Abstract: Disclosed is a means for improving the poor conversion efficiency in a conventional bioconversion system using a transformant which is given by introducing a gene originated from xerogenic organisms. A transformant is prepared by using a host which is defective in a gene encoding a multidrug efflux protein and introducing a gene originated from xerogenic organisms. Use of the transformant results in much effective microbial conversion of a hydrophobic or amphipathic substrate compound into a desired compound. In case, an Escherichia coli is used as the host, the gene encoding a multidrug efflux protein to be defective may be tolC, acrA, acrB and the like.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar arrangement. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer disposed counter to the cathode catalyst via the electrolyte membrane. Interconnectors (conductive members) are provided on the lateral faces of the electrolyte membranes disposed counter to each another in the neighboring direction of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each interconnector includes a support portion protruding toward the central region of the electrolyte member on the cathode side of the electrolyte membrane. The support portion is in contact with the cathode-side surface of an edge of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane is held by the support portion.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain highly active P450scc enzyme protein which is an important enzyme protein that catalyzes the first step of the biosynthesis of industrially useful steroid hormone. The present invention provides a sterol side chain cleavage enzyme protein having the following physicochemical properties: (1) action: the enzyme acts on sterol represented by formula (I) as defined in the specification and cleaves the carbon-carbon bond between positions 20 and 22 of a sterol side chain portion by its activity of cleaving the bonds, so as to generate a compound represented by formula (II) as defined in the specification; (2) substrate specificity: when microorganisms that produce the enzyme protein are allowed to react with an aqueous solution containing 100 ?g/ml 4-cholesten-3-one or cholesterol at 28° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means for improving the poor conversion efficiency in a conventional bioconversion system using a transformant which is given by introducing a gene originated from xerogenic organisms. A transformant is prepared by using a host which is defective in a gene encoding a multidrug efflux protein and introducing a gene originated from xerogenic organisms. Use of the transformant results in much effective microbial conversion of a hydrophobic or amphipathic substrate compound into a desired compound. In case, an Escherichia coli is used as the host, the gene encoding a multidrug efflux protein to be defective may be tolC, acrA, acrB and the like.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar arrangement. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer disposed counter to the cathode catalyst via the electrolyte membrane. Interconnectors (conductive members) are provided on the lateral faces of the electrolyte membranes disposed counter to each another in the neighboring direction of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each interconnector includes a support portion protruding toward the central region of the electrolyte member on the cathode side of the electrolyte membrane. The support portion is in contact with the cathode-side surface of an edge of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane is held by the support portion.

Abstract: A power source system to be mounted in electrical devices is provided. The power source system includes a fuel cell which supplies electric power generated by consuming fuel, a fuel storage portion which stores the fuel and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell, a container which contains the fuel cell and the fuel storage portion, and a case which is provided so as to surround the container. A space for allowing air used for the reaction in the fuel cell to circulate therethrough is provided between the container and the case.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly has an electrolyte membrane, cathode catalyst layers, and anode catalyst layers disposed counter to the cathode catalyst layers with the electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode catalyst layers and the anode catalyst layers. Cathode-side insulating layers, which are water-repellent, are provided between the adjacent cathode catalyst layers. The surface of the cathode-side insulating layer on the opposite side of the electrolyte membrane is protruded relative to the surface of the adjacent cathode catalyst layers. Anode-side insulating layers, which are water-repellent, are provided between the adjacent anode catalyst layers. The surface of the anode-side insulating layer on the opposite side of the electrolyte membrane is protruded relative to the surface of the adjacent anode catalyst layers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power source system capable of lengthening life and realizing a highly efficient operation while meeting user's needs. The power source system includes a fuel cell which generates power by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent, and a secondary battery which is charged and discharged, wherein the secondary battery is charged by the fuel cell, and the power is taken from the secondary battery. The power source system further comprises a charge control unit which charges the secondary battery with the power generated by the fuel cell, and this charge control unit has a function of switching a mode to charge the secondary battery by the fuel cell in accordance with a frequency with which the power is taken from the secondary battery.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided in which the amount of a reaction product discharged outside the system can be reduced, the reaction product, such as water, being formed by the electrochemical reaction of a fuel cell. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell power generation apparatus and a fuel cartridge which is detachable from a fuel cell. The fuel cell power generation apparatus includes a case containing a fuel cell therein, an air intake port provided in the case, and an emitted material discharge port provided in the case. The air intake port and the emitted material discharge port are arranged in different positions of the case. The fuel cartridge includes a fuel storage unit storing fuel, a fuel supply port supplying the fuel to the fuel cell, and a removal unit which removes water discharged from the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel tank, a first passage which supplies liquid fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel cell, a cartridge holder in which a plurality of types of cartridges are replaceably loaded, a second passage which supplies the content discharged from the cartridge to the fuel cell, a cartridge detector which detects the type of cartridge loaded in the cartridge holder, and a passage control means which controls the passages in accordance with the type of cartridge detected.

Abstract: A fuel cell device is provided that may remove water that has been generated on the surface of a cathode. When the display member of a mobile phone is opened, a shutter member slides from a protection position to an open position. A water absorbing block is thereby moved toward a protrusion portion while contacting the surface of a cathode of a fuel cell, absorbing and removing water that has accumulated on the surface of the cathode. The water absorbing block is moved along the surface of the cathode by simply opening and closing the mobile phone in this manner, and the water that has been generated on the surface of the cathode may be absorbed and removed.

Abstract: A fuel cell apparatus which runs on liquid fuel includes a first inlet manifold which is a way to supply air to the anode of the fuel cell apparatus, a second inlet manifold which is a way to supply the liquid fuel to the cathode of the fuel cell apparatus, an outlet manifold which is a way in which fluid discharged from the anode and the cathode flows.

Abstract: A power source system to be mounted in electrical devices is provided. The power source system includes a fuel cell which supplies electric power generated by consuming fuel, a fuel storage portion which stores the fuel and supplies the fuel to the fuel cell, a container which contains the fuel cell and the fuel storage portion, and a case which is provided so as to surround the container. A space for allowing air used for the reaction in the fuel cell to circulate therethrough is provided between the container and the case.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power source system capable of lengthening life and realizing a highly efficient operation while meeting user's needs. The power source system includes a fuel cell which generates power by an electrochemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizing agent, and a secondary battery which is charged and discharged, wherein the secondary battery is charged by the fuel cell, and the power is taken from the secondary battery. The power source system further comprises a charge control unit which charges the secondary battery with the power generated by the fuel cell, and this charge control unit has a function of switching a mode to charge the secondary battery by the fuel cell in accordance with a frequency with which the power is taken from the secondary battery.

Abstract: A base as a support in a fuel cell is provided with a plurality of through holes. An electrolyte membrane covers the entirety of the base facing the anode and is partly embedded in the plurality of through holes. A cathode is embedded in the through holes such that each block is in an isolated area bounded by the base and the electrolyte membrane. A current collector is provided on the blocks of the cathode and on the base partitioning the cathode. The current collector is secured to the base by a securing member.

Abstract: A direct liquid fuel cell is provided, which can prevent a gas such as carbon dioxide generated by an anode of the fuel cell from adhering to an electrode. A DMFC that is a direct liquid fuel cell includes: an electrolyte membrane; an anode electrode provided on a surface of the electrolyte membrane; a cathode electrode provided on another surface of the electrolyte membrane; and a methanol fuel storage portion, provided to be adjacent to the anode electrode, for supplying a liquid fuel to the anode electrode. In the DMFC, the methanol fuel storage portion contains a solid particle.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel tank, a first passage which supplies liquid fuel from the fuel tank to the fuel cell, a cartridge holder in which a plurality of types of cartridges are replaceably loaded, a second passage which supplies the content discharged from the cartridge to the fuel cell, a cartridge detector which detects the type of cartridge loaded in the cartridge holder, and a passage control means which controls the passages in accordance with the type of cartridge detected.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided for which it is not necessary to give consideration to the direction of installation. The fuel cell includes: an electrolyte layer; a first electrode provided on a first main surface of the electrolyte layer; a second electrode provided on a second main surface of the electrolyte layer; a casing which houses the electrolyte layer, the first electrode and the second electrode; a first reaction product fluid discharge opening provided in the casing; and a second reaction fluid feed opening provided in the casing. The first reaction product discharge opening is provided on at least two surfaces of the casing. Or, the reaction product discharge openings are provided on a surface on which the second reaction fluid feeding opening is provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which is capable of changing a fuel cartridge while the power generation is active in a fuel cell. For this purpose, the fuel cell system having a fuel cell is provided in a detachable manner, and the system includes: a fuel cartridge which stores fuel supplied to the fuel cell; a fuel sub-tank which stores the fuel delivered from the fuel cartridge; and a buffer tank which stores the fuel which is delivered from the fuel sub-tank and diluted to a predetermined concentration. There is provided a tank communicating passage through which gas freely enters and exits between the top of fuel sub-tank and the buffer tank.

Abstract: A compound membrane that can connect the cells of planar array fuel cells in a simple manner is provided, along with a fuel cell that uses such a compound membrane to obtain any desired current and voltage. The compound membrane has a plurality of regions with different properties. The membrane includes a plurality of first regions that conduct protons between first and second main surfaces, and a second region that conducts electrons between the first and second main surfaces. The fuel cell using the compound membrane includes a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, a first electron conductive member that connects one of the first electrodes to the second region, and a second electron conductive member that connects one of the second electrodes to the second region.