Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of algal biomass with a high lipid content, comprising: (a) the production of inocula in order to effect phase (b), in photoreactors; (b) the massive cultivation of the algal biomass in open ponds, inoculated with phase (a); (c) a thickening phase of the algal biomass, effected blandly; (d) an induction phase of the lipid production, wherein modules are used consisting of photoreactors or open ponds; (e) a separation phase of the biomass with a high lipid content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the identification of propane-oxidizing bacteria which is based on the identification of at least one fragment of the prmA gene encoding the alpha subunit of the propane monooxygenase enzyme and/or the prmD gene encoding an ancillary protein involved in the oxidation reaction of propane by gene amplification in the presence of pairs of primers selected in correspondence of homologous portions, deduced from the alignment of the prmA and prmD sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of algal biomass with a high lipid content, comprising: (a) the production of inocula in order to effect phase (b), in photoreactors; (b) the massive cultivation of the algal biomass in open ponds, inoculated with phase (a); (c) a thickening phase of the algal biomass, effected blandly; (d) an induction phase of the lipid production, wherein modules are used consisting of photoreactors or open ponds; (e) a separation phase of the biomass with a high lipid content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the identification of propane-oxidizing bacteria which is based on the identification of at least one fragment of the prmA gene encoding the alpha subunit of the propane monooxygenase enzyme and/or the prmD gene encoding an ancillary protein involved in the oxidation reaction of propane by gene amplification in the presence of pairs of primers selected in correspondence of homologous portions, deduced from the alignment of the prmA and prmD sequences.

Abstract: A method is described for the identification of sulfooxidizing bacteria comprising the extraction of the DNA from environmental samples and the subsequent identification of at least one fragment of the Thio 16S gene or SoxB gene present in these bacteria. The method can be used for determining the level of elemental sulfur in samples of soil.

Abstract: A recombinant vector for the expression and secretion of antibodies in single molecule form (scFv) in B.subtilis, where said vector comprises the promoter of the gene for neutral protease, a new secretion sequence (I) and a DNA sequence coding for an antibody scFv of interest, a strain of B.subtilis transformed with said recombinant vector, and a procedure for the exocellular production of scFv antibodies by means of a culture of said strain of B.subtilis are described. The recombinant vector allows the expression of scFv in a completely soluble form and its secretion in high yields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction of functional engineered peptide synthetases capable of displaying a correct activity and their use for the non-ribosomal production of modified peptides.

Abstract: A recombinant vector for the expression and secretion of antibodies in single molecule form (scFv) from B. subtilis, where said vector comprises the promoter of the gene for neutral protease, a new secretion sequence (I) and a DNA sequence coding a scFv antibody of interest, a strain of B. subtilis transformed with said recombinant vector, and a process for the exocellular production of scFv antibodies by culturing said strain of B. subtilis are described. The recombinant vector allows the expression of scFv in a completely soluble form and its secretion in high yields.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for the in vivo and in vitro synthesis of modified peptides, using either engineered microorganisms capable of expressing peptide synthetases with modified substrate specificity, or peptide synthetases extracted from said microorganisms.

Abstract: The cloning and sequencing of the gene which codes for a new pilinic subunit of Bordetella pertussis are described. The aminoacid sequence of the mature subunit, deduced from its necleotide sequence, is similar but not identical to that of the known pilins 2, 3 and 6. Polypeptides having the aminoacid sequence of the mature pilinic subunit or of regions thereof are particularly useful for the development of synthetic acellular vaccines against pertussis.

Abstract: A cloned DNA fragment of Bordetella pertussis including the gene which codes for the pilinic subunit fim3, vectors which contain it and microorganisms transformed by the vectors.The protein and peptides corresponding to at least one epitope of the gene which codes for the pilinic subunit fim3 are particularly useful for the development of acellular anti-pertussis vaccines.In addition, a strain of Bordetella modified by a recombinant replication or genome-integration vector containing the cloned DNA fragment or the gene or a fraction thereof is particularly suitable for the development of a cellular anti-pertussis vaccine.

Abstract: The isolation and characterization of the promoter regions of the genes which code for the pilinic subunits fim2, fim3 and fimx of Bordetella pertussis, are described, as well as the construction of vectors containing the regions, and microorganisms transformed by the vectors.The promoter regions, or nucleotide fragments thereof, are particularly useful for the regulable or non-regulable expression of genes which code for a protein of interest in a strain of Bordetella. The transformed Bordetella strains are particularly suitable for the development of an effective anti-pertussis vaccine.

Abstract: The cloning and sequencing of the gene which codes for a new pilinic subunit of Bordetella pertussis are described. The aminoacid sequence of the mature subunit, deduced from its necleotide sequence, is similar but not identical to that of the known pilins 2, 3, and 6. Polypeptides having the aminoacid sequence of the mature pilinic subunit or of regions thereof are particularly useful for the development of synthetic acellular vaccines against pertussis.