Abstract: A reaction system, wherein a cyanohydrin is converted into an optically active .alpha.-hydroxy acid or .alpha.-hydroxyamide via a treatment with a microorganism, is provided with an automatic cyanohydrin controller comprising a cyano ion detector, a regulator and a cyanohydrin supplier linked thereto. The reaction is performed while automatically controlling the cyanohydrin concentration.Thus cyanohydrin can be supplied under automatic control at a relatively low and constant concentration on the basis of its consumption ratio. The reaction rate of the catalyst can be continuously regarded as the rate-limiting factor. As a result, a decrease in the enzymatic activity during the reaction can be suppressed and an optically active .alpha.-hydroxy acid or .alpha.-hydroxyamide can be efficiently obtained at a high yield.

Abstract: The present invention has disclosed the amino acid sequence and nucleotide sequence of the .alpha.- and .beta.-subunits of two types of nitrile hydratase derived from Rhodococcus rhodochrous J-1. The DNA fragment encoding nitrile hydratase is inserted into an expression vector and the recombinant vector is used for transformation. The transformant contains multiple copies of the gene and can produce much higher level of nitrile hydratase compared with conventionally used microorganisms.

Abstract: Applicants have provided methods for obtaining aliphatic omega-cyanocaboximides of Formula INC--CH(R.sub.1)(CH).sub.n CH(R.sub.2)C(O)NH.sub.2whereinn=1-8 and R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 are either H or CH.sub.3,from dinitriles of Formula IINC--CH(R.sub.1)(CH).sub.n CH(R.sub.2)CNwhereinn=1-8 and R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 are either H or CH.sub.3,using biocatalysts which have regioselective nitrile hydratase activity and which are derived from members of the bacterial species Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract: A process for producing optically active 1-halo-3-amino-4-phenyl-2-butanol derivatives from optically active 1-halo-3-amino-4-phenyl-2-butanone derivatives stereoselectively in a high yield by bringing the butanone derivatives into contact with microorganisms.

Abstract: A process for preparing nicotinamide, wherein, in the first stage, 2-methyl-1,5-diaminopentane is catalytically converted into 3-picoline, then the 3-picoline is converted via an ammonoxidation into 3-cyanopyridine and, finally, the 3-cyanopyridine is converted microbiologically into the nicotinamide.

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

Abstract: An efficient method of producing phytosphingosine-containing ceramide one comprising: (a) obtaining a phytosphingosine base from tetraacetylphytosphingosine (TAPS) by a deacetylation reaction wherein the TAPS is produced by fermentation of cells of the F-60-10 mating type strain of Hansenula ciferrii using a fed-batch mode and a non-fermentable carbon source; and (b) coupling together the phytosphingosine base and a fatty acid/.omega.-hydroxy fatty acid component wherein the .omega.-hydroxy fatty acid component is prepared by a process which includes Kolbe synthesis.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient method for the production of ceramides and hybrid ceramides via the selective N-acylation of glycosphingolipids by reacting an organic acid or ester thereof with a lysosphingolipid in the presence of a lipase in an organic medium.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulatory factor or system composed of 2 components of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No:1 and a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No:2 to activate a nitrilase gene promoter, as well as to DNA coding therefor. Nitrilase can be produced by introducing the gene coding for the present regulatory factor together with a nitrilase gene containing a promoter region into a microorganism of the genus Rhodococcus.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified materials based on polyacrylonitrile having amidic groups on their surface. The modification gives the material greater hydrophilic characteristics improving its comfort properties. In addition, it permits the polyacrylonitrile to be dyed also with acidic dyes thus making it possible for it to be used for the preparation of yarns mixed with natural fibres, such as wool for example. The process for their production involves treatment of the material with enzymes of the nitrile hydratasis class obtained from Brevibacterium imperiale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing D-lactic acid and L-lactamide, comprising allowing a culture broth of a microorganism capable of asymmetric hydrolysis of DL-lactamide belonging to the genus Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Brevibacterium, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Micrococcus or Rhodococcus, the microorganism itself, a material obtained therefrom or an immobilized material thereof to act on DL-lactamide, and recovering the resulting D-lactic acid and the remaining L-lactamide. The present invention enables sufficient production of D-lactic acid and L-lactamide by the present microorganism.

Abstract: This invention relates to the enantioselective biologically-catalyzed hydrolysis of certain racemic nitriles to the corresponding R- or S-amides, chemically or biologically-catalyzed hydrolysis of the amides to the corresponding R- or S-acids in a batch process or in a continuous process that employs racemization and recycling of enantiomeric nitrile intermediates, the racemic nitriles being selected from the group, A--C(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)CN, wherein A, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as defined in the text, as well as certain biological materials employed to catalyze the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for production of amide compounds, which includes converting a nitrile compound into its corresponding amide compound by hydrating the nitrile compound in the presence of a cultured broth of bacterial cells, intact bacterial cells, disrupted bacterial cells or enzymes contained therein, or immobilized preparations obtainable by immobilizing intact bacterial cells, disrupted bacterial cells or enzymes contained therein, the bacterial cells being those of a biologically pure culture of a thermophilic microorganism having hydration activity to convert a nitrile compound into its corresponding amide compound, such as Bacillus smithii SC-J05-1 (FERM BP-4935).

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

Abstract: A process is described for the dimerization of a substituted aromatic compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein X represents --OH, --SH or --NHR where R is H, an alkyl group or an aryl group; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an alicyclic group, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group, a hydroxy group, or an amino group; and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 can have the same definition as R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 and may additionally represent a hydrogen atom; which comprises reacting the substituted aromatic compound in the presence of a peroxidase enzyme, a peroxide and a radical transfer agent in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Haloalkanoic acid impurities are decomposed in the presence of certain surfactants carboxymethyl cellulose or thioglycollic acids salts which may contain them as unconverted reactants by contacting them with dehalogenase enzyme.

Abstract: A process for the production of .alpha.-hydroxy acids or .alpha.-hydroxyamides in which an .alpha.-hydroxynitrile compound or a mixture consisting of an aldehyde and prussic acid, which corresponds to the nitrile compound, is allowed to undergo a microbial reaction to produce the corresponding .alpha.-hydroxy acid or .alpha.-hydroxyamide, wherein the improvement resides in that phosphite ions or hypophosphite ions are allowed to be present in the reaction system. According to the present invention, since hydrolysis or hydration of nitrile compounds can be carried out by constantly keeping a low concentration level of aldehydes which are considered to be a cause of the enzyme inhibition in the reaction system, the enzyme activity can be maintained stably for a prolonged period of time and the formed acids or amides can therefore be accumulated in a high concentration.

Abstract: A culture liquid of microorganisms having an ability of producing .alpha.-hydroxyisobutylamide from acetone cyanhydrin or the cultivated cells of the microorganisms or the processed cells of them is/are reacted to acetone cyanhydrin in an aqueous medium to produce .alpha.-hydroxyisobutylamide. The amide is reacted with water and/or an aliphatic alcohol in the presence of a solid acid catalyst at a temperature of 150.degree. C. or higher in a gaseous phase or a gaseous-liquid mixed phase to produce an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylate or an aliphatic alcohol or an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A genetic engineering process for the production of S-(+)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide. For this purpose, a new DNA is isolated from a microorganism that codes for a stereospecific hydrolase. This DNA is then ligated in an expression vector, and a hybrid plasmid results, which is transformed into microorganisms. These microorganisms are then able to biotransform the R-(-) isomer in racemic R,S-(.+-.)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide into R-(-)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid, and optionally active S-(+)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide is obtained.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for production of amide compounds which includes converting a nitrile compound into an amide compound using a cultured broth of bacterial cells, or bacterial cells or materials obtainable by treating bacterial cells, the bacterial cells being cells of a microorganism Agrobacterium radiobacter FERM BP-3843, having activity to convert nitrile compounds into corresponding amide compounds.

Abstract: A process for the stabilization of an aqueous acrylamide solution is described which includes adding at least one compound selected from water-soluble monocarboxylic acid salts having at least two carbon atoms to an aqueous solution of acrylamide in an amount of from 20 to 5,000 ppm as acid per acrylamide. According to the present invention, a high purity aqueous acrylamide solution which is markedly stable, even under an iron surface-contacting condition, without causing problems such as the polymerization of acrylamide can be provided by adding a water-soluble monocarboxylic acid salt having at least two carbon atoms.

Abstract: In a process for biological production of an amide wherein a nitrile is hydrated into a corresponding amide by the action of a nitrile hydratase originated in a microorganism, the improvement which comprises the use of nitrile hydratase which is obtained by culturing a microorganism of the species Rhodococcus rhodochrous in the presence of a cobalt ion.Aromatic nitriles such as a cyanopyridine as well as aliphatic nitrile such as acrylonitrile are hydrated into the corresponding amides.

Abstract: A process for biologically producing an .alpha.-hydroxyamide or an .alpha.-hydroxy acid represented by formula (III) ##STR1## wherein R represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group or a substituted or unsubstituted and saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic group; and X represents an amido group or a carboxyl group, comprising reacting an .alpha.-hydroxynitrile represented by formula (I): ##STR2## wherein R is as defined above, or a mixture of an aldehyde represented by formula (II):R--CHO (II)wherein R is as defined above, and hydrogen cyanide with a microorganism capable of producing such an amide or acid from the corresponding .alpha.-hydroxynitrile is disclosed, in which the reaction system contains a sulfite ion, a disulfite ion or a dithionite ion.

Abstract: A method for the cultivation of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas capable of producing nitrile hydratase is disclosed. The method involves adding a water soluble copper compound in an amount of about 0.5 to 5.0 mg/l as calculated in terms of copper to a culture medium in the preparation of cells of the bacteria under shear force supplied by stirring blades, wherein the circumferential speed of the edges of the stirring blades exceeds about 2.5 m/sec. The water soluble copper compound is preferrably copper chloride, copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper acetate, copper tartrate, copper (II) acetylacetonate or copper (II) ETDA.

Abstract: A novel water-soluble enzyme protein being composed of three heterogeneous subunits and having nitrile hydratase activity was separated and purified from the bacterium of genus Rhizobium. The nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the protein was determined; using the transformant transformed with the expression vector having the nucleotide sequence, the protein was expressed; by reacting the transformant with a nitrile in a culture broth, the corresponding amide was produced.Via the use of a culture broth containing the transformant described above or the protein itself, a nitrile can be efficiently converted into the corresponding amide.

Abstract: Amines in which the amino group is on a secondary carbon atom which is chirally substituted can be enantiomerically enriched by the action of an omega-amino acid transaminase which has the property of preferentially converting one of the two chiral forms to a ketone. The process also can be used to stereoselectively synthesize one chiral form from ketones substantially to the exclusion of the other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-.alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester wherein a protease is used to catalyze the condensation reaction of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-aspartic acid with L-phenylalanine methyl ester in a system consisting of ethyl acetate, citrate buffer with the addition of glycerol as a dispersing agent.

Abstract: Selection of Streptomyces viridochromogenes DSM 4112 for resistance to phosphinothricyl-alanyl-alanine (PTT) results in PTT-resistance selectants. The DNA fragment which carries the phosphinothricin(PTC)-resistance gene is obtained from the total DNA of these selectants by cutting with BamHI, cloning of a fragment 4.0 kb in size, and selection for PTT resistance. This gene is suitable for the production of PTC-resistant plants, and as a resistance marker and for the selective N-acetylation of the L-form of racemic PTC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of obtaining optically active 2-phenylpropionic acid and 2-phenylpropionamide such as S-(+)-2-phenylpropionic acid, R-(-)-2-phenylpropionamide, and R-(-)-2-phenylpropionic acid from S-2-phenylpropionitrile or R,S-2-phenylpropionamide using a bacterium belonging to Rhodococcus equi.Optically active 2-phenylpropionic acid and 2-phenylpropionamide are recovered in high yield and in quantities according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of 2,6-difluorobenzamide which comprises subjecting 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile to the action of a suitable hydrolysing microorganism or nitrilase extract therefrom; and Rhodococcus Sp. NCIB 12218 or a mutant thereof, suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an amide which comprises subjecting a nitrile to the action of a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus and having the ability to hydrate the nitrile, and isolating the resulting amide. The microorganism is highly active to a wide variety of nitriles even at low temperatures and, in addition, the hydration reaction of nitriles has a high selectivity for the corresponding amides. Accordingly, this method ensures the production of amides in high yield without formation of by-products such as corresponding carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A mixture of derivatives of 2-amino-3,4,5,14-tetrahydroxy-6-eicosenoic acid has been isolated from a culture medium after cultivation of microorganisms belonging to the genus Aspergillus. The compounds are useful as antifungal agents.

Abstract: A process for the production of amides utilizing microorganisms is described, which comprises subjecting nitriles having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms to the action of a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, and genus Arthrobacter or the genus Microbacterium having an ability to hydrate the nitriles to form the corresponding amides in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: An improved biological conversion of a nitrile such as acrylonitrile or a cyanopyridine into the corresponding carboxylic acid such as acrylic acid or a nicotinic acid by the action upon the nitrile of a nitrilase enzyme, in which the improvement resides in the use as the source of the enzyme of a microorganism of Rhodococcus, such as Rh. rhodochrous J-1, FERM BP-1478, which is cultured in the presence of a lactam compound.

Abstract: A DNA which encodes polypeptide carrying two specific amino acid sequences and having nitrile hydratase activity; a method for producing nitrile hydratase by incubating a transformant made by the transformation with a recombinant DNA prepared by integrating the foregoing DNA into a vector in a medium and harvesting nitrile hydratase accumulated in the medium; and a method for producing amides by incubating the foregoing transformant and then converting nitriles into corresponding amides by the action of the obtained nitrile hydratase or by making a culture solution, isolates, treated cells or their immobilized products act upon nitriles to produce corresponding amides.

Abstract: A method for the multiplex sequencing on DNA is disclosed which comprises the electroblotting or specific base terminated DNA fragments, which have been resolved by gel electrophoresis, onto the surface of a neutral non-aromatic polymeric microporous membrane exhibiting low background fluorescence which has been surface modified to contain amino groups. Polypropylene membranes are preferably and the introduction of amino groups is accomplished by subjecting the membrane to radio or microwave frequency plasma discharge in the presence of an aminating agent, preferably ammonia. The membrane, containing physically adsorbed DNA fragments on its surface after the electroblotting, is then treated with crosslinking means such as UV radiation or a glutaraldehyde spray to chemically bind the DNA fragments to the membrane through said smino groups contained on the surface thereof.

Abstract: Cells of bacteria of the species Rhodococcus rhodochrous having a high nitrile hydratase activity can be obtained in a high yield by adding to a culture medium at least one of urea and its derivatives and cobalt ion in the preparation of cells of bacteria having nitrile hydratase activity by cultivating Rhodococcus rhodochrous bacteria capable of producing nitrile hydratase.

Abstract: An enantiomerically selective process for acylating racemic 3-amino azetidinone intermediates is provided using penicillin G amidase(acylase) as biocatalyst.

Abstract: Ceramide-glycanase which cleaves the entire oligosaccharides intact from glycosphingolipids and alkylglycolipids. The enzyme does not hydrolyze monosaccharides from these glycoconjugates. The enzyme is obtained from the muscle tissue of annelids such as earthworms and leeches by homogenization in water, ammonium sulfate fractionation, gel permeation chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and is essentially free from exo-glycosidase activity. Also disclosed is a method for obtaining oligosaccharides by hydrolysis of glycolipids, alkylglycolipids, and glycosphingolipids by the ceramide-glycanase.

Abstract: A mixture of derivatives of 2-amino-3,4,5,14-tetrahydroxy-6-eicosenoic acid has been isolated from a culture medium after cultivation of microorganisms belonging to the genus Aspergillus. The compounds are useful as antifungal agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making an isocyanate which comprises the steps of: (a) reacting an amine with dimethyl carbonate in the presence of a hydrolase enzyme catalyst, preferably at a temperature not exceeding 50.degree. C. to form a methyl urethane, and (b) subjecting said methyl urethane to an elevated temperature in order to thermally cleave the urethane to produce an isocyanate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are N-[[6-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1-naphthalenyl]-thioxmethyl]-N-methylgly cine S-oxide (tolrestat S-oxide) and the amine thereof and methods of their preparation. The S-oxides are new aldose reductase inhibitors useful for the treatment or prevention of diabetic complications.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel microorganism Aspergillus niveus, ATCC 20922, and a process for chiral reduction of ketones using said microorganisms.

Abstract: C-terminal .alpha.-amidating enzyme preparations, including preparations AE-I, AE-II, AE-IIa and AE-IIb, from the skin of Xenopus laevis, wherein all components can convert a peptide having a glycine residue at its C-terminal to a C-terminal amidated peptide lacking the glycine residue, and have a common N-terminal amino acid sequence represented by Ser-Leu-Ser---, and AE-I and AE-IIa have a molecular weight of about 39,000, AE-IIb has a molecular weight of about 34,000, and AE-II comprises two components having molecular weight of about 39,000 and 34,000; a process for production of the above-mentioned enzyme preparations; and a process for .alpha.-amidation of a peptide by using the above mentioned enzyme preparations.

Abstract: A hybrid chemical/biological process which is highly effective to destroy the herbicide, Atrazine, in wasterwater solutions is herein disclosed. The process comprises subjecting the atrazine molecule in an aqueous carrier to ozone to produce the oxidized product, diamino-s-triazine and thereafter, metabolizing the diamine in soil having indigenous and selected microogranism capable of degrading the diamine to carbon dioxide. Also disclosed is a disposal system capable of preforming the process of the invention in a single system.

Abstract: In a process for hydrating a nitrile compound by the action of a microorganism having nitrilase activity to convert the nitrile compound into the corresponding amide compound, the performances such as yield and reaction velocity are markedly enhanced by irradiation of the microorganism with light. The process of the present invention is characterized in that (a) the microorganism having nitrilase activity is a positive gram-staining microorganism, (b) the microbial cells are allowed to accept light energy of at least about 1.times.10.sup.-2 .mu.E/g microbial cells second before termination of the hydration reaction, and (c) the hydration reaction is carried out in a vessel composed at least partly of a non-light transmitting material.

Abstract: A process for the production of the enzyme cyanide hydratase which comprises aerobically cultivating cells of the fungal strain Fusarium lateritium Nees CMI 300533 and variants and mutants derives therefrom in an aqueous culture containing appropriate nutrients. A method of treating a cyanide-containing material to degrade the cyanide therein using cyanide hydratase produced by the process of the invention and a process for the production of a nitrilase enzyme are also claimed. Fusarium lateritium Nees CMI 300533 is deposited at The Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, England under the terms of the Budapest Treaty.

Abstract: Cells of Pseudomonas bacteria having a high nitrile hydratase activity can be obtained in a high yield by adding sequentially to a culture medium at least one compound selected from the group consisting of propionitrile, isobutyronitrile, propionamide, and isobutyramide in the process of cultivation of Pseudomonas bacteria capable of producing nitrile hydratase.