Abstract: A process for producing an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol, the method comprising the step of allowing at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Morganella and others, to act on an enantiomeric mixture of an &agr;-aminoketone or a salt thereof having the general formula (I): 1

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a method of producing hydroxylated heterocyclic compounds and hydroxylated aromatic carboxylic acids by bioengineering technique, and modified enzymes which can be used for this method. A method of producing hydroxylated heterocyclic compounds or hydroxylated aromatic carboxylic acids comprises reacting an aromatic ring dioxygenase with heterocyclic compounds or aromatic carboxylic acids to hydroxylate these compounds. An enzyme according to the present invention is an aromatic ring dioxygenase comprising an &agr;-subunit consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, which is modified according to the &agr;-subunit of the biphenyl dioxygenase derived from the strain Burkholderia cepacia LB400, a &bgr;-subunit consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, and a ferredoxin consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, and a ferredoxin reductase consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.

Abstract: A process for producing a compound represented by the following formula (II) which comprises treating a compound represented by the following formula (I) (wherein R1, R2 and R3 represent each a specific substituent) with an enzyme capable of asymmetrically hydrolyzing an ester and the novel compound (II). The process of the present invention makes it possible to easily obtain an optically active 2-azetidinone derivative in a large amount at a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an optically active pyridineethanol derivative. More particularly, it relates to a method of producing an optically active polycyclic pyridineethanol derivative by causing an enzyme or enzyme source to act on polycyclic acetylpyridine derivatives.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the preparation of optically active 4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone or N-substituted 4-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinones, wherein an oxygen atom is inserted regio- and stereoselectively into the corresponding non-hydroxylated 2-pyrrolidinones, by using, as a biocatalyst, a microorganism having hydroxylation activity, or a host-organism having the gene(s) necessary for the hydroxylation enzymes derived from the said microorganism, or an enzyme having hydroxylation activity derived from the above microorganisms. The microorganism may be selected from the group consisting of microorganisms that degrade alkanes or cyclic hydrocarbons, microorganisms having alkane hydroxylase(s), or microorganisms that are able to oxidize hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically active 3-hydroxypyrrolidine or N-substituted 3-hydroxypyrrolidines, wherein an oxygen atom is inserted stereoselectively into the corresponding pyrrolidines, respectively, by use of a bacterium having hydroxylation activity, or a prokaryotic host-organism having the gene(s) necessary for the hydroxylation, or an enzyme having hydroxylation activity derived therefrom. The bacterium may be selected from strains having alkane hydroxylases, strains degrading alkanes or mono-alicyclic compounds, or strains from the genera Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Nocardia, Sphingomonas, Gordona, Rhodococcus, Bacillus, Streptomyces; Sebekia and Methylococcus.

Abstract: A compound named Amycomycin of the formula: is described, as well as its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives, in all their stereoisomeric and tautomeric forms. The compound is obtained by growing the microorganism Amycolatopsis species ST101170 (DSM 12216) and is useful as a pharmaceutical, particularly as an antibiotic.

Abstract: A method of separating enantiomeric lactam esters. The lactam esters are contacted with a biocatalyst, such as an enzyme or a microorganism, in a solution wherein only one enantiomer is selectively hydrolyzed to give the optically active isomer of the corresponding acid. The hydrolysis product is then separated from the unreacted lactam esters. The enzyme is then recycled for reuse in the next enzymatic resolution. The undesired isomer is also racemized and reused in the next enzymatic resolution.

Abstract: A process for producing pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid which comprises the steps of: allowing a microorganism that is derived from the genus Serratia, is capable of catalyzing decarboxylation of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, and is capable of catalyzing the synthesis of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid from pyrrole in the presence of carbonate ion, or the microorganism optionally processed, to act on pyrrole; and recovering the pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid generated.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and a method for UV oxidation and microbiological decomposition of organic waste air. The invention provides an integrated system consisting of UV oxidation as a pretreatment process and biofiltration and biotrickling filtration, in which the organic pollutant residuals are decomposed with microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polypeptide producing (S)-N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinol, a DNA coding for it and a method of using them.

Abstract: Cis-&bgr;-lactam compounds having structure (II) are described herein which are prepared by enantioselective acylation of the free amine in the presence of Penicillin G Amidase.

Abstract: Recombinant microbial strains are provided that express nitrilase enzyme and are useful as biocatalysts for the hydrolysis of nitrile-containing substrates. The recombinant cells are transformed with a foreign gene isolated from Acidovorax facilis 72W encoding a thermostable nitrilase enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of nitrile-containing substrates to carboxylic acids under mild reaction conditions. The nucleotide sequence of the nitrilase gene and the deduced amino acid sequence encoded by the nitrilase gene are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of compounds of the formula: from a compound of the formula comprising hydroxylating a compound of the formula I in the presence of an enzyme produced by a microorganism of the genera Cunninghamella species or Aspergillus. Preferred microorganisms are Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans and Aspergillus flavipes. Mixtures of compounds of formulae II and III may also be highly enriched in their composition of compound II by using the enzyme from Cunninghamella echinulata ATC 8688b.

Abstract: The following invention relates to a process for oxidizing alkyl groups attached directly or via a linker, to a sulfonamide moiety (II) by the use of cytochrome P450 enzymes, to give the corresponding alcohol or carboxylic acid (I). wherein R is an organic radical, X is a linker, Y is —C(CH3)2— or —CH(CH3)— and Z is —CH2OH or —COOH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel active substances (coniosetin and coniosetin derivatives) of the formula I which are produced by the microorganism Coniochaeta ellipsoidea Udagawa (DSM 13856) during fermentation, wherein R, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, X2, X3 and X4 have the meanings stated in the specification, to chemical derivatives of coniosetin, to a process for their preparation and to their use as pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A process for preparing enantiomer-enriched heterocyclic (R)- and (S)-cyanohydrins of the formula (I), 1

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the removal of a nitrogen containing heterocyclic or aromatic compound, comprising at least one nitro group, in an effluent by the conversion of said, at least one nitro group into an amine group by means of a reducing agent. The reducing agent can be hydrogen in the presence of Pd/C or a micro-organism. This invention also relates to a method for the synthesis of 5-amino-1,2,4-triazole-3-one from 5-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-3-one by said method of conversion, that allows one to achieve synthesis yields greater than 80%. This invention also relates to a colony of the type Bacillus licheniformis capable of converting one or more nitro groups of nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds into one or more amine groups. This colony has been filed in the CNCM, held by the Pasteur Institute, under the number I-1915.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupled enzymatic process for producing tryptamine derivatives from indole compounds. In the first enzyme-catalyzed reaction, indole derivatives are converted to tryptophan derivative intermediates, then the tryptophan intermediates are decarboxylated in a second enzymatic reaction in the same reaction system. In this way, tryptamine derivative products are formed from indole derivatives in a single process. The invention is also directed to novel tryptophan and tryptamine derivatives, which can be prepared by the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gene encoding a protein having an excellent catalyst ability for producing (S)-N-substituted cyclic imino acid represented by the general formula (2) (=the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2)): 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel gene encoding a protein having an excellent catalyst ability for producing (S)-N-substituted cyclic imino acid represented by the general formula (2) (=the (S)-cyclic imino acid (2)): 1

Abstract: New triazine hydrolases, (both nucleic acids and proteins) are provided. Compositions which include these new proteins and/or genes, recombinant cells, shuffling methods involving the new triazine hydrolases, antibodies to the new triazine hydrolases and methods of using the triazine hydrolases are also provided.

Abstract: Novel tetramic acid-type compounds isolated from a CCR-5 active complex produced by fermentation under controlled conditions of a biologically pure culture of the microorganism, Chaetomium globosum Kunze SCH 1705, ATCC 74489., pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and the use of the CCR-5 antagonist compounds and compositions to treat HIV-1 infections in humans are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for large-scale, low cost, batch or continuous production of polyphenols using enzyme-mediated reactions and methods for recycling non-consumed reactants.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically active 3-hydroxypyrrolidine or N-substituted 3-hydroxypyrrolidines, wherein an oxygen atom is inserted stereoselectively into the corresponding pyrrolidines, respectively, by use of a bacterium having hydroxylation activity, or a prokaryotic host-organism having the gene(s) necessary for the hydroxylation, or an enzyme having hydroxylation activity derived therefrom. The bacterium may be selected from strains having alkane hydroxylases, strains degrading alkanes or mono-alicyclic compounds, or strains from the genera Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, Corynebacterium, Nocardia, Sphingomonas, Cordona, Rhodococcus, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Sebekia and Methylococcus.

Abstract: 1

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing N-substituted azetidine-2-carboxylic acid of the formula I: wherein R1 denotes an aralkyl group or an arylated lower alkoxycarbonyl group and * designates an asymmetric carbon atom, which is characterized by: reacting an N-substituted azetidine-2-carboxylic acid ester of the formula II: wherein R1 has the same meaning as defined above and R2 denotes an alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an allyl group, with an enzyme capable of selectively hydrolyzing a stereoisomer based on the carbon atom of the 2-position of the azetidine ring.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of a novel putative efflux gene from Pseudomonas mendocina. The putative efflux gene is useful for probing an organism's efflux system to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of solvent tolerance. The invention further provides a Pseudomonas mendocina strain deficient in this gene. This strain is unable to grow in the presence of chloramphenicol and, compared to the wildtype strain, grows slowly in the presence of high concentrations of PHBA.

Abstract: A method for producing an optically active 1-(4-t-butylphenyl)-5-oxo-3-pyrrolidine carboxylic acid and/or an enantiomeric ester thereof which includes treating an ester of (±)-1-(4-t-butylphenyl)-5-oxo-3-pyrrolidine carboxylic acid with an esterase derived from Bacillus brevis 042-24 (FERM BP-5872).

Abstract: A microorganism having indolmycin-producing ability and tryptophan analogue resistance is provided, and indolmycin or its salt can be produced efficiently by cultivating such microorganism in a medium to produce and accumulate indolmycin or its salt in the culture broth followed by recovering a product.

Abstract: A method of producing an &agr;-halo-&agr;,&bgr;-saturated carbonyl compound from an &agr;-halocarbonyl compound having an &agr;, &bgr;-carbon-carbon double bond by reducing said &agr;,&bgr;-carbon-carbon double bond using a microorganism belonging to any one of the genera Acetobacter, Actinomyces, Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Aeromonas, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Burkholderia, Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Flavobacterium, Gluconobacter, Halobacteium, Halococccus, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Micropolyspora, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Pseudonocardia, Rhodococcus, Rhodobacter, Serratia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Streptomyces, Xanthomonas, or a microbial product thereof. Pseudomonas sp. SD810, SD811 and SD812, Burkholderia sp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the microbial oxidation of bicyclic heteroaromatic compounds which comprise contacting these compounds with a microorganism, or a suitable mutant thereof, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield an amount of their respective carboxylic acids. The present processes optionally further comprise the isolation and purification of the product carboxylic acids.

Abstract: Thirteen-membered ring containing terpenoid analog compounds are synthesized from analinogeranylpyrophosphate using 5-epi-aristolochene synthase as a reaction catalyst. The method provides a generalized procedure for making high-ordered ring structures having various substituent groups. The products can be used in assays for 5-epi-aristolochene synthase activity, and as precursors and intermediates for biologically active substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the microbial oxidation of 2-methylquinoxaline to 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid which comprise contacting 2-methylquinoxaline with a microorganism, or a suitable mutant thereof, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield an amount of said 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid. The present processes optionally further comprise the isolation and purification of 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method of producing an &agr;-halo-&agr;,&bgr;-saturated carbonyl compound from an &agr;-halocarbonyl compound having an &agr;,&bgr;-carbon-carbon double bond by reducing said &agr;,&bgr;-carbon-carbon double bond using a microorganism belonging to any one of the genera Acetobacter, Actinomyces, Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Aeromonas, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Burkholderia, Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Flavobacterium, Gluconobacter, Halobacteium, Halococccus, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Micropolyspora, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Pseudonocardia, Rhodococcus, Rhodobacter, Serratia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Streptomyces, Xanthomonas, or a microbial product thereof. Pseudomonas sp. SD810, SD811 and SD812, Burkholderia sp.

Abstract: A method of producing an &agr;-halo-&agr;,&bgr;-saturated carbonyl compound from an &agr;-halocarbonyl compound having an &agr;,&bgr;-carbon-carbon double bond by reducing said &agr;,&bgr;-carbon-carbon double bond using a microorganism belonging to any one of the genera Acetobacter, Actinomyces, Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Aeromonas, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Burkholderia, Cellulomonas, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Flavobacterium, Gluconobacter, Halobacteium, Halococccus, Klebsiella, Lactobacillus, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Micropolyspora, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Pseudomonas, Pseudonocardia, Rhodococcus, Rhodobacter, Serratia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Streptomyces, Xanthomonas, or a microbial product thereof. Pseudomonas sp. SD810, SD811 and SD812, Burkholderia sp.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of compounds of the formulae.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for optically resolving a racemic &agr;-substituted heterocyclic carboxylic acid (&agr;-HCCA) by taking advantage of enantioselectivity of enzymes. &agr;-HCCA is reacted with alcohol to give a racemic &agr;-HCCA ester, which is then reacted with an enzyme with enantioselectivity, whereby either R-form or S-form of the racemate is hydrolyzed. Extraction with an organic solvent can obtain enantiomers of the &agr;-HCCA ester. The extracted enantiomeric &agr;-HCCA ester is converted to enantiomeric &agr;-HCCA by catalytic hydrogenation in an organic solution or by enzymatic hydrolysis in an aqueous solution. Thus, a racemic mixture of &agr;-HCCA can be optically resolved with high optical purity at high yields as well as at low cost.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an R- or S-forms of &agr;-substituted heterocyclic carboxylic acid (&agr;-HCCA) and a counter enantiomeric form of &agr;-substituted heterocyclic carboxylic acid ester thereto by use of an enzyme. A racemic &agr;-HCCA is reacted with alcohol to give a racemic &agr;-HCCA ester, which is then brought into contact with an enzyme with enantioselectivity, whereby either R-form or S-form of the racemate is hydrolyzed. Extraction with an organic solvent can obtain enantiomers of the &agr;-HCCA ester. Thus, a certain enantiomeric form of &agr;-HCCA and a counter enantiomeric form of &agr;-HCCA ester thereto, respectively can be prepared with high optical purity at high yields as well as at low cost.

Abstract: There is provided an improved process for the biosynthetic production of indigo, the improvement comprising removing unwanted by-products such as isatin or indirubin from the broth in which such indigo is produced. Isatin can be removed by enzymatic activity using an isatin-removing enzyme such as an isatin hydrolase, or by other techniques such as process parameters (elevated temperature, pH), or by contacting the broth containing the isatin with appropriate adsorption compounds/compositions such as carbon or appropriate resins. Since isatin is the precursor of indirubin, the indirubin levels are decreased as a result of isatin removal.

Abstract: A compound named Amycomycin of the formula: 1

Abstract: A method of separating enantiomeric lactam esters. The lactam esters are contacted with a biocatalyst, such as an enzyme or a microorganism, in a solution wherein only one enantiomer is selectively hydrolyzed to give the optically active isomer of the corresponding acid. The hydrolysis product is then separated from the unreacted lactam esters. The enzyme is then recycled for reuse in the next enzymatic resolution. The undesired isomer is also racemized and reused in the next enzymatic resolution.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method of producing optically active N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinol by an enzymatic reaction stereoselectively reducing N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinone. The invention consists in a method of producing optically active N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinol which comprises a step of obtaining a reaction mixture by treating N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinone with cells or a culture of a microorganism, or a material derived therefrom, and a step of recovering optically active N-benzyl-3-pyrrolidinol from said reaction mixture, in which method said microorganism mentioned above is a microorganism belonging to the genus Dipodascus, Debaryomyces, Cryptococcus, Pichia, Rhodosporidium, Trichosporon, Micrococcus, Komagataella, Ogataea or Zygosaccharomyces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of microorganisms of the Monosporium and Thamostylum genera to diastereoselectively O-demethylate pharmaceutical intermediates, to produce compounds of the formulae:

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing N-substituted azetidine-.2-carboxylic acid of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 denotes an aralkyl group or an arylated lower alkoxycarbonyl group and * designates an asymmetric carbon atom, which is characterized by:reacting an N-substituted azetidine-2-carboxylic acid ester of the formula II: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 has the same meaning as defined above and R.sup.2 denotes an alkyl group, an aralkyl group or an allyl group, with an enzyme capable of selectively hydrolyzing a stereoisomer based on the carbon atom of the 2-position of the azetidine ring.

Abstract: A process for the stereoselective microbial reduction of compound of formula II to compound of formula I ##STR1## comprising adding compound of formula II to a medium, medium and buffer, medium and solvent, or medium and a mixture of buffer and solvent containing a microorganism, preferably Rhodococcus fascians ATCC No. 202210 or fungal isolate Geotrichum candidum ATCC No. 74487, incubating the resulting mixture, and isolating a hydroxy compound of formula I, is described. The compound of formula I is a serum cholesterol lowering agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing optically active 3-quinuclidinol or derivatives, wherein a racemic 3-quinuclidinol ester represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl group, and (H.sup.+) represents that said ester may be in the form of a salt formed with a mineral acid or an organic acid, is reacted with a microorganism belonging to the genus Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Candida or Pseudomonas having the ability to asymmetrically hydrolyze said ester linkage, a culture of said microorganism, a treated material from said microorganism, an enzyme produced by said microorganism, or an enzyme derived from swine or cattle.According to the present invention, there is provided a process for easily producing optically active 3-quinuclidinol derivatives which are important synthetic intermediates for pharmaceutical preparations etc.

Abstract: A lactamase enzyme having good stability, capable of hydrolysing an enatiomer of the bicyclic lactam, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-3-one, to give (-) lactam and (+) amino acid, has been found in a strain of Comamonas acidivorans. The enzyme has been isolated and cloned, and its structure identified.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of Formula (3) in which R.sup.2 is --H; ##STR1## which comprises the steps: i) conversion of a compound of Formula (1) into a compound of Formula (2) using a dioxygenase enzyme; ##STR2## ii) conversion of the compound of Formula (2) into a compound of Formula (3) wherein is --COR; andiii) conversion of the compound of Formula (3) in which R.sup.2 is --COR into a compound of Formula (3) in which R.sup.2 is --H;wherein R.sup.2, a, b, c, d, Z, m and X are as defined in claim 1.Also claimed are individual steps of the process and new compounds of Formula (2).

Abstract: An azetidine derivative is provided which includes 3,3-dihydroxyazetidine represented by Chemical Formula (I) or a salt thereof: ##STR1## A composition containing the azetidine derivative, and a process for producing the azetidine derivative are also provided. The azetidine derivative is a novel compound, and is useful for promoting bifidobacterium divisional multiplication.