Abstract: New yeast strains providing for an enhanced rate of the fermentation of sugars, and a process to obtain such yeasts and the use of these yeasts. Yeasts capable of improved fermentation of sugars, a process to obtain these yeasts and the use of these yeasts are provided. The yeasts show higher rates of metabolism resulting in for example higher carbon dioxide and ethanol production in media containing sugars, such as maltose, as main carbon and energy source. The fermentation rate of sugars is improved by the introduction into a yeast of one or more DNA constructs comprising at least one gene encoding a protein promoting the uptake and/or initial metabolic conversion of a transported sugar substrate.

Abstract: Recombinantly produced serum albumin is purified in a series of steps, optionally by incubation with an anion-exchange adsorbent, followed by affinity chromatography employing a hydrophobic solid phase and using a water-soluble lipid anion as desorbens in the aqueous phase. This immobile phase comprises a carrier coupled to a 2-mercapto or 2-hydroxy alkanoic acid.

Abstract: Methods and expression constructs are provided for the cloning and overexpression of an arabinoxylan degrading enzyme of fungal origin in a selected microbial host cell. The enzyme is shown to be active in the degradation of water-insoluble solids obtained from maize. The enzyme can be used in the preparation of animal feed compositions, human food or in industrial processes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel ceramide 3 derivative which is N-linoleoylphytosphingosine (Ceramide IIIA). In addition, a method for preparing this compound is described. The solubility of this diunsaturated ceramide IIIA is much higher than the solubility of ceramide 1 and a saturated ceramide 3 compound. Compositions containing ceramide IIIA are described which are suitable for topical use. Furthermore, a method is given for maintaining the water permeability characteristics of the skin using compositions comprising ceramide IIIA.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transformed Phaffia strain. Also disclosed are specific vectors for transforming Phaffia, preferably such vectors contain expression regulating sequences obtained from Phaffia. The present invention also discloses the use of certain marker genes in Phaffia. The invention further discloses a method for transforming Phaffia.

Abstract: Novel microbial host strains are provided which are transformed by a vector molecule comprising a DNA fragment encoding a lipolytic enzyme and a marker for selection, capable of producing active lipase. Said DNA fragment is preferably derived from a Pseudomonas species.

Abstract: The exo-polygalacturonase gene from Aspergillus is identified, and the enzyme encoded thereby is expressed. Specifically, the exo-polygalacturonase gene from Aspergillus tubingensis is is cloned and expressed, and DNA sequences from other Aspergillus strains that specifically hybridize therewith are identified. Novel expression vectors that comprise an exo-polygalacturonase encoding sequence, and host cells transformed therewith, are also provided. The invention further relates to the production of recombinant exo-polygalacturonase, and to the use of this protein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to improve the processing and storage stability of dry enzyme preparations. To this extent an inorganic salt, e.g. MgSO.sub.4, is dissolved in an enzyme containing solution which is subsequently dried, using e.g. spray drying. Not only does the addition of salt improve the yield of enzyme activity upon drying, also the storage and processing stability of the obtained solid composition containing the enzyme and the inorganic salt are improved with respect to enzyme activity. The invention further discloses solid compositions comprising enzymes and inorganic salts. Preferably the enzymes comprise phytase, protease, hemicellulase, cellulase, and mixtures thereof, and the inorganic salts are divalent cations comprising zinc, magnesium, or calcium. The concentration of the inorganic salt is at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 30%, still more preferably at least 60%, and most preferably at least 90% (w/w).

Abstract: This invention discloses novel methods of making fermented food products such as yogurt. It also discloses novel Lactobacillus bulgaricus organisms for making fermented food products which are conditionally sensitive, that is, operate to metabolize a desired compound normally under the processing conditions for fermented food products but slow or decrease in activity beyond what is normal under the routine storage temperatures for the fermented food products. Such fermented food products exhibits improved shelf life and long-term taste.

Abstract: Novel compositions that comprise solvates, salts, or other modified crystalline forms of polyene-type antifungal compounds are provided. Representative of such compositions are formulations that comprise the novel cystalline substances .delta.-natamycin and .gamma.-natamycin. Additionally, there are provided methods of preparing or storing such compositions, and also methods of use whereby an enhanced rate of release of antifungal compound, in a pharmaceutical or food products application is achieved.

Abstract: New diamine salts of clavulanic acid, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and a new process using these diamine salts in the preparation of clavulanic acid and salts and esters thereof have been provided.

Abstract: A process of producing cheese in improved yields, wherein a recombinant aspartic protease, derived from Rhizomucor miehei or Rhizomucor pusillus, is added to milk in sufficient amounts to effect clotting of the milk, after which the resulting curd is processed in a manner known per se for making cheese.

Abstract: An overall efficient process for the preparation and recovery of 7-aminodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid (7-ADCA) via 3-(carboxyethylthio)propionyl-7-ADCA, using a Penicillium chrysogenum transformant strain expressing expandase in conjunction with acyltransferase, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active derivatives of sphingoid bases. Specifically, the invention relates to retinoylamide based derivatives of sphingoid bases. The present invention describes a method for obtaining these compounds. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the preservation of beverages comprising the use of a killer toxin. Specifically, zymocin is used in carbonated drinks. The zymocin is shown to be active against a wide range of different yeast strains. The invention further discloses a DNA fragment encoding zymocin. The DNA sequence is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the expression of phytase in transgenic plants or plant organs and methods for the production of such plants. DNA expression constructs are provided for the transformation of plants with a gene encoding phytase under the control of regulatory sequences which are capable of directing the expression of phytase. These regulatory sequences include sequences capable of directing transcription in plants, either constitutively, or stage and/or tissue specific, depending on the use of the plant or parts thereof. The transgenic plants and plant organs provided by the present invention may be applied to a variety of industrial processes either directly, e.g. in animal feeds or alternatively, the expressed phytase may be extracted and if desired, purified before application.

Abstract: Methods and DNA constructs are provided for the expression of a fungal acetyl xylan esterase gene in microbial hosts. A purified fungal acetyl xylan esterase is obtained which is suited for the use as an accessory enzyme in the degradation of acetylated xylans.

Abstract: In the synthesis of amikacin, having the formula: ##STR1## by acylation of a diprotected derivative of kanamycin A with a reactive derivative of L-(-)-4-amino-2-hydroxybutyric acid, the selection of the reaction solvent and of the pH conditions permit the industrial economically and the synthesis yield to be improved.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of valuable products from vinasse which contains potassium salts. The process comprises concentrating the vinasse to a dry matter content of 50-80% dry solids and separating the formed crystals in a concentration step to form a supernatant which is free of potassium salts. Ammonium sulphate is added to the vinasse before or during concentrating the vinasse.Furthermore, clarification of the supernatant is carried out to provide for the separation of betaine, PCA, succinic acid or citric acid. Filtration, or microfiltration is used for the clarification and a chromatographic separation is used for the separation of betaine as well as the other products. Potassium salts are obtained from the crystals to provide for a fertilizer.

Abstract: New diamine salts of clavulanic acid, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and a new process using these diamine salts in the preparation of clavulanic acid and salts and esters thereof have been provided.