Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a process for producing furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and/or levulinic acid from cellulosic biomass, comprising: fractionating the feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin, sulfur dioxide, and water, to produce a liquor containing hemicellulose, cellulose-rich solids, and lignin; hydrolyzing the hemicellulose contained in the liquor, to produce hemicellulosic monomers; dehydrating the hemicellulose to convert at least a portion of C5 hemicelluloses to furfural and to convert at least a portion of C6 hemicelluloses to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural; converting at least some of the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to levulinic acid and formic acid; and recovering at least one of the furfural, the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, or the levulinic acid. Other embodiments provide a process for dehydrating hemicellulose to convert oligomeric C5 hemicelluloses to furfural and to convert oligomeric C6 hemicelluloses to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the biocatalytic production of ambroxan by means of a polypeptide with the activity of a homofarnesol-ambroxan cyclase, which are a novel class of enzymes.

Abstract: Post purification processes and methods for making pure biobased gamma-butyrolactone from renewable carbon resources comprising filtration and/or distillation and/or peroxide treatment are described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising 1,4-butanediol (14-BDO) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) pathways comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 14-BDO and GBL pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 14-BDO and GBL. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce 14-BDO and GBL.

Abstract: Methods for forming ammonium salts of C4 diacids in a fermentation process with removal of divalent metal carbonate salts are disclosed. The pH of fermentation broths for production of C4 diacids is controlled by adding alkaline oxygen containing calcium or magnesium compounds, which forms divalent metal salts of the diacids. The divalent metal salts of the diacids are substituted with ammonium by introduction of ammonium salts at elevated temperature and pressure forming soluble ammonium salts thereof. C02 or bicarbonate is simultaneously added to the fennentation media at the elevated temperature and pressure. Reducing the temperature and pressure forms insoluble divalent metal carbonate salts that are separated from the solubilized ammonium diacid salts.

Abstract: The invention pertains to/the field of production of natural products and, in particular, in the field of production of cornexistin and hydroxycornexistin. It provides polynucleotides encoding polypeptides involved in the biosynthesis of cornexistin and hydroxycornexistin as well as vectors and recombinant microorganisms comprising such polynucleotides. Also provided are methods for the production of natural products, in particular methods for the production of cornexistin and hydroxycornexistin, using such polynucleotides and polpeptides encoded therein, as well as vectors and recombinant microorganisms comprising such polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing substances from the cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial strains, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strains are genetically modified so that they comprise a deregulation of their endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid, by making use of such microorganism. The present invention also relates to the downstream processing of the produced organic acids by cation exchange chromatography.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps (a) contacting a hydrocarbon comprising a hydroxyl group with a biological agent having oxygen-dependent and cofactor-dependent carbohydrate oxidase activity in the presence of oxygen and carbohydrate oxidase cofactor, and (b) contacting the hydrocarbon produced in step a) with a biological agent having transaminase activity and a biological agent having cofactor-dependent amino acid dehydrogenase activity in the presence of amino acid dehydrogenase cofactor and the substrate amino acid of the amino acid dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Processes and methods for making biobased tetrahydrofuran products from renewable carbon resources are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a product of one or more enzymatic pathways. The pathways used in the methods of the invention involve one or more conversion steps such as, for example, an enzymatic conversion of guluronic acid into D-glucarate (Step 7); an enzymatic conversion of 5-ketogluconate (5-KGA) into L-Iduronic acid (Step 15); an enzymatic conversion of L-Iduronic acid into Idaric acid Step 7b); and an enzymatic conversion of 5-ketocluconate into 4,6-dihydroxy 2,5-diketo hexanoate (2,5-DDH) (Step 16). In some embodiments the methods of the invention produce 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as a product. The methods include both enzymatic and chemical conversions as steps. Various pathways are also provided for converting glucose into 5-dehdyro-4-deoxy-glucarate (DDG), and for converting glucose into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The methods also involve the use of engineered enzymes that perform reactions with high specificity and efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a host cell deficient in an essential gene, comprising a vector, said vector comprising at least said essential gene and an autonomous replication sequence, wherein the host cell is a filamentous fungal cell. The invention also relates to a host cell deficient in an essential gene, comprising a vector, said vector comprising at least said essential gene and an autonomous replication sequence, wherein the host cell comprises a recombinant polynucleotide construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding a biological compound of interest or a compound involved in the synthesis of a biological compound of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified genes that encode proteins that are involved in the synthesis of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C) and/or 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (hereinafter also referred to as 2-KGA). The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full-length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechno logical tools in the production of Vitamin C and/or 2-KGA from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial strains, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strains are genetically modified so that they comprise a deregulation of their endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid, by making use of such microorganism. The present invention also relates to the downstream processing of the produced organic acids by cation exchange chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotransformation of furanic compounds. More particular the present invention relates to novel genetically modified cells with improved characteristics for biocatalytic transformation of furanic compounds and a vector suitable for the genetic modification of a host cell. Further aspects of the invention are aimed at processes for biotransformation of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (HMF-acid) and its precursors with the use of the cell according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant cells and their use in the production of 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate, 2,3-dihydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a burdock fruit extract comprising arctigenin and arctiin at a definite ratio and a method for producing the same. More particularly, the present invention is intended to provide a method for producing a burdock fruit extract comprising arctigenin and arctiin at a weight ratio of approximately 1:1. A method for producing a burdock fruit extract comprising arctigenin and arctiin at a weight ratio of arctigenin/arctiin =0.7 to 1.3 is provided, including the steps of: cutting a burdock fruit and converting arctiin which is inherent in the burdock fruit into arctigenin by enzymatic conversion by beta-glucosidase which is inherent in the burdock fruit, wherein the enzymatic conversion includes reaction at a temperature from 20° C. to 50° C. Also provided is the method further including a step of extracting an extract comprising arctigenin and arctiin by adding an organic solvent and heating to reflux.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the production of L-ribitol and other rare sugars using a mannitol-1-dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tautomycetin (TTN) and analogs thereof. Also provided are methods of using TTN and analogs thereof in the treatment of various diseases relating to SHP2 function.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of biomass comprising mixing a biomass with an ionic liquid (IL) to swell the biomass and electromagnetic (EM) heating, preferably radiofrequency (RF) heating, said biomass. Additionally, a method of acidolysis of biomass comprising mixing biomass in an ionic liquid (IL) to swell the biomass; adding an acid, to lower the pH of the biomass below pH 7; applying radio frequency (RF) heating to the biomass to heat to a target temperature range; applying ultrasonic heating, electromagnetic (EM) heating, convective heating, conductive heating, or combinations thereof, to the biomass to maintain the biomass at a target temperature range; washing the treated biomass; and recovering sugars and released lignin.

Abstract: Described are processes for the liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass under the digestive action of dicarboxylic acid(s). Such digests can exhibit enhanced flowability, reduced volume, and significant biomass conversion to dissolved components, and can in some embodiments be further liquefied by contact with an enzyme. Products resultant of these steps can be used for their sugar content to manufacture biofuels or other products.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for the conversion of pyruvate obtained from sugars or other carbon sources, to valuable C5 materials such as levulinic acid, levulinate esters, valerolactone, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Described is a method for the preparation of renin inhibitors such as aliskiren, and intermediates useful therein. The method introduces a nitrogen-containing intermediate such as a lactone of formula (8). with R4 being a branched C3-6 alkyl. In the preparation of the lactone, or related intermediates, a desired stereochemical configuration can be controlled by starting from a chiral aldehyde satisfying formula (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose dehydrogenase and to a novel compound produced therefrom. More specifically, provided is a 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose dehydrogenase which can produce 3,6-anhydrogalactonic acid of a novel type by metabolizing 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the biosynthetic gene cluster for tautomycetin (TTN) produces tautomycetin. Also provided are engineered micro-organisms for the production of TTN and analogs thereof, as well as methods of screening for compounds for activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new types of processes for the improved preparation of homofarnesol, in particular of (3E,7E)-homofarnesol and homofarnesol preparations with an increased content of (3E,7E)-homofarnesol (also referred to as all E-homofarnesol).

Abstract: Processes for the synthesis of (3aS,7aR)-hexahydroisobenzofuran-1-(3H)-one, comprising comprising enzymatic hydrolysis of dimethyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate to form (1S,2R)-2-(methoxycarbonyl) cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. The enzyme can be from a non-mammalian source.

Abstract: Genetically engineered plants having altered levels of one or more starch regulation enzymes and a polysaccharide degrading enzyme are provided. Methods of genetically engineering plants to express products altering expression of one or more starch regulation enzymes and polysaccharide degrading enzymes, and genetic constructs are provided. Methods of agricultural processing and animal feed using the genetically engineered plants are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tools for improving MPA production. In particular, the present invention relates to fungal enzymes that are specific for MPA synthesis.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising 1,4-butanediol (14-BDO) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) pathways comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 14-BDO and GBL pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 14-BDO and GBL. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce 14-BDO and GBL.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an isolated polynucleotide molecule derived from a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having L-sorbosone dehydrogenase activity comprising a partial nucleotide sequence of at least 20 consecutive nucleotides of SEQ ID NO:1. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of L-ascorbic acid in high yield, in particular a process using resting cells of a microorganism able to convert given carbon sources into vitamin C. The thus obtained vitamin C may be further processed by purification and/or separation steps.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling molluscs, members of the Gastropoda and Bivalvia classes which includes but is not limited to lactones, lactams, carbamates, amides, and/or carboxylic acid containing compounds as active ingredients and/or compounds derived from Pseudomonas and/or Erwinia. Also provided are methods and compositions for increasing the efficacy of chemical and biological control for invasive molluscs in open waters, power plants, and drinking water treatment facilities under coldwater conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity, beta-xylosidase activity, or beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising: a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a heterocyclic compound. The present invention also relates to methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to newly identified microorganisms capable of direct production of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C). The invention also relates to polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode proteins which are involved in the synthesis of Vitamin C. The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of said polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of Vitamin C from microorganisms, whereby a modification of said polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in said microorganism.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling molluscs, members of the Gastropoda and Bivalvia classes which includes but is not limited to lactones, lactams, carbamates, amides, and/or carboxylic acid containing compounds as active ingredients and/or compounds derived from Pseudomonas and/or Erwinia. Also provided are methods and compositions for increasing the efficacy of chemical and biological control for invasive molluscs in open waters, power plants, and drinking water treatment facilities under coldwater conditions.

Abstract: A method for utilizing cultivated plant biomass components, namely cellulose, hemicellose, and lignin, and converting them to value-added biobased chemical products is described herein. The present method provides treatments to obtain a plurality of component streams from cultivated plant biomass for producing derivative products while minimizing waste products.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO.

Abstract: A double-walled plastic jar for cosmetic materials, having an inner compartment to hold the cosmetic, and an annular outer side wall defining the exterior of the jar. The inner compartment carries the lip that seals with a screw cap, and also carries an external skirt, which latter has the screw threads for engagement by the cap. In addition, a weight is disposed in a-concealed manner in the base of the jar, between the walls, to give the jar a heft feel, characteristic of glass or thick plastic walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enzyme having an activity of transferring a methyl group to lignans (a lignan methylation activity) (e.g., a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or variants thereof); a gene encoding the enzyme (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or variants thereof); a method for producing methylated lignans using the gene; and so on.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO), 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine and further optimized for expression of BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, 4-hydroxybutanal or putrescine.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant cells and their use in the production of 3-hydroxyacids such as 3,4-dihydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxybutyrolactone.

Abstract: An acylating agent and a hydrolase are caused to act on a hydroxypyranone represented by formula (I) in a water-containing organic solvent, to thereby produce an acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II) (wherein R1 represents an acyl group). Then, an acetylene organic metal compound represented by formula (III) (wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a tri-substituted silyl group, and M represents an alkali metal atom, aluminum, or a magnesium monohalide) and a coordinating additive are caused to act on the acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II), to thereby produce an alkyne compound represented by formula (IV). The alkyne compound represented by formula (IV) is hydrolyzed with acid, to thereby produce a dihydrofuran compound represented by formula (V).

Abstract: The present invention comprises pretreating a lignocellulosic feedstock with acid at a pH between about 2.0 and about 3.5 to produce a composition comprising an acid pretreated feedstock. The acid pretreated feedstock is then enzymatically hydrolyzed with cellulases and ?-glucosidase. The glucose is fermented by microorganisms to produce a fermentation broth comprising the fermentation product, followed by recovery of the fermentation product. The steps of enzymatically hydrolyzing and fermenting are conducted at a pH below about 4.0.

Abstract: Organosiloxanes containing ester derivatives of ascorbic acid are disclosed having the formula (R3SiO)nR(3-n)Si—X-A wherein R is an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n is 1 to 3 inclusive, X is a divalent organic linking group, A is an ester derivative of ascorbic acid. A method of making an organosiloxane containing ester derivatives of ascorbic acid and the products prepared according to the method are also taught. The compounds and compositions of the present disclosure are useful to affect tissue lightening when applied topically to keratinaceous tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a method that allows fermentation impeding substances that occur during production of a sugar from cellulose-containing biomass to be removed in an aqueous sugar solution production step, and also provides a method for long-term stable production of an aqueous refined sugar solution that is nearly free from fermentation impeding substances.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an isolated polynucleotide molecule derived from a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having L-sorbosone dehydrogenase activity comprising a partial nucleotide sequence of at least 20 consecutive nucleotides of SEQ ID NO:1. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of L-ascorbic acid in high yield, in particular a process using resting cells of a microorganism able to convert given carbon sources into vitamin C. The thus obtained vitamin C may be further processed by purification and/or separation steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide having oxidoreductase activity which comprises the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 3 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, or a variant polypeptide thereof having 45% or more sequence identity with the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. The invention also relates to a process for the production of 2,5-furan-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or production of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMF acid).