Abstract: This invention provides a process for the bioconversion of a non-growth aromatic feed to an accumulated quantity of 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde metabolite.2-Hydroxysemialdehyde is a useful intermediate for subsequent conversions to picolinic acid and pyridine.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the bioconversion of a non-growth aromatic feed to an accumulated quantity of a 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde intermediate, which subsequently is converted by chemical means to picolinic acid and pyridine products.

Abstract: A novel plasmid pCX311, which was constructed from Bacillus sp. C125 chromosomal DNA carrying the gene for extracellular production of xylanase and a vector plasmid pBR322. A novel microorganism, Escherichia coli HB101 (pCX311) carrying the plasmid pCX311 and being capable of extracellular production of xylanase. Method for culturing the microorganism characterized by cultivation of it in the medium containing NaCl (or KCl) and bran, or NaCl (or KCl) and xylan for 12-48 hours. According to this invention, useful high-molecular substances can be produced in a high yield.

Abstract: A novel enzyme of bilirubin oxidase produced by a genus Myrothecium or genus Coprinus origin microorganism and a conventional enzyme of laccase are found, in the presence of a specific additive compound, e.g. a surface active agent, aromatic carboxylic acid, sulfa drug or protease, to oxidize both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin in biological fluid to biliverdin without formation of hydrogen peroxide, such that in the case of conventional enzymatic methods of the quantitative determination of glucose, cholesterol, neutral fats, free fatty acids, phospholipids or uric acid all existing together with bilirubin in biological fluid, the usual interference with such determination, as otherwise caused by bilirubin coexisting in such fluid, can be prevented by adding such a bilirubin oxidase or laccase together with such a specific additive compound to the determinative reaction system.

Abstract: In the colony hybridization technique, bacterial colonies are replica-plated onto filter paper, and their DNA is hybridized with labeled DNA containing a specific sequence. A one-hundred fold increase in sensitivity is obtained by subjecting the colonies to a stream of steam in the presence of alkali for about three minutes prior to hybridization.