Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing genetic material from a bacterial cell, specifically producing deletions in bacterial genomes or eliminating endogenous bacterial plasmids. In particular, the process relates to the transformation of bacterial cells with one or more Deletion Vectors, wherein the Deletion Vectors are capable of directing production of two or more crRNAs which target two or more PAM/Protospacers within the genomes of the bacteria within the population or within endogenous bacterial plasmids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing and selecting for targeted mutations in bacterial genomes. In particular, the process relates to the transformation of bacteria with a Recombination Element which comprises the desired mutation followed by homologous recombination of the Recombination Element into the bacterial genome; the CRISPR/Cas system is then used to eliminate bacteria which do not have the desired mutation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and system for the production of a solvent using monophasic solventogenic Clostridia in a single stage process. More particularly, the process and system relate to the use of a culture vessel for culturing monophasic solventogenic Clostridia, wherein cell growth of the Clostridium is monitored and optimized by the addition of controlled amounts of culture media and/or the removal of controlled amounts of solvent. The process and system may particularly be used to produce solvents such as butanol, acetone and ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two stage continuous microbiological process for the production of solvents such as acetone, butanol and ethanol. The process involves the use of a solventogenic bacteria such as clostridia. In the first(acidogenic) stage, the culture vessel is fed with fresh growth media at dilution rates that support fast growth and acid production. The culture flows into the second (solventogenic) stage, which is a separate culture vessel or vessels, designed to provide the culture with sufficient residence time to convert acids into solvents. This vessel can be tubular or a series of linked batch vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and system for the production of a solvent using monophasic solventogenic Clostridia in a single stage process. More particularly, the process and system relate to the use of a culture vessel for culturing mono phasic solventogenic Clostridia, wherein cell growth of the Clostridium is monitored and optimised by the addition of controlled Q amounts of culture media and/or the removal of controlled amounts of solvent. The process and system may particularly be used to produce solvents such as butanol, acetone and ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing and selecting for targeted mutations in bacterial genomes. In particular, the process relates to the transformation of bacteria with a Recombination Element which comprises the desired mutation followed by homologous recombination of the Recombination Element into the bacterial genome; the CRISPR/Cas system is then used to eliminate bacteria which do not have the desired mutation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing genetic material from a bacterial cell, specifically producing deletions in bacterial genomes or eliminating endogenous bacterial plasmids. In particular, the process relates to the transformation of bacterial cells with one or more Deletion Vectors, wherein the Deletion Vectors are capable of directing production of two or more crRNAs which target two or more PAM/Protospacers within the genomes of the bacteria within the population or within endo-genous bacterial plasmids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing organic acids, acid derivatives thereof and/or organic alcohols. In particular, the invention relates to a process for culturing a butyric acid-producing micro-organism in a culture vessel; transferring a portion of the butyric acid which is produced in the culture vessel to a separate compartment; and then reintroducing a portion of the acids from the second compartment in a controlled manner into the culture vessel. The invention also relates to a process for making butanol. The invention further relates to a process for culturing a butyrate-producing micro-organism in a first compartment of an electrochemical reactor, passing a direct current electric field across the electrochemical reactor and harvesting butyric acid or acid derivatives thereof in a second compartment of the reactor. The invention further relates to a process for producing butanol from the butyric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing organic acids, acid derivatives thereof and/or organic alcohols. In particular, the invention relates to a process for culturing a butyric acid-producing micro-organism in a culture vessel; transferring a portion of the butyric acid which is produced in the culture vessel to a separate compartment; and then reintroducing a portion of the acids from the second compartment in a controlled manner into the culture vessel. The invention also relates to a process for making butanol. The invention further relates to a process for culturing a butyrate-producing micro-organism in a first compartment of an electrochemical reactor, passing a direct current electric field across the electrochemical reactor and harvesting butyric acid or acid derivatives thereof in a second compartment of the reactor. The invention further relates to a process for producing butanol from the butyric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making recombinant thermophilic bacteria of the family Bacillaceae. In particular, recombinant thermophilic Bacillaceae are provided which have been engineered to produce butanol and/or butyrate. Preferably, heterologous nucleic acid molecules encoding one or more butanol or butyrate biosynthetic pathway enzymes are introduced into a thermophilic Bacillaceae in order to produce a recombinant thermophilic Bacillaceae which is capable of producing butanol. The Bacillaceae is preferably of the genus Geobacillus or Ureibacillus. The invention also relates to a method of producing butanol using the Bacillaceae of the invention.