Abstract: A thermostable mannose isomerase generated from a bacterium belonging to the genus Agrobacterium, excellent in thermostability, capable of being continuously used at a temperature of 55° C. to 60° C. for a prolonged period of time, and has, for example, the following enzymatic properties: (a) function: converts D-mannose to D-fructose and vice versa; (b) substrate specificity: isomerizes the aldoses D-mannose and D-lyxose to their corresponding kitoses, but does not interact with D-glucose, D-galactose, L-mannose, D-xylose, L-xylose, D-arabinose, L-arabinose or D-ribose; (c) optimum pH: 7.5 to 8.5; (d) optimum temperature: 55° C. to 60° C.; and (e) stable pH: 6.0 to 10.0, is provided.

Abstract: A bread quality-improving composition and a process for the production of bread using the composition. More particularly, a bread quality-improving composition which contains a maltotriose-forming enzyme or a maltotriose-forming enzyme, glucose oxidase and/or hemicellulase and a process for the production of dough and bread using the composition. The bread quality-improving composition renders possible the easy handling of dough without covering it with wheat flour and the like, the exclusion of additives for use in the control of water content, an improvement in elasticity and ductility of bread when baked, the prevention of bread solidification and other problems such as a reduction in bread volume when frozen dough is used and the elimination or reduction of emulsifying agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pullulanase, methods of producing and isolating the pullulanase and methods of saccharifying starch using the pullulanase. The pullulanase of the invention works in a wide pH range, as large as pH 4-9. In addition, the pullulanase is heat stable and its optimum temperature is about 60.degree. C. Therefore, the pullulanase of the invention can be used in the saccharification of starch along with amylase, which is enzymatically active at pH 4-9, to increase the yield of saccharides.

Abstract: A mannose isomerase having excellent properties for industrial use, such as high thermal stability and resistance to high substrate concentrations, can be produced by culturing a strain of Pseudomonas (sp. AM-9582), and extracting it from the cells of AM-9582. Mannose can be effectively produced from fructose of high concentrations using the enzyme.

Abstract: A mannose isomerase having excellent properties for industrial use, such as high thermal stability and resistance to high substrate concentrations, can be produced by culturing a strain of Pseudomonas (sp. AM-9582), and extracting it from the cells of AM-9582. Mannose can be effectively produced from fructose of high concentrations using the enzyme.

Abstract: A method for the saccharification of a cellulosic material comprises the steps of culturing a microorganism of Acremonium cellulolyticus in a medium containing carbon sources and nitrogen sources, collecting a cellulolytic enzyme from the resultant culture broth, and causing the cellulolytic enzyme to act on the cellulosic material.

Abstract: Maltotetraose or maltose is specifically produced in a high yield from starch by causing an amylase produced by a microorganism of genus Bacillus circulans G-4 to act on the starch.

Abstract: A method for producing glucose at a high yield includes the step of saccharifying liquefied starch with a glucoamylase in the presence of a sugar transferase capable of the transfer reaction with a .alpha.-1,4-glucosidic bond.

Abstract: A method for the saccharification of a cellulosic material comprises the steps of culturing a microorganism of Acremonium cellulolyticus in a medium containing carbon sources and nitrogen sources, collecting a cellulolytic enzyme from the resultant culture broth, and causing the cellulolytic enzyme to act on the cellulosic material.

Abstract: A method for the production of a pullulanase-like enzyme possessing an .alpha.-amylase activity from a strain of genus Bacillus subtilis, the produced enzyme being capable of acting on starch to enhance the yield of glucose.

Abstract: Cellulase is produced by culturing a strain of genus Acremonium in a culture medium and isolating produced cellulase from the culture medium.

Abstract: A liquid starch solution suitable for saccharification into a maltose-containing product is obtained by suspending starch in water, adding to the starch suspension a heat resistant .alpha.-amylase and a carbonate, adjusting the resultant mixture to a pH value in the range of from 7.5 to 8.0, and thermally treating the resultant starch milk while repressing possible hydrolysis of starch molecules.

Abstract: A liquid starch solution suitable for saccharification into a maltose-containing product is obtained by suspending starch in water, adding to the starch suspension a heat resistant .alpha.-amylase and a buffer, adjusting the resultant mixture to a pH value in the range of from 7.5 to 8.0, and thermally treating the resultant starch milk while repressing possible hydrolysis of starch molecules.

Abstract: A microorganism which simultaneously produces .beta.-amylase and dextrin .alpha.-1,6-glucosidase is cultured. By use of the enzymes thus produced, starch is directly hydrolyzed into maltose in a high yield.

Abstract: Microorganic cells or microorganic cells which have undergone various forms of treatments, when treated with a reagent having two or mroe functional groups, give rise to microorganic cells having one of the functional groups of the said reagent chemically bonded thereto and also retaining a free functional group. Contact of an enzyme with the microorganic cells having a free functional group results in immobilization of the enzyme on the said cells.