Abstract: A method of interfering with quorum sensing regulation of genes to promote cell growth is disclosed. The method of is aimed at accessing microbial biodiversity. The method involves obtaining an environmental sample comprising at least one novel (uncultivated in the laboratory) microorganism, contacting the environmental sample with an effective amount of an agent or combination of agents which interferes with the quorum sensing regulation of genes, growing the treated sample in a culture medium containing the quorum sensing signal disrupting agent or agents, and analyzing the colonies of microorganisms grown to demonstrate genetic novelty.

Abstract: A method of interfering with quorum sensing regulation of genes to promote cell growth is disclosed. The method of is aimed at accessing microbial biodiversity. The method involves obtaining an environmental sample comprising at least one novel (uncultivated in the laboratory) microorganism, contacting the environmental sample with an effective amount of an agent or combination of agents which interferes with the quorum sensing regulation of genes, growing the treated sample in a culture medium containing the quorum sensing signal disrupting agent or agents, and analyzing the colonies of microorganisms grown to demonstrate genetic novelty.

Abstract: A method of interfering with quorum sensing regulation of genes to promote cell growth is disclosed. The method of is aimed at accessing microbial biodiversity. The method involves obtaining an environmental sample comprising at least one novel (uncultivated in the laboratory) microorganism, contacting the environmental sample with an effective amount of an agent or combination of agents which interferes with the quorum sensing regulation of genes, growing the treated sample in a culture medium containing the quorum sensing signal disrupting agent or agents, and analyzing the colonies of microorganisms grown to demonstrate genetic novelty.

Abstract: A method of interfering with quorum sensing regulation of genes to promote cell growth is disclosed. The method of is aimed at accessing microbial biodiversity. The method involves obtaining an environmental sample comprising at least one novel (uncultivated in the laboratory) microorganism, contacting the environmental sample with an effective amount of an agent or combination of agents which interferes with the quorum sensing regulation of genes, growing the treated sample in a culture medium containing the quorum sensing signal disrupting agent or agents, and analyzing the colonies of microorganisms grown to demonstrate genetic novelty.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microbes are disclosed. The composition comprises at least one chemically-modified peptide with antimicrobial activity and at least one carrier. The method comprises of administering an amount, effective for the prevention, inhibition and termination of microbial growth for industrial, pharmaceutical, household and personal care use.

Abstract: A method of interfering with quorum sensing regulation of genes to promote cell growth is disclosed. The method of is aimed at accessing microbial biodiversity. The method involves obtaining an environmental sample comprising at least one novel (uncultivated in the laboratory) microorganism, contacting the environmental sample with an effective amount of an agent or combination of agents which interferes with the quorum sensing regulation of genes, growing the treated sample in a culture medium containing the quorum sensing signal disrupting agent or agents, and analyzing the colonies of microorganisms grown to demonstrate genetic novelty.

Abstract: A method for detecting quorum sensing potential in a sample is provided comprising extracting nucleic acid from a sample comprising at least one type of microorganism; performing a polymerase chain reaction on the nucleic acid using oligonucleotide primers, wherein each of the primers comprises at least 15 nucleobases and anneal to a consensus sequence of a lux gene and homologs thereof, wherein the first eight nucleobases at the 3′ end of the primers comprise a match to said consensus sequence with optional degeneracy at positions 4-8 from the 3′ end of the primers; separating the amplified DNA fragments; and determining whether any amplified DNA fragment corresponds to the size of a predicted product related to quorum sensing potential. Methods of amplifying fragments of lux genes and homologs thereof are also provided as well as isolated nucleic acid fragments of lux and kits for performing PCR reactions.

Abstract: Peptide compositions and methods for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microbes using peptides possessing antimicrobial activity are described. The composition comprises at least one antimicrobial peptide in combination with at least one biocide, germicide, preservative or antibiotic. The method comprises administering an amount of the peptide composition effective for the prevention, inhibition or termination of microbes in industrial and clinical settings.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microbes are disclosed. The composition comprises at least one chemically-modified peptide with antimicrobial activity and at least one carrier. The method comprises of administering an amount, effective for the prevention, inhibition and termination of microbial growth for industrial, pharmaceutical, household and personal care use.

Abstract: Peptides, compositions and methods for inhibiting and controlling the growth of Burkholderia cepacia are disclosed. The composition comprises a peptide mixture with antimicrobial activity against Burkholderia cepacia and at least one carrier. The method comprises delivering an amount, effective for the prevention, inhibition and termination of the growth of Burkholderia cepacia for industrial, pharmaceutical, household, and personal care use.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding herbicide metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes and iron-sulfur proteins that donate electrons to these enzymes, were introduced into plants and microorganisms rendering them able to produce the encoded gene products and to metabolize herbicides.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste compositing processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyester ingredients, such as polyethylene terephthalate, copolymerized with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal 4-sulfophthalic acid derivative, and other ingredients, such as polyethylene ether glycols and/or non-aromatic diacids, such as adipic and glutaric acids.

Abstract: DNA sequences encoding herbicide metabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes and iron-sulfur proteins that donate electrons to these enzymes, were introduced into plants and microorganisms rendering them able to produce the encoded gene products and to metabolize herbicides.

Abstract: Microbiological oxidation of biphenyl to bis-hydroxylated biphenyl employing Thamnostylum piriforme.