Abstract: A method for obtaining E. coli cell lines which carry the deoR mutation is described, as well as the cell lines themselves. These cell lines are useful in cell transfection and transformation, as they transfect transform at much higher frequencies than the previously available cell lines.

Abstract: An aerobic biodegradation method is provided utilizing a biologically pure culture of a strain of Pseudomonas putida which is capable of degrading PCBs free of vicinal hydrogen atoms as well as congeners unchlorinated in either a 2,3 position, a 3,4 position, or both 2,3 or 3,4 positions.

Abstract: A method is provided for effecting the reduction of PCB contamination in organic waste by utilizing a particular strain of a biologically pure culture of Alcaligenes eutrophus under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: A selective growth medium for the isolation of Mobiluncus includes a medium base including an aqueous preparation of a gelling agent and a nutrient broth effective for culturing Mobiluncus. The selective growth medium of the invention further includes a first antimicrobial agent in effective antimicrobial amounts, the antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of colistin, nalidixic acid, and combinations of colistin and nalidixic acid, the colistin having a concentration less than 32 micrograms/ml and the nalidixic acid having a concentration less than 100 micrograms/ml. Tinidazole is included as a second antimicrobial agent in effective, antimicrobial amounts not greater than 1.0 micrograms/ml. Nile Blue A is also included in Gardnerella Vaginalis inhibiting concentrations.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel plasmid and its use in a microbial host to degrade a variety of organic compounds. Some of these compounds, such as ethylene dichloride, are undesirable waste products found in various dump sites. The invention also concerns a novel microbe hosting the novel plasmid. The novel plasmid has been shown to encode the gene(s) responsible for the degradation of the organic compounds. Thus, microbes hosting this plasmid, denoted pEDC, can be used to degrade ethylene dichloride, and other compounds.

Abstract: Bacillus strains having reduced levels of extracellular protease are produced by replacing the native chromosomal DNA sequence comprising the gene for an extracellular protease, such as subtilisin, with a partially homologous DNA sequence having an inactivating DNA segment inserted therein. The strains are useful as hosts for the expression and secretion of heterologous polypeptides or proteins.

Abstract: A nutrient growth medium which is highly selective for pathogenic Neisseria is provided. The nutrient growth medium includes an antibiotic agent which is a combination of vancomycin and lincomycin. The combination of lincomycin and vancomycin allows the use of lower concentrations of vancomycin than are generally employed in culture media used for the selective isolation of pathogenic Neisseria species.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a novel plasmid and its use in a microbial host to degrade a variety of organic compounds. Some of these compounds, such as ethylene dichloride, are undesirable waste products found in various dump sites. The invention also concerns a novel microbe hosting the novel plasmid. The novel plasmid has been shown to encode the gene(s) responsible for the degradation of the organic compounds. Thus, microbes hosting this plasmid, denoted pEDC, can be used to degrade ethylene dichloride, and other compounds.

Abstract: A microorganism is disclosed for degrading toxic waste materials into more environmentally acceptable materials. Processes for utilizing the microorganism in a sequencing batch reactor, and for treating industrial and municipal wastes, such as chemical waste landfill leachate and chemical process wastewater, are also disclosed.