Abstract: The present invention provides genetically engineered microbial strains, in particular genetically engineered yeast strains, that produce at least 0.5 mg per g CDW of a sphingoid base according to Formula I or a salt or ester thereof. The present invention provides a method to obtain genetically engineered microbial strains producing at least 0.5 mg per g CDW of a sphingoid base according to Formula I or a salt or ester thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composition for topical use comprising a free sphingoid base and a ceramide. The compositions of the invention are suitable for application to skin conditions associated with an impaired barrier function, in particular to skin conditions further associated with a deranged regulation of cell growth and differentiation, an inflammatory condition and/or an infectious state.

Abstract: The present invention provides microbial strains, in particular yeast strains, that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of a sphingoid base. The present invention further provides a method to obtain sphingoid base-producing microbial strains comprising incubating a population of microbial cells in the presence of a suitable concentration of a toxin, selecting cells that are resistant against said toxin, and isolating cells out of the toxin-resistant cell population that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I. Optionally, the method further comprises subjecting a population of toxin-resistant microbial cells that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I to DNA-mediated transformation with a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. The present invention further provides a polypeptide having dihydroceramide desaturase activity obtainable form Pichia ciferrii.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transformation system useful for the genetic engineering of the industrial yeast Pichia ciferrii. It describes the isolation of auxotrophic mutants of this yeast and nucleotide sequences able to complement the auxotrophic requirements of these strains. The transformation system is based on mutant Pichia ciferrii cells auxotrophic for uracil or lysine, which are transformed with plasmids containing the URA3 or LYS2 genes as selection markers. Novel URA3 and LYS2 genes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to identify microorganisms that are capable of converting exogenous phytosphingosine into sphingosine. The microorganism possess a dehydratase activity. The process comprises the steps of providing a series of candidate microorganisms, incubating said series of candidate microorganisms in the presence of a suitable amount of phytosphingosine, analyzing the composition of the sphingoid base obtained from each incubated microorganism, and identifying a microorganism that is able to convert at least part of the phytosphingosine into sphingosine. The microorganisms may be used for the production of sphingosine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized enzyme composition comprising a polyol and an acrylamide polymer thickening agent. The concentration of the polyacrylamide in the composition varies from 0.05 to 15 wt. %.

Abstract: A stabilized enzyme composition comprising an amount of at least one enzyme, an amount of a polyol for stabilizing the enzyme and an amount of an acrylamide polymer thickening agent, characterized in that as the acrylamide polymer use is made of a —(CH2CR(CONH2)— polymer, in which R is either hydrogen or a methyl group. The concentration of the polyacrylamide in the composition varies from 0.05 to 15 wt %.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dispensing system for benzoyl chloride and an antimicrobial agent which antimicrobial agent is a macrolide or an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The dispensing system comprises a first container containing a composition comprising benzoyl peroxide suspended in an aqueous solvent and further includes a viscosifying agent and a second container containing a second composition, wherein the second composition comprises an antimicrobial agent in a solvent and further comprising a viscosifying agent. The solvent is present in a concentration which is too high for direct application.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved process for the N-acylation of amino alcohols employing an organic acid in the form of an acid halogenide, wherein the acylation occurs in an organic solvent in the additional presence of water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for topical application of an enzyme, wherein the enzyme becomes incorporated in a peelable film, for instance a polyvinyl alcohol film, after its application. In this way, the release of enzyme-containing dust particles from the site of application is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention discloses stable vitamin C concentrates suitable for use in a multichamber dispenser. The compositions have a pH above about 5 and preferably should contain a xanthan and/or a carbomer as a viscosifier.