Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing esters from fatty alcohols, in which fatty alcohols and fatty acids are reacted in the presence of an enzyme at a temperature in the range of 30 to 50° C., the water which forms is removed and the reaction is completed under reduced pressure at a temperature of 50 to 80° C.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for efficiently producing a polylactate via microbial fermentation with the use of a sugar as a starting material.

Abstract: A method or process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in biomass. The process entails feeding an organic carbon containing substrate to biomass enriched in PHA accumulating bacteria. Particularly the process entails intermittently supplying the substrate to the biomass at least three separate times over a selected period. The object of the process is to produce PHA having a relatively high molecular weight, at least 400,000 g/mole. By controlling the frequency at which the substrate is supplied to the biomass and by feeding a sufficient amount of the substrate to the biomass, the method or process produces the PHA having the relatively high molecular weight.

Abstract: DNA constructs and genetically engineered microbial strains constructed using these DNA constructs, which produce a nuclease enzyme with specificity for DNA and/or RNA, are provided. These strains secrete nuclease into the periplasm or growth medium in an amount effective to enhance productivity and/or recovery of polymer, and are particularly suited for use in high cell density fermentation processes. These constructs are useful for modifying microbial strains to improve production and recovery processes for polymers such as intracellular proteins, such as enzymes, growth factors, and cytokines; for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates; and for producing extracellular polysaccharides, such as xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, zooglan, hyaluronic acid and microbial cellulose.

Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface.

Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to methyl methacrylate characterized in that at least one portion of the carbons thereof is biologically sourced and, more specifically, in that it contains between 0.2×10?10 and 1.2×10?10 wt.-% of 14C in relation to total carbon weight according to the ASTM D6866 standard. The preparation method comprises the use of acetone cyanohydrin as a raw material, said acetone cyanohydrin being obtained by condensing cyanohydric acid on acetone, and the methyl methacrylate is prepared using a process involving the addition of methanol. According to the invention, at least one from among the acetone, cyanohydric acid and methanol is obtained by means of a reaction or series of reactions involving the biomass.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a bicyclo [3.1.0] hexane derivative represented by the formula (I) and a salt thereof including; causing an enzyme to act on an optically inactive compound represented by the formula (II) causing an asymmetric acylation reaction and a highly-stereoselective conversion to an optically active compound represented by the formula (III); and converting the compound represented by the formula (III) to the compound represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A process for treating a mixture of R,R- and S,S-lactide is provided. The process involves contacting the mixture with an aliphatic alcohol and an enzyme to produce a mixture comprising aliphatic ester of lactic acid corresponding to one lactide enantiomer and the aliphatic ester of lactyllactic acid corresponding to the other lactide enantiomer; separating the mixture from the enzyme, and recycling the enzyme to the process; and separating the aliphatic ester of lactic acid from the aliphatic ester of lactyl-lactic acid by fractional distillation. Also provided are processes for the production of S-lactic acid, S,S-lactide, poly-S-lactic acid, R-lactic acid, R,R-lactide, poly-R-lactic acid and stereocomplex polylactic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant yeast comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous enzyme that catalyses the conversion of malic acid to fumaric acid. The invention further relates to a process for the production of a dicarboxylic acid wherein the yeast according to the present invention is used.

Abstract: Glucosyl stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The short-chain glucosyl stevia compositions were purified to >95% content of total steviol glycosides. The compositions can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are transformed Yarrowia lipolytica comprising an exogenous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having sucrose invertase activity. Also disclosed are methods of using the transformed Y. lipolytica.

Abstract: A process for treating a mixture of R,R- and S,S-lactide is provided. The process involves contacting the mixture with an aliphatic alcohol and an enzyme in the presence of a ketone solvent to produce a mixture comprising aliphatic ester of lactic acid corresponding to one lactide enantiomer, and the aliphatic ester of lactyllactic acid corresponding to the other lactide enantiomer. Also provided are processes for the production of S-lactic acid, S,S-lactide, poly-S-lactic acid, R-lactic acid, R,R-lactide, poly-R-lactic acid and stereocomplex polylactic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reacting a carboxylic acid ester of the formula (I) R1-A-COOR2 ??(I), wherein R1 is hydrogen, —CH2OH, —CHO, —COOR3, —CH2SH, —CH2OR3 or —CH2NH2, R2 is an alkyl group,R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group, and A is a substituted, unsubstituted, linear, branched and/or cyclic alkylene, alkenylene, arylene or aralkylene radical having at least 4 carbons,in the presence of a cell. The process comprises a) contacting the cell with said carboxylic acid ester in an aqueous solution,wherein the cell is a recombinant cell which has reduced activity of a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 or a variant thereof over the wild-type cell.

Abstract: DNA constructs and genetically engineered microbial strains constructed using these DNA constructs, which produce a nuclease enzyme with specificity for DNA and/or RNA, are provided. These strains secrete nuclease into the periplasm or growth medium in an amount effective to enhance productivity and/or recovery of polymer, and are particularly suited for use in high cell density fermentation processes. These constructs are useful for modifying microbial strains to improve production and recovery processes for polymers such as intracellular proteins, such as enzymes, growth factors, and cytokines; for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates; and for producing extracellular polysaccharides, such as xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, zooglan, hyaluronic acid and microbial cellulose.

Abstract: Bioreactors, and particularly, photobioreactors having a reactor chamber and surge driver, and methods for using these devices, for example, for the production of carbon-based products are provided. The reactor chamber provides a housing for microorganisms and culture medium. The surge driver produces a surge of the microorganisms and/or culture medium in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to modulators of NADPH oxidase as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of hearing loss and/or phantom hearing. Such modulators preferably act by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity, wherein the NADPH oxidase comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5, or (ii) is encoded by a nucleic acid comprising or consisting of the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 23 or 24, or (iii) is a fragment of the protein according to (i) or (ii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity, or (iv) has a sequence at least 75% identical with the protein according to (i) or (ii) or with the fragment according to (iii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, medical uses and diagnostic uses of compounds of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolated bacterial strains producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), microbial consortia including such strains, and cultures of such strains and microbial consortia. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions including such strains, microbial consortia, and cultures and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the production of difunctional alkanes in microorganisms. Also provided are enzymes and nucleic acids encoding such enzymes, associated with the difunctional alkane production from carbohydrates feedstocks in microorganisms. The invention also provides recombinant microorganisms and metabolic pathways for the production of difunctional alkanes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biocatalytic method of preparing a mono-acylated polyol catalyzed by triacylglycerol lipase mutants, as for example derived from Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB); a biocatalytic method of enantioselectively preparing an asymmetric mono-acylated polyol, catalyzed by the same enzyme mutants; as well as the use of a mutated triacylglycerol lipase in a method of preparing mono-acylated polyols. The invention also provides novel mutants, coding sequences thereof, and recombinant microorganisms carrying said coding sequences.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized, telechelic polymers synthesized by enzymatic catalysis and methods, and the functionalization of polymers via Michael addition with a lipase catalyst, and the crosslinking of mono- or difunctional (telechelic) polymers made by enzymatic catalysis, such as by using multifunctional coupling agents and enzyme catalysts. Quantitative transesterification of vinyl methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol), poly(isobutylene) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) was achieved using Candida antarctica lipase B. In addition, methacrylate-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether has been successfully coupled to aminoethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether via Michael addition using Candida antarctica lipase B. Amine-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)s have also been used for the preparation of poly(ethylene glycol)-based dendrimers and gels through Michael addition of the polymer onto triacryloyl hexahydro-triazine using the same enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for capturing carbon dioxide and converting the carbon dioxide to carbonate minerals using a recombinant whole cell biocatalyst expressing carbonic anhydrase. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for capturing carbon dioxide and a method for capturing carbon dioxide using the composition, which composition comprises a whole cell of a transformant formed with a vector including a nucleic acid encoding a recombinant carbonic anhydrase; a cell lysate or its fraction of the whole cell; or a recombinant carbonic anhydrase isolated from the whole cell. Further, the present invention relates to a composition and method for converting the carbon dioxide to carbonate minerals using the carbon dioxide capturing composition.

Abstract: Genetically engineered organisms for production of PHA copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers and the methods of making and using thereof have been developed. The copolymers containing 2-hydroxyacid monomers can be synthesized via biosynthesis by the action of a PHA polymerase in a living cell. By changing the genetic background of the cells, one can control specific metabolic pathways allowing control of the level of glycolic acid co-monomer in the PHA polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis of polyacrylic acid esters. According to said method, at least one polyacrylic acid ester is provided and incubated with at least one enzyme selected from enzymes (EC 3.1) acting on ester bindings, until the ester groups contained in the polyacrylic acid ester are partially or fully hydrolytically split, and optionally the modified polymer obtained thereby is isolated. The invention also relates to the enzymes used and mutants thereof, nucleic acids coding for the enzymes, vectors comprising the nucleic acids, micro-organisms comprising the vectors, and the use of the enzymes, the vectors or the micro-organisms for carrying out a method for the enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis of polyacrylic acid esters. The present application also relates to polymer reaction products that can be obtained by the method, and methods for producing esterases.

Abstract: Provided is a method for enhancing the production of polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) from microorganism strains by disrupting a gene associated with the production of an exobiopolymer (EBP) in the Pseudomonas strain to redirect the carbon flux toward the production of the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid, thereby enhancing the production of the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an isolated Muscodor albus strain producing volatile organic compounds such as aristolene, 3-octanone and/or acetic acid ester, as well as cultures of said strain and compositions, metabolites and volatiles derived from said strain or culture as well as methods of obtaining said compositions, metabolites and volatiles and their methods of use for controlling pests. Also disclosed are artificial compositions having the same components and uses as the volatiles derived from the strain. A method for capturing and sampling the volatiles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cells and methods for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates. The cells comprise one or more recombinant genes selected from an R-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase gene, a PHA polymerase gene, a thioesterase gene, and an acyl-CoA-synthetase gene. The cells further have one or more genes functionally deleted. The functionally deleted genes include such genes as an enoyl-CoA hydratase gene, a 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and a 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase gene. The recombinant cells are capable of using producing polyhydroxyalkanoates with a high proportion of monomers having the same carbon length from non-lipid substrates, such as carbohydrates.

Abstract: Glucosyl stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The short-chain glucosyl stevia compositions were purified to >95% content of total steviol glycosides. The compositions can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microorganism that synthesizes a high-molecular-weight PHA, and a method for producing a high-molecular-weight PHA, which have a productivity of at least 100 g/L. The provision is achieved by controlling the specific activity of a PHA synthase in cells of a microorganism that belongs to the genus Cupriavidus and is capable of producing a PHA, to 0.1 U/mg-protein at most. The microorganism and the method enable industrially efficient production of a PHA with a weight average molecular weight of at least 4,000,000.

Abstract: Methods for producing an ester from a gas comprising carbon monoxide. More specifically the invention provides for methods for producing one or more products by the anaerobic fermentation of a gaseous substrate comprising CO and the subsequent conversion of the one or more products to an ester in a down-stream reaction. The invention further provides methods for improving the efficiency of the production of esters from gaseous substrates.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining mutant nucleic acid sequences that demonstrate elevated oxaloacetate ?-decarboxylase activity are provided. Compositions, such as genetically modified microorganisms that comprise such mutant nucleic acid sequences, are described, as are methods to obtain the same.

Abstract: Glucosyl stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The short-chain glucosyl stevia compositions were purified to >95% content of total steviol glycosides. The compositions can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simpler and more energy efficient process for the preparation of fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) from sun dried whole seed capsules of Jatropha curcas integrated with value addition of seed shells, deoiled cake and crude glycerol co-product stream. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of dispensing with the need for excess methanol recovery through distillation, cost-effective resin treatment for the refining of methyl ester and utilization of co-streams for preparation of high density energy briquettes and Polyhydroxyalkanoate biodegradable polymer in efficient and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A modified microorganism for producing a high yield of 1,4-butanediol, and a method of producing 1,4-butanediol using the modified microorganism, wherein the modified microorganism is altered so as to delete or disrupt expression of at least one of transcription regulatory factor NCg12886, GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase NCg12090, hypothetical protein NCg10224 or sugar phosphate isomerase/epimerase NCg12956.

Abstract: Provided is a mutant of propionyl-CoA transferase from Clostridium propionicum that can convert lactate into lactyl-CoA with high efficiency in a method of preparing a polylactate (PLA) or PLA copolymer using microorganisms. Unlike conventional propionyl-CoA transferase which is weakly expressed in E. coli, when a mutant of propiony-CoA transferase from Clostridium propionicum is introduced into recombinant E. coli, lactyl-CoA can be supplied very smoothly, thereby enabling highly efficient preparation of polylactate (PLA) and PLA copolymer.

Abstract: There is provided a recombinant microorganism having producibility of poly(lactate-co-glycolate) from glucose, and more particularly, a recombinant microorganism having producibility of poly(lactate-co-glycolate) without adding an exogenous glycolate precursor, and a method of preparing [poly(preparing lactate-co-glycolate)] using the same. According to the present invention, the poly(lactate-co-glycolate) in which the concentration of the glycolate fraction is high may be prepared at a high concentration without supplying exogenous glyoxylate. Therefore, the present invention may be effectively used for treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enzymatic production of emulsifiers containing mono- and diacylglycerides. In a first step a), a mixture of a phospholipid component and a triacylglyceride component is prepared, then in step b) a quantity of an aqueous solution containing a (phospho)lipase is added to the mixture obtained, to produce a water content of the mixture of between 3 and 15 wt. %. In a subsequent step c), the mixture obtained in the previous step is reacted at a temperature ranging between 20° and 80° C. over a period of at least two hours and said mixture is then dried.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for a hybrid biological and chemical process that captures and converts carbon dioxide and/or other forms of inorganic carbon and/or C1 carbon sources including but not limited to carbon monoxide, methane, methanol, formate, or formic acid, and/or mixtures containing C1 chemicals including but not limited to various syngas compositions, into organic chemicals including biofuels or other valuable biomass, chemical, industrial, or pharmaceutical products are provided. The present invention, in certain embodiments, fixes inorganic carbon or C1 carbon sources into longer carbon chain organic chemicals by utilizing microorganisms capable of performing the oxyhydrogen reaction and the autotrophic fixation of CO2 in one or more steps of the process.

Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain chemical compounds in tobacco materials is provided, the method including treatment of a tobacco plant or portion thereof with at least one enzyme. For example, the method may modify the content of tobacco smoke toxicant precursors in tobacco materials, which can result in a modification in toxicant production when the tobacco material is exposed to elevated temperatures. The type of tobacco plant or portion thereof treated according to the invention can be, for example, a tobacco seed, a tobacco seedling, an immature live plant, a mature live plant, a harvested plant, or a plant derivative. Smoking articles and other tobacco products including such enzyme-treated tobacco materials are also provided.

Abstract: Method for converting a carbon source such as a plant-derived material into a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon precursor, via a microorganism-catalysed aerobic reaction. The microorganism is cultivated in the presence of the carbon source and of oxygen, in a reaction vessel having a capacity of about 2000 litres or greater which comprises an aeration system for supplying oxygen to the microorganism. Also provided is an apparatus for use in the method, comprising a reaction vessel of capacity 2000 litres or greater, and an aeration system.

Abstract: A process for producing optically active succinimide derivatives as key intermediates of (3R)-2?-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)spiro{pyrrolidine-3,4?(1?H)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine}-1?,2,3?,5(2?H)-tetraone, which comprises the following reaction steps.

Abstract: Methods or preparing para-xylene from biomass by carrying out a Diels-Alder cycloaddition at controlled temperatures and activity ratios. Methods of preparing bio-terephthalic acid and bio-poly(ethylene terephthalate (bio-PET) are also disclosed, as well as products formed from bio-PET.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the enantioselective enzymatic reduction of a keto compound to the corresponding chiral hydroxy compound, wherein the keto compound is reduced with an oxidoreductase in the presence of a cofactor, and is characterized in that an oxidoreductase is used which has an amino acid sequence in which (a) at least 70% of the amino acids are identical to the amino acids of one of the amino acid sequences SEQ ID No 1, SEQ ID No 6 and SEQ ID No 8, or (b) at least 55% of the amino acids are identical to the amino acids of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No 2, or (c) at least 65% of the amino acids are identical to the amino acids of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No 3, or (d) at least 75% of the amino acids are identical to the amino acids of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No 4, or (e) at least 65% of the amino acids are identical to the amino acids of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No 5, or (0 at least 50% of the amino acids are identical to the amino acids of the amino acid sequence

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of nanotechnology and biomimetics. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of modified ribosomes to produce biomimetic structures. These biomimetic structures, also known as directed element polymers, are not produced by traditional industrial means but instead are produced by living systems comprising modified ribosomes.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting and processing algae, the system and method including harvesting algae by mechanical or chemical system and processing the harvested algae to produce at least one of biodiesel, biosolvents, bioplastics, biogas, or fertilizer.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of copolymers of ethylene and of at least one vinyl ester, comprising the following steps: a) fermentation of renewable starting materials so as to produce at least one alcohol comprising ethanol; b) dehydration of the alcohol obtained so as to produce at least one alkene comprising ethylene and, optionally, purification of the alkene so as to obtain ethylene, c) copolymerization of the ethylene with at least one vinyl ester, d) isolation of the copolymer obtained. Also, copolymers of ethylene and of at least one vinyl ester in which the ethylene is at least partly obtained from renewable starting materials, and to uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an obtainment process of biodegradable polymers from a citric residue resulting from the processing of orange juice. The polymers obtained are polyesters classified as polyhydroxyalkanoates including, among them the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). The biodegradable polymer is obtained from the batch culture process or fed batch culture process with or without recirculation of the cells, using as a carbon source the pre-treated pressing liquor and/or the citric molasses. The polyhydroxyalkanoates, herein described, can be used as substitutes of the synthetic polyesters in different areas, including the food, pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and other areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, method of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chirally pure compounds, and the chirally pure compounds prepared therewith.

Abstract: A method of producing bioplastics from algae, the method including processing algae to yield an aqueous phase containing glycerol, and fermenting the aqueous phase with a bioplastic-producing bacteria to yield bioplastics.