Abstract: This invention relates to recombinant microorganisms capable of producing isoprene and isoprene production with the use of such recombinant microorganism with good efficiency. In this invention, functional activity of the ispA gene is altered to reduce the production of isoprenoid molecules in recombinant cells engineered to produce isoprene or in cells otherwise susceptible to isoprenoid accumulation during fermentation. This decreased ispA gene functional activity enables enhanced synthesis of isoprene in a host microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing derivatives from cultured cells. In addition, the present invention provides methods for conversion of prenyl derivatives, obtained from biological or petrochemical sources, to isoprene by employing chemical or biological catalysts. The present invention also provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene or prenyl derivatives produced there from.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and systems using isoprene from a bioisoprene composition derived from renewable carbon for production of a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, fuel additives, and additives for fine chemistry and other uses is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers.

Abstract: The invention provides a cross-linkable composition comprising a saccharide-siloxane copolymer according to a specified structural formula, a crosslinking agent, and, optionally, solvent. Cross-linked polymeric networks, cured coatings, and articles of manufacture formed from the inventive compositions are also provided, as well as processes and methods of manufacturing the inventive cross-linkable compositions and applications thereof.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells wherein the cells in the stationary phase. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells and/or increased amount of isoprene. The invention also provides for systems that include a non-flammable concentration of isoprene in the gas phase. Additionally, the invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for producing polymers of isoprene derived from renewable resources, such as isoprene produced from cultured cells that use renewable carbon sources. A starting isoprene composition, such as a bioisoprene composition, is distinguished from petroleum based isoprene by its purity profile (such as lower levels of certain C5 hydrocarbons other than isoprene, presence of certain compounds associated with the biological process for production) and the relative content of the carbon isotopes. Polymers obtained by polymerization of such starting isoprene composition according to this invention, such as a polyisoprene homopolymer or a copolymer having repeat units that are derived from isoprene, are distinguishable from isoprene containing polymers from petrochemical resources.

Abstract: The invention features methods producing isoprene and a co-product, such as ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, or hydrogen from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides compositions comprising isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen. Additionally, the invention provides methods of co-producing isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen by culturing cells under conditions suitable for co-production of isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen.

Abstract: Novel laccases, nucleic acid sequences encoding such laccases, and vectors and host cells for expressing the laccases are described. The novel laccase enzymes may be employed in conjunction with mediators to provide an improved method for bleaching denim fabrics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the purification of isoprene, such as the purification of a bioisoprene composition from fermentor off-gas. The apparatus includes two columns that process the fermentor off-gas, which includes isoprene and various impurities. A solvent is added to the off-gas in the first column, and the isoprene is stripped from the solvent in the second column. Also provided is a downstream further purification process. Also provided are the resulting purified isoprene compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells using various components of the DXP pathway and MVA pathway, or components associated with the DXP pathway and MVA pathway, iron-sulfur cluster-interacting redox polypeptides, and isoprene synthase. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, compositions and methods for the biological production of pentose sugars, such as 2-methylerythritol (2-ME), 1-deoxyxylulose (1-DX), and monoacetylated-2-C-methylerythritols, using recombinant cells.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells wherein the cells in the stationary phase. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells and/or increased amount of isoprene. The invention also provides for systems that include a non-flammable concentration of isoprene in the gas phase. Additionally, the invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity.

Abstract: The invention features methods producing isoprene and a co-product, such as ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, or hydrogen from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides compositions comprising isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen. Additionally, the invention provides methods of co-producing isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen by culturing cells under conditions suitable for co-production of isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, compositions and methods for the biological production of pentose sugars, such as 2-methylerythritol (2-ME), 1-deoxyxylulose (1-DX), and monoacetylated-2-C-methylerythritols, using recombinant cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for producing polymers of isoprene derived from renewable resources, such as isoprene produced from cultured cells that use renewable carbon sources. A starting isoprene composition, such as a bioisoprene composition, is distinguished from petroleum based isoprene by its purity profile (such as lower levels of certain C5 hydrocarbons other than isoprene, presence of certain compounds associated with the biological process for production) and the relative content of the carbon isotopes. Polymers obtained by polymerization of such starting isoprene composition according to this invention, such as a polyisoprene homopolymer or a copolymer having repeat units that are derived from isoprene, are distinguishable from isoprene containing polymers from petrochemical resources.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides isoprene compositions, such as compositions with increased amount of isoprene or increased purity. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing isoprene by culturing cells under conditions suitable for isoprene production while maintaining cell viability and/or metabolic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing derivatives from cultured cells. In addition, the present invention provides methods for conversion of prenyl derivatives, obtained from biological or petrochemical sources, to isoprene by employing chemical or biological catalysts. The present invention also provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene or prenyl derivatives produced there from.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of immobilizing biocatalysts including protein and cells by co-precipitation with silicate or organosilicate matrices through the action of an organic template molecule. The organic template molecule is in general a polyamine such as polyethylenimine (PEI), or polypeptide compound bearing at least two or three basic residues selected from the group consisting of lysine, arginine, histidine, proline, hydroxyproline, N-methylhistidine, ornithine, taurine, ?-hydroxylysine, and ?-hydroxy-?-N,N,N trimethyllysine. The invention is also directed to a silica biocomposite comprising co-precipitates of active biocatalysts, silica or organosilicates, and an N-containing organic template molecule. Such silica biocomposites are useful in biocatalysis, and other applications requiring an immobilized biocatalyst. Preferred biocatalysts for this invention are enzymes and whole cells.