Abstract: A method for selective cleavage of C—N bonds genes that encode for at least one enzyme suitable for conversion of carbazole to 2-aminobiphenyl-2,3-diol are combined with a gene encoding an amidase suitable for selectively cleaving a C—N bond in 2-aminobiphenyl-2,3-diol, forming an operon that encodes for cleavage of both C—N bonds of said carbazole. The operon is inserted into a host culture which, in turn, is contacted with the carbazole, resulting in selective cleavage of both C—N bonds of the carbazole. Also disclosed is a new microorganism that expresses a carbazole degradation trait constitutively and a method for degrading carbazole employing this microorganism.

Abstract: A method for introducing and stabilizing heterologous and recombinant genes in a thermophilic host in which a characteristic gene defining a detectable host characteristic is inactivated or deleted from the thermophilic host, resulting in a modified thermophilic host expressing an absence of the detectable host characteristic. A DNA fragment of interest is inserted into the modified thermophilic host together with an intact characteristic gene, whereby the detectable host characteristic is restored to the thermophilic host, thereby enabling detection and confirmation of successful transformation using plasmid vectors and integration of the DNA fragment into the chromosome of the thermophilic host.

Abstract: A microbial process is provided for selective cleavage of only organic C—N bonds while leaving C—C bonds intact which may be used for reducing the nitrogen content of nitrogen-containing organic carbonaceous materials. Microorganisms of Pseudomonas ayucida have been found which have the ability of selective cleavage of organic C—N bonds. A particularly preferred microorganism is Pseudomonas ayucida strain ATCC No PTA-806. Other microorganisms useful in the cleavage of organic C—N bonds are Aneurinibacillus sp, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Yokenella sp. and Pseudomonas nitroreducens.

Abstract: A mutant Pseudomonas ayucida strain ATCC N° PTA-806 which is able to selectively cleave organic C—N bonds and reduce the nitrogen content of organic carbonaceous materials is described.

Abstract: A mutant Pseudomonas ayucida strain No PTA-806 which is able to selectively cleave organic C—N bonds and reduce the nitrogen content of organic carbonaceous materials is described.

Abstract: A method for producing biosorbents for adsorption of PCB's in which at least one proteinaceous material is contacted with a molar excess of at least one PCB congener mixture, forming a protein/PCB congener mixture. The protein/PCB congener mixture is dried after which the PCB congeners are extracted from the dried protein/PCB congener mixture forming a biosorbent in the form of an imprinted protein.

Abstract: A process for improved remediation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon and/or polychlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated solid materials by integrated chemical/biological treatment comprising contacting the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon and/or polychlorinated hydrocarbon for chemical treatment with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ferrous ion in liquid solution at a temperature of about 10.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., oxidizing the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon materials and/or polychlorinated hydrocarbon materials and producing more readily biodegradable hydrocarbon product materials, and then biodigesting the product materials by aerobic and/or anaerobic biodigestion. A lower alcohol added to the chemical treatment in accordance with one embodiment further enhances oxidation of 4- to 6-ring aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants.

Abstract: A process for organic C--S bond cleavage of a sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous material by contacting the carbonacous material with a sulfur specific reactant of membrane fragments, an enzyme, or a composition of enzymes having the ability to selectively react with sulfur by cleavage of organic C--S bonds. Preferred are sulfur specific reactants associated with cell membranes of Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC No. 53968 and Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 and their derivatives which have the ability to selectively react with organic sulfur of sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous material by cleavage of organic C--S bonds.

Abstract: A microbial process for selective cleavage of organic C--S bonds which may be used for reducing the sulfur content of sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous materials, Microorganisms of Rhodococcus rhodochrous and Bacillus sphaericus have been found which have the ability of selective cleavage of organic C--S bonds. Particularly preferred microorganisms are Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC 53968 and Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC 53969 and their derivatives.

Abstract: A method of desulfurizing a petroleum liquid containing organosulfur molecules is disclosed. The method relies upon the use of an aqueous biocatalytic agent comprising, in preferred embodiments, a substantially cell free extract of a microorganism which functionally expresses an enzyme capable of selectively cleaving organic carbon-sulfur bonds even in sulfur-bearing heterocycles, wherein the extract contains a substantial proportion of the total activity of said enzyme expressed by the microorganism. An emulsion, preferably a microemulsion, is formed between this biocatalytic agent and the petroleum liquid. Reversible microemulsions are particularly preferred, due to facilitated recovery of a desulfurized petroleum liquid at the conclusion of treatment. The invention described is particularly well suited to the desulfurization of petroleum liquids having a high relative abundance of refractory organosulfur molecules, such as dibenzothiophene.

Abstract: A process for organic C--S bond cleavage of a sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous material by contacting the carbonacous material with a sulfur specific enzyme reactant of membrane fragments, an enzyme, or a composition of enzymes having the ability to selectively react with sulfur by cleavage of organic C--S bonds. Preferred are sulfur specific reactants associated with cell membranes of Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC No. 53968 and Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 and their derivatives which have the ability to selectively react with organic sulfur of sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous material by cleavage of organic C--S bonds.

Abstract: A mutant Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: An extract of membrane fragments, an enzyme, and a composition of enzymes associated with cell membranes of Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC No. 53968 and Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 is prepared which have the ability to selectively react with organic sulfur of sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous material by cleavage or organic C--S bonds.

Abstract: A mutant Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC No. 53968 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: A mutant Bacillus sphaericus strain ATC No. 53969 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.