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: A method of converting olefins to chiral epoxides comprises combining an asymmetric aliphatic or aryl alkene substrate with a buffered chloroperoxidase solution to form a stabilized reaction mixture, and gradually adding hydrogen peroxide as a substrate oxidant, such that the chloroperoxidase catalyzes the conversion of the substrate to the corresponding epoxide in enantiomeric excess. The products of the invention are alkyl and aryl non-primary epoxides. The resulting preparations are enantiomerically pure, and may greatly enhance large-scale synthesis of stereoisomer products such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing cephalomannine and related taxanes in the presence of taxol is described. The process involves the use of ozone which is able to oxidize cephalomannine and easily oxidizable taxanes while leaving taxol essentially unchanged. Taxol can then be separated from the oxidized cephalomannine and other oxidized taxanes using conventional procedures. A process for oxidizing taxanes is also provided.

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: Optically active .beta.-halolactic acids can be produced by contacting an .alpha.,.beta.-dihalopropionic acid with 2-halo acid dehalogenase. When the pH of the reaction system is above 9, this process gives optically active glycidic acid. Treatment of the optically active .beta.-halolactic acid thus obtained with an alkali also gives optically active glycidic acid.

Abstract: A callus and suspension culture cells containing taxol as an effective component, and a process for producing taxol therefrom, are provided. The callus and suspension culture cells containing taxol in a high content can be induced and proliferated by culturing a tissue of a plant belonging to the genus Taxus, particularly its female gametophyte. The process for cell culture is advantageously carried out in the presence of a particular combination of plant growth regulators known per se in a growth medium. A callus or suspension culture cells containing at least taxol as an effective component can be stably provided, making it possible to effectively produce taxol.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inducing somatic embryogenesis in tissue cultures derived from varieties of Taxus. In addition, the present invention provides methods of obtaining taxol, or precursors thereof, using in vitro propagated somatic embryo tissues.

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 microorganism, Streptomyces avermitilis subspecies niger NRRL 21005, and processes using the microorganism for producing known avermectins are provided.

Abstract: A process for the separation of taxanes, particularly taxol, from ornamental yew tissue is described. The process involves a specific solvent mixture of ethanol and water which is between 50 to 80 percent by volume ethanol and decolorizing of the resulting extract using activated carbon containing the crude taxanes. The taxanes are separated from the crude extract by a normal phase chromatographic step which preferably is through vacuum or medium pressure column chromatographic separation, using inexpensive silica gel as an absorbent.

Abstract: Method for improved in vivo production of taxanes by inoculation of tissue of the genus Taxus with virulent or avirulent strains of Agrobacterium. In the preferred embodiment, virulent Agrobacterium is the inoculant which induces gall formation at all stages of the plant, from saplings to mature trees. Incomplete harvesting of galls permits regeneration on the trees, resulting in a renewable resource. Unexpectedly, the inoculant tissue (both virulent and avirulent) produces approximately twice the concentration of taxanes per unit tissue weight as compared to normal tissue. In addition, the virulent strain induced gall biomass is 2-3 times greater than normal tissue per unit growth time, while avirulent inoculants show approximately the same growth as normal. The net yield increase is 2-6 times normal, (4-6 for galls), is renewable, does not require special growth hormones or media, does not result in sacrificing the tree, and can be started at the sapling stage.

Abstract: An organism of the Cytospora species produces substituted hexahydrobenzopyran compounds of the Formulas A, B, or C which are useful as angiotensin II antagonists: ##STR1##

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxynicotinic acid starting from 3-cyanopyridine. For this process, new microorganisms are used, which are capable of growing with 3-cyanopyridine as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source and of biotransforming it as substrate in 6-hydroxynicotinic acid.

Abstract: A biotechnological process for preparing L(-)-carnitine chloride, having the formula ##STR1## comprising: (a) reacting a racemic ester of (R,S)-3,4-epoxybutyric acid having the formula ##STR2## wherein R is an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbons or a benzyl group, with an enzyme capable of selectively hydrolyzing enantiomer S(-);(b) separating the enantiomer S(-) from non-reacted ester which is present in predominantly the R(+) form;(c) reacting the non-reacted ester obtained in step (b) with an enzyme capable of quantitatively hydrolyzing the R(+) form to obtain thereby a salt of 3,4-epoxybutyric acid in the R(+) form having the formula ##STR3## wherein X is Na, K, or Li; (d) reacting the salt obtained in step (c) with a molar excess of trimethylamine; and(e) treating the reaction product of step (d) with HCl to remove excess trimethylamine and to obtain thereby the L(-)-carnitine chloride of formula (I).

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing optically active 3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound, which comprises permitting a culture broth, cells or treated cells of a microorganism having an ability of stereoselectively hydrolyzing a (2R, 3S)-3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound to act on a racemic 3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound which may also have a substituent on the phenyl group, thereby hydrolyzing the (2R, 3S) optically active isomer and separating and collecting the (2S, 3R) antipode from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the terminal oxidation of alkyl groups in 5- or 6-ring heterocycles which are substituted with at least one alkyl group with more than 2 carbon atoms to carboxylic acids.

Abstract: An efficient microbiological or biochemical method is proposed for the preparation of an optically active 2-substituted carboxylic acid, e.g., 2-chloropropionic acid, 2-methyl butyric acid and the like, from the corresponding 2-substituted nitrile compound, e.g., 2-chloropropionitrile, 2-methyl butyronitrile and the like, in the form of a racemic body as the starting material The method comprises bringing the starting nitrile compound into contact with a microorganism, such as Pseudomonas sp. MY-1 (FERM BP-2541), Fusarium sp. MY-2 (FERM BP-2542) and the like, capable of converting the nitrile compound into the carboxylic acid in a buffered aqueous medium in which the microbial cells of the microorganism are suspended.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the oxidation of methyl groups in aromatic 5- or 6-member ring heterocycles to the corresponding carboxylic acid. The heterocycle serves as the substrate and exhibits no substituent on the carbon atoms adjacent to the methyl groups to be oxidized. The reaction of the heterocycle takes place by means of microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas utilizing toluene, xylene, or cymene. The enzymes of the microorganisms been previously induced.

Abstract: Alcohols of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently methyl or ethyl or together signify pentamethylene,formed by the enzymatic hydrolysis of a corresponding (RS) alkanoic acid ester are intermediates for Vitamin E.

Abstract: This invention relates to the methods of preparing optically active epoxy alcohol which is caracterized by the steps of adding carboxylic anhydride to racemic epoxy alcohol (formula 1) in the presence of a hydrolase in an organic solvent, esterifying (-)-form of the epoxy alcohol preferentially to be epoxy ester (formula 2), separating optically active epoxy ester (formula 2) from optically active epoxy alcohol (formula 3) to yield optically active epoxy alcohol (formula 4), so that epoxy alcohol (formula 1) in high purity can be obtained easily and safely at ordinary temperature.

Abstract: A microbiological process for oxidation of methyl groups in aromatic 5- or 6-ring heterocycles to the corresponding carboxylic acid. The reaction of the heterocycle takes place by microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas, which utilize toluene, xylene or cymene. An inducer, the aromatic heterocycle, as the substrate, and a carbon source and energy source are fed in and, after the maximal product concentration is reached, the product is separated.

Abstract: Described is a microbiological method for producing the lactone, sclareolide having the structure: ##STR1## and a diol having the chemical structure: ##STR2## using a sclareol derivative having one of the structures: ##STR3## wherein a combination of two or more of the compounds as a substrate and using one of the microorganisms:Cryptococcus albidus, ATCC 20918Bensingtonia ciliata, ATCC 20919Cryptococcus laurentii, ATCC 20920 orCryptococcus albidus, ATCC 20921.

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: Disclosed is a process for preparing 2-halogeno-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionic acid ester compounds represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Ring A is a phenyl group which may be substituted, R.sup.1 is an ester residue, and X is a halogen atom, which comprises permitting an enzyme having the ability of stereoselectively reducing oxo group to hydroxy group to act on 2-halogeno-3-oxo-3-phenylpropionic acid ester compounds represented by the formula (II): ##STR2## wherein Ring A, R.sup.1 and X have the same meanings as defined above.

Abstract: A purified hydroxylase component of the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme present in the bacterium Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is found capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions in the presence of suitable reducing agents. The hydroxylase can be reduced by commercial reducing agents, such as sodium dithionite and photo- and electrochemical means when in the presence of electron transport components, such as methyl viologen and proflavin. The hydroxylase can also be activated by hydrogen peroxide in the absence of reducing agents and molecular oxygen and is capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in this manner. The hydroxylase component can be obtained with high final specific activity when ferrous iron compounds and cysteine are included in the purification buffers used to extract the hydroxylase from bacterial cells.

Abstract: A purified hydroxylase component of the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme present in the bacterium Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is found capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions in the presence of suitable reducing agents. The hydroxylase can be reduced by commercial reducing agents, such as sodium dithionite and photo- and electrochemical means when in the presence of electron transport components, such as methyl viologen and proflavin. The hydroxylase component can be obtained with high final specific activity when ferrous iron compounds and cysteine are included in the purification buffers used to extract the hydroxylase from bacterial cells.

Abstract: A process for producing optically active R-(+)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol, which comprises cultivating an S-(-)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol-assimilating strain belonging to the genus Alcaligenes in a culture medium containing racemate 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol, and recovering optical isomer R-(+)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol from the culture broth and a pure culture of an S-(+)-dichloro-1-propanol-assimilating strain belonging to the genus Alcaligenes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the microbiological production of compounds containing a terminal hydroxyl or epoxy group from an aliphatic substrate or a substrate with an aliphatic side chain, using microorganisms genetically engineered so that they have retained their capacity to perform the terminal oxidation of the substrate, but are no longer able to convert the resulting oxidation product further to any significant extent. Preferred substrates are n-alkanes, n-alkenes, and n-alkadienes containing 6-12 carbon atoms. Preferred micro-organisms are genetically engineered Pseudomonas oleovorans and Pseudomonas putida strains lacking an active plasmidic alkanol-dehydrogenase gene. The invention also relates to micro-organisms thus genetically engineered.

Abstract: In the enzymatic stereoselective ester cleavages of 2-arylpropionate, the reaction rate of the hydrolyzing enzymes can be drastically increased if the vinyl ester of the 2-arylpropionate is employed as the substrate.

Abstract: Described is a microbiological method for producing the cyclic ether having the chemical structure: ##STR1## using a sclareol derivative having one of the structures: ##STR2## and using the microorganism: Cryptococcus laurentii, ATCC 20920.

Abstract: A clerodane-type diterpene derivative, which has antibacterial and antitumor activities, as well as chemically equivalent tautomers thereof and a process for producing said derivative using a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a polyester comprises reacting a diester and a dialcohol at approximately ambient temperature in the presence of an enzyme catalyst, preferably a lipase comprising porcine pancreatic lipase. The method is particularly adapted for enantioselective polymerization resulting in an optically active polyester. The polyesters preferably exhibit a weight average molecular weight, Mw, as measured by gel permeation chromatography of at least about 3000.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for preparing pyrocatecholic compounds from monophenolic compounds using catalysis by monophenol monooxygenase in an aqueous solution containing metal ions. The metal ions form complexes with the pyrocatecholic products. This method increases the yield of pyrocatecholic products. In particular, the method of the instant invention can be used to increase the yield of L-DOPA, a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Compounds UCF1 and derivatives thereof exhibit anti-bacterial and anti-tumor activities and may be used for the preparation of anti-bacterial and anti-tumor agents.Compounds UCF1 may be produced by fermentation of a microorganism of the genus Streptomyces capable of producing compounds UCF1, preferably Streptomyces sp. UOF1 (FERM BP-2844) and recovering the desired compounds from the cultured broth.The compounds UCF1 have the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents either ##STR2## The compounds may be oxidized to obtain derivatives of formula ##STR3## which exhibit similar pharmacological activities.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the oxidation of methyl groups in aromatic 5- or 6-member ring heterocycles to the corresponding carboxylic acid. The heterocycle serves as the substrate and exhibits no substituent on the carbon atoms adjacent to the methyl groups to be oxidized. The reaction of the heterocycle takes place by means of microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas utilizing toluene, xylene, or cymene. The enzymes of the microorganisms have been previously induced.

Abstract: A microbiological process for sterospecific monoketo reduction of racemic 3-keto-bicyclic carbacyclin intermediates to the corresponding optically active 30.alpha. hydroxy compounds is provided.

Abstract: As a new antibiotic is provided a compound, now nominated as MI43-37F11 substance, which has formula ##STR1## This MI43-37F11 substance has an antitumor activity, an activity to enhance the production of interleukin-1 in vivo in a mammalian, and an activity to activate a macrophage in vivo in a mammalian. MI43-37F11 substance may be produced by cultivation of Streptoverticillium eurocidicum MI43-37F11 strain identified as FERM BP-2783.

Abstract: A new antitumor antibiotic designated herein as BU-3862T is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces hygroscopicus ATCC 53709. BU-3862T and its diacetyl and dihydro derivatives inhibit the growth of tumors in experimental animals.

Abstract: An antitumor antibiotic designated BMY-42428 is produced by fermentation of Actinomadura madurae ATCC-53806. The BMY-42428 antibiotic exhibits both antimicrobial and antitumor activities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a novel monoester of the formula ##STR1## in which the associated novel diester ##STR2## is hydrolyzed in the presence of one or more water-soluble enzymes or microorganisms capable of selectively hydrolyzing the --O--C(O)--R.sup.1 group, wherein the treatment is carried out in a biphasic solvent system comprising an aqueous phase having the enzymes or microorganisms and an organic phase immiscible in water having the diester. Also disclosed is a process for preparing [1S-[1.alpha., 2.alpha.(Z),3.alpha.,4.alpha.]]-7-[3[[[[(1-oxoheptyl)amino]acetyl]-amino]m ethyl-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid using this enzymatic/microbial process.

Abstract: A phosphorus-containing analog-ligand having a stereoconfiguration that substantially corresponds to the stereoconfiguration of an amide- or ester-forming transition state is used to induce production of receptor molecules whose antibody combining sites have stereospecific amide or ester synthase catalytic activity when reacted with a ligand containing (i) a carbonyl carbon atom and (ii) an amine or alcohol group that are structurally capable of forming a preselected stereoisomer of a carboxylic amide or ester.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of gamma and delta lactones from organic carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof is disclosed. The process comprises cultivating, under aerobic conditions, a fungus of the genus Mucor in a suitable medium containing the carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the microbiological production of compounds containing a terminal hydroxyl or epoxy group from an aliphatic substrate or a substrate with an aliphatic side chain, using microorganisms genetically engineered so that they have retained their capacity to perform the terminal oxidation of the substrate, but are no longer able to convert the resulting oxidation product further to any significant extent. Preferred substrates are n-alkanes, n-alkenes, and n-alkadienes containing 6-12 carbon atoms. Preferred micro-organisms are genetically engineered Pseudomonas oleovorans and Pseudomonas putida strains lacking an active plasmidic alkanol-dehydrogenase gene. The invention also relates to micro-organisms thus genetically engineered.

Abstract: In a process for the reduction of ketones, the keto compounds are enantioselectively reduced to give secondary alcohols by means of microorganisms. Keto compounds of the formulaR.sup.3 NH--CHR.sup.1 --CO--CH.sub.2 --COOR.sup.2in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the meanings defined herein are used as starting compounds.

Abstract: Tissue of Taxus brevifolia has been successfully cultured to produce taxol, related alkaloids, and alkaloid precursors. These procedures will provide a supply of chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A biocatalytic method for reacting organic, especially poorly water-soluble substances. Enzymes, prokariotic and eukariotic cells or combinations of enzymes and cells are immobilized in lyotropic liquid crystals (mesophases), preferably with inverse phase structure. The supply of substrate and the removal of product are performed via one or more solvent phases. Organic solvents function as solvent phases. In addition, an aqueous solvent phase can also be present. In order to produce these two and three-phase systems, three-component systems consisting of water, organic solvent and surfactant are used.

Abstract: A method for producing (-)trans-2, 3-epoxysuccinic acid, which can be used as a good starting material for the sythesis of optically active compounds such as optically specific single .beta.-lactam antibiotics, characterized in that filamentous fungi capable of producing (-)trans-2,3-epoxysuccinic acid are cultured in liquid medium while either ammonia, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide is added to maintain the culture medium in a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5 throughout the culturing period.

Abstract: The invention relates to cyclic antibiotics of formula ##STR1## wherein the prefix R represents that the substituents on the adjacent carbon atom are in the R configuration; the prefix S represents that the substituents on the adjacent carbon atom are in the S configuration; R.sub.1 is hydrogen or hydroxy and R.sub.2 is hydroxy or .beta.-glucopyranosyloxy, and to the hydrates and salts thereof, especially pharmaceutically acceptable salts.The compounds of formula I are prepared by fermentation using the strain So ce 12 (NCIB 12134) of the species Sorangium celulosum and are effective antiobiotics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a glyceryl mononitrate or of a mixture of glyceryl mononitrates, characterized in that it comprises a bioconversion step of nitroglycerine to glyceryl mononitrate(s) by a microorganism chosen from the group consisting of the yeasts, the fungi and protozoa, preferably a bioconversion step by fungi.

Abstract: Described is a microbilogical method for producing the lactone, sclareolide and a diol having the chemical structure: ##STR1## using sclareol having the structure: ##STR2## as a substrate and using one of the microorganisms: Cryptococcus albidus (saito [skinner var. albidus]), ATCC 20918Bensingtonia ciliata, ATCC 20919Cryptococcus laurentii, ATCC 20920Cryptococcus albidus, ATCC 20921.