Abstract: (2R,3S)- and (2S,3R)-enantiomers of trans-.beta.-phenylglycidic esters, prepared by lipase-mediated enantioselective transesterification, are used for the synthesis of the taxol C-13 side chain with good yield.

Abstract: A process for producing calcium D-pantothenate, which comprises bringing a solution containing D-pantothenic acid directly produced by microbial fermentation into contact with activated carbon to adsorb the D-pantothenic acid to the activated carbon, eluting the D-pantothenic acid with a hydrophilic organic solvent, neutralizing the eluate with an alkali agent containing calcium to precipitate calcium D-pantothenate, and collecting the calcium D-pantothenate.

Abstract: An L-isoleucine-producing bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which carries a thrABC operon which comprises a thrA gene coding for aspartokinase I-homoserine dehydrogenase I substantially released from the inhibition by L-threonine and an ilvGMEDA operon which comprises an ilvA gene coding for threonine deaminase substantially released from the inhibition by L-isoleucine and whose region required for attenuation is removed; and an L-isoleucine-producing bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia carrying the thrABC operon, an lysC gene coding for aspartokinase III substantially released from the inhibition by L-lysine, and the ilvGMEDA operon. The bacteria permit biosynthesis of a sufficient amount of L-isoleucine.

Abstract: A simple, efficient method for immobilization of enzymes on siliceous supports is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a siliceous support having surface hydroxyl groups such as silica gel is contacted with a solution of a polyaldehyde cross-linking agent such as glutaraldehyde to produce a modified support containing bound cross-linking agent. After separation from the solution, the modified support is contacted with a solution containing an enzyme to bind the enzyme to free aldehyde functions of the cross-linking agent. Owing to properties peculiar to siliceous supports, the resulting immobilized enzyme is much more stable than enzymes immobilized on other supports. Consequently, much less enzyme is required. The immobilized enzymes generated via this process are ideally suited for continuous enzymatic production of commodity chemicals and pharmaceuticals such as L-DOPA, and for other enzyme-mediated industrial processes.

Abstract: A process for producing phosphatidylserine having a long chain unsaturated fatty acid in its side chain. In this process, a natural lecithin containing long chain unsaturated fatty acid side chain is used as the starting material. Using the natural lecithin as a substrate for reaction, phospholipase-D is caused to act on the substrate under the presence of serine, whereby phosphatidylserine having a side chain derived from the long chain unsaturated fatty acid can be easily obtained through a single step reaction.

Abstract: L-tertiary-Leucine and L-phosphinothricine are obtainable by transamination of the corresponding keto acids as a precursor in the presence of amino acids as amino group donors. The reaction is preferably carried out with microorganisms or their transaminases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an L-amino acid which comprises culturing in a nutrient medium a microorganism which is capable of producing the L-amino acid and which can not grow in a synthetic medium containing said L-amino acid as the sole nitrogen source in an amount of 5 mg/ml or below, allowing the L-amino acid to accumulate in the culture, and recovering the L-amino acid from the culture.

Abstract: L-valine is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it requires lipoic acid for growth, a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it is deficient in H.sup.+ -ATPase activity, a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia with the capability of producing L-valine or L-leucine wherein it requires lipoic acid for growth and is deficient in H.sup.+ -ATPase activity, in the liquid medium to allow the L-valine to be produced and accumulated in a culture medium, and collecting it.

Abstract: A phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene, which has mutation such as mutation to replace 625th glutamic acid from the N-terminus of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase with lysine, mutation to replace 438th arginine from the N-terminus with cysteine and the like, is introduced into Escherichia coli or coryneform bacteria, so as to produce a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase which is not substantially inhibited by aspartic acid, thereby amino acid is efficiently produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzyme with LeuDH activity, to the B. cereus nucleotide sequence coding therefor, to the transformation of microorganisms of the genus E. coli with a plasmid containing this sequence, and to a process for the preparation of the enzyme.

Abstract: A method of producing L-amino acids by fermentation. Microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium which exhibit an auxotrophy relative to an amino acid are used as biocatalysts. The method is characterized in that the carbon source on the one hand and the limiting amino acid on the other hand are fed in two or more different infeed currents to the process. The infeed profiles have, for example, a concave (saccharose) and an exponential (amino acid) form or a convex (saccharose) and likewise a convex (amino acid) form, with specific differing degrees of increase of the currents relative to each other over time.

Abstract: A method of producing a target substance by microbial fermentation, where the natural ability of the microorganism to produce NADPH from NADH is increased. The present method is useful for producing a wide variety of materials, such as amino acids, antibiotics, vitamins, growth factors and other physiologically active substances. The microorganism is modified to increase production of NADPH from NADH in order to increase the amount of an active substance in the culture medium. The modification of the microorganism results in the increased production of the amount of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase expressed by the microorganism. Further, the increase in the production of NADPH from NADH is increased by increasing the number of copies of a gene encoding a nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase enzyme. The copies of the gene are so produced to a number effective to increase the amount of the enzyme expressed by the microorganism, thereby increasing the enzyme activity of the microorganism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a D-amino acid selected from the group consisting of D-methionine, D-valine, D-leucine, D-isoleucine and D-histidine, which comprises the steps of:making a culture or treated culture of a microorganism having ability to asymmetrically degrade a L-amino acid selected from the group consisting of L-methionine, L-valine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-histidine act on a corresponding racemic amino acid to the L-amino acid; andseparating and collecting the remaining D-amino acid.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a threo-phenylserine amide of the general formula 2 in which glycine amide is contacted with the corresponding substituted benzaldehyde of formula 3 in an excess relative to the amount of glycine amide, this taking place at a pH between 9 and 14 in the presence of a suitable solvent. The resulting phenylserine amide can subsequently be hydrolyzed to a phenylserine amide of the general formula 1, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to a phenylserine amide of the general formula 1, which is subsequently subjected to a stereoselective enzymatic hydrolysis yielding a (2S,3R) phenylserine. The non-hydrolyzed (2R,3S) phenylserine amide can be isolated as a Schiff base and be recirculated and simply racemized. The (2S,3R) phenylserine obtained can be used in the preparation of thiamphenicol or florfenicol. The threo-phenylserine amides of the general formula 1 or 2 are new intermediates in this commercially attractive process for the preparation of thiamphenicol and florfenicol.

Abstract: A process for producing L-leucine, which includes incubating an L-leucine-productive microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Brevibacterium, or Microbacterium in a culture medium and reacting the resulting cells with saccharides and acetic acid or its salt to form and accumulate L-leucine in the reaction solution. The process improves the amount of L-leucine accumulated and decreases formation of amino acid byproducts.

Abstract: L-tertiary-Leucine and L-phosphinothricine are obtainable by transamination of the corresponding keto acids as a precursor in the presence of amino acids as amino group donors. The reaction is preferably carried out with microorganisms or their transaminases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing L-leucine which comprises culturing in a medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia and having resistance to a leucine analogue and an ability to produce L-leucine, allowing L-leucine to accumulate in the culture, recovering L-leucine therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for production of natural and unnatural D-amino acids. In particular, the present invention relates to a fermentation method for the production of D-amino acids using recombinant host cells.Specifically, the invention relates to a method for producing a D-amino acid in a cell, comprising:(a) incorporating into the cell a D-aminotransferase gene and a L-aminodeaminase gene;(b) culturing the cell in a cell culture medium; and(c) isolating the D-amino acid from the cell culture medium.The invention also relates to a method for producing D-phenylalanine in a cell, comprising:(a) incorporating into the cell a D-aminotransferase gene, a L-aminodeaminase gene and means for increasing production of phenylpyruvate;(b) culturing the cell in a cell culture medium; and(c) isolating the D-phenylalanine from the cell culture medium.The invention also relates to the preparation of recombinant cells for use in the production of enantiomerically pure D-amino acids.

Abstract: DSM 9771 is a mutant of DSM 7330 which was obtained under selective pressure. Its enzymatic activity is higher by a factor of 2.3 than that of its parent organism. In the presence of an inducer, this activity may be farther increased by a factor of 2.7. The reaction catalyzed by this microorganism or enzymes therefrom is the enantioselective conversion of a D-5-monosubstituted hydantoin or an L-5-monosubstituted hydantoin or a D-N-carbamoyl amino acid or an L-N-carbamoyl amino acid to a corresponding L-.alpha.-amino acid.

Abstract: A method is disclosed by which N-carbamoyl-(R)-tert.-leucine is obtained from tert-butyl hydantoin by means of an (R)-specific hydantoinase, in which N-carbamoyl-(R)-tert.-leucine is converted by reaction with nitrite or an (R)-carbamoylase to (R)-tert-leucine.

Abstract: Culturing an L-amino acid producing microorganism belonging to the genus Brevibacterium or Corynebacterium and having a resistance to a peptide containing glutamic acid or aspartic acid gives L-amino acids in high yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of phosphatidylserines by reacting racemic or enantiomerically pure serine, preferably (L)-serine, with natural phosphatides, such as soybean or egg lecithin, or with synthetic phosphatides, in the presence of a phospholipase D, having transphosphatidylating activity, in an aqueous/organic diphasic system.

Abstract: The present invention provide a method for the industrial production of L-isoleucine which is useful as pharmaceuticals, foods, feed additives and the like. The method comprises cultivating in a nutrient medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia which is capable of rapidly growing in a medium containing L-homoserine as the single nitrogen source and has an ability to produce L-isoleucine in the medium, producing and accumulate L-isoleucine in a culture and recovering L-isoleucine therefrom.

Abstract: A method for constructing microorganism strains which produce amino acids comprising: combining in one bacterial genome (a) a mutation affecting the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase corresponding to the selected amino acid, conferring cells auxotrophy which cannot be fully suppressed by addition of usual concentration this amino acid into the culture medium and (b) a mutation which destroys the negative regulation of selected amino acid biosynthesis to yield a strain capable of increased production of the selected amino acid.Strains producing isoleucine and valine.Methods to produce isoleucine and valine by culturing those strains.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing an L-amino acid which comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia, having resistance to 2-ketobutyric acid and ability to produce the L-amino acid in a medium until the L-amino acid is accumulated in the medium, and recovering the L-amino acid therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive fermentation medium for growing microorganisms. Also provided are fermentation media and methods for producing norleucine by growing E. coli thereon, fermentation media and methods for incorporating norleucine into polypeptides expressed by microorganisms grown thereon, and fermentation media and methods for preventing the incorporation of norleucine into polypeptides expressed by microorganisms grown thereon. Also provided are bovine somatotropin analogs.

Abstract: A production process of optically active amino acids comprising causing a microorganism belonging to Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, Arthrobacter, Nocardiopsis or Bacillus sp. and having nitrile-hydrolyzing activity to act on a nitrile or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing alanine which comprises culturing in a medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia, Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium which has an L-alanine dehydrogenase activity and is capable of producing alanine, allowing the microorganism to produce and accumulate alanine in the culture medium, and recovering alanine from the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides strains of Escherichia coli which have an isoleucine-tRNA synthetase with an increased Km and no negative feedback inhibition of isoleucine production. These strains are effective for the production of isoleucine in high amounts.

Abstract: A method of producing D-pantothenic acid or a salt thereof characterized by bring a microbe belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae having resistance to salicylic acid and capable of producing D-pantothenic acid in the presence of .beta.-alanine in contact with .beta.-alanine, preferably wherein a microbe resistant to .alpha.-ketoisovaleric acid and/or .alpha.-ketobutyric acid, and/or .alpha.-aminobutyric acid and/or .beta.-hydroxy-aspartic acid and/or O-methyl-threonine or a microbe transformed with a plasmid DNA carrying the region of a gene involved in biosynthesis of pantothenic acid or a salt thereof or a part thereof, is used, and a method of producing D-pantoic acid or a salt thereof characterized by culturing a microbe resistant to salicylic acid, .alpha.-ketoisovaleric acid and/or .alpha.-ketobutyric acid and/or .alpha.-aminobutyric acid and/or .beta.

Abstract: The invention relates to coryneform microorganisms capable of assimilating lactose which carry a recombinant DNA capable of conferring the ability to assimilate lactose on coryneform microorganisms; and to a process for producing L-amino acids which comprises culturing said coryneform microorganism capable of assimilating lactose in a culture medium containing lactose to form an amino acid, and recovering said amino acid accumulated in the culture broth. Further, the invention relates to a method for preparing recombinant plasmids containing a DNA fragment essential to the expression of a gene in coryneform microorganisms.

Abstract: A process for producing L-alanine, which comprises culturing in a medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter which has L-alanine dehydrogenase activity, but little or no alanine racemase activity, and which is capable of producing L-alanine; allowing L-alanine to accumulate in the culture; and recovering L-alanine from the culture.

Abstract: A process for the production of L-threonine by fermentation of Escherichia coli FERM BP-3756 or Escherichia coli FERM BP-4072 and a process for the production of L-isoleucine by the fermentation of Escherichia coli FERM BP-3757 is disclosed. The strains are resistant to purine analogues such as 6-dimethylaminopurine or 6-methylaminopurine.

Abstract: A process for the production of L-isoleucine using the microorganism, Escherichia coli H-8670 (FERM BP-4051) which has resistance to 0.2 g/l S-(2-aminoethyl)-L-cysteine or Escherichia coli H-8683 (FERM BP-4052) which has a resistance of 20 g/l of D-serine. The microorganism is cultured in a nutrient medium for a time and under conditions sufficient to produce L-isoleucine and the L-isoleucine is recovered from the medium.

Abstract: A high concentration of DL-alanine can be supplied in a culture medium and D-alanine can be efficiently obtained with high yield for a short time by cultivating a yeast which belongs to the genus Candida, the genus Cryptococcus, the genus Hansenura or the genus Trichosporon and has an ability to assimilate L-alanine and not to assimilate substantially D-alanine in a culture medium containing substantially DL-alanine as a single carbon source and a single nitrogen source under an acidic condition. Moreover, because very little other organic by-product and organic impurity exists in the culture medium when the cultivation is completed, it becomes easy to separate and refine the D-alanine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing L-serine from glycine and formaldehyde in the presence of cells of a microorganism or a cell-treated product having a serine hydroxymethyl transferase activity by an enzymatic method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing L-isoleucine which comprises culturing in a medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia and having resistance to an isoleucine analogue and either ethionine or argonine hydroxamate and an ability to produce L-isoleucine until L-isoleucine is accumulated in the culture, and recovering L-isoleucine therefrom.

Abstract: Recombinant cells and an improved method utilizing them is disclosed for the preparation of an optically pure, L-amino acid from its D and D,L isomer forms. The process utilizes cell cultures that possess high aminotransferase activity that exhibits moderate selectivity in the conversion of D and L amino acids to their respective 2-keto acids as well as absolute stereospecificity in the conversion of the 2-keto acids to the L isomer alone.

Abstract: Culturing an L-amino acid producing microorganism belonging to the genus Brevibacterium or corynebacterium and having a resistance to a dipeptide containing glutamic acid or aspartic acid gives L-amino acids in high yield.

Abstract: Intermediates and a process for their preparation are disclosed which are useful for the preparation of a renin inhibiting compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a nitrogen-containing heterocycle which is bonded via a nitrogen atom to the sulfonyl group, R.sub.6 is hydrogen, alkoxy, halogen or loweralkyl, R.sub.7 is loweralkyl having 2 to 7 carbon atoms, and R.sub.8 is loweralkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.

Abstract: It is possible to produce and accumulate D-alanine selectively and to improve the amount of production and accumulation of D-alanine by cultivating a microorganism having both an ability to produce D-alanine and a resistance to D-cycloserine and belonging to the genus Brevibacterium.

Abstract: A novel D-amidase is described. The enzyme specifically hydrolyzes D-.alpha.-alanineamide into D-.alpha.-alanine. It is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter, and is useful as an enzyme for efficiently producing D-.alpha.-alanine having a high optical purity and/or L-.alpha.-alanineamide from DL-.alpha.-alanineamide or D-.alpha.-alanineamide at low cost.

Abstract: A process for producing an L-amino acid from the corresponding DL- and/or L-amino acid amide represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having one to 4 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, by action of an enzyme having hydrolytic activity to L-amino acid amides which is produced by Enterobacter cloacae or Pseudomonas sp.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing L-amino acids from .alpha.-ketocarboxylic acids by means of continuous fermentation with the aid of glutamate producing bacteria with biomass retention in which the cells are separated by microfiltration and/or centrifugal separators.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an L-amino acid, which entails culturing bacteria producing the L-amino acid in a medium containing cane molasses, sucrose or glucose as a main carbon source and containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of N-methylglycine, N,N-dimethylglycine, N,N,N-trimethylglycine and (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethyl ammonium in an amount effective to enhance the yield of the L-amino acid; and harvesting the L-amino acid, and wherein the L-amino acid is selected from the group consisting of L-glutamic acid, L-lysine, L-glutamine, L-arginine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-threonine, L-histidine, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, L-serine, L-ornithine, L-citrulline, L-tyrosine and L-leucine.

Abstract: Microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas containing aspartate beta-decarboxylase at a high level are produced by culturing said microorganism in a medium supplemented with a chelating agent. L-Alanine can be efficiently produced from L-aspartic acid said microorganisms or the treated product thereof.

Abstract: A novel N-Acetyl-2,3-didehydroaminoacid-acylase is obtained by cultivating Zoogloea ramigera DSM 4306. The new enzyme can be used in a coupled enzyme system with an L-Leucinedehydrogenase for the enzymatic conversion of N-Acetyl-2,3-didehydroleucine to L-Leucine, D- or L-tryptophylglycine to D- or L- tryptophaneamide and glycine, as well as other tryptophanedipeptides to tryptophaneamides and free amino acids.

Abstract: A novel D-amidase is described. The enzyme specifically hydrolyzes D-.alpha.-alanineamide into D-.alpha.-alanine. It is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter, and is useful as an enzyme for efficiently producing D-.alpha.-alanine having a high optical purity and/or L-.alpha.-alanineamide from DL-.alpha.-alanineamide or D-.alpha.-alanineamide at low cost.

Abstract: A method for preparing L-alanine comprising culturing of mutants of microorganisms of the genus Brevibacterium or Corynebacterium requiring D-alanine for their growth on a nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen, inorganic salts and stimulants of growth of the microorganisms until accumulation of L-alanine in the cultural liquid and the subsequent isolation of said product.

Abstract: A method for the fermentative production of L-isoleucine from D,L-.alpha.-hydroxybutyrate by means of mutants of the genus Corynbecaterium which utilize D-lactate.