Abstract: The invention relates to a new lipopolysaccaride biosurfactant, a strain of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus which produces this biosurfactant, and a process for its preparation. The biosurfactant has a high emulsifying capacity, it promotes the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in water and favors the adhesion of microorganisms to the water/oil interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain of Arthrobacter sp. CBS 208.96 capable of selectively effecting the opening of the C-S bond of sulfurated organic molecules present in carbonaceous materials and its use in a process for the selective removal of organic sulfur from fossil fuels contained therein.

Abstract: Process for the biological treatment of mud and oily residues obtained from he processing or extraction of crude oil. This process can be applied to mud alone, its mixtures and to suitable combinations of mud and oily emulsions.

Abstract: The process of the invention is useful for the preparation of L-.alpha.-aminoacids and is based on the use of an N-carbamyl-.alpha.-aminoacid compound which is contacted with a E.C.3.5.2.2, a dihydropyrimidine hydrolase, enzyme to form a D-hydantoin. The D-hydantoin is hydrolyzed and racemized to form the D-N-carbamyl-.alpha.-aminoacid and the L-N-carbonyl-.alpha.-aminoacid. The L-N-carbamyl-.alpha.-aminoacid is thereafter transformed into the corresponding L-.alpha.-aminoacid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of D(-) mandelic acid by the acid hydrolysis of the corresponding carbamate in an aqueous environment at a temperature of between 40.degree. and 100.degree. C. and at a pH of between 1 and 3.5.The invention also relates to a process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of racemic 5-substituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones to give only one of the two possible optical isomers, i.e., the D-carbamyl-.alpha.-hydroxy acid. The free D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid can be obtained from the optically active carbamyl derivative by simple hydrolysis. Of particular interest is the case in which the D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid is D(-)mandelic acid. The enzymatic activity required for preparing the carbamyl derivative of D(-)mandelic acid has been found both in homogenised veal liver and in a series of microorganisms, including Agrobacterium radiobacter, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas desmolytica, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract: The enzyme alpha-galactosidase is prepared from a constitutive mutant of the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL-Y-12057, said mutant being marked by the identification number NRRL-Y-12533.

Abstract: It has been found that highly active uricase can be produced by fermentation from the microorganism Micrococcus roseus NRRL B 12196. The optimum activity of this microorganism is close to the pH values of the physiological liquors. The uricase so produced can be exploited in the clinical diagnostics for determining uric acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing carbamyl derivatives of .alpha.-hydroxy acids by the hydrolysis of 5-substituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones.The carbamyl derivatives can be further hydrolyzed to .alpha.-hydroxy acids.The invention also relates to a process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of racemic 5-substituted 2,4-oxazolidinediones to give only one of the two possible optical isomers, i.e. the D-carbamyl-.alpha.-hydroxy acid. The free D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid can be obtained from the optically active carbamyl derivative by simple hydrolysis. Of particular interest is the case in which the D-.alpha.-hydroxy acid is D(-)mandelic acid. The enzymatic activity required for preparing the carbamyl derivative of D(-)mandelic acid has been found both in homogenized veal liver and in a series of microorganisms, including Agrobacterium radiobacter, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas desmolytica, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing D-aminoacids from racemic mixtures of N-carbamoyl derivatives of such acids or from the corresponding hydantoins wherein the racemic compounds are subjected to the enzymic and microbiological action of an enzymic complex prepared from microorganisms of the Agrobacterium genus, more particularly the NRRL B 11291 strain.

Abstract: Enzymic complexes deriving from micro-organisms belonging to the Bacillaceae family using an hydantoin or a derivative thereof as inductor of the enzymic activity are used for hydrolysing racemic hydantoins into optically active aminoacids. The method of preparation is an enzymic hydrolysis fostered by the enzyme deriving from such special micro-organisms. The hydrolysis can be effected at a comparatively high temperature, which can reach even 60.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting racemic hydantoins into optically active aminoacids, wherein microorganisms of the Pseudomonas genus are used to hydrolyze the hydantoins into derivatives of D,L-aminoacids.Comparatively high temperatures and a definitely basic pH are favorable factors.