Abstract: The topical cosmetic compositions and methods of the subject invention can be used to treat and/or prevent a variety of skin conditions, including, for example, age spots, acne, scars, body odor, aging-related conditions (e.g., wrinkles, looseness and dryness), and scalp issues (e.g., dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss). In preferred embodiments, the compositions according to the subject invention comprise biological amphiphilic molecules produced by microorganisms.

Abstract: The topical cosmetic compositions and methods of the subject invention can be used to improve the health and/or appearance of skin by, for example, treating and/or preventing a variety of skin conditions. The invention also provides compositions and methods for enhanced sunless tanning. Biological amphiphilic molecules are used as active components, formulation enhancers and/or delivery vessels for skin active components.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing plant immunity, health, growth and yields using a combination of microbes and/or their growth by-products. Specifically, the subject invention enhances plant health, growth and/or yields using a combination of a Trichoderma spp. fungus and a Bacillus spp. bacterium. Specifically, in one embodiment, the subject invention utilizes Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.

Abstract: The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery from an oil-bearing subterranean formation. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents.

Abstract: The subject invention provides safe, environmentally-friendly compositions and efficient methods for extracting impurities from gold ore. More specifically, the subject invention provides compositions derived from microorganisms for pre-leaching treatments of gold ore, which can be used for reducing carbonaceous material in gold ore.

Abstract: This present invention relates to compositions and methods of enhancing the dispersion of nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods can be used for enhancing the performance and/or longevity of primers using biochemical-producing microbes and/or byproducts synthesized by the microbes. In certain embodiments, the addition of biosurfactants can enhance the dispersion of pigments and/or other nanoparticles, as well as inhibition of stain or color bleeding through the primer.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for reducing deleterious atmospheric gases and/or precursors thereof using livestock feed additives and/or supplements. In preferred embodiments, a multi-purpose composition comprising one or more beneficial microorganisms and/or one or more microbial growth by-products is applied to livestock animals' feed and/or to a field or pasture where livestock animals graze. In some embodiments, the composition controls methanogenic bacteria. In some embodiments, the composition enhances carbon sequestration in the field or pasture by promoting plant health and/or growth.

Abstract: This present invention relates to compositions and methods of microbial enhanced oil recovery using Bacillus subtilis strains. The invention also relates to compositions and methods for performing oil degradation with Bacillus subtilis strains. The compositions and methods of the present invention are also used for enhanced commercial biosurfactant and enzyme production.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods of their use for improving soil structure and hydrology. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention can be formulated as environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and cost-effective solutions to the growing problems of, for example, water shortages, water-use inefficiency, declining soil health, nutrient leaching and runoff, and soil-borne greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for reducing the carbon footprint of producing biofuels. Microbe-based soil treatment compositions are utilized to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the agricultural practices of producing feedstock crops.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified sophorolipids of formula (I) that are more pH-and temperature-stable than its lactonic counterparts. Moreover, the compound has reduced HLB parameters, as well as improved wetting and solubilization parameters, water-in-oil emulsification ability, surface tension-lowering activity, and/or antimicrobial activity compared to their acidic or even lactonic counterparts.

Abstract: The invention provides materials and method for controlling pests, in particular, nematodes. The invention also provides compositions comprising biosurfactants as pesticides.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing high-HLB sophorolipid-based compositions and/or for increasing the water solubility of sophorolipid compositions. More specifically, the subject invention provides for the production and post-fermentation alteration of SLP molecules, which can be used for formulating a variety of useful compositions.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing and purifying sophorolipids (SLP). More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for the purification of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic SLP molecules to a purity of, for example, at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, without using solvents or centrifugation. Advantageously, the subject invention is suitable for industrial scale production of purified SLP for use in, for example, cleaning products and detergents, and uses safe and environmentally-friendly materials and processes.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for improving oil and/or gas production efficiency. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods utilize microbial surfactants, namely, glycolipids, to prevent the flocculation, precipitation and/or deposition of asphaltenes present in crude oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for effective production and use of microorganisms and/or the fermentation broth in which they are produced. Advantageously, the system is cost-effective, scalable, quick, versatile, efficacious, and helpful in reducing resistance to chemical compounds and residue that concerns consumers.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the health, growth and/or sturdiness of turf grasses by applying a combination of microbes and/or their growth by-products to the turf grass roots and/or to soil. Specifically, in one embodiment, the subject invention utilizes Trichoderma harzianum and a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The methods can further be used to improve maintenance and upkeep of natural turf grass fields used in, for example, athletics and recreation, as well as to increase the functionality and safety of these natural turf grass fields.

Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and oil transmission and refining by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. The subject invention can be used to remediate a sludge layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in oil storage tanks. Advantageously, the subject invention can decrease the cost of mechanical remediation of disposable layers, and aid in the recovery of more pure hydrocarbons from crude fluids.

Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and refining efficiency by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. In preferred embodiments, the microbe-based products comprise biochemical-producing yeast and growth by-products thereof, such as, e.g., biosurfactants. The subject invention can be used to remediate rag layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in water-oil emulsions. Furthermore, the subject invention can be used for remediating solid impurities, such as sand, scale, rust and clay, in produced water, flow-back, brine, and/or fracking fluids.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for improving facial skin, hair and scalp health using cosmetic yeast-based masks. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides a yeast-based mask for application to the face, which can improve the health and appearance of thereof. In another specific embodiment, the subject invention provides a yeast-based mask for application to the hair and scalp, which can aid in preventing hair loss, as well as improve the health and appearance of the hair and scalp. Methods of using the yeast-based masks are also provided.