which is useful in the production of yellow pigments with a low amount of citrinin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for simultaneous decolorization and detoxification of molasses spent wash or water/soil contaminated with molasses spent wash using white-rot lignin modifying fungus strain Flavodon flavus which has been deposited at the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India, bearing accession No. NIOCC #312 and has also been deposited at ARS Patent collection (NRRL), USDA, Illinois, U.S.A., bearing accession No. 30302.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the Schizochytrium genus SR21 strain and a microorganism belonging to the same species as does said SR21 strain or having substantially the same fungological properties as does said SR21 strain, the said SR21 strain and microorganism having the ability to produce the (n-3) series of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the (n-6) series of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and the invention also relates to a process for preparing the (n-3) series of DHA and the (n-6) series of DPA utilizing said microorganisms. The microorganisms according to the present invention are superior in their proliferation character and their propensity to produce fat, and have the ability to produce the (n-3) series of DHA and the (n-6) series of DPA very well. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively produce the (n-3) series of DHA and/or the (n-6) series of DPA, which are useful in the fields of foods and pharmaceuticals, using the microorganisms according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of acquiring granular growth of a microorganism in a reactor containing a liquid medium. Surprisingly, according to the invention, aerobic microorganisms also can be induced to granular growth by maintaining specific culture conditions. During a first step an oxygen-containing gas is supplied and the reactor contents are kept in turbulence. In a second step, after a short settling period, the top part of the reactor medium is discharged.

Abstract: To provide an Italian rye grass with excellent characteristics, and in particular, excellent insect resistance and disease resistance, an endophyte, which is a filamentous endophytic fungus living together with a wild plant occurring in nature, is isolated and artificially grown, and made to live symbiotically in Italian rye grass by inoculating and infecting the grass with the artificially grown endophyte.

Abstract: A biocontrol agent containing Phoma glomerata for suppressing development of fungal diseases on plants and methods of using this biocontrol agent in the suppression of fungal disease on plants are provided. The Phoma glomerata is preferably Phoma glomerata ATCC MYA-2373 that suppresses powdery mildew on plants.

Abstract: The present invention refers to extracts from the fungus Guignardia sp., and also a new isolate compound from the aforementioned extract, both having antimicrobial activities, particularly antibacterial and antifungal activities, and their use in pharmaceutical compositions. The new compound, isolated from the extract of the fungus Guignardia sp.

Abstract: A process for macromolecularizing phenolic compounds or aromatic amine compounds by the action of a catalyst comprising an enzyme having a polyphenol oxidizing activity in the alkali region; applications of the compounds obtained by the above process to thickeners, stabilizers, coagulants, emulsifiers, dispersants, water retainers, antioxidants, adhesives, concrete admixtures, dyes, coating materials, petroleum recovering agent, soil conditioner, a blow-applied seed bearing surface soil stabilizer, deodorants, smell eliminators, agricultural chemical spreaders, feeding stuff binders, bactericides, antimicrobial agents, viral infection inhibitors, bioadhesion preventives, biotic repellents, insecticides, poultices, ink bases or wood treating agents; and method of waste water disposal, a method of deoxygenation and a method of treating wood, concrete or soil in which use is made of the above reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new bioactive compound of formula (I), which has an antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms, and a process for production thereof. Also provided are a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a use of the WF002 as a medicament and use of the compound for manufacture of the medicament for treatment of infectious disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having haloperoxidase activity. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: A pesticide composition that includes a metabolite from a fungus selected from homeocarpic basidiomycetes and homeocarpic ascomycetes is produced. In one embodiment, the fungus from which the metabolite is derived is one grown under conditions effective to substantially suppress fruiting of the fungus. More particular the pesticide compositions are provided comprising a fungal metabolite derived from a fungus selected from the group Ganoderma spp., Lactiporus spp. Lentinus spp. Morchella spp., and Pleurotus spp. The pesticide composition may be produced by culturing the fungus on a medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant. Alternatively a filtrate from a culture of the fungus is added to the medium containing vegetable oil and a surfactant, and mixed until pesticidal activity develops.

Abstract: Phytase variants, their preparation and uses, which phytase variants, when aligned according to FIG. 1, are amended as compared to a model phytase in at least one of a number of positions. Preferred model phytases are basidiomycete and ascomycete phytases, such as Peniophora phytase and Aspergillus phytases. Preferred phytase variants exhibits amended activity characteristics, such as improved specific activity and/or improved thermostability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having haloperoxidase activity. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences.

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: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having haloperoxidase activity. The invention also relates to methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are detergent compositions comprising novel phenol oxidizing enzymes encoded by nucleic acid capable of hybridizing to the nucleic acid having the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 and in particular those obtainable from fungus, in particular from Bipolaris spicifera, Curvularia pallescens and Amerosporium atrum. The present invention provides expression vectors and host cells comprising nucleic acid encoding phenol oxidizing enzymes, methods for producing the phenol oxidizing enzyme as well as methods for constructing expression osts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having haloperoxidase activity. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: 30 The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having haloperoxidase activity.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide probe is disclosed, the probe including an oligonucleotide, a fluorescer molecule attached to a first end of the oligonucleotide and a quencher molecule attached to the opposite end of the oligonucleotide. The probe is rendered impervious to digestion by the 5′→3′ exonuclease activity of a polymerase and the 3′→5′ extension of by a polymerase. The invention also includes methods for performing combined PCR amplification and hybridization probing, one such method including the steps of contacting a target nucleic acid sequence with PCR reagents and an oligonucleotide probe as described above, and subjecting these reagents to thermal cycling. One preferred refinement of the above method further includes the addition of a strand displacer to facilitate amplification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of shikimic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing shikimic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a process of and product resulting from adding a sub-lethal amount of a peroxide to a growing culture of yeast, observing the change in absorbance of the culture at 256 nm as a measure of the injury occurring to the yeast cells, and, upon reaching a predetermined absorbance value, purifying the water-soluble yeast extract from the peroxide containing yeast culture. The resulting product has at least 1.5 respiratory units per mg dry weight and has significantly increased amounts of 15, 25 and 55 kD molecular weight products compared to a Live Yeast Cell Derivative as determined by SDS slab gel electrophoresis. This product can be combined with a cosmetically acceptable carrier to provide a composition suitable for topical application to the skin.

Abstract: Novel screening methods for identifying antimicrobial agents involving use of membrane potential indicator dyes are provided.

Abstract: An isolated strain of the Moniliella species that converts glucose to erythritol with a conversion rate of at least about 45% is disclosed, as is a method of producing erythritol from such a strain.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing &ggr;-decalactone using Yarrowia lipolytica HR 145 (DSM 12397). The process includes preparing the product in a bioreactor by culturing the pure strain of Yarrowia lipolytica in a culture medium containing carbon compounds, nitrogen compounds, inorganic salts, trace elements, vitamins, etc. Other ingredients of the culture medium include glycerol, glucose, mannitol, citric acid, malt extract, yeast extract, casein hydrolysate, castor oil, cotton seed meal or corn steep liquor. Also sulphates, nitrates, chlorides, carbonates or phosphates of metals sodium, potassium magnesium, manganese, calcium, zinc, and mixtures thereof can be used in the culture medium. Further, a pure strain of Yarrowia lipolytica HR 145 (DSM 12397) is provided.

Abstract: A method of producing erythritol. The method includes growing in a culture an isolated yeast strain that possesses certain unique characteristics and is capable of converting glucose to erythritol in a glucose-containing medium, and purifying erythritol from the culture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallization from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallization of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi using pure strains of Rosellinia subiculata ATCC 74386 and fungus ATCC 74387. Further, methods of producing a sordarin compound are disclosed. The method includes cultivating each strain separately in a nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of carbon and nitrogen and recovering the compound. A sordarin compound of formula I is also disclosed. Also an antifungal composition containing a sordarin compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated gene coding for a protein regulating aureobasidin sensitivity; a process for cloning the gene with the use of the gene or a part of the same as a probe; a nucleic acid probe being hybridizable with the gene; an antisense DNA or RNA of the gene; a recombinant or transformant having the gene contained therein; an isolated protein regulating aureobasidin sensitivity and a process for producing the same by using the transformant; an antibody for the protein; a process for detecting the protein or the gene; and a process for screening an antimycotic by using the protein or the transformant. The invention is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases including mycoses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transglutaminases and transglutaminase preparations obtained from lower fungi belonging to the class Oomycetes. Unprecedented high-level expression is achievable by growing these coenocytium forming organisms, especially the strains Pythium sp., Pythium irregulare, Pythium dissotocum, Pythium periilum (or P. periplocum), Pythium torulosum, Pythium ultimum, Pythium aphanidermatum, Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora palmivora, Phytophthora porri, Phytophthora infestans, Phytoph-thora megasperma, Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora cryptogea. Arecombinant transglutaminase has been cloned and expressed, the enzyme and enzyme preparations being useful for cross-linking proteins, e.g. in flour, baked products, meat products, fish products, cosmetics, cheese, milk products, gelled food products and leather finishing, or as a glutaminase, e.g. in bread and other baked glutein-containing food products.