Abstract: An isolated endoglycanase having activity against polysaccharides having the subunit backbone structure: ##STR1## wherein Glc is glucose, GlcA is glucuronic acid, Rha is rhamnose, Man is mannose, X may be Rha or Man, and wherein the reducing end of the polymer is toward the X residue of the backbone is disclosed. A method for producing the endoglycanase by culturing Bacillus ATCC 55294, the method for selecting the Bacillus ATCC 55294 and method for using the endoglycanase are also disclosed. The endoglycanase has a molecular weight of 110,000.+-.10,000 daltons and a pH range from 4.5 to 9.0.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a substantially biologically pure culture strain of Aureobasidium pullulans from a wild type strain by enriching the collected strain for organisms which grow as fungal yeastlike cells, growing colonies from isolated yeastlike cells and selecting those yeastlike cells which exhibit reduced pigmentation. Biologically pure culture strains obtained by the invention as well as methods for producing pullulan having decreased pigmentation and/or increased molecular weight are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selecting a mutant strain belonging to the genus Streptomyces which is a hyper-producer of Streptovaricin C superior to those know heretofore. This is accomplished by first subjecting a natural strain of Streptomyces spectabilis to conditions so as to isolate organisms which are streptovaricin resistant. The streptovaricin resistant organisms thus isolated are then subjected to mutagenesis and then cultured. The colonies which are asporogenous are individually cultured in fermentation batches such that the strains take the form of pellets of varying sizes and colors. From the batch having the most heterogeneous mixture of pellets, the smallest pellet or the pellet(s) having the deepest color (usually deep red or crimson) is isolated. We have discovered that the strain of this pellet has a high likelihood of being a hyperproducer of streptovaricin. The strain of this pellet may then be subjected to fermentation conditions to produce streptovaricin.

Abstract: A method for separation and recovery of polymeric beads from an antibiotic fermentation broth comprising suspending a mixture of the beads and any inherent mold from the fermentation in an aqueous solution having a specific gravity which is effective to cause the beads to form a discrete layer at or on the surface of the solution, separate and apart from the mold. The separate layer of the beads may then be easily removed from the liquid by a conventional physical methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selecting a mutant strain belonging to the genus Streptomyces which is a hyper-producer of Streptovaricin C superior to those know heretofore. This is accomplished by first subjecting a natural strain of Streptomyces spectabilis to conditions so as to isolate organisms which are streptovaricin resistant. The streptovaricin resistant organisms thus isolated are then subjected to mutagenesis and then cultured. The colonies which are asporogenous are individually cultured in fermentation batches such that the strains take the form of pellets of varying sizes and colors. From the batch having the most heterogeneous mixture of pellets, the smallest pellet or the pellet(s) having the deepest color (usually deep red or crimson) is isolated. We have discovered that the strain of this pellet has a high likelihood of being a hyperproducer of streptovaricin. The strain of this pellet may then be subjected to fermentation conditions to produce streptovaricin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selecting a mutant strain belonging to the genus Streptomyces which is a hyper-producer of Streptovaricin C superior to those know heretofore. This is accomplished by first subjecting a natural strain of Streptomyces spectabilis to conditions so as to isolate organisms which are streptovaricin resistant. The streptovaricin resistant organisms thus isolated are then subjected to mutagenesis and then cultured. The colonies which are asporogenous are individually cultured in fermentation batches such that the strains take the form of pellets of varying sizes and colors. From the batch having the most heterogeneous mixture of pellets, the smallest pellet or the pellet(s) having the deepest color (usually deep red or crimson) is isolated. We have discovered that the strain of this pellet has a high likelihood of being a hyperproducer of streptovaricin. The strain of this pellet may then be subjected to fermentation conditions to produce streptovaricin.

Abstract: A method for separation and recovery of polymeric beads from an antibiotic fermentation broth comprising suspending a mixture of the beads and any inherent mold from the fermentation in an aqueous solution having a specific gravity which is effective to cause the beads to form a discrete layer at or on the surface of the solution, separate and apart from the mold. The separate layer of the beads may then be easily removed from the liquid by a conventional physical methods.

Abstract: A method for selecting hyper-producing strains of streptovaricin C by culturing streptomyces spectabilis and separating the asporogenous colonies. The asporogenous colonies are then separately cultured and tested for streptovaricin productivity. Those colonies having the highest productivity may then be easily selected.

Abstract: A method for separation and recovery of polymeric beads from an antibiotic fermentation broth comprising suspending a mixture of the beads and any inherent mold from the fermentation in an aqueous solution having a specific gravity which is effective to cause the beads to form a discrete layer at or on the surface of the solution, separate and apart from the mold. The separate layer of the beads may then be easily removed from the liquid by a conventional physical methods.

Abstract: A method for selecting hyper-producing strains of streptovaricin C by culturing Streptomyces spectabilis and separating the asporogenous colonies. The asporogenous colonies are then separately cultured and tested for streptovaricin productivity. Those colonies having the highest productivity may then be easily selected.

Abstract: A method for selecting hyper-producing strains of streptovaricin C by culturing streptomyces spectabilis and separating the asporogenous colonies. The asporogenous colonies are then separately cultured and tested for streptovaricin productivity. Those colonies having the highest productivity may then be easily selected.

Abstract: A biologically engineered plasmid coding for the production of .beta.-glucosidase. The plasmid can be incorporated into various microorganisms to enable the microorganism to digest cellobiose, which is produced from cellulose by an endo- or exocellular cellulase. One particular application is the incorporation of this plasmid into a microorganism which produces ethanol. Preferably, this ethanol producing microorganism is also ethanol tolerant.