Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the production of arachidonic acid containing oils, which preferably are substantially free of eicosapentaneoic acid. The invention also relates to compositions containing such oils, in an unmodified form, and to uses of such oils. In a preferred embodiment, Pythium insidiosum is cultivated, harvested and the oil is extracted, recovered, and used as an additive for infant formula. In an alternative embodiment, Mortierella alpina is cultivated, harvested and the oil is extracted, recovered, and used as an additive for infant formula.

Abstract: Methods are provided for generating highly diverse mixtures of compounds which may be screened for biological activities. Once the activity is found, the component of the mixture which is responsible for the activity can be isolated by fractionation and assay for the biological activity. Polyhydroxylated organic monomers and oligomers are used as starting materials for generating the libraries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including blends of microbial oils, methods of using such compositions, particularly as supplements for infant formula, and methods of increasing the amount of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant formula.

Abstract: Labelled triglyceride oils are produced for use in diagnostic breath test. The process involves the cultivation of microorganisms capable of producing the oils in an appropriately controlled environment wherein the microorganisms are fed .sup.13 C or .sup.14 C labeled carbon substrates to induce the microorganisms to produce the labeled oils. The preferred labelled carbon substrate is a substrate containing .sup.13 C. The oil produced is preferrably enriched in oleic acid. The microorganisms can be induced to produce the oil by nitrogen depletion during cultivation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a single cell edible oil containing DHA, to the oil itself and to uses for the oil. Marine microorganisms are cultivated in fermentors and induced to produce the single cell oil which subsequently is recovered by extraction with solvents.

Abstract: Labelled triglyceride oils are produced for use in diagnostic breath tests. The process involves the cultivation of microorganisms capable of producing the oils in an appropriately controlled environment wherein the microorganisms are feed .sup.13 C or .sup.14 C labeled carbon substrates to induce the microorganisms to produce the labeled oils. The preferred labelled carbon substrate is a substrate containing .sup.13 C. The oil produced is preferrably enriched in oleic acid. The microorganisms can be induced to produce the oil by nitrogen depletion during cultivation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including blends of microbial oils, methods of using such compositions, particularly as supplements for infant formula, and methods of increasing the amount of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant formula.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of partial hydrolysates of algae, optionally labelled with stable isotopes, are used as growth media for cells.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for producing single cell edible oils containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from heterotrophic diatoms. The diatoms are cultivated in a fermentor in a nutrient solution containing nitrogen and silicate. Withdrawal of the nitrogen followed by withdrawal of the silicate induces the diatoms to synthesize large quantities of edible oil containing EPA which subsequently is recovered. The edible oil, and uses for it, also form parts of this invention as do mutant diatoms capable of producing large quantities of EPA.

Abstract: A simplified, user-friendly method and apparatus for producing and collecting a human breath sample, and particularly alveolar air, for analysis of the constituent components thereof. The invention includes an elongated, hollow container and a breath delivery device for directing a subject's breath into the container. A closure device is provided for accommodating the insertion of the breath delivery device into the container and for substantially sealing the container. The volume of the container is small in comparison to the normal human breath which has the effect of purging the container of the initial breath portion and leaving primarily only the alveolar air.

Abstract: Labelled triglyceride oils are produced for use in diagnostic breath tests. The process involves the cultivation of microorganisms capable of producing the oils in an appropriately controlled environment wherein the microorganisms are fed .sup.12 C or .sup.14 C labeled carbon substrates to induce the microorganisms to produce the labeled oils. The preferred labelled carbon substrate is a substrate containing .sup.12 C. The oil produced is preferrably enriched in oleic acid. The microorganisms can be induced to produce the oil by nitrogen depletion during cultivation.

Abstract: A photobioreactor for the cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms is disclosed wherein a plurality of baffles are mounted in the photobioreactor tank forming hollow cavities which enable the insertion of light sources through openings in the tank wall. The baffles shield the light sources housed therein from the liquid photosynthetic culture contained in the tank thus facilitating electrical connections with the light sources and the maintenance thereof as well.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the controlled production of microorganisms by photosynthesis in a closed photobioreactor. The closed photobioreactor contain a photosynthetic culture in a substantially sealed environment and provides a system for recirculating the reactant gas through the culture. This closed loop system can be operated with expensive carbon isotopes (i.e., .sup.13 CO.sub.2 or .sup.14 CO.sub.2). Also, a system is provided for removing the molecular oxygen produced in the photosynthesis reaction from the closed photobioreactor. Furthermore, a pH-regulated control valve is utilized for controlling the addition of reactant gas to the culture in response to the alkalization of the culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photobioreactor for the cultivation of photosynthetic micoorganisms having at least one light bank substantially totally immersible in the liquid microbial culture contained in the photobioreactor so that substantially all of the emitted light is absorbed in the culture. The light bank comprises a plurality of light tubes in substantially close proximity to each other, electrical leads extending from the light tubes to a source of electric power and an enclosure means enclosing at least the portions of the electrical leads into the lead tubes to render such points impervious to the liquid microbial culture. The light bank serves as a light source as well as may be arranged to form channels for the circulation of the liquid culture within the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A photobioreactor for the cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms comprises a tank, one or more light compartments extending into the tank and one or more high intensity lamps whose light is directed into the light compartments. Each light compartment has at least one transparent wall and a means for distributing light from the lamp substantially uniformly across the transparent wall.