Abstract: A process for the preparation of S-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, which comprises supplying R-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-propionic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, to a microorganism having a stereospecific inverting enzyme system, or an extract of the microorganism containing said enzyme system, capable of converting the R enantiomer to the corresponding S enantiomer.

Abstract: The R-enantiomer of a compound of formula I: ##STR1## where Z is an optionally substituted cyclic organic moiety and C* represents an optically active carbon atom, may be prepared by supplying a substrate of formula II ##STR2## to a culture of a microorganism capable of oxidation of compound II into the R-enantiomer of I.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutically active compound in a stereospecific form of the formula ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, like an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt or a pivaloyl ester, wherein R.sub.1 represents an optionally substituted aryl group such as a phenyl or naphthyl group optionally included in a heterocyclic ring system, which is optionally substituted, or represents a heteroaromatic ring system containing in addition to carbon atoms one or more atoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, this ring system being optionally substituted, which comprises subjecting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: Optically active 2-arylalkanoic acids are made by enantioselective hydrolysis of the corresponding racemic amides in the presence of a microorganism, or of an enzyme derived therefrom, able selectively to hydrolyse racemic .alpha.-phenylpropionamide to S .alpha.-phenylpropionic acid.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of micro-organism cells containing a 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer are subjected to a proteolytic enzyme digestion and/or a surfactant digestion in order to solubilise cell material other than the 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer.Prior to, or during the digestion, but before any proteolytic enzyme digestion step, the suspension is heated to at least 80.degree. C. to denature nucleic acids which otherwise hinder separation of the 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer containing residue from the suspension.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutically active compound in a stereospecific form of the formula ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, like an alkali metal salt or an alkaline earth metal salt or a pivaloyl ester, wherein R.sub.1 represents an optionally substituted aryl group such as a phenyl or naphthyl group optionally included in a heterocyclic ring system, which is optionally substituted, or represents a heteroaromatic ring system containing in addition to carbon atoms one or more atoms selected from nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, this ring system being optionally substituted, which comprises subjecting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.

Abstract: A process for preparing L(-)-carnitine chloride having the formula: ##STR1## comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a racemic ester of (R,S)-3,4-epoxybutyric acid having the formula: ##STR2## wherein R is an alkyl group having from 1-10 carbons, or a benzyl group, with an enzyme capable of selectively hydrolyzing enantiomer S(-),(b) separating said enantiomer S(-), from non-reacted ester, which is predominantly in the R(+) form;(c) reacting (1) the non-reacted ester obtained in step (b) with trimethylamine hydrochlorid or (2) the trimethylamine, to obtain thereby an ester having the formula: ##STR3## (d) hydrolyzing the ester obtain in step (c) in the presence of HCl to obtain thereby the L(-)-carnitine chloride having formula (I).The present invention is also directed to a novel class of compounds comprising R(+) enantiomers of the esters of 3,4-epoxybutyric acid.

Abstract: Surfactant-modified metal catalysts which can be used in a process for hydrogenating mediators.

Abstract: Acetic, propionic, and butyric acids are produced by a two-step fermentation process. Lactate salts formed in the second fermentation step, a biochemical acidification step, are used as the carbon source in the first fermentation step.

Abstract: Process for preparing D-2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyramide and/or L-2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyric acid, wherein an aqueous solution of DL-2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyramide is contacted with a preparation containing an aminoacyl amidase which has been obtained from a culture of Mycobacterium neoaurum and in that subsequently D-2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyramide and/or L-2-amino-2,3-dimethyl-butyric acid is (are) recovered from the resulting hydrolysis mixture. The compound D-2-amino-2,3-dimethylbutyramide is novel.

Abstract: A simultaneous sequential anaerobic fermentation process for the in vitro production of propionic and acetic acids is disclosed. The process comprises employing an obligatory two-component co-culture which maintains a relatively constant ratio of species populations over multiple passages. A first co-culture component is a Lactobacillus or Streptococcus which homofermentatively converts the hexose to lactic acid. A second microorganism in the co-culture is a Veillonella which is metabolically incapable of assimillating the hexose and converts the lactic acid product to propionic and acetic acids. The co-culture is inoculated into a nutrient growth feedstock such as whole whey or a clarified dairy whey lactose permeate which contains a metabolizable source of a hexose such as glucose, lactose or sucrose.

Abstract: Proteins having a hydrophobic cavity proximate to which is a residue promoting hydrolysis of functional moieties are effective semisynthetic hydrolases. Heme proteins from which the heme has been removed usually have at least one imidazole residue proximate to the cavity, and thus act as quite effective esterases. Because the size and shape of the cavities of such proteins are capable of broad diversity a wide spectrum of substrates may be hydrolyzed by these semisynthetic enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anaerobic bacterial culture of Clostridium sp. ATCC No. 53464 which solubilizes lead oxide under anaerobic conditions in coal and industrial wastes and therefore presents a method of removing lead from such wastes before they are dumped into the environment. The rate of lead dissolution during logarithmic growth of the bacteria in 40 ml medium containing 3.32 .mu.moles of lead as lead oxide was 0.042 .mu.moles ml.sup.-1 hr.sup.-1. Dissolution of lead oxide by the bacterial isolate is due to the production of metabolites and acidity in the culture medium. The major metabolites are acetic, butyric and lactic acid. Clostridium sp. ATCC No. 53464 can be used in the recovery of strategic metals from ores and wastes and also for the production of lactic acid for commercial purposes. The process yields large quantities of lactic acid as well as lead complexed in a stable form with said acids.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating mediators with the aid of surfactant-modified metal catalysts, and catalysts which can be used for this purpose, are described.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of fermented whey having a high concentration of divalent ion propionate is disclosed in which a whey medium having a solids content ranging from about 0.5% to about 18% by weight is prefermented with a galactose and glucose utilizing lactic acid producing organism, neutralized with a divalent metallic ion hydroxide and sterilized. The sterilized medium is then inoculated with a propionic acid-producing bacterium and incubated for a sufficient period of time to produce a high concentration of divalent metallic ion propionate. The divalent metallic ion is preferably calcium, and the whey medium preferably contains yeast extract.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of propionic acid comprises cultivating a propionic acid-producing bacterium anaerobically in a medium which contains a simple carbohydrate, which can be converted by the bacterium to pyruvate, as well as essential minerals, vitamins, and growth factors under an overpressure of hydrogen which is effective to cause a hydrogenase produced by the bacterium to suppress the oxidation of pyruvate to acetate and carbon dioxide and to promote the formation of propionic acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing L-carnitine which comprises exposing .gamma.-substituted acetoacetic acid esters or amides to the fermentative enzymatic action of a microorganism which elaborates L-.beta.-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.35] , recovering the resulting, optically active corresponding .gamma.-substituted-.beta.-hydroxybutyric acid derivative and converting said derivative to L-carnitine. An improvement in the process is also disclosed which comprises reacting a 4-chloro-3(R)-hydroxybutyrate with sodium iodide or bromide to produce the corresponding 4-iodo- or 4-bromo-3(R)-hydroxybutyrate, converting the 4-iodo- or 4-bromo-3(R)-hydroxybutyrate to the trimethylamino-3(R)-hydroxybutyrate salt, then converting the trimethylamino-3(R)-hydroxybutyrate salt into L-carnitine. Novel chemical intermediates prepared in the processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fermented whey having a high concentration of calcium propionate is produced by fermenting whey in a two-stage sequential fermentation process. A whey medium is fermented with a lactic acid-producing organism to produce lactic acid, neutralized with calcium hydroxide, sterilized, and then fermented with a propionic acid-producing organism. The whey medium contains yeast extract and about 0.5% to about 18.0% whey solids.

Abstract: Racemic mixtures of partially water-soluble esters defined by the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R.sub.1 represent hydrogen and C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;R.sub.2 represents C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl andX represents halogen, aliphatic or aromatic groups and substituted derivatives thereof wherein R, R.sub.1 and X are differentcan be resolved by reducing the water solubility of a racemic mixture of said esters by means other than changing the chemical composition of the ester, contacting the racemic mixture of esters of reduced water solubility with a lipase enzyme from Candida cylindracea capable of stereospecifically resolving the racemic mixture of hydrolysis and stereospecifically resolving the racemic mixture.

Abstract: Described is a process for the preparation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkyl esters of C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 carboxylic acids defined according to the structure: ##STR1## by means of fermentation of one or more C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 amino acids defined according to the structure: ##STR2## in the presence of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alcohol according to the reaction: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each represent hydrogen or methyl with the proviso that at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represents methyl and wherein R represents C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkyl and wherein R is the same as R'. Also described are the products produced according to such process as well as their organoleptic utilities for augmenting or enhancing the aroma or taste of consumable materials selected from the group consisting of perfume compositions, colognes, perfumed articles, foodstuffs, chewing gums, medicinal products, toothpaste, chewing tobaccos and smoking tobaccos.

Abstract: A process for preparing L-carnitine which comprises exposing .gamma.-substituted acetoacetic acid esters or amides to the fermentative enzymatic action of a microorganism which elaborates oxido-reductase enzymes, recovering the resulting, optically active, corresponding .gamma.-substituted-.beta.-hydroxybutyric acid derivative and converting said derivative to L-carnitine.

Abstract: The process of extracting butyric acid and normal butanol from microbial fermentation broth, comprising contacting an aqueous solution of a microbial fermentation broth with vinyl bromide to extract any butyric acid and normal butanol which is present from the fermentation broth into the vinyl bromide. The vinyl bromide is thereafter separated from the aqueous fermentation broth and then evaporated, leaving the butyric acid and/or normal butanol in substantially pure, isolated form.

Abstract: A method of resolving racemic 2-halopropionic acids by lipase-catalyzed asymmetric esterification in an organic medium is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the stereospecific inversion of the [S] enantiomer of an .alpha.-aryloxypropionic acid of formula I: ##STR1## wherein G is OR.sup.1 or ##STR2## R.sup.1 is hydrogen or a protecting group and R.sup.2 is hydrogen or methyl, U and V each independently represent hydrogen or halogen, and R is a carboxyl group, or an enzymic equivalent thereof, which process comprises contacting said [S] enantiomer with a microorganism having a stereospecific inverting enzyme system, or with an extract of the microorganism contacting said enzyme system, to convert the [S] enantiomer to the corresponding [R] enantiomer.

Abstract: A process for the stereospecific inversion of the [S] enantiomer of an .alpha.-aryloxypropionic acid of formula I: ##STR1## wherein E is OR.sup.1 or ##STR2## R.sup.1 is an unsubstituted or substituted aryl or heterocyclic ring system, and R.sup.2 is hydrogen or methyl, U and V each independently represent hydrogen or halogen and R is a carboxyl group, or an enzymic and herbicidal equivalent thereof, which process comprises contacting said [S] enantiomer with a microorganism having a stereospecific inverting enzyme system, or with an extract of the microorganism containing said enzyme system, to convert the [S] enantiomer to the corresponding [R] enantiomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anaerobic digestion process of wastes containing cellulose, in which, after liquefying by bringing wastes containing cellulose in slurry state into contact with facultative anaerobic bacteria with pH adjusted between 6.5-8.0 and oxidation-reduction potential controlled between -50-300 mV with oxygen supply, the liquefied slurry is then converted into methane and carbon dioxide by bringing it into contact with obligatory anaerobic bacteria to recover methane efficiently.

Abstract: An improved fermented whey having mycostatic activity in which the whey is produced from the fermentation of whey using as a fermenting agent the bacterium Propionibacterium acidi-propionici #B 3568.

Abstract: A process is provided for the recovery of organic acids from dilute aqueous solutions. The acid in the form of its calcium salt is treated with a tertiary amine carbonate and the resulting trialkylammonium salt of the acid is isolated and heated to give the acid plus a tertiary amine.

Abstract: Continuous fermentation of Alcaligenes micro-organisms capable of accumulating PHB under limitation of a nutrient required for growth, but not PHB accumulation, so that the PHB content is above 25% by weight. By means of this the carbon in the carbon and energy source, i.e. the substrate, is utilized more efficiently.

Abstract: A process for the propagation of microbial cells and the production of fermentation products, such as acetic and butyric acid, comprises anaerobically growing an acidogenic bacterium, such as a strain of Butyribacterium methylotrophicum ATCC 33226, in a nutrient medium containing a single carbon product, such as methanol, as the fermentation substrate or main source of assimilable carbon, accumulating the microbial cells in said medium and then separating and recovering said microbial cells and desired fermentation products from the spent media.

Abstract: Lower aliphatic carboxylic acids of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or salts thereof are prepared by culturing the microorganism Eubacterium limosum in a nutrient medium containing at least one member of the group consisting of carbon monoxide and a mixture of hydrogen and carbon oxide under substantially anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: Liquid (13, 13a) within a vessel (12, 12a) which receives an inflow is maintained at a predetermined level (43) by discharging liquid as necessary to compensate for the inflow. Discharge flow is drawn from below the surface (18) of the liquid to avoid clogging from scum or from other undesirable effects of surface draw off. Intake structure (34) for the discharge pump (33, 33a) has a branched flow path (47) that includes a first inlet (48) situated above the predetermined level, a second inlet (49) situated below the predetermined level and a flow junction (51) through which both inlets are communicated with the discharge pump, the junction being at the predetermined liquid level. If the liquid rises above the flow junction, the pump draws liquid through the second, subsurface inlet. If the liquid surface recedes below the flow junction, the pump aspirates air or other gas through the first inlet. Consequently liquid level is stabilized at the elevation of the flow junction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of manufacturing D(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid by breeding microorganisms capable of producing said acid in a nutrient medium containing certain specific carbon source; bacterial strains especially suitable in carrying out the process; an application of the process for obtaining such microorganisms; and uses of thus produced acid.