Abstract: A process of the large-scale fermentation of a highly productive ansamitocin-producing strains. A method for isolating crude ansamitocins. A method for purifying ansamitocins.

Abstract: A microorganism that is a mutant bacterial strain of the species Actinosynnema pretiosum, designated PF4-4, (ATCC PTA-3921), being capable of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins such as ansamitocin P-3 in improved yield compared to previous known strains, and capable of growth under varied culture conditions, and methods of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins by culturing PF4-4 in a suitable growth medium.

Abstract: A microorganism that is a mutant bacterial strain of the species Actinosynnema pretiosum, designated PF4-4, (ATCC PTA-3921), being capable of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins such as ansamitocin P-3 in improved yield compared to previous known strains, and capable of growth under varied culture conditions, and methods of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins by culturing PF4-4 in a suitable growth medium.

Abstract: A microorganism that is a mutant bacterial strain of the species Actinosynnema pretiosum, designated PF4-4, (ATCC PTA-3921), being capable of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins such as ansamitocin P-3 in improved yield compared to previous known strains, and capable of growth under varied culture conditions, and methods of producing maytansinoid ansamitocins by culturing PF4-4 in a suitable growth medium.

Abstract: An alkaline protease which is suitable for detergent formulations is produced by three strains of a species of Bacillus proteolyticus. The alkaline protease has the amino acid terminal sequence of Seq. ID NO.: 1 as follows: Ala-Gln-Ser-Val-Pro-Trp-Gly-Ile-Ser-Arg-Val-Gln-Ala-Pro-Ala-Ala-His-Asn-Ar g-Gly-. In addition, the alkaline protease has a molecular weight of 28 kdaltons, an isoelectric point from 10-11.5, an optimum pH for proteolytic activity at a pH in the range of 8.5 and 11.5, and retains at least 70% of its original activity after being held at a pH of 8.0 at a temperature of 43.degree. C. for a period of 11 days.

Abstract: Three strains of a species of Bacillus proteolyticus are provided. This bacterium produces an alkaline protease which is suitable for detergent formulations. The alkaline protease has the amino acid terminal sequence of Seq. ID NO.: 1 as follows: Ala-Gln-Ser-Val-Pro-Trp-Gly-Ile-Ser-Arg-Val-Gln-Ala-Pro-Ala-Ala-His-Asn-Ar g-Gly-. In addition, the alkaline protease has a molecular weight of 28 kdaltons, an isoelectric point from 10-11.5, an optimum pH for proteolytic activity at a pH in the range of 8.5 and 11.5, and retains at least 70% of its original activity after being held at a pH of 8.0 at a temperature of 43.degree. C. for a period of 11 days.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for producing beta-carotene using a mated culture of Mucorales fungi. The method includes mutating and selecting negative (minus mating type) and positive (plus mating type) Mucorales fungal microorganisms, culturing the selected negative and positive microorganisms in an effective medium to form a mated culture that produces beta-carotene, and recovering beta-carotene therefrom. The present invention provides mated cultures that overproduce beta-carotene and is also directed to certain negative and positive microorganisms used to overproduce beta-carotene. The present invention also provides beta-carotene formulations produced by the claimed method, and the use of such formulations, for example, 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: Alkaline proteases derived from specific bacteria of the species Bacillus proteolyticus have enhanced stability and improved washing ability when blended in general detergents. Also disclosed are new bacteria producing these alkaline proteases. Additionally, there is also disclosed a process for the production of the alkaline proteases which comprises cultivating new bacteria and detergent compositions containing these alkaline proteases.

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: The invention discloses an antimicrobial composition composed of a hypothiocyanate generating system adjusted to a pH between about 1.5 and about 5 with a di or tricarboxylic acid. This composition provides synergistically improved antimicrobial action. With the addition of the organic acid, the antimicrobial composition provides effective cidal activity against Gram negative microorganisms in 20 minutes or less. The composition is particularly effective against Salmonella and may be used to provide greater than 6 logs reduction in viable cell count.

Abstract: The invention discloses an antimicrobial composition composed of an antimicrobial polypeptide and a hypothiocyanate component. Synergistic activity is seen when the composition is applied at between about 30 and 40 degrees Centigrade at a pH between about 3 and about 5. The composition is useful against gram negative bacteria such as Salmonella. A preferred composition is nisin, lactoperoxidase, thiocyanate and hydrogen peroxide. Such a composition is capable of reducing the viable cell count of Salmonella by greater than 6 logs in 10 to 20 minutes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detergent formulation containing a nonionic and/or anionic detergent and the microbial lipase from a bacterium of the species Pseudomonas plantarii.

Abstract: A glucose isomerase useful for the conversion of glucose to fructose can be prepared by growing under aerobic conditions a culture of a species of Microbacterium in a medium containing appropriate nutrients and then recovering the enzyme.