Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for the enhanced production of .beta.-lactam antibiotics. The process is exemplified by the production of penicillin. In addition, the P. chrysogenum and A. chrysogenum .delta.-(L-.alpha.-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine synthetase genes have been isolated and sequenced. Also methods are provided for the production of .delta.-(L-.alpha.-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine synthetase using recombined DNA techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides Phaffia rhodozyma strains having increased levels of astaxantin and a low percentage of 3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-.beta.,.psi.-caroten-4-one (HDCO). Such strains are obtained by a combination of mutagenesis and selection. The invention further provides a method for obtaining such strains. The invention also provides astaxanthin obtained from a mutagenized strain of Phaffia rhodozyma characterized in that it contains a decreased relative amount of HDCO.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a selection marker free system which can be used to introduce genetic modifications in bacteria, yeasts and fungi. The system can be employed to introduce or delete desired genes or DNA fragments in the genome of the indicated host species without leaving any undesired DNA i.e. the selection marker used for selection of transformants or other DNA used for cloning. In this way strains have been developed containing only desired genes introduced at desired chromosomal sites. Similarly, desired DNA fragments have been deleted or replaced at desired sites.

Abstract: A nucleotide sequence encoding phytase has been isolated and cloned. The coding sequence has been inserted into an expression construct which in turn has been inserted into a vector capable of transforming a microbial expression host. The transformed microbial hosts may be used to economically produce phytase on an industrial scale. The phytase produced via the present invention may be used in a variety of processes requiring the conversion of phytate to inositol and inorganic phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention provides the cloning and expression of purified and isolated DNA molecules, obtainable from fungi, which encode enzymes having arabinan-degrading activity. The present invention also provides DNA constructs containing these DNA molecules and methods for their enhanced expression in selected microbial host cells. The present invention further provides methods for the use of the thus-produced arabinan-degrading enzymes.

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: 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: 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 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.