Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide processes for producing an antiaging agent, a vulcanization accelerator and a modified natural rubber, which are environmentally friendly and allow to make provision against a decrease of petroleum resources in the future. According to the present invention, glucose is used as carbon neutral resources and is converted into aniline or an aniline derivative by a microorganism. An antiaging agent, a vulcanization accelerator or a modified natural rubber is produced from thus obtained aniline or aniline derivative.

Abstract: A bioreactor with an anode and a cathode, and a plurality of reaction chambers each having an inlet and an outlet and each including a porous solid ion exchange wafer having ion-exchange resins. Each of the reaction chambers is interleaved between a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane or between either a cation or an anion exchange membrane and a bipolar exchange membrane. A product chamber is separated from one of the reaction chambers by either a cation or an anion exchange membrane. Recirculation mechanism is provided for transporting material between the reaction chamber inlets and outlets. A method of producing organic acids, amino acids, or amines using the separative bioreactor is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for hydrolyzing solid ungranulated lysophosphatidylcholine with phospholipase A2 are provided. Also disclosed are methods for making a lipid matrix of lysophosphatidylcholine, monoglyceride and fatty acid, and lipid matrices of particular structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation, sequencing, and recombinant expression of genes encoding either a nitrile hydratase (NHase) or amidase (Am) from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, where the NHase is useful for catalyzing the hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides, and the amidase is useful for hydrolysis of amides to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Also provided are transformed host cells containing polynucleotides for expressing the nitrile hydratase or amidase enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D.

Abstract: Provided is a microorganism that belongs to Enterobacteriacae and a method of producing L-carnitine using the same. The microorganism includes polynucleotide encoding activity of S-adenosylmethionine-6-N-iysine KDa methyltransferase from Neurospora crassa, polynucleotide encoding activity of 6-N-trimethyllysine hydroxylase, polynucleotide encoding activity of 3-hydroxy-6-N-trimethyllysine aldolase, and polynucleotide encoding activity of ?-trimethylaminoaldehyde dehydrogenase and y-butyrobetaine hydroxylase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a Na-acyl-L-arginine ester, derived from fatty acids and esterified dibasic amino acids, according to the following formula (I), where: X— is Br—, Cl—, or HSO4— R1: is linear alkyl chain from an saturated fatty acid, or hydroxy-acid from 8 to 14 atoms of carbon bonded to the ?-amino acid group through amidic bond. R2: is a linear or branched alkyl chain from 1 to 18 carbon atoms or aromatic. R3: is formula (II), where n can be from 0 to 4, from the appropriate organic acid and alcohol. The process is catalyzed by a hydrolase, more in particular a protease, the protease papain from <i> Carica papaya being highly suitable </i>. In order for the esterification reaction to run as wanted, the process is performed in a low-water-content organic medium. When the highly suitable papain from Carica papaya is used, a water activity of between 0.03 and 0.5 is selected.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of highly polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid by phospholipase D-catalyzed transphosphatidylation of fish liver phosphatidylcholine and L-serine is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention particularly relates to a chemoenzymatic process for the stereoselective preparation of both enantiomers of 3-hydroxy-4-trityloxy butanenitrile key intermediates for the preparation of (R)-GABOB by lipase mediated kinetic resolution of its racemates and their effective application in the enantioconvergent synthesis of (R)-GABOB.

Abstract: A process for biological production of ortho-aminophenols from nitroaromatic compounds using recombinant E. Coli strains. The process uses an enzyme system that makes use of a nitroreductase enzyme that initially reduces the nitroarene to the hydroxylaminoarene and a mutase enzyme that converts the hydroxylaminoarene to an ortho-aminophenol.

Abstract: A new class of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of a nitrile containing compound to the corresponding amine (such as a primary amine) are disclosed. Such enzymes are referred to herein as nitrile oxido-reductases. Methods of using the enzymes to reduce a nitrile to a amine, for example in vitro or in vivo, are provided. Such methods provide the first biocatalysis method for reducing nitrites to amines, and provides an alternative to currently used methods, which generally utilize harsh reaction conditions and the production of hazardous waste. While the hydrolysis of nitrites to amides and carboxylic acids via biocatalysis has found extensive use in industry, the lack of a known nitrile oxido-reductase has precluded the application of biocatalysis to nitrile reduction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polyhydroxyalkanoate, containing in a polymer molecule thereof a monomer unit represented by the following general formula (1): (wherein R1 represents a substituent to a cyclohexyl group, where R1 is a H atom, a CN group, a NO2 group, a halogen atom, a CH3 group, a C2H5 group, a C3H7 group, a CF3 group, a C2F5 group, or a C3F7 group; and if there are two or more monomer units, R1 may be different from every monomer unit), and a binder resin using the polyhydroxyalkanoate. The binder resin is biodegradable, so that the binder resin is more responsible for the conservation of natural environment or the like. Also, the binder resin facilitates deinking in the deinking process using an alkali, so that the binder resin accelerates recycling of used copying paper. Furthermore, the binder resin satisfies the desired characteristics of a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of D-pantothenic acid and/or salts thereof or feedstuffs additives comprising these by fermentation of microorganisms of the Bacillus group, in particular those which already produce D-pantothenic acid, which comprises enhancing, in particular over-expressing, in the microorganisms one or more of the nucleotide sequence(s) which code(s) for the gene or ORF ybbT, ywkA, yjmC, ytsJ, mdh, cysK, iolJ, pdhD, yuiE, dhaS, adk, yusH, yqhJ, yqjK and yqhI.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polynucleotide encoding ?-butyrobetaine hydroxylase (?-BBH) originating from Neurospora crassa. Also disclosed are a recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector, ?-BBH encoded by the polynucleotide, and a method of preparing L-carnitine, which comprises hydroxylating ?-butyrobetaine using ?-BBH encoded by the polynucleotide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for enzymatic polymerization which includes (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme; and (2) incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The template can be a micelle, a borate-containing electrolyte, or lignin sulfonate. Such a complex possesses exceptional electrical and optical stability, water solubility, and processibility, and can be used in applications such as light-weight energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries), electrolytic capacitors, anti-static and anti-corrosive coatings for smart windows, and biological sensors.

Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing an aqueous acrylamide solution by hydrating acrylonitrile in an aqueous solution while in the presence of a biocatalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for enzymatic polymerization which includes (1) obtaining a reaction mixture including a monomer, a template, and an enzyme; and (2) incubating the reaction mixture for a time and under conditions sufficient for the monomer to align along the template and polymerize to form a polymer-template complex. The template can be a micelle, a borate-containing electrolyte, or lignin sulfonate. Such a complex possesses exceptional electrical and optical stability, water solubility, and processibility, and can be used in applications such as light-weight energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries), electrolytic capacitors, anti-static and anti-corrosive coatings for smart windows, and biological sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation, sequencing, and recombinant expression of genes encoding either a nitrile hydratase (NHase) or amidase (Am) from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, where the NHase is useful for catalyzing the hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides, and the amidase is useful for hydrolysis of amides to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Also provided are transformed host cells containing polynucleotides for expressing the nitrile hydratase or amidase enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D.

Abstract: Genes and proteins involved in the biosynthesis of benzodiazepines by microorganisms, including the genes and proteins forming the biosynthetic loci for the benzodiazepine anthramycin from Streptomyces refuineus subsp. thermotolerans. The genes and proteins allow direct manipulation of benzodiazepines and related chemical structures via chemical engineering of the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of anthramycin.

Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.

Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.

Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.

Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.

Abstract: A method for preparing an isothiocyanate product from a cruciferous plant material is disclosed which is capable of stably preparing an isothiocyanate product in a sufficient amount in a high yield by subjecting a natural cruciferous plant material such as wasabi, horseradish, watercress or the like as a starting material to sufficient enzymatic reaction and, in particular, which is capable of stably preparing an isothiocyanate product containing no pungent ingredient in a sufficient amount in a high yield from a natural cruciferous plant material. A cruciferous plant material consisting of pulverized wasabi and/or horseradish was maintained at a temperature of ?3° C. to 50°0 C.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for reacting (di)amines as substrates in the presence of a lysine oxidase arid a reducing agent, resulting in alcohols, diols or cyclic secondary amines. In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of preparing cyclic secondary amines suitable for ultimately synthesizing piperidine-2-carboxylic acid and proline derivatives, useful, for example as thrombin inhibitors.

Abstract: A method has been developed to prepare (E)- and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acids (2M2BA) from a mixture of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitriles (2M2BN) by the regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2M2BA) using enzyme catalysts having either a nitrilase activity or a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The method provides high yields without significant conversion of (Z)-2M2BN to (Z)-2M2BA. The regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2M2BA makes possible the facile separation of (E)-2M2BA from (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenamide (2M2BAm), and the subsequent conversion of (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2M2BAm to (Z)-2M2BA.

Abstract: The present invention features improved methods for producing pantoate and pantothenate utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate biosynthetic enzyme activities. In particular, the invention features methods for reducing byproduct formation and increasing yields and purity of desired product. Recombinant microorganisms and conditions for culturing same are also are featured. Also featured are compositions produced by such microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the deracemisation or chiral inversion of chiral amines by enzymatic treatment. The method employs a stereoselective enzymatic conversion and either a non-selective or partially selective chemical or enzymatic conversion, simultaneously or sequentially. The invention also provides a method for selecting a suitable enzyme, particularly a suitable amine oxidase, and for the generation of novel enzymes suitable for use in the deracemisation method.

Abstract: A method has been developed to prepare (E)- and (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acids (2M2BA) from a mixture of (E,Z)-2-methyl-2-butenenitriles (2M2BN) by the regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoic acid (2M2BA) using enzyme catalysts having either a nitrilase activity or a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The method provides high yields without significant conversion of (Z)-2M2BN to (Z)-2M2BA. The regioselective hydrolysis of (E)-2M2BN to (E)-2M2BA makes possible the facile separation of (E)-2M2BA from (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2-methyl-2-butenamide (2M2BAm), and the subsequent conversion of (Z)-2M2BN or (Z)-2M2BAm to (Z)-2M2BA.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing an isoprenoid or an isoprenoid precursor in a genetically modified host cell. The methods generally involve modulating the level of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) in the cell, such that the level of HMG-CoA is not toxic to the cell and/or does not substantially inhibit cell growth, but is maintained at a level that provides for high-level production of mevalonate, IPP, and other downstream products of an isoprenoid or isoprenoid pathway, e.g., polyprenyl diphosphates and isoprenoid compounds. The present invention further provides genetically modified host cells that are suitable for use in a subject method. The present invention further provides recombinant nucleic acid constructs for use in generating a subject genetically modified host cell, including recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising nucleotide sequences encoding one or more mevalonate pathway enzymes, and recombinant vectors (e.g., recombinant expression vectors) comprising same.

Abstract: Thermostable omega-transaminases, particularly thermostable omega-transaminases which have a high reaction rate and which are tolerant to high concentrations of donor amine, can be used to enrich enantiomerically a mixture of chiral amines or to synthesize stereoselectively one of a pair of chiral amines in which the amino group is bound to a non-terminal, chirally substituted, carbon atom.

Abstract: A protein, which is an aminoketone asymmetric reductase, having an effect of producing d-pseudoephedrine by acting on 1-2-methylaminopropiophenone, and having the following physiochemical properties: substrate: 1-2-methylaminopropiophenone optimum pH: pH 8.1 optimum temperature: 55° C. coenzyme: NADP molecular weight: about 28500 Da homotetramer and a nucleic acid coding the protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biotechnology invention concerning human phosphatidic acid phosphatase. More particularly, this invention relates to three variants of human phosphatidic acid phosphatase namely PAP-?(1 and 2), PAP-? and PAP-? and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-substituted 3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by halohydrin dehalogenase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by ketoreductase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-ketobutyric acid derivatives The present invention also provides methods and compositions for preparing vicinal cyano, hydroxyl substituted carboxylic acid esters.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-substituted 3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by halohydrin dehalogenase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for preparing 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives by ketoreductase-catalyzed conversion of 4-halo-3-ketobutyric acid derivatives.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of a 3-hydroxycarboxylic acid from a 3-hydroxynitrile. More specifically, 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile is converted to 3-hydroxyvaleric acid in high yield at up to 100% conversion, using as an enzyme catalyst 1) nitrile hydratase activity and amidase activity or 2) nitrilase activity of a microbial cell. 3-Hydroxyvaleric acid is used as a substitute for ?-caprolactone in the preparation of highly branched copolyester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme reaction method which comprises performing an enzyme reaction, using an immobilized enzyme having a water content of 10% by weight or more as an enzyme and using an organic solvent substantially immiscible with water as a reaction solvent, under such conditions that a liquid phase forms a homogeneous system without phase separation although it is saturated with water or an aqueous buffer; a method for performing an enzyme reaction using an aldehyde compound as a substrate, which comprises removing a carboxylic acid compound contained in an aldehyde compound by subjecting the aldehyde compound to an alkaline treatment before starting the enzyme reaction; a method for performing an enzyme reaction using an aldehyde compound as a substrate, which comprises reducing a carboxylic acid compound content in the aldehyde compound to 0.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for azide tagging of biomolecules. In one embodiment of the invention, proteins are tagged by metabolic incorporation of prenylated azido-analog substrates. Examples of such analogs are azido farnesyl diphosphate and azido farnesyl alcohol. The azido moiety in the resulting modified proteins provides an affinity tag, which can be chemoselectively captured by an azide-specific conjugation reaction, such as the Staudinger reaction, using a phosphine capture reagent. When the capture agent is biotinylated, the resulting conjugates can be detected and affinity-purified by streptavidin-linked- HRP and streptavidin-conjugated agarose beads, respectively. The invention allows detection and isolation of proteins with high yield, high specificity, and low contamination without harsh treatment of proteins.

Abstract: Methods for preparing enantiomerically enriched aminopentanenitriles are provided. The methods involve selective acylation of an enantiomeric mixture of 3-aminopentanenitrile or selective hydrolysis of an enantiomeric mixture of 3-aminopentanenitrile amide in the presence of an enzyme selected from the group comprising lipase, esterase, and acylase. The methods yield R-aminopentanenitrile, which can be used to produce pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzymatic process for the preparation of optically active chiral alcohols using tuberous root Daucus carota; particularly invention relates to an enzymatic process for the preparation of optically active alcohols by enantioselective reduction of corresponding ketones using tuberous root Daucus carota.

Abstract: A novel method of producing PS is described herein. The method first involves producing PLD enzyme through the use of enzyme-producing microorganisms. The PLD enzyme is reacted with a lecithin and source of serine to produce the phosphatidylserine (PS). The method differs from prior methods in several ways. First, it incorporates a novel strain of PLD enzyme-producing organism in a preferred embodiment. It is also the first known PS production method that allows for the reuse of the enzyme and serine components to enhance efficiency and productivity. It further incorporates a novel solvent system, unique stabilization agents for the PLD enzyme, as well as optimized reaction conditions.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate characterized by having in the molecule a unit represented by Chemical Formula (1): wherein n may assume any one integral value within the range of from 1 to 8. Also disclosed are a process for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate by the use of a microorganism having the ability to produce the polyhydroxyalkanoate and accumulate it in the bacterial body; a charge control agent, a toner binder and a toner which contain this polyhydroxyalkanoate; and an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus which make use of the toner.

Abstract: A compound which comprises a backbone having a plurality of chiral carbon atoms, the backbone bearing a plurality of ligands each being individually bound to a chiral carbon atom of the plurality of chiral carbon atoms, the ligands including one or more pair(s) of adjacent ligands each containing a moiety selected from the group consisting of a naturally occurring nucleobase and a nucleobase binding group, wherein moieties of the one or more pair(s) are directly linked to one another via a linker chain; building blocks for synthesizing the compound; and rises of the compound, particularly in antisense therapy.

Abstract: The invention presents compounds of formula (I), where R represents H or a suitable carboxylic acid protecting group, which are intermediates in the preparation of therapeutic fused bicyclic amino acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing organosilicon group containing photoinitiators of the formula (I), wherein m is a number from 1 to 200; q is 0 or 1; A is IN-C(O)—O—CHR3—Y— or IN-C(O)—NH—CHR3—Y—; A? is A or R1?; R1 and R1?, R2 and R2? are C1–C18alkyl or phenyl, or —(O)q—SiR1R1?R2; R3 is hydrogen or C1–C6alkyl, Y is a divalent group selected from C1–C10alkeylene, C2–C10alkenylene or —(CH2)b—O—(CH2)a—; and b are each independently of the other a number of 1 to 6; IN is a photolabile functional moiety of the formula (II) or (III), wherein R4 is hydrogen or —C(O)—C(O)—OH or —C(O)—C(O)—OC1–C6alkyl and n is 1–3; R5 and R6 are C1–C12alkyl or together are cycloC5–C7alkyl; R7 is hydroxy, C1–C6alkoxy or morpholinyl; X is —(CH2)a—, —(CH2)b—O—(CH2)a— or —(CH2)b—O—CO—(CH2)a—; a and b are each independently of the other a number of 1 to 6; whereby the process is characterized in that a photolabile functional moiety containing a carboxy group (IN-COOH) or an alkoxycarbonyl group (IN-CO—OC1–C6alkyl) is reacte

Abstract: A method comprising the indirect electrochemical regeneration of NAD(P)H in enzymatic substrate conversions which are catalyzed by monooxygenases, for example, is described. In particular, a method for the electroenzymatic preparation of 2,3-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives, which is catalyzed by the enzyme 2-hydroxybiphenyl 3-monooxygenase and in which simultaneously the NAD+ formed by reductive cleavage of oxygen is electrochemically reduced, is described.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms and related methods of use to enhance tolerance to toxic substances. In particular, such microorganisms and methods can be used to increase solvent production.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to novel fed-batch fermentations wherein processes of DO-stat and pH-stat are combined for nutrient feeding control.

Abstract: After yeast somatic components are digested with nuclease or hydrolyzed with alkali, polyamine is recovered to obtain a polyamine composition in volume efficiently at a high recovery rate from yeast somatic components.

Abstract: A method for selective cleavage of C—N bonds genes that encode for at least one enzyme suitable for conversion of carbazole to 2-aminobiphenyl-2,3-diol are combined with a gene encoding an amidase suitable for selectively cleaving a C—N bond in 2-aminobiphenyl-2,3-diol, forming an operon that encodes for cleavage of both C—N bonds of said carbazole. The operon is inserted into a host culture which, in turn, is contacted with the carbazole, resulting in selective cleavage of both C—N bonds of the carbazole. Also disclosed is a new microorganism that expresses a carbazole degradation trait constitutively and a method for degrading carbazole employing this microorganism.