Abstract: Taxol is produced from taxol-producing microorganisms. Methods of obtaining he taxol-producing microorganisms are described. Radioactive labelled taxol products and methods for use of the radioactive labelled taxol and for the treatment of leukemia and cancer cells are described.

Abstract: Conjugates of chlorophyll (Chl) and bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) derivatives with amino acids, peptides and proteins are provided by the invention. The amino acid, peptide or protein residue is linked to the 17-propionic acid group of a Chl or Bchl residue directly or through a chain. The conjugates are for use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy and in diagnostics of tumors. Conjugation with cell-specific ligands, such as hormones, growth factors or tumor-specific antibodies, will target the Chl or Bchl moiety to the tumor site. Thus, conjugates with melanocyte stimulating hormones are suitable for photodynamic therapy of melanoma tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of lactic-acid-containing, optically active, cyclic depsipeptides having 18 ring atoms with the aid of fungal strains of the species Fusarium or enzymatic preparations isolated therefrom.

Abstract: A process for producing d-biotin comprises cultivating a microorganism of the genus Kurthia and which is resistant to biotin antimetabolites and capable of producing d-biotin in a medium under aerobic conditions, and separating the resulting d-biotin from the fermentation broth. The cultivation medium suitably contains an assimilable carbon source, a digestible nitrogen source, inorganic salts and other nutrients necessary for the growth of the microorganism at a pH of about 5-9, temperature of about 10-40.degree. C. and for a duration of about 1-10 days. The preferred microorganism are Kurthia sp. 538-KA26, 538-17H4, 538-51F9 and 538-2A 13 (DSM No. 10609, 10608, 10610 and 10607, respectively), which are also new, and as such represent a further aspect of the present invention. The so-produced d-biotin is one of the essential vitamins for the nutrition of animals, plants and microorganisms, and is important as a medicine or food additive.

Abstract: Taxol is produced from taxol-producing microorganisms. Methods of obtaining he taxol-producing microorganisms are described. Radioactive labelled taxol products and methods for use of the radioactive labelled taxol and for the treatment of leukemia and cancer cells are described.

Abstract: Taxol is produced from taxol-producing microorganisms. Methods of obtaining he taxol-producing microorganisms are described. Radioactive labelled taxol products and methods for use of the radioactive labelled taxol and for the treatment of leukemia and cancer cells are described.

Abstract: Taxol is produced from taxol-producing micro-organisms. Methods of obtain the taxol-producing microorganisms are described. Radioactive labelled taxol products and methods for use of the radioactive labelled taxol and for the treatment of leukemia and cancer cells are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of an antipathogenic substance (APS) in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the APS. Genes encoding polypeptides necessary to produce particular antipathogenic substances are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired APS. The cloned genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce the APS according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of the APS.

Abstract: Compositions comprising novel di-nitrogen heterocycle compounds containing at least one N-meta-substituted alkaryl group are prepared. The compounds of the present invention are useful as antibacterial and as other pharmaceutical agents and as intermediates for preparation of other pharmaceutical agents. In addition, compounds of the present invention are useful as research reagents.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds of the following chemical formula or their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts: ##STR1## wherein R is hydrogen or chloro. Also, the present invention provides a process for the production of the compound of formula I, which comprises cultivating a microorganism having the identifying characteristics of Aspergillus fischeri var. thermomutatis ATCC 18618 or the like, and then isolating the compound of formula I from the fermentation broth. The pyrrolobenzoxazine compounds of formula I of this invention have broad antiparasitic activity, and thus are useful as antiparasitic agents, especially as anthelmintics.

Abstract: Bioactive substances K93-0711 I-1 and I-2 having inhibitory action on IL-6 activity, are produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces in a medium, whereby the bioactive substances K93-0711 I-1 and I-2 accumulate in the medium. These bioactive substances K93-0711 I-1 and I-2 are then isolated therefrom. The substances are effective for treatment of IL-6-involving diseases such as cancer cachexia, multiple myeloma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: A process for the biotechnological preparation of alcohols, aldehydes and carboxylic acids by oxidation of compounds of the formula R.sup.1 --C(CH.sub.3).dbd.CR.sup.2 R.sup.3, where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the meanings indicated in the description, with the aid of microorganisms is described.

Abstract: Flavorant compounds and compositions for food substances are prepared in a food-acceptable manner by bio-conversion of a cysteine S-complex with a food-acceptable micro-organism, particularly a yeast or filamentous fungus, which, upon incubation with the complex, splits the complex at a terminal carboxyl group in a beta position to yield a product including a thiol and at least one metabolite compound, and the product is isolated.

Abstract: An enzymatic hydrolysis method for the preparation of compounds useful as intermediates in the preparation of taxanes such as taxol, wherein one or more C-13 acyloxy-bearing taxanes are contacted with an enzyme or microorganism capable of hydrolyzing said acyloxy groups to hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A process for preparing 5-(4-?2-(N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)amino)-ethoxy!-benzyl)-2,4-thiazolidinedion e, by treating 5-(4-?2-(N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)amino)-ethoxy!benzylidene)-2,4-thiazolidine dione with a free whole yeast cell culture or immobilized whole yeast cells from Rhodotorula glutinis CBS 4406 or Rhodotorula rubra CBS 6469 as the microbial reductase source and recovering 5-(4-?2-N-methyl-(N-(2-pyridyl)amino)ethoxy!-benzyl)-2,4-thiazolidinedione , or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of an antipathogenic substance (APS) in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the APS. Genes encoding polypeptides necessary to produce particular antipathogenic substances are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired APS. The cloned genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce the APS according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of the APS.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the isolation of the hypolipaemic active substance lovastatin from a sample, e.g. fermentation broth, mycelium or filtrate of Aspergillus terreus (ATCC 20542) or Aspergillus oryzae (ATCC 74135) by extraction with butyl acetate. Simultaneously with the concentration of the extract, lactonisation takes place. There follows a direct crystallization of lovastatin in the lactone form from butyl acetate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel compound having the formula ##STR1## which exhibits antifungal activity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the elucidation of DNA sequences encoding Class B beta-lactamase enzymes from Bacteroides fragilis and the amino acid sequences of those enzymes. This invention is also directed to screening methods for identifying antibiotics which are resistant to such beta-lactamase enzymes or for identifying compounds which inactivate such beta-lactamase enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of an antipathogenic substance (APS) in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the APS. Genes encoding polypeptides necessary to produce particular antipathogenic substances are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired APS. The cloned genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce the APS according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of the APS.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel culture which belongs to Actinoplanes (Actinoplanes sp. FERM BP-3832). This culture is capable of producing rapamycin more than ten times efficiently than the cultures which have been reported (e.g., Streptomyces hygroscopicus ATCC 29253). The present invention provides a process for the production of rapamycin which comprises cultivating Actinoplanes sp. FERM BP-3832 and thereafter isolating rapamycin from the fermentation mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of lactic-acid-containing, optically active, cyclic depsipeptides having 18 ring atoms with the aid of fungal strains of the species Fusarium or enzymatic preparations isolated therefrom.

Abstract: Conjugates of chlorophyll (Chl) and bacteriochlorophyll (Bchl) derivatives with amino acids, peptides and proteins are provided by the invention. The amino acid, peptide or protein residue is linked to the 17-propionic acid group of a Chl or Bchl residue directly or through a chain. The conjugates are for use as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy and in diagnostics of tumors. Conjugation with cell-specific ligands, such as hormones, growth factors or tumor-specific antibodies, will target the Chl or Bchl moiety to the tumor site. Thus, conjugates with melanocyte stimulating hormones are suitable for photodynamic therapy of melanoma tumors.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of an antipathogenic substance (APS) in a host via recombinant expression of the polypeptides needed to biologically synthesize the APS. Genes encoding polypeptides necessary to produce particular antipathogenic substances are provided, along with methods for identifying and isolating genes needed to recombinantly biosynthesize any desired APS. The cloned genes may be transformed and expressed in a desired host organisms to produce the APS according to the invention for a variety of purposes, including protecting the host from a pathogen, developing the host as a biocontrol agent, and producing large, uniform amounts of the APS.

Abstract: A brandykinin antagonist of the formula:X(BKA).sub.nwherein BKA is the peptide chain of a bradykinin antagonist peptide, X is a linking group and n is a whole number greater than 1. The BKA substituents may be the same or different. Monomeric antagonists of the formula X(BKA) are also disclosed. Also disclosed are bradykinin antagonists of the formula:(Y)(X)(BKA)where X and BKA have the meanings indicated above and Y is the peptide chain of an antagonist or agonist for a non-bradykinin receptor.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyester comprising as repeating units(i) residues of at least one aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, aminocarboxylic acid, or derivative thereof; or(ii) residues of (a) at least one aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, (b) at least one aliphatic hydroxyamine, diol, polyol, diamine or polyamine, and optionally (c) at least one aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, aminocarboxylic acid or derivative thereof;comprises reacting the components defined in (i) or components defined in (ii) in the absence of a solvent and in the presence of a lipase.

Abstract: A bradykinin antagonist of the formula:X(BKA).sub.nwherein BKA is the peptide chain of a bradykinin antagonist peptide, X is a linking group and n is a whole number greater than 1. The BKA substituents may be the same or different. Monomeric antagonists of the formula X(BKA) are also disclosed. Also disclosed are bradykinin antagonists of the formula:(Y)(X)(BKA)where X and BKA have the meanings indicated above and Y is the peptide chain of an antagonist or agonist for a non-bradykinin receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heterodimeric compound possessing bradykinin and neurokinin receptor antagonist activities useful in the treatment of asthma and other inflammatory diseases especially those involving the airway or pulmonary system. The present invention is also useful in the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Abstract: Actinomadura roseorufa mutants characterized by the ability to produce by fermentation UK-61,689, an acidic polycyclic ether anticoccidial antibiotic previously available only by selective acid hydrolysis of UK-58,852; and Actinomadura roseorufa having the identifying characteristics of ATCC 53,666, ATCC 53,665, ATCC 53,664 and ATCC 53,674.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing frenolicin B. The process comprises fermenting a broth so as to produce frenolicin, said broth having a microorganism capable of producing frenolicin. The frenolicin is then converted in the broth under anaerobic conditions to deoxyfrenolicin. The deoxyfrenolicin is converted to frenolicin B.

Abstract: A process for preparing 5,6-dihydro-4-hydroxy-(S)-6-methyl-thieno[2,3-b]thiopyran-7,7-dioxide having the formula (II): ##STR1## which comprises subjecting 5,6-dihydro-4-oxo-(S)-6-methyl-thieno[2,3-b]thiopyran-7,7-dioxide having the formula (I): ##STR2## to the action of a microorganism to reduce the thienothiopyran derivative having the formula (I), and collecting 5,6-dihydro-4-hydroxy-(S)-6-methyl-thieno-[2,3-b]thiopyran-7,7-dioxide having the formula (II) from the reaction mixture, wherein said microorganism belongs to the genus selected from the group consisting of Ambrosiozyma, Arthroascus, Ashbya, Candida, Cryptococcus, Hansenula, Kluyveromyces, Lipomyces, Lodderomyces, Metschnikowia, Pachysolen, Pichia, Rhodosporidium, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, Saccharomycopsis, Schwanniomyces, Sporidiobolus, Spolobolomyces, Stephanoascus, Trigonopsis, Trichosporon and Wingea, according to which, a simple and effective. process for preparing 5,6-dihydro-4-hydroxy-(S)-6-methyl-thieno-[2,3-b]thiopyran-7,7-dioxide.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic conversion of azobisnitriles to water soluble cyanoamide and diamide derivatives utilizing the enzymatic apparatus of nitrile hydratase contained in bacteria is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is the novel compound BU-4664L and derivatives thereof. The compound is produced by fermentation of Micromonospora sp. M990-6. The compound possesses anti-inflammatory and/or anti-tumor cell activities.

Abstract: An enzymatic process employing pancreatin or choelsterol esterase for resolution of racemates of 4-aryl-2-oxo-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid esters of general formula I ##STR1## in which X represents a carbon-carbon bond or an oxygen atom,R.sub.1 means a hydrocarbon radical optionally substituted by hydroxy groups, oxo groups and/or halogen atoms and/or interrupted by nitrogen atoms with at most 16 carbon atoms,R.sub.2 symbolizes an alkyl group with up to 4 carbon atoms andR.sub.3 represents an alkyl group with at most 6 carbon atoms is described.

Abstract: An enzymatic hydrolysis method, wherein one or more C-10 acyloxy-bearing taxanes are contacted with an enzyme or microorganism capable of hydrolyzing said acyloxy groups to hydroxyl groups. Also provided is an enzymatic esterification method, wherein one or more C-10 hydroxyl-bearing taxanes are contacted with an acylating agent and an enzyme or microorganism capable of esterifying said hydroxyl groups to form acyloxy groups.

Abstract: Compounds useful as intermediates in the preparation of taxanes such as taxol are prepared by contacting one or more C-13 acyloxy-bearing taxanes with an enzyme or microorganism capable of hydrolyzing said acyloxy groups to hydroxyl groups. In a preferred embodiment the microorganism is Nocardioides albus ATCC55424, Nocardioides albus ATCC55425 or Nocardioides luteus ATCC55426 or the hydrolase enzyme is isolated from the microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the stereoselective reduction of phenylalkyl ketones to their corresponding (S)-hydroxy compounds. The process utilizes the novel microorganism Microbacterium MB 5614 to effectuate the chiral reduction. The present invention also provides said novel Microbacterium, which has been deposited with the ATCC and assigned the accession number ATCC 55557.

Abstract: Novel antifungal and antitumor agents having the formula ##STR1## as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides and pro-drugs thereof, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treatment and processes of manufacture relating thereto.

Abstract: A novel process for producing tocopherols and their precursors is described.

Abstract: Carboxylates of polar, hydrophilic alcohols of the formula ##STR1## in which R is an unbranched or branched organic radical which contains, as polar members between aliphatic or araliphatic hydrocarbon bridges, ether oxygens, amine nitrogen groups or a mixture of ether and amine groups which can be incorporated into a cyclic structure, where the total length does not exceed 20 members and where, in the case of polyethylene glycol [(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n ], n indicates the number of the members and is defined as any integer, and R' is an aliphatic or araliphatic radical which has at least one functional group, are suitable as protective groups since they can be introduced selectively into functional groups of organic compounds and eliminated specifically by lipases.

Abstract: 2,3-Epoxypropyl ethers valuable as intermediates for preparing medicaments and the like are prepared from the corresponding allyl ethers by means of epoxide-producing microorganisms belonging to Nocardia, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Arthrobacter or Micrococcus.

Abstract: 2,3-Epoxypropyl ethers valuable as intermediates for preparing medicaments and the like are prepared from the corresponding allyl ethers by means of epoxide-producing microorganisms belonging to Nocardia, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Arthrobacter or Micrococcus.

Abstract: A microorganism for selective production of a specific compound of avermectin having one or more of the following properties:specific accumulation of avermectin compound "a",effective incorporation of isoleucine or its keto acid (3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid) into avermectin molecule, andmarkedly suppressed incorporation of valine or its keto acid (2-oxoisovaleric acid) into avermectin molecule.

Abstract: Taxol is produced from a taxol-producing microorganism Taxomyces andreanae BS 279.92. Radioactive taxol products and methods for use of the radioactive labelled taxol are described.

Abstract: Several classes of water immiscible lipophilic phases effect the transfer of crystalline orange precursor pigments produced by Monascus species in an aqueous culture medium from the aqueous to the lipophilic phase without solubilizing a major portion of the pigment. Liquid vegetable and mineral oils are two such classes. This phenomenon permits high recovery of pigment in a simple and convenient manner, and also permits development of a batch recycle and a continuous fermentation process for pigment production.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of assaying free L-carnitine and total short-chain acylcarnitine in blood. The method uses essentially protein-free samples of plasma or serum and comprises (a) obtaining a sample of ultrafiltrated plasma or serum, (b) converting essentially all carnitine to acetylcarnitine using an enzymatic reaction, (c) converting essentially all free coenzyme A liberated in the enzymatic reaction of (b) to thiophenylate, (d) evaluating the sample spectrophotometrically to determine the amount of thiophenylate present, (e) obtaining a fresh sample of ultrafiltrated plasma or serum and hydrolyzing the sample to convert essentially all short-chain acylcarnitine to carnitine, and (f) repeating steps (b) through (d). All steps following the ultrafiltration of the sample are carried out within a pre-programmed, automated centrifugal analyzer.

Abstract: A microbiological process for terminal hydroxylation of ethyl groups on aromatic 5- or 6-member ring heterocycles. The hydroxylation is performed with microorganisms which:(a) contain the genes of a Pseudomonas OCT plasmid which form an active alkane monooxygenase, and(b) form no active chromosomal or plasmid-coded alcohol dehydrogenase.

Abstract: A new microbiological process for the production of hydroxy-nitrogen-heterocyclic-carboxylic acids or their soluble salts of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group and X is a nitrogen atom or a CR.sub.3 function, wherein R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, starting from the corresponding nitrogen-heterocyclic-carboxylic acids, as well as new microorganisms suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing an immunosuppressant, "demethimmunomycin" (L-683,7411) a C-31 demethylated analog of L-683,590 under fermentation conditions utilizing the microorganism, Actinoplanacete sp, (Merck Culture Collection MA 6559) ATCC No. 53771. The macrolide immunosuppressant is useful in preventing human host rejection of foreign organ transplants, e.g. bone marrow and heart transplants.

Abstract: Compounds which are useful as substrates for enzymes are disclosed. An enzyme-controlled process is provided for generating a colored species from an initially substantially colorless material as a result of enzymatic attack. The process can be exploited to provide an enzyme-amplified diagnostic assay method to detect an analyte of interest present in a test sample.