Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for producing beta-carotene using negative (minus mating type) Mucorales fungal microorganisms. The method includes mutating and selecting negative Mucorales fungal microorganisms, culturing the selected negative microorganisms in an effective medium to produce beta-carotene, and recovering beta-carotene therefrom. The present invention provides negative microorganisms that overproduce beta-carotene, beta-carotene formulations produced by the disclosed method, and the use of such formulations to enhance pigmentation, to reduce damage caused by reactive oxygen species or phototoxic molecules, to prevent or treat cancer or cardiovascular disease, to provide a Vitamin A supplement, to enhance lactation, and to increase fertility.

Abstract: A cyclosporin derivative with incorporated "8-(3-fluoro-D-alanine)" or "8-(2-deutero-3-fluoro-D-alanine)" has been isolated from the fermentation broth of incubating Tolypocladium inflatum MF5080 (NRRL 8044) with 3-fluoro-D-alanine or its 2-deuterated isomer respectively. The modified cyclosporins exhibit immunosuppressive properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process using a L-lysine-producing microorganism having a resistance to an acyl-lysine, a methylated acyl-lysine or both an acyl-lysine and a methylated acyl-lysine. By the process of the present invention, L-lysine may be produced in high yields providing an improved process that reduces the cost of industrially produced L-lysine.

Abstract: A biological pure culture of a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus and being capable of oxidizing the allyl position of .alpha.-cedrene, a process for producing sec-cedrenol comprising contacting a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus with .alpha.-cedrene, and a process for producing cedrenone comprising oxidizing sec-cedrenol produced by a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, are disclosed. According to the process of the present invention, sec-cedrenol can be produced efficiently within a short period of time and with high purity. In addition, the process of the present invention can produce cedrenone with a high yield in a large quantity within a short period of time.

Abstract: A process for producing L-lysine by fermentation includes the steps of culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium having a resistance to iodothyronine in a nutrient medium to form and accumulate L-lysine in the resulting culture and recovering the L-lysine therefrom.

Abstract: A process is described for stereospecifically hydrating crotonobetaine to L-(-)-carnitine via the action of an enzyme produced by four new strains of Proteus mirabilis (NRRL B-18480, NRRL B-18481, NRRL B-18482, and NRRL B-18483) in biotransformation media containing from 10 to 12% (w/v) crotonobetaine inner salt.

Abstract: A microbiological process, capable of producing polymers comprising monomer repeat units of the structure--O.CH((CH.sub.2).sub.x CH.sub.3).CH.sub.2.--CO--wherein x is particularly 6 from glucose, novel polymers produced through the process and new strains of Pseudomonas for use in the process.

Abstract: Yeast extracts from Candida utilis which can be used as flavor enhancers and emulsifiers are disclosed. One flavor enhancing extract and one emulsifying extract is derived from raw Candida utilis; one flavor enhancing extract and one emulsifying extract is derived from pasteurized Candida utilis.

Abstract: Meta-hydroxyphenylacetylenes are produced from phenyl-substituted ketal or acetal precursors. Using biotransformation processes, these precursors serve as substrates that are converted to cis-dihydrodiol intermediates. The cis-dihydrodiols can be converted chemically to the corresponding meta-substituted compounds, e.g., meta-substituted phenols, and then to m-hydroxyphenylacetylene, which is an intermediate needed to produce acetylene-terminated resins. The biotransformation step employs arene-2,3-dioxygenase in intra- or extra- cellular form.

Abstract: A stabilized spore-forming viable microorganism composition comprising in admixture at least a carbohydrate component from cereals or bulbs and spore-forming viable microorganisms belonging to genus Bacillus. Examples of cereals are maize, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oats and soybeans. Examples of bulbs are tuberous roots, tubers or corms. That component can also be a polysaccharide, e.g. starch. At least over 0.01 part by weight of the carbohydrate component is used per one part by weight of microorganisms. A process for production of the composition comprises drying a carbohydrate component from cereals or bulbs and spore-forming viable microorganisms belonging to genus Bacillus in admixture in a non-toxic aqueous medium.

Abstract: Cell-associated glycosyltranferase of S. mutans serotypes c, e or f producing dental caries was isolated and purified and its characteristics as an enzyme were revealed. Furthermore, an antibody against the enzyme was prepared from eggs of the hens immunized with the enzyme. Since this antibody effectively prevents adherence of the aforementioned S. mutans to tooth surfaces, it is useful as an effective component for a dental caries prophylactic composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-.alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester wherein a protease is used to catalyze the condensation reaction of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-aspartic acid with L-phenylalanine methyl ester in a system consisting of ethyl acetate, citrate buffer with the addition of glycerol as a dispersing agent.

Abstract: The present invention involves processes for 1,2-dehydrogenation of .DELTA..sup.4 -3-keto C.sub.21 -hemiester steroids of formula (I) ##STR1## with Arthrobacter simplex or Bacterium cyclooxydans to produce the corresponding .DELTA..sup.1,4 -3-keto C.sub.21 hemiester of formula (II) ##STR2## or free alcohol thereof with improved yields. The advantage is that the processes utilize higher substrate concentrations and give shorter reaction times than previously were known.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a novel method for producing bacterial endospores which can be used as biocontrol agents for nematodes. Advantageously, the novel method does not require that bacteria be grown on living nematodes. Instead, explanted nematode tissue is used as the growth medium for the bacteria. The invention further concerns novel compositions comprising spores produced using the disclosed process.