Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated linoleate isomerase and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequence. The present invention also provides a method for producing CLA from an oil using an immobilized bacterial cell or an isolated linoleate isomerase.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of deacetylating N-acetylglucosamine by solid acid hydrolysis on a cation exchange resin. These methods advantageously reduce the amount of acid used and the need for acid recycle facilities. The isolated glucosamine salt produced is very clean, reducing or eliminating the need for further purification steps to decolorize or desalt the product. Using these methods, the number of crystallization steps required are minimized and the degradation of the N-acetylglucosamine in solution is significantly reduced leading to increased yield of high quality glucosamine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fermentation method for the production of commercially useful amounts of chitin and/or chitosan by a biosynthetic process. Also disclosed are genetically modified microorganisms useful in such a method and a microbial biomass containing chitin and/or chitosan produced by such a method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated (trans,cis)-10,12-linoleate isomerase and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The present invention also provides a method for producing conjugated linoleic acid or conjugated linolenic acid (CLA), or derivatives thereof, from an oil using an immobilized cell and/or an isolated linoleate isomerase. The present invention also provides an isolated lipase-like protein and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. The present invention also provides an isolated acetyltransferase-like enzyme and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequences.