Abstract: A process for the production of a modified phytase with a desired property improved over the property of the corresponding unmodified phytase is disclosed, as well as modified phytases, polynucleotides encoding modified phytases, and animal feed including modified phytases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phytosterol and/or a phytostanol ester compound produced from the reaction of a phytosterol and/or a phytostanol with a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), wherein the polyunsaturated fatty acid has from 18 to 22 carbon atoms and at least three carbon-carbon double bonds. Processes for producing and compositions and a process for using such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for concentrating aqueous epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) solutions by feeding an aqueous EGCG solution to at least one membrane module under pressure to provide a permeate purge and a retentate return so that in the latter the concentration of EGCG is increased. The permeate purge and the retentate return are then collected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformed yeast strain containing a DNA sequence transcriptionally linked to a promoter functional in such yeast cells, which when expressed in a suitable host cell, encodes at least one polypeptide having riboflavin biosynthetic activity. Using such transformants, improved levels of riboflavin production are achieved. Processes of producing riboflavin from such transformants are also provided.

Abstract: A process for catalytically isomerizing Z-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol to E-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol is provided. This process includes contacting a stereoisomeric mixture containing Z-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol and E-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol with a source of bromine radicals in a two-phase reaction mixture having an aqueous phase and a stereoisomeric mixture phase, intermixing the reaction mixture, and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature from about −10° C. to about 100° C.

Abstract: A method of making (all-rac.)-&agr;-tocopherol by the acid-catalyzed condensation of trimethylhydroquinone with isophytol or phytol wherein the condensation is carried out in the presence of a tris(perfluoroalkanesulphonyl or pentafluorobenzenesulphonyl)methane or a metal salt thereof as the catalyst in an organic solvent. In addition to the metal salt, a Bronsted acid, e.g. sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or p-toluenesulphonic acid, may be used as a co-catalyst. The product of the method of making is the most active member of the vitamin E group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to genetic materials useful for the preparation of astaxanthin from beta-carotene, such as polypeptides having astaxanthin synthase activity, DNA fragments coding for astaxanthin synthase, recombinant organisms and the like. Those novel genetic materials may be derived from Phaffia rhodozyma. The present invention also provides a process for the production of astaxanthin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production process of biotin by fermentation using a genetically engineered microorganism, and DNA sequences and vectors to be used in such process.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making biotin from desthiobiotin by either contacting desthiobiotin with an enzyme reaction mixture containing bioB gene product and nifU gene product and/or nifS gene product and isolating the biotin or cultivating a microorganism transformed with DNA encoding the bioB gene product, nifU gene product and nifS gene product and isolating the biotin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat tolerant phytases and DNA sequences which code therefor. The phytases are useful in hydrolyzing phytate to inositol and inorganic phosphates. The phytases are valuable feed additives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a highly loaded adsorbent by extracting an oil from an oil crude product using supercritical fluid extraction to obtain a loaded supercritical fluid (SCF). The loaded SCF is expanded, followed by heating to obtain a liquid phase and an in-loading reduced SCF phase. Optionally, the pressure is decreased and/or the temperature of the SCF is raised to conditions of adsorption. The SCF is introduced into a fixed bed adsorber to obtain an adsorbent loaded with the purified oil and pure SCF. The liquid phase is fed as a reflux to the extraction device. The pure SCF is compressed and tempered to extraction conditions. The pure SCF is recycled to an extraction device. Also provided is a process for purifying an oil from an oil crude product by desorbing the adsorbed oil.

Abstract: A process for the production of a Mannich reagent comprises reacting formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, with a secondary amine in the complete or almost complete absence of a solvent. An alternative comprises reacting a diaminomethane produced from a secondary amine, formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, as well as water with one another in about equimolar amounts. The invention is also concerned with a process for the aminomethylation of &dgr;-tocopherol or of tocopherol mixtures containing this and comprises using a Mannich reagent which has been produced in the above manner. After completion of this aminomethylation process excess Mannich reagent can be separated by distillation and can be reacted with water and formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, in order to regenerate further Mannich reagent suitable for use in the aminomethylation, this regeneration representing a further aspect of the invention. Finally, the invention includes certain novel bis(aminomethyl)-&ggr;-tocopherols.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to cyclic dienol ethers of formula (III). wherein R3 is hydrogen and R4 is C1-4 alkoxy or R3 and R4 together form an optionally substituted methylenedioxy group —O—C(R5)(R6)—O—, wherein R5 and R6 are each independently hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl or phenyl.

Abstract: Novel chiral amidophosphine-phosphinite compounds, which are present in (R) and (S) form, of the general formula wherein R1 signifies alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl, R2 signifies alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl or aryl and R3 and R4 each independently signify alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl, aryl or heteroaryl or R3 and R4 together with the respective phosphorus atom signify a 9-dibenzophospholyl, 9-phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl or 9-phosphabicyclo[4.2.1]nonyl group and * denotes a chiral center, are manufactured by reacting a compound of the general formula R1C(OH)—CONHR2 (III) with a disubstituted chlorophosphane of the general formula R3R4PCl (IV) in a solvent and in the presence of a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing tocol acylate or tocopherol acylate having the following steps:

Abstract: A process for the production of 2-oxo-1,3-dibenzyl-cis-4,5-imidazolidinedicarboxylic acid starting from meso-2,3-bis(benzylamino)-succinic acid dialkali metal salt is described. This process includes reacting meso-2,3-bis(benzylamino)-succinic acid dialkali metal salt with triphosgene in a two-phase solvent system consisting of an aqueous alkali hydroxide solution and an organic solvent at a temperature not exceeding about 50° C. and converting the 2-oxo-1,3-dibenzyl-cis-4,5-imidazolidinedicarboxylic acid dialkali metal salt, which results therefrom and which is present in the aqueous phase, into the desired 2-oxo-1,3-dibenzyl-cis-4,5-imidazolidinedicarboxylic acid by acidification. The product is an important intermediate in the multi-stage process for the manufacture of biotin (vitamin H).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing of d,l-&agr;-tocopherol by the catalyzed condensation of trimethylhydroquinone with isophytol. This process includes carrying out the condensation in the presence of bis-(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)amine [HN(SO2CF3)2] or a metal salt thereof of the formula Met (N(SO2CF3)2)n (I) as the catalyst and supercritical carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide as the solvent, wherein Met is a metal atom such as for example boron, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, scandium, titanium, vanadium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, zirconium, rhodium, palladium, silver, tin, lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, europium, dysprosium, ytterbium, hafnium, platinum and gold, and n is the corresponding valency (1, 2, 3, or 4) of the metal atom Met. A cosolvent may also be used, which is a lower aliphatic alkanol, ketone or hydrocarbon. The product of the process is the most active member of the vitamin E group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photostable cosmetic or pharmaceutical light screening composition containing a dibenzoylmethane UV-A screening agent and a p-methoxycinnamate UV-B screening agent, one of said agents being incorporated into a polymer latex; and, optionally, other conventional UV-A and UV-B screening agents. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of photostabilizing dibenzoyl-methane UV-A screening agents and p-methoxycinnamate UV-B screening agents when used together, by incorporating one of these agents into a polymer latex.

Abstract: A process for producing pulverous, i.e., powdered, preparations from sparingly soluble solid materials is disclosed. The process utilizes dimethyl ether under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure to dissolve the solid material. Upon release of the pressure, the solid material precipitates as a fine powder and the gaseous dimethyl ether is released or drawn off.

Abstract: The invention generally provides the genes of the biotin biosynthetic operon of Bacillus subtilis, and closely related species thereof, and well as constructions useful for high level production of biotin.