Abstract: The present invention relates to: a method for producing ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid, which comprises hydrolyzing cyanohydrin in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent; a method for producing optically active ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid, which comprises: producing optically active cyanohydrin by performing a reaction between a carbonyl compound and hydrogen cyanide, using a solvent comprising at least one organic solvent selected from a group consisting of an alcoholic solvent, an ester solvent, an ethereal solvent and a carboxylic solvent; removing said organic solvent from said reaction solvent; and hydrolyzing the remaining reaction mixture without isolating optically active cyanohydrin; a method for producing optically active ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid, which comprises hydrolyzing optically active cyanohydrin, using at most 10 equivalents of mineral acid relative to said optically active cyanohydrin under the condition that maximum temperature when reacting is 90° C.

Abstract: The invention is to provide polyhydroxyalkanoate of a novel structure enabling application to wider fields, and a producing method therefor. The invention also provides a biodegradable charge control agent having excellent charging characteristics, excellent dispersibility in the toner resin and improved spent property. The polyhydroxyalkanoate of the present invention is featured by including, in the polymer molecule, a units represented by the general formulas (1) and (2) and at least one of the units represented by the general formulas (3) to (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of chiral &agr;-hydroxycarboxylic acids: in which R1 is optionally halogen substituted C1-C2-alkyl and R2 is optionally halogen substituted C2-C3-alkyl from a compound: in which R′2 is optionally halogen substituted C2-C3-alkylene, m is 0 or 1 and R is optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl and X can be oxygen, sulfur, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, imino, C1-C6-alkylimino, xanthate, silyl, or, if m is equal to 0, halogen, which is reacted in the presence of a cyanide group donor to give the corresponding (R)- or (S)-cyanohydrin or its racemate: which then is converted by means of acidic hydrolysis into an acid: or its racemate, and by cleavage of the group: (R)m-X  (V), and optional resolution, whereby the desired chiral &agr;-hydroxycarboxylic acid of the formula (I) is obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for enzymatic preparation of homogentisate (HMO) from 4-hydroxypyruvate (HPP), characterized in that it consists in carrying out in a suitable reaction medium the following enzymatic reactions: enzymatic conversion of HPP into 4-hydroxyphenylacetate (HPA) with a first appropriate enzyme; then an enzymatic conversion of HPA into HMO with a second appropriate enzyme.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate type polyester that comprises one unit % or more of 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)alkanoic acid units. A microbial production method is also provided.

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 process for recovering carboxylic acids from an aqueous mixture such as a fermentation broth using a solvent containing at least one olefin without the need for first removing the spent microorganism cells is provided. A co-solvent which increases the partition coefficient of the solvent relative to the carboxylic acid may optionally be included. The resulting carboxylic acid is hydrogenated to produce a saturated carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Coexpression of a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid synthase and either a fatty acid: acyl-CoA transferase or an acyl-CoA synthetase in cells enables the biosynthesis of polyester materials. Plasmids, bacteria, materials, and methods for the preparation of polyesters are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising hydrolysis or trans esterification of one of the two enantiomeric forms of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched ester of formula I or IV by a higher rate than the other by an enzyme to give an ester and a acid (III) or two different esters (V) and (VI) with different R groups both with increased enantiomeric purity and a esterification process of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched acid (VII) by an enzyme to give an ester and an acid both with increased enantiomeric purity.

Abstract: An economical and expedient method is disclosed for the preparation of &agr;-hydroxy-carboxylic acids or salts thereof in very high enantiomeric purity which comprises oxidizing a corresponding &agr;-amino-carboxylic acid or salt thereof using an amino acid deaminase followed by reducing the corresponding &agr;-keto-carboxylic acid or salt produced using a D- or L-lactate dehydrogenase in the combination with an electron donor and an enzyme/substrate system for recycling the electron donor. The resulting &agr;-hydroxy-carboxylic acids, hydrates, and salts thereof are valuable components and intermediates in the preparation of chiral compounds, especially pharmaceuticals. This invention also relates to the use of &agr;-amino-carboxylic acids, hydrates, and salts thereof and a coupled enzyme system in the production of &agr;-hydroxy-carboxylic acids, hydrates, and salts thereof.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic production of D-pantothenic acid and/or its salts or feedstuffs additives containing the latter by fermentation of microorganisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae, in particular those that already produce D-pantothenic acid, wherein the nucleotide sequence(s) coding for the serC gene is/are enhanced, in particular overexpressed, in the microorganisms.

Abstract: In a method of reducing diketocarboxylic acids or hydroxyketocarboxylic acids or their esters, at least one keto group is converted to a hydroxyl group in the presence of lactobacillus species.

Abstract: PHA containing a novel 3-hydroxy-thioalkanoic acid unit having a highly reactive thienyl group in a side chain thereof, and a method of producing the same are provided. Specifically, 5-(2-thienyl-sulfanyl)valeric acid represented by Chemical Formula [4] below and 6-(2-thienylsulfanyl)hexanoic acid represented by Chemical Formula [5] below are provided. Further, a method of producing PHA, comprising the step of collecting PHA from cells of a microorganism cultured in a medium containing the valeric acid or hexanoic acid, and a novel PHA represented by Chemical Formula [1] below are provided.

Abstract: A method br the fermentative preparation of D-pantothenic acid and/or its salts or feedstuff additives containing these. Said method comprising fermentation of Escherichia coli microorganisms wherein at least one of the nucleotide sequence(s) coding for the gcvT, gcvH, and gcvP gene is overexpressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new microbial process for the preparation of the compound formula (I) from a compound of general formula (II) wherein R stands for an alkali metal or ammonium ion, by the submerged cultivation of a mold strain able to 6&bgr;-hydroxylate a compound of the Formula (II) in aerobic fermentation and by the separation and purification of the product of Formula (I) formed in the course of the bioconversion. The process comprises cultivating a strain of Mortierella maculata filamentous mold species that is able to 6&bgr;-hydroxylate a compound of the general Formula (II), on a nutrient medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources and mineral salts and separating the product formed from the fermentation broth, then isolating the compound of formula (I) and purifying the same. Novel strains of Mortierella maculata are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the fermentative preparation of D-pantothenic acid and/or its salts or feedstuff additives containing these. Said method comprising, fermentation of Escherichia coli microorganisms wherein the nucleotide sequence(s) coding the glyA gene is overexpressed.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing amorpha-4,11-diene synthase from isopentenyl pyrophosphate are provided. A first method comprises introducing into a host microorganism a plurality of heterologous nucleic acid sequences, each coding for a different enzyme in the mevalonate pathway for producing isopentenyl pyrophosphate. Amorpha-4,11-diene synthase is then produced using an optimized amorpha-4,11-diene synthase gene. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences, enzymes, expression vectors, and transformed host cells for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the molecular weight of a polyhydroxyalkanoate containing at least one of a unit: —[OCH((CH2)mR1)CH2C(O)]— (m=1-8; R1 is a residue having a ring structure of any of phenyl and thienyl structure), and a unit: —[OCH((CH2)kC6H1)R2)CH2C(O)]— (k=0-8; R2 denotes a substituent on the cyclohexyl group including H, CN, NO2, halogen atom, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, CF3, C2F5 or C3F7), wherein a microorganism is cultivated in the presence of a hydroxyl group-containing compound, which is capable of producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate from R3(CH2)qCH2CH2COOH (q=1-8; R3 contains a residue having a ring structure of phenyl or thienyl) or R4C6H10(CH2)rCH2CH2COOH (r=0-8; R4 denotes a substituent on the cyclohexyl group including H, CN, NO2, halogen, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, CF3, C2F5, or C3F7).

Abstract: A novel polypeptide for producing tert-butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate, a gene encoding the polypeptide, and a method of using the polypeptide, are provided. The polypeptide has an enzyme activity to asymmetrically reduce tert-butyl (S)-6-chloro-5-hydroxy-3-oxohexanoate to tert-butyl (3R,5S)-6-chloro-3,5-dihydroxyhexanoate. The polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO. 1 in the Sequence Listing, or the amino acid sequence having at least one amino acid substitution, insertion, deletion, or addition thereof.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) having a desired configuration is produced using a raw material containing &ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoic acid and (&ohgr;-substituted alkanoic acid in which a group having a ring structure selected from phenyl, thienyl, and cyclohexyl structures substitutes therefor on the end thereof by producing a PHA copolymer containing the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoate unit and the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-substituted alkanoate unit by making use of a microorganism capable of producing the PHA or by oxidizing a predetermined portion of the corresponding PHA.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing optically active 2-hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic acid characterized by the steps of: allowing 2-oxocycloalkanecarboxylic acid ester to react with a transformant or a dead cell artificially provided with an ability to asymmetrically reduce 2-oxocycloalkanecarboxylic acid ester to optically active 2-hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic acid ester and an ability to regenerate a coenzyme on which an enzyme having the former ability depends; and collecting the produced optically active 2-hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic acid ester.

Abstract: D-pantothenic acid and/or a salt thereof or feedstuffs additives comprising these are prepared by fermentation of a microorganism of the Enterobacteriaceae family, in particular one which already produces D-pantothenic acid, wherein the nucleotide sequence(s) in the microorganism which code(s) for the poxB gene is (are) attenuated, in particular eliminated.

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 &egr;-caprolactone in the preparation of highly branched copolyester.

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 &egr;-caprolactone in the preparation of highly branched copolyester.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of shikimic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing shikimic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided.

Abstract: A novel pathway for the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate is provided. A method of synthesizing a recombinant polyhydroxyalkanoate monomer synthase is also provided. These recombinant polyhydroxyalknoate synthases are derived from multifunctional fatty acid synthases or polyketide synthases and generate hydroxyacyl acids capable of polymerization by a polyhydroxyalknoate synthase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for the preparation of optically active 3,3,3-trifluoromethyl-2-alkyl propionic acid derivatives of the general formulae (I) and (II), in which R is ethyl or methyl and X is OH or NH2, provided that if R is methyl X≠—OH. The method comprises the reaction of a racemic propionic acid amide of the general formula (III) either by means of microorganisms which are able to use the propionic acid amide in the form of the racemate or one of its optically active isomers as the only nitrogen source or by means of a polypeptide with amidohydrolase activity which is able to hydrolyze the propionic acid amide. The invention also relates to new optically active representatives of this category of compounds.

Abstract: There are provided a polynucleotide sequence coding for an amino acid sequence capable of preferentially producing (S)-4-bromo-3-hydroxy-butanoate by asymmetrically reducing 4-bromo-3-oxobutanoate, A DNA construct having a promoter in operative linkage with the polynucleotide sequence, a recombinant vector containing the polynucleotide sequences a transformant, a recombinant vector and the like.

Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid where acetone cyanohydrin is converted to 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity, or having a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The invention also encompasses production of methacrylic acid wherein the 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid produced with the catalyst described is dehydrated to produce methacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method for preparing nondeliquescent crystalline calcium pantothenate which comprises the steps of: (1) stirring a supersaturated aqueous solution containing calcium pantothenate in a ratio of 60% (W/W) or more, for example, by using a grinder mill, to obtain a crystal suspension; and (2) drying the suspension. A nondeliquescent crystalline calcium pantothenate which is substantially free from an organic solvent can be efficiently prepared.

Abstract: The preparation of alkaline earth salts of D-pantothenic acid, in which the fermentation is carried out in the presence of alkaline earth compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a high &agr;G-AA content product, which comprises the steps of: contacting a solution as a material solution, containing &agr;G-AA, L-ascorbic acid, and a saccharide(s), with an anion exchange resin packed in a column to adsorb the &agr;G-AA and L-ascorbic acid on the anion exchanger; washing the anion exchanger with water to remove the saccharide(s) therefrom; feeding to the column an aqueous solution, as an eluent, of an acid and/or a salt with a concentration of less than 0.5 N to fractionate a fraction rich in 2-O-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid and a fraction rich in L-ascorbic acid; and collecting the former fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of xylitol. In particular, processes utilising L-xylose as an intermediate for xylitol production are described. The present invention also relates to process for the preparation or L-xylose, as an intermediate, by-product or end-product to be used per se.

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 &egr;-caprolactone in the preparation of highly branched copolyester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to physiologically active materials separated from the cereals and manufacturing method thereof. Physiologically active materials such as ferulic acid and arabinoxylan present in cereal brans were separated by the extrusion process and the subsequent treatment with plant cell wall hydrolyzing enzymes. This combined process of extrusion and enzyme treatments for cereal brans, compared to the individual treatment, significantly increased the separation efficiency of physiologically active materials in cereal brans, ferulic acid and arabinoxylan, which inherently exist as insoluble materials in the cell wall of cereal bran.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of synthesis of a substituted or unsubstituted carbinol compound, comprising the steps of subjecting the corresponding substituted or unsubstituted aromatic aldehyde to acyloin condensation mediated by yeast in the presence of either (a) a supercritical fluid or (b) a liquefied gas, and recovering the carbinol compound. Preferably the yeast is Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a particularly preferred embodiment the aromatic aldehyde is benzaldehyde and the carbinol is pheny-lacetylcarbinol, according to the reaction (1): in which the benzaldehyde, the pyruvic acid, or both may optionally be substituted.

Abstract: A process for purifying and concentrating a gluconic acid derivative, such as 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, comprising introducing a non-viable and/or acidified fermentation medium or an in-vitro reactor medium comprising at least the gluconic acid derivative and/or salt thereof to electrodialysis thereby purifying and concentrating the gluconic acid derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and host cells for the production of ascorbic acid intermediates. The invention also provides host cells having a modification in a polynucleotide that uncouples the catabolic pathway from the oxidative pathway by deleting the encoding for an endogenous enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-glucose at its 6th carbon and/or a polynucleotide that has deleted the encoding for endogenous enzymatic activity that phosphorylates D-gluconate at its 6th carbon. Such host cells are used for the production of products, such as, ascorbic acid intermediates. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences with inactivated enzymatic activity which phosphorylates D-glucose at its 6th carbon and inactivated enzymatic activity which phosphorylates D-gluconate at its 6th carbon are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a means for enhancing the value of distillation residues of fermentation products and in particular, a process for producing compounds of economic interest from these distillation residues of fermentation products. This production process also comprises suitable steps for extracting these compounds. In particular, the invention relates to enhancing the value of distillation residues of fermentation products from the agro-feeding industry.

Abstract: A class of biopolymer including sulfur in the form of a thioester in the polymer backbone or a thioether in the polymer side chains has been developed. These are preferably produced by fermentation of bacteria with appropriate sulfur containing substrates, which are incorporated by a broad spectrum polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) polymerase. The sulfur-containing PHAs allow various applications and uses in industry. Representative embodiments of the applications of the sulfur-containing PHAs include their uses in the packaging industry, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture or food industry, as active agents or as coatings, packaging, or carriers.

Abstract: A method for producing a microbial polyester by culturing a microorganism being capable of producing a poly hydroxyalkanoate polyester in a culture medium containing 1-hexene as a sole carbon source.

Abstract: Microorganisms capable of synthesizing novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having 3-hydroxythienylalkanoic acid as monomer unit, using thienylalkanoic acid as a stock are cultured on a culture medium containing thienylalkanoic acid, and the polyhydroxyalkanoate produced in the cultured cell is extracted and

Abstract: This invention relates to a biocatalytic process to produce terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid from p-xylene and m-xylene, respectively. Terephthalic acid has been prepared by oxidizing p-xylene with bacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia. Conversion of p-xylene into terephthalic acid is accomplished by a single bacterial strain that produces all of the requisite enzymes. In addition, this invention relates to the preparation of isophthalic acid from a mixture of m- and p-xylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fatty acid 13-hydroperoxide lyase protein from guava (Psidium guajava) and the gene encoding the protein. Expression systems for recombinant guava 13-hydroperoxide lyase and methods of using recombinant guava 13-hydroperoxide lyase for the production of green notes are provided.

Abstract: A nystatin-resistant mutant microorganism belonging to Aspegillus genus is provided for preparing triol heptanoic acid, a precursor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor. A mutant Aspergillus terreus CLS247-13, KCTC 0673 BP is prepared by treating Aspergillus terreus CLS216-7, KCTC 0359 BP with ultraviolet ray or chemical mutagens. The mutant provides high productivity (at least 11.5 g/L, 95/6% of the total product) of triol heptanoic acid, while reducing (less than 0.53 g/L, 4.4% of total product) productivity of triol heptanoic acid analogues. Since the nystatin-resistant mutant strain CLS347-13 has a capability of producing triol heptanioc acid with a high yield in a short period of culture time compared with known triol heptanoic acid producing strains, it can be widely used in industrial applications.

Abstract: In a method of reducing diketocarboxylic acids or hydroxyketocarboxylic acids or their esters, at least one keto group is converted to a hydroxyl group in the presence of lactobacillus species.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enantioselective reduction of 3,5-dioxocarboxylic acid derivatives and their syntheses. According to the invention, compounds of formula (4) are reacted with an alcohol dehydrogenase which preferably stems from Lactobacillus brevis and which is recombinantly over-expressed in Escherichia coli, in the presence of NADPH. The keto group in position 5 is enantioselectively reduced during this reaction. The keto group in position 3 can also be specifically syn- or anti-reduced in a further step by means of chemical or enzymatic reactions.