Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based agricultural compositions and methods of their use for preserving soil profiles and/or re-building degraded soil profiles, particularly for soil types that are prone to soil organic content (SOC) decomposition, oxidation and/or erosion. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are environmentally-friendly, non-toxic and cost effective solutions to the growing problem of soil degradation and soil-borne greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for reducing the carbon footprint of producing biofuels. Microbe-based soil treatment compositions are utilized to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the agricultural practices of producing feedstock crops.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for improving a plant's immune response using a combination of microbes and/or their growth by-products. Specifically, the subject invention improves a plant's ability to withstand an infection by a pest or pathogen using a combination of a Trichoderma sp. fungus and a Bacillus sp. bacterium, and, optionally, one or more other microorganisms. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods of the subject invention can modulate the recognition of PAMPs and/or the induction of defensive mechanisms in a plant. In a specific embodiment, the invention reduces induction of self-harming defensive mechanisms that are irreversible and/or over-induced in the plant.

Abstract: The subject invention provides microbial cover crops for the management of crops, soil, and water. More specifically, the invention provides for methods of using the microbe-based cover crop to address various soil quality issues, including those involving soil fertility and stability and water management.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and assays for multiplexed detection of analytes using nanocrystals that are uniform in morphology, size, and composition based on their unique optical characteristics. The described methods and assays are particularly useful for detection of microbes and/or microbe-based agents in a complex environmental sample.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for controlling infections in plants. In particular, the subject invention relates to treatments for bacterial or fungal infections affecting plant vascular systems using microbes and/or their growth by-products, such as biosurfactants.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for reducing the carbon footprint of producing livestock. Microbe-based soil treatment compositions reduce greenhouse gas emissions from producing livestock feed, and in turn, improve the health and productivity of livestock animals.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing plant immunity, health, growth and yields, as well as enhancing rhizosphere properties, using beneficial microbes and/or their growth by-products. Specifically, the subject invention enhances plant health, growth and/or yields by applying a yeast-based composition to the plant (e.g., the roots) and/or its surrounding environment (e.g., the soil). Specifically, in one embodiment, the subject invention utilizes the killer yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus and/or a species related closely thereto.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and assays for multiplexed detection of analytes using nanocrystals that are uniform in morphology, size, and composition based on their unique optical characteristics. The described methods and assays are particularly useful for detection of microbes and/or microbe-based agents in a complex environmental sample.

Abstract: The invention provides chimeric cannulae polypeptides and nanotubules and methods for making and using them. In one aspect, the invention provides compositions and methods for the identification, separation or synthesis of proteins or ligands. In one aspect, the invention provides compositions and methods for making and using nanotubules. In one aspect, the invention provides compositions and methods for the selection and purification of chiral compositions from racemic mixtures. In one aspect, the chimeric proteins and polymers (e.g., nanotubules, tubules, bundles, balls, fibers, filaments, sheets, threads, textiles) of the invention comprise a detectable moiety, e.g., a fluorescent protein. In one aspect, the invention provides a flame retardant or heat resistant device comprising a sheeting, a covering, a coating or an adhesive comprising a chimeric protein of the invention.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a purified and modified phytase enzyme from Escherichia coli K12 appA phytase. The enzyme has phytase activity and improved thermal tolerance as compared with the wild-type enzyme. In addition, the enzyme has improved protease stability at low pH. Glycosylation of the modified phytase provided a further improved enzyme having improved thermal tolerance and protease stability. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In one aspect, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a purified and modified phytase enzyme from Escherichia coli K12 appA phytase. The enzyme has phytase activity and improved thermal tolerance as compared with the wild-type enzyme. In addition, the enzyme has improved protease stability at low pH. Glycosylation of the modified phytase provided a further improved enzyme having improved thermal tolerance and protease stability. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be used to aid in the digestion of phytate where desired. In one aspect, the phytase of the present invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a low cost method of producing peptides, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), by using microbes. The subject methods enable greatly improved yields of the peptide/AMP as compared to those heretofore known in the art. The subject methods also surprisingly enable the use of Pseudomonas fluorescens to produce AMPs and other peptides. There are several components of the subject invention, which can be used alone or in combination. The subject invention provides for the production of peptides/AMPs in concatemeric precursors. The subject invention also provides novel methods of assembling monomers into multimers, and of cleaving the multimers to yield active monomers. The subject invention also relates to the use of these multimers fused to carrier peptides to produce fusion proteins. Preferably, both the multimers and the fusion proteins (multimers with the carrier polypeptides) lack charge balancing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous manufacture of trioxan, if appropriate together with cyclic formals, from aqueous formaldehyde solutions in a circulation reactor with an evaporator, wherein the vapor/liquid mixture, before it enters the reactor, is separated into the vapor phase and the liquid phase, and subsequently the two phases are fed separately to the reactor. In particular, high space-time yields can be achieved by the process according to the invention. Moreover, equipment for carrying out this process is a subject of the invention.