Abstract: Peptide-based organic sunscreens, formed by coupling a skin-binding peptide with an organic sunscreen agent, are described. The skin-binding peptide part of the peptide-based organic sunscreen binds strongly to the skin, thus keeping the organic sunscreen agent attached to the skin for long lasting protection. Sunscreen compositions comprising the peptide-based organic sunscreens are also provided.

Abstract: Hair-binding peptides were isolated for their use in a variety of personal care formulations and applications. The isolation of hair-binding peptides was accomplished by enrichment using mRNA-display selection technology. Hair care compositions comprising peptide-based reagents prepared comprising the hair-binding peptides are also provided.

Abstract: Recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria that have enhanced acetyl-CoA synthetase activity and the ability to produce glycerol and glycerol-derived products, such as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, methylglyoxal, 1,2-propanediol, and 1,3-propanediol, are described. The recombinant E. coli comprise a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having acetyl-CoA synthetase enzyme activity, wherein the promoter and nucleotide sequence are each independently either native or non-native.

Abstract: Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to hair. Peptide-based hair reagents formed by coupling a hair-binding peptide to a benefit agent are described. The peptide-based hair reagents include peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants. The peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants are comprised of at least one hair-binding peptide coupled to a hair conditioning agent or a coloring agent, respectively.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The polymethyl methacrylate-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-based reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a PMMA polymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a PMMA polymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.

Abstract: Peptides have been identified that bind with high affinity to dyed hair. Peptide-based hair reagents formed by coupling a dyed-hair-binding peptide to a benefit agent are described. The peptide-based hair reagents include peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants. The peptide-based hair conditioners and hair colorants are comprised of a dyed-hair-binding peptide coupled to a hair conditioning agent or a coloring agent, respectively. The peptide-based hair reagents or the dyed-hair-binding peptides may also be used as a protective sealant to improve color retention of dyed hair.

Abstract: Peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The polymethyl methacrylate-binding peptides may be used to prepare peptide-based reagents suitable for use in a variety of applications. The peptide-based reagents may be used to couple benefit agents to a PMMA polymer surface or may be used to couple a benefit agent comprising a PMMA polymer surface to a target surface, such as a body surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a series of low-copy number plasmids comprising restriction endonuclease recognition sites useful for cloning at least three different genes or operons, each flanked by a terminator sequence, the plasmids containing variants of glucose isomerase promoters for varying levels of protein expression. The materials and methods are useful for genetic engineering in microorganisms, especially where multiple genetic insertions are sought.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering oil from a subterranean reservoir using waterflooding, wherein the flooding fluid used in the waterflooding process comprises water and one or more ionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers. The use of one or more ionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers is expected to increase the recovery of oil by improving both the oil/water mobility ratio and the sweep efficiency in reservoirs with a high degree of heterogeneity.

Abstract: This invention provides a series of low-copy number plasmids comprising restriction endonuclease recognition sites useful for cloning at least three different genes or operons, each flanked by a terminator sequence, the plasmids containing variants of glucose isomerase promoters for varying levels of protein expression. The materials and methods are useful for genetic engineering in microorganisms, especially where multiple genetic insertions are sought.

Abstract: Improvement in the compatibility of hydrocarbon and water is achieved by surface active agents newly synthesized by mixed microbial populations. Methods for enhancing the microbial production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters can be achieved by supplementing the mixed microbial population with one or more carbon sources, most notably propionate. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean formations or for remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the longevity of the binding of various benefit agents to hair and skin. Applications of traditional and non-traditional colorants and conditioners to hair and skin are amended with compositions of hair or skin-binding peptides respectively. The presence of the hair or skin-binding peptide compositions act to increase the longevity of the applied colorant or conditioner on the hair or skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering oil from a subterranean reservoir using waterflooding, wherein the flooding fluid used in the waterflooding process comprises water and one or more ionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers. The use of one or more ionic polyvinyl alcohol copolymers is expected to increase the recovery of oil by improving both the oil/water mobility ratio and the sweep efficiency in reservoirs with a high degree of heterogeneity.

Abstract: Combinatorially generated peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polyethylene (PE). The peptides may be used to deliver benefit agents to various PE surfaces.

Abstract: Combinatorially generated peptides are provided that have binding affinity for polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The peptides may be used to deliver benefit agents to various PMMA surfaces.