Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine and/or L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine diketopiperazine comprising contacting and reacting a culture, cell or a cell-treated product of a microorganism capable of hydrolyzing DKP into AP or capable of performing intramolecular condensation of AP into DKP with DKP and/or AP, in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: A process for producing L-phenylalanine, which comprises reacting cinnamic acid and an ammonia generator in an aqueous medium in the presence of an enzyme or enzymes from a microorganism belonging to the genus Geotrichum, Moniliella, Syncephalastrum, Endomyces, Aspergillus, Saccharomycopis, Eurotium, Glomerella, Pellicularia or Conatobotyrum, wherein the enzyme or enzymes are capable of producing L-phenylalanine from cinnamic acid and an ammonia generator, and collecting L-phenylalanine from the aqueous medium, is disclosed along with both new and old microorganisms that can be used in the practice of the invention.

Abstract: A process for producing L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine alkyl or aryl esters wherein L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine which is esterified with an alkyl group having at least two carbon atoms, an aryl group or an aralkyl group, are contacted in an aqueous medium with particular microorganisms or enzyme fractions from these microorganisms and the condensed product crystallizes out due to insolubility in the aqueous medium.

Abstract: An antimicrobial carpet having bacteriostatic and sterilizing effect against molds, bacteria and viruses is prepared by incorporating into fibrous materials prior to or after fabrication into a carpet an amino acid type surfactant represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein RCO is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.16 fatty acid residue.

Abstract: An imidazoledicarboxylic acid derivative having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein X is a group selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom and hydroxyl group. The compounds are useful as antibiotics.

Abstract: A purified ring peptide antibiotic of the following empirical formula:N.alpha.-(3-hydroxy-4-methyl-1-oxohexyl)-L-.alpha.,.gamma.-diaminobutyryl-L -isoleucyl-L-.alpha.,.gamma.-diaminobutyryl-D-phenylalanyl-L-leucyl-L-.alph a.,.gamma.-diaminobutyryl-D-valyl-L-leucyl-L-serine (9-1)-lactoneand which has the following structural formula: ##STR1## and wherein Dab represents 2,4-diamino butyric acid.

Abstract: Fungicidal compositions for agricultural and horticultural use are provided which contain as an active ingredient thereof the antibiotics angustmycin A or angustmycin C. They exhibit excellent protective effects against attack by plant disease fungi or bacteria, have no phytotoxicity and cause no pollution in the environment. A method for protecting plants by the use thereof is also provided.

Abstract: Compounds having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein X is a radical selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, mercapto, methyl and amino.Y is a radical selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and hydroxy, andA is an organic compound residue selected from the group consisting of having the formula: ##STR2## wherein Z is a radical selected from the group consisting hydrogen, acyloxy, carbamoyloxy, (heteroaromatic) thio, pyridinium, quinolinium and picolinium; and salts thereof, are useful as anti-bacterial agents active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.