Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are found in contaminated soils and groundwater and are a large class of compounds for which treatment by bioremediation is sought. Accordingly, indigenous organisms that can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon are needed. Presented are strains of the Paenibacillus genus that degrade low molecule weight polyaromatic, and, in the presence of phenanthrene, high molecular weight polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These bacteria strains are unique among PAH-degrading bacterial strains because they form endospores and therefore can survive adverse environmental conditions. Among the strains presented are several from “P. naphthalenovorans”, a newly described species. Also presented are compositions for bioremediation comprising the bacterial strains of the invention, and a method for isolating the strains and a method for using the strains for bioremediation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions derived from an isolated Bacillus species, spores, or an extracellular product of Bacillus coagulans comprising a supernatant or filtrate of a culture of said Bacillus coagulans strain, suitable for topical application to the skin or mucosal membranes of a mammal, which are utilized to inhibit the growth of bacterium, yeast, fungi, virus, and combinations thereof. The present invention also discloses methods of treatment and therapeutic systems for inhibiting the growth of bacterium, yeast, fungi, virus, and combinations thereof, by topical application of therapeutic compositions which are comprised, in part, of isolated Bacillus species, spores, or an extracellular product of Bacillus coagulans comprising a supernatant or filtrate of a culture of said Bacillus coagulans strain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isolated Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, and Sporobolomyces roseus which are useful as a biocontrol agent. These organisms are useful in a method of imparting to plants protection against plant pathogens by applying them to plants, plant seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to impart disease protection to the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds. The biocontrol agents are also useful in a method of enhancing plant growth which involves applying them to plants, plants seeds, or soil surrounding plants under conditions effective to enhance growth in the plants or plants produced from the plant seeds.

Abstract: A composition and method for reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria in an aquatic environment. The composition includes isolated Bacillus cereus which are able to reduce a number of well known pathogenic bacterium from aquatic environments. The preferred Bacillus cereus is strain RRRL B-30535.

Abstract: Composition containing a lactic acid-producing bacterial strain, e.g., Bacillus coagulans for inhibition of pathogenic bacterial infections. Spores or extracellular products produced by the bacterial strains are also useful as inhibitory agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial composition for the neutralization of alkaline waste waters by biological means and a method of neutralization of alkaline waste waters using a synergistic mixture of the bacterial strains of Bacillus alkalophilus and Bacillus sp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strain of Bacillus sp. D747 (FERM BP-8234). In addition, the present invention also relates to an agent for controlling plant diseases and an agent for controlling insect pests, comprising the Bacillus sp. D747 strain, and relates to a control method using the agents described above. By administering cultures of Bacillus sp. D747 (including the viable bacteria) or viable bacteria isolated by culturing, on the plant parts such as roots, stems, leaves, seeds, and the like, or in the culture soil, outbreaks of various plant diseases in an extremely wide range can be controlled, and pests can also be controlled. In addition, the plants on which the agents for controlling plant diseases and the agents for controlling pests comprising the D747 strain according to the present invention have been sprayed can exhibit superior controlling effects with respect to various plant diseases and pests.

Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a method for enhancing biofungicidal activity of a microbial agent. The inventional further discloses a nutrient composition comprising a microbial agent and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing, said strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a naturally derived cosmetic material obtained from bean broth, or by being fermented it or treating it with enzymes, and to a manufacturing method thereof. The method for manufacturing the cosmetic material of the present invention is characterized in that beans are added to a water-based solvent and heated, and the bean broth thus obtained is subjected to fractional purification, to inoculation with Bacillus natto and fermentation culturing, or to the action of soybean Aspergillus bacteria-derived proteases. Because the cosmetic material obtained by this method has excellent SOD activity, cytotonic activity, collagen-formation accelerating ability, antibacterial activity, and tyrosinase inhibiting action, this cosmetic material inhibits the peroxidation of skin lipids and prevents skin aging, and can be appropriately used as a beauty product having excellent functionality in the skin.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Gram-positive microorganism, Bacillus megaterium that effectively and efficiently degrades fats, oils and grease. A composition comprising said microorganism and a method for degrading fatty acids and grease are also disclosed. Availability of glycerol to the biodegrading microorganism was discovered to enhance biodegradation.

Abstract: Microorganisms of the genus Bacillus that are capable of reducing nitrates and contain chitin and/or chitosan in their cell walls are provided. The microorganism of the invention can be used for improving soil, for treating organic waste by fermentation, for fermenting soybeans, and for reducing bitterness. The microorganism of the invention can also be used as a feed additive or a good additive. Further, the microorganism of the invention has an anti-microbial effect.

Abstract: The invention describes therapeutic compositions including a lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as isolated Bacillus coagulans, in combination with a bifidogenic oligosaccharides or other cholesterol-reducing agents for use in reducing LDL cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Also described are therapeutic methods using the compositions and systems containing the therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Fungal/bacterial atagonist combinations, a seed coated with one of the combinations and a plant protected from plant pathogens by one of the combinations. The invention is also a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination and its use for controlling plant pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions derived from an isolated Bacillus species, spores, or an extracellular product of Bacillus coagulans comprising a supernatant or filtrate of a culture of said Bacillus coagulans strain, suitable for topical application to the skin or mucosal membranes of a mammal, which are utilized to inhibit the growth of bacterium, yeast, fungi, virus, and combinations thereof. The present invention also discloses methods of treatment and therapeutic systems for inhibiting the growth of bacterium, yeast, fungi, virus, and combinations thereof, by topical application of therapeutic compositions which are comprised, in part, of isolated Bacillus species, spores, or an extracellular product of Bacillus coagulans comprising a supernatant or filtrate of a culture of said Bacillus coagulans strain.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting microbial infections associated with the use of sanitary products, such as diapers, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons and the like. The invention provides a sanitary product containing an absorbent structure and an effective amount of a viable non-pathogenic lactic-acid bacteria, such as Bacillus coagulans, or an extracellular product thereof, useful for inhibiting growth of parasites and pathogens on the epithelial tissue in contact with the sanitary product during use of the product. Also provided is enhancing biodegradation of sanitary products after use and disposal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain that exhibits broad antifungal activity. The present invention also provides the use of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain or an antifungal composition comprised of the novel strain for control of a broad range of fungal plant pathogens.

Abstract: Novel bacterial insecticidal proteins and equivalents thereof were isolated. These proteins and the DNA sequences encoding them are useful to make insecticidal compositions or transgenic plants to protect plants from damage by insects, particularly coleopteran insects.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the enhanced production of bacterial toxins in large-scale cultures. Specifically, methods and compositions for reducing bacterial toxin expression inhibitors are providing including, but not limited to, addition of toxin expression inhibitor binding compounds, culture media having reduced concentrations of toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors and genetically modified toxogenic bacteria lacking enzymes required to metabolize the toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors.

Abstract: A bioactive food complex product, method for preparing a bioactive food complex product and method for controlling disease using probiotics and quorum sensing inhibitors such as inhibitory furanones and other bioactive compounds included in both the continuous and dispersed phases of a bioactive food complex product. The product is comprised of a solids-in-oil or an oil-in-solids emulsion forming a first emulsion that is itself emulsified in polymer forming oil-in-polymer or solids-in-polymer emulsion complex. The bioactive complex is formed of two emulsions with the first emulsion comprising the dispersed phase and a hydrocolloid polymer serving as the continuous phase. The second emulsion complex is then crosslinked to form a physically stable matrix.

Abstract: Oocydin A is a mono-chlorinated lipophilic macrocyclic lactone that was isolated from a strain of Serratia marcescens that produces oocydin A in culture. Oocydin A has a molecular mass of 470, contains one atom of chlorine, a carboxyl group, and a tetrahydrofuran ring internal to a larger macrocyclic ring. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of circa 0.03 &mgr;g ml−1 were noted for oocydin A against phytopathogenic Oomycetes. Oocydin A can be used as an anti-Oomycete in agricultural applications for crop protection.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Gram-positive microorganism, Bacillus megaterium, that effectively and efficiently degrades fats, oils and grease. A composition comprising said microorganism and a method for degrading fatty acids and grease are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions derived from an isolated Bacillus species, spores, or an extracellular product of Bacillus coagulans comprising a supernatant or filtrate of a culture of said Bacillus coagulans strain, suitable for topical application to the skin or mucosal membranes of a mammal, which are utilized to inhibit the growth of bacterium, yeast, fungi, virus, and combinations thereof. The present invention also discloses methods of treatment and therapeutic systems for inhibiting the growth of bacterium, yeast, fungi, virus, and combinations thereof, by topical application of therapeutic compositions which are comprised, in part, of isolated Bacillus species, spores, or an extracellular product of Bacillus coagulans comprising a supernatant or filtrate of a culture of said Bacillus coagulans strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antibiotic-producing and metabolite-producing Bacillus subtilis strain that exhibits insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial activity. The supernatant of this novel strain contains effective insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial agents. Also included in the invention is a solvent extractable, small molecular weight (<10,000 daltons) corn rootworm-active metabolite produced in the supernatant. Also included in the invention are methods of protecting or treating plants from fungal and bacterial infections and corn rootworm infestations comprising the step of applying to the plant an effective amount of the antibiotic/metabolite-producing novel Bacillus subtilis strain, the antibiotic/metabolite produced by the novel Bacillus subtilis strain or a combination thereof, optionally further comprising another antibiotic-producing bacterial strain and/or a chemical pesticide.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention, as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains. The invention further encompasses the synergistic fungicidal effect of using a strain of NRRL Accession Nos. B-30087 together with B-21661 (AQ 713).

Abstract: The invention relates to probiotic microbes, including but not limited to Lactobacillus species and Bifidobacteria species, and their compositions and methods of employing said compositions for treating and preventing intestinal and other infections which originate from the intestine, in newborn infants. The invention also invention relates to the ability of probiotic organisms, either in viable or nonviable state, or their by-products, to interfere with pathogenic infection through short and long term colonization of the intestine, inhibition of growth of the pathogens, and assisting the host to fight off the infecting organisms.

Abstract: Paenibacillus polymyxa strain ATCC 202127 capable of producing a peptide antibiotic against fungi, and specifically Leptosphaeria spp. is disclosed. Further, mutants of said strain capable of producing the peptide are also disclosed. In addition, a method of controlling a fungal disease of a crop is disclosed. The method comprises applying an amount of the strain or mutants thereof to at least one of a medium for growing the crop, seeds of the crop prior to planting, and plants of the crop. The strain can also inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Micrococcus spp., Streptomyces spp. or Escherichia spp. The fungi which the strain or mutants thereof capable of producing the peptide are effective against include in addition to Leptosphaeria spp., the fungus selected from Sclerotinia spp., Rhizotonia spp., Pythium spp., Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Sporobolomyces spp., Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp. or Marasmius spp.

Abstract: Microbiological agents are provided for control of certain diseases of wheat and other cereals caused by Fusarium species, including Fusarium head blight of wheat and other cereals. These agents can also improve yield of wheat plants and cereals. The agents are novel isolates of Pantoea agglomerans and of Bacillus megaterium that exhibit the property of inhibiting fungal pathogens, particularly those produced by Fusarium species. Biocontrol compositions, and methods of using them to control plant pathogen development on wheat and cereal plants and for increasing plant yield, are also provided. The biocontrol compositions comprise a mixture of at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of Pantoea agglomerans and Bacillus megaterium.

Abstract: Biological control composition comprising specific strains of Bacillus, which are selected from the group of Bacillus cereus NRRL B-30517 and NRRL B-30519, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-30518 and Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-30520, as well as a method therefore are provided. Furthermore, the specific strains in combination provide a synergistic effect against pathogenic fungi. The pathogenic fungi include varied Phytophthora species such as P. capsici.

Abstract: The invention provides a bacterium which forms a spore that is germination-competent in the presence of a bile acid and methods of colonizing intestinal tissue of an animal by administering bacterial cells or spores to the animal

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for improving plant quality and yield in the presence of pathogens. The method increases the levels of pathogenesis-related proteins, such as PR1, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, or plant cell wall proteins such as hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins, in a plant by contacting the plant with a plant systemic inducer and a reactive oxygen species wherein the amount of the reactive oxygen species is sufficient to increase the amount of the pathogenesis-related protein above the level induced by the plant systemic inducer in the absence of the reactive oxygen species. A preferred reactive oxygen species is peracetic acid; a preferred plant systemic inducer is salicylic acid.

Abstract: A composition and method for reducing the levels of pathogenic bacteria in an aquatic environment. The composition includes isolated Bacillus cereus which are able to reduce a number of well known pathogenic bacterium from aquatic environments.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for improving feed conversion and weight gain in poultry, including chickens, wherein Bacillus laterosporus, or any microorganism with a similarity index, based on its cellular fatty acid profile, of greater than 0.5 to Bacillus laterosporus (including Bacillus laterosporus strain CM-33 (ATCC Accession No. PTA-3952)) is administered to poultry. Strain CM-33 of Bacillus laterosporus was isolated from soil and has a similarity index of 76% to Bacillus laterosporus. The administration of strain CM-33 is preferably divided into daily doses of about 2.0 million colony forming units (cfu)/day and continued for about 40 days of the growth cycle. The cells or spores can be administered through the bird's drinking water or by other methods, including spraying them onto the bird's feed.

Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a formulation comprising said bacterium and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing said strain.

Abstract: A method for screening a bacterium antagonistic to pathogenic bacteria that emerge during raising of seedlings of gramineous plants utilizing tropolone resistance and tropolone non-producing property as indices, and a microbial pesticide containing as an active ingredient the bacterium that has tropolone resistance and tropolone non-producing property selected by the screening method or spores thereof.

Abstract: Four yeasts (NRRL Y-30213, NRRL Y-30214, NRRL Y-30215, and NRRL Y-30216) and 1 bacterium (NRRL B-30212) have been identified as being superior antagonists capable of suppressing Fusarium head blight (head scab) in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley. Fusarium head blight is primarily caused by the fungus Gibberella zeae (anamorph=Fusarium graminearum).

Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a formulation comprising said bacterium and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing said strain.

Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a method for enhancing biofungicidal activity of a microbial agent. The inventional further discloses a nutrient composition comprising a microbial agent and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing said strain.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and compositions for controlling food borne enteric bacterial pathogens in poultry populations. The incidence of the colonization of poultry by enteropathogenic bacteria, and/or the populations of enteropathogenic bacteria within colonized poultry, may by substantially reduced by providing particles of an expanded matrix material to the locus or vicinity of the animals, particularly during the period of feed removal prior to slaughter. The method and compositions are particularly useful for the control of Salmonella species, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter species.

Abstract: A method for controlling Dipteran larvae or a method for inhibiting the development of larvicidal resistance, controlling resistant populations and reducing resistance levels in Diptera by introducing a larvicidally-effective amount of a combination of a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis and a strain of Bacillus sphaericus into an environment containing Dipteran larvae; and a composition of the combination are disclosed. Preferably both strains are non-genetically modified.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methodologies for the utilization of probiotic organisms in therapeutic compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria, preferably strains of Bacillus coagulans, for the control of gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant gastrointestinal tract pathogens, and their associated diseases by both a reduction in the rate of colonization and the severity of the deleterious physiological effects of the colonization of the antibiotic-resistant pathogen. In addition, the present invention relates to the utilization of therapeutic compounds comprised of lactic acid-producing bacteria and anti-microbial agents such as antibiotics, anti-fungal compounds, anti-yeast compounds, or anti-viral compounds.

Abstract: Methods of assaying insects for pesticide resistance and to identify insect species are based on feeding disruption caused by insecticide such as the biopesticide Bacillius thuringiensis toxin (Bt). Further provided are methods for monitoring insecticide resistance in a population of insects, as well as methods of screening compounds for insecticidal activity. Insecticide resistance can be assessed at the level of an individual insect or at population levels. Apparatus and dehydrated insect meal pads useful in such assays are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise spore-forming micro-organisms and/or spores which have the ability to germinate into microorganisms which exhibit antagonistic properties against undesirable strains of microorganisms when the articles are in use. The invention provides storage-stable disposable absorbent articles which can be worn for long periods of time with reduced generation of undesirable odors and enhanced fluid (e.g., bodily fluid) control within the articles.

Abstract: This invention provides for an enzymatic cleaning composition that will reduce and remove allergens and perform general cleaning at the same time. The enzymatic cleaning composition comprises an enzyme and/or a bacterial spore substance capable of producing enzymes, a wetting agent, an odor-encapsulating agent, a neutralizing agent, a surfactant-encapsulating agent, an embrittling agent and water. The enzymatic composition is applied to carpets, upholstery, drapes and other fabrics, and hard surfaces. The applied composition dries and subsequently the allergens can be removed. Additionally, the present invention provides for a new and unique manner of delivery of the enzymatic composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product/kit for use in animal feedstuffs. The product or the kit for addition to feedstuffs comprises sorbic acid and at least one culture of microorganisms with probiotic activity. The invention additionally relates to the use of the product/kit alone in feedstuffs or mixed with other feedstuff additives for improving the hygienic status of the feed and for improving the performance in agricultural livestock rearing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methodologies for the utilization of probiotic organisms in therapeutic compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria, preferably strains of Bacillus coagulans, for the control of gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant gastrointestinal tract pathogens, and their associated diseases by both a reduction in the rate of colonization and the severity of the deleterious physiological effects of the colonization of the antibiotic-resistant pathogen. In addition, the present invention relates to the utilization of therapeutic compounds comprised of lactic acid-producing bacteria and anti-microbial agents such as antibiotics, anti-fungal compounds, anti-yeast compounds, or anti-viral compounds.

Abstract: A stabilized, granular, biocontrol agent formulation for agricultural pests relies upon a combination of a water absorbent material, a membrane stabilization agent, and a granulating agent to achieve the desired stability and free-flowing properties. The granular product is easily prepared by simple mixing and can be readily rehydrated into a sprayable composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel antibiotic-producing and metabolite-producing Bacillus subtilis strain that exhibits insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial activity. The supernatant of this novel strain contains effective insecticidal, antifungal and antibacterial agents. Also included in the invention is a solvent extractable, small molecular weight (<10,000 daltons) corn rootworm-active metabolite produced in the supernatant. Also included in the invention are methods of protecting or treating plants from fungal and bacterial infections and corn rootworm infestations comprising the step of applying to the plant an effective amount of the antibiotic/metabolite-producing novel Bacillus subtilis strain, the antibiotic/metabolite produced by the novel Bacillus subtilis strain or a combination thereof, optionally further comprising another antibiotic-producing bacterial strain and/or a chemical pesticide.

Abstract: A method for administering viable microorganism compositions for poultry, comprising: administering a viable microorganism composition comprising viable lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus johnsonii at the stage of newborn fledgling; and administering a viable microorganism composition which comprises a viable microorganism belonging to Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: A biologically pure strain of Bacillus firmus (CNCM I-1582) possessing nematicidal activity is provided. Also provided are compositions containing and methods for employing the Bacillus firmus strain and a biologically pure strain of Bacillus cereus (CNCM I-1562) possessing nematicidal activity. Nematicidally active mutants of these strains are also provided. Further disclosed are nematicidal compositions for use in plant protection based upon these bacterial strains or mutants thereof. Further disclosed are methods for controlling plant-pathogenetic nematodes which include use of these bacterial strains or mutants thereof. The strains find utility in controlling root-knot disease causing nematodes, for example those belonging to the species Meloidogyne.