Abstract: A proteolytic enzyme for use in detergent formulations having increased pH and oxidative stability under typical laundering conditions in aqueous solutions is produced by fermenting Bacillus licheniformis host strain transformed by a multicopy plasmid comprised of DNA sequences which code for the desired proteolytic enzyme.

Abstract: A process for separation of multicomponent mixtures of dicarboxylic acids, especially, mixtures of C.sub.8 -C.sub.24 saturated and unsaturated acids is derived from a fermentation process, in which an aqueous feed solution containing the mixture of dicarboxylic acids is adjusted in pH value depending on the permeability of the component to be separated and over 95% of the saturated component is separated from the unsaturated material by passing the mixture is content with a membrane filter.

Abstract: A novel microorganism, mutant chol 149-K14 (DSM 2065) and process for the preparation of 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-(3'-propionic acid)-5.alpha.-hydroxy-7a.beta.-methyl-hexahydro-1-indanone and the .delta.-lactone thereof comprising culturing a steroid compound of animal or plant origin with the above microorganism mutant in an aqueous nutrient medium under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: Troublesome foaming in the fermentation of yeast is suppressed by the addition of polyglycol ethers which are derived from saturated and monounsaturated C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohols and which contain on an average of from 1 to 4 ethylene and/or propylene glycol ether groups. Preferred defoamers contain oleyl and cetyl alcohol residues in a ratio of from 3:1 to 1:1, and on average 2 ethylene glycol ether groups. The defoamers do not inhibit yeast growth or lead to premature softening and liquefaction of the compressed yeast.

Abstract: In the aerobic culture of microorganisms of the Xanthomonas genus in fermentation media, the use of water-in-oil emulsions in the media minimizes viscosity problems and enhances yields of Xanthomonas biopolymers. Preferably, the emulsion is formed with a surfactant and the microorganism is Xanthomonas campestris.

Abstract: To insure that a tape which is newly inserted into a reversing-type cassette tape transport mechanism will always operate in a first predetermined or priority direction, a direction priority switch (S3) is coupled to the tape cassette receiver (32, 34) to sense introduction of a tape into the receiver. The priority switch is coupled to a logic network which controls change-over of operation of a tape transport system (20, M) if the tape transport system, upon introduction of a tape, was operating counter the priority direction, but leaving unaffected the operation of the tape transport system if it was already in the priority direction. A suitable logic network comprises an AND-gate with a dynamic input, or one with a static input and a buffer memory which is reset upon termination of tape operation. If the tape is merely moved between a transducing position and a park or pause position, no change in direction of tape transport will result.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of acid stable protease having a broad activity spectrum in high yields from mutants of the fungus Aspergillus, and the mutants used therein.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of acid stable protease having a broad activity spectrum by culturing selected mutants of Rhizopus rhizopodiformis CBS 227.75 under aerobic conditions in a nutrient medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources, at a pH between 3 and 7 and at a temperature between 25.degree. C. and 50.degree. C., and separating the resulting protease enzyme; the mutants used in the process together with a process for preparation of the mutants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a concentrate containing sterol compounds of natural origin, which concentrate is suitable as a starting material for the transformation of sterol compounds by fermentation, which comprises the steps of:(a) transesterifying distillation residues from the processing of natural fats and/or oils with a lower alcohol; and(b) subjecting the product of step (a) to molecular distillation to produce a main fraction having a content of up to about 50 percent by weight of sterol compounds.The invention also relates to sterol concentrates produced thereby and their transformation to valuable secondary products.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a concentrate containing sterol compounds of natural origin, which concentrate is suitable as a starting material for the transformation of sterol compounds by fermentation, which comprises the steps of:(a) transesterifying distillation residues from the processing of natural fats and/or oils with a lower alcohol; and(b) subjecting the product of step (a) to molecular distillation to produce a main fraction having a content of up to about 50 percent by weight of sterol compounds.The invention also relates to sterol concentrates produced thereby and their transformation to valuable secondary products.

Abstract: For the production of 17-C-steroid-.alpha.-propionic acid compounds by microbial side chain degradation on 17-C-side chain steroid substrates wild strain microorganisms selected in predetermined manner are subjected to a multi-stage mutation and selection. The resultant mutant strains are capable of supplying the desired compounds, e.g. .DELTA.-4 BNC and/or .DELTA.-1,4 BNC in high yields even in the absence of inhibitors arresting the growth and/or degradation of the steroid ring. Wild strains and mutants particularly suitable, and their choice, production and use, are described.

Abstract: A process for the production of useful steroids obtained by side chain degradation of sterol source materials through the use of microorganisms is described.

Abstract: An acid stable protease whose pH range of 50% of maximum activity is between pH 2.5 and 6.5, produced by culturing a fungus strain of the species Rhizopus rhizopodiformis CBS 227.75 under aerobic conditions in a nutrient medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources, at a pH between 3 and 7 and at a temperature between 25.degree. C and 50.degree. C, and separating the enzyme produced; as well as the method of production, its use as a foodstuff additive and foodstuffs containing the same.