Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which inhibit farnesyl-protein transferase (FPTase) and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. The invention is further directed to chemotherapeutic compositions containing the compounds of this invention and methods for inhibiting farnesyl-protein transferase and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. Furthermore, Actinoplanes sp. ATCC 55532 and Streptomces sp. ATCC 55550 are microorganisms which are capable of producing the disclosed compounds which are classified as carboxylic acid esters. In addition a method for preparing the compounds is disclosed which includes cultivating strain ATCC 55532 or strain ATCC 55550. The strains are independently capable of producing the carboxylic acid ester compounds.

Abstract: Solid materials are separated from micro organisms by a process which comprises growing them at a fermentation temperature, conditioning them by cooling them without freezing and then heating to above the fermentation temperature without permitting substantial recovery from the conditioning stage.

Abstract: A stereoselective reduction of compound II to compound of formula I ##STR1## which comprises adding ketone substrate II to a culture broth of the Zygosaccharomyces bailii ATCC 38924, incubating the resulting mixture, and isolating a hydroxy compound of formula I, is described. The resulting compound of formula I is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3(S)-hydroxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propyl]-4(S)-(4-hy droxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone which is a serum cholesterol lowering agent. Also described is a stereoselective reduction of a compound of formula IV to compound of formula III ##STR2## using Schizosaccharomyces octosporus ATCC 2479.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fed batch production process for a composition of sophorosides, in which culturing takes place of at least one Candida bombicola or Candida apicola strain and the cultured strain is exposed in a reaction zone to an excess sugar supply and a continuous supply of at least one appropriate substrate at a supply rate to the reaction zone between 0.01 and 4 grams per hour and per liter of initial reaction volume and for a supply time such that the residual concentration of the substrate in the reaction zone is maintained at a value at the most equal to 18 grams per liter of initial reaction volume for the supply time and the composition of sophorosides produced is recovered.

Abstract: A biological process for predominantly producing an optically active .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acid having a phenyl group directly from a racemic .alpha.-hydroxynitrile or a mixture of an aldehyde corresponding to the nitrile and prussic acid as a substrate is disclosed, comprising reacting a microorganism belonging to the genus Gordona with the substrate in a neutral to basic aqueous medium. A desired optically active .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acid having a phenyl group can be obtained quantitatively at a high optical purity.

Abstract: A procedure for the extraction of polyhydroxyalkanoates from halophilic bacteria which contain them, using lysis or rupture of halophilic cells (for example, of the halobacteria type) which develop in media with high salt concentrations, by concentration by centrifugation, and then dilution-resuspension in a medium with low salt concentration, for example, fresh or distilled water, and then centrifugation, sedimentation, or filtration of the suspension obtained.

Abstract: The production of natural delta-decanolide and/or delta-dodecanolide or mixtures thereof, by means of the biohydrogenation of a substrate containing the corresponding unsaturated lactones, delta-decen-2-olide and delta-dodecen-2-olide, respectively, and mixtures thereof, is performed by means of the use of a microorganism chosen from the group consisting of Saccharomyces delbrueckii, Pichia ohmeri, Hansenula anomala, Pichia stipitis, Debaromyces hansenii, Zymomonas mobilis, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Schawnniomyces occidentalis, Sarcina lutea and Geotrichum candidum.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for producing 3,4-dihydroxyphthalic acid, comprising treating phthalic acid with a product which is obtained by treating the cell membrane fraction of microorganism bacterial bodies capable of converting phthalic acid to 3,4-dihydroxyphthalic acid with a condensate of polyethylene oxide with a higher alcohol, thereby converting the phthalic acid to 3,4-dihydroxyphthalic acid. According to the method, only 3,4-dihydroxyphthalic acid, which is an intermediary metabolite, can be produced efficiently in a process of biodegrading phthalic acid with a microorganism.

Abstract: Ferulic acid, vanillic acid, coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde can be prepared from eugenol with the aid of a new Pseudomonas species.

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: Two optically active forms of 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-keto-pentanoic acid of the formula ##STR1## wherein carbon atom 4 has the (S)-configuration, and carbon atom 3 can have the (R)-configuration or the (S)-configuration (compound I) are made using a biotransformation process. Compound I may be manufactured by reacting 4-hydroxy-isoleucine (2S, 3R, 4S) of the formula: ##STR2## with microorganisms which have L-amino acid oxidase activity or with an L-amino acid oxidase. Compound I is a flavor precursor and may also be used as an intermediate for the production of the optically active (5S)-3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone: ##STR3## which is useful as a flavorant.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies or paratope-containing portions thereof are disclosed that immunoreact with a meso diester substrate ligand and catalytically hydrolyze a single predetermined ester bond to form one of a pair of enantiomers. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing D-mandelic acid comprising the steps of:(1) treating racemic mandelic acid with a culture broth, cells or treated cells of a microorganism having ability of converting L-mandelic acid into benzoylformic acid.(2) treating the reaction mixture of the step (1) with a culture broth, cells or treated cells of a microorganism having ability of stereoselectively reducing benzoylformic acid into D-mandelic acid, and(3) isolating and collecting the D-mandelic acid from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (s) -2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: Poly-.beta.-hydroxyoctanoic acid, a multi-purpose product, is prepared by means of a method for aerobically fermenting bacteria which can accumulate said acid, wherein a nutrient solution containing a growth control agent is added to the culture medium to maintain a dilution level of about 0.050-0.100 h.sup.-1. Once it has been separated from the culture medium, the biomass is suspended in acetone or isopropanol, and the separated and dried cell mass is dissolved in an unchlorinated inert organic solvent. The desired acid is obtained by evaporating the clear filtrate which is recovered after separating the solid mass in the form of a stable polymeric film.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 5-hydroxypyrazinecarboxylic acid and/or its salts with microorganisms of the strain Agrobacterium sp. DSM 6336 or descendants thereof or mutants thereof, utilizing 3-cyanopyridine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbiological process for the production of polyesters and utilizes bacteria of the Pseudomanas fluorescens rRNA branch according to the phylogenetic classification of De Vos and De Ley. These bacteria are cultured under aerobic fermentation conditions in a nutrient medium comprising an excess of at least one assimilarable acylic aliphatic hydrocarbon compound having 6-18 carbon atoms and a limiting quantity of at least one of other nutrients essential for growth to form poly-3-hydroxyalkanaoates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing polyester biopolymers by culturing Pseudomonas oleovorans bacteria on substrates comprising certain nutrients. The nature of the polyesters can be varied by varying the nature of the carbon source used. In this way polyesters with unsaturated double bonds can be produced, too. From the polyesters, optically active carboxylic acids or esters are produced. The polymers can be used for making articles of manufacture, such as sutures, films, skin and bone grafts.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the production of PHB from a transformed E. coli host which includes the genes coding for the PHB biosynthetic pathway. By inserting the genes coding for PHB into a host which includes a lactose utilization system, a low cost minimal medium including whey can be used as the fuel and carbon source for PHB production. A plasmid which codes for the PHB biosynthetic pathway plus four hundred extra bases on either side of the first and last genes in the pathway has been inserted into the host and has been shown to produce a larger amount of PHB accumulation in a shorter period of time than other plasmid constructs. CaCl.sub.2 has been shown to be an effective agglomerating agent for agglomerating PHB which has been produced in a transformed E. coli host.

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: Optically active .beta.-halolactic acids can be produced by contacting an .alpha.,.beta.-dihalopropionic acid with 2-halo acid dehalogenase. When the pH of the reaction system is above 9, this process gives optically active glycidic acid. Treatment of the optically active .beta.-halolactic acid thus obtained with an alkali also gives optically active glycidic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of MA, which ensures MA production by enzymatic catalysis in glycine/NaOH buffer, and by the use of a phosphate-containing culture medium for Bacillus sp. DSM 4675 and by extraction of the biomass with acetone.

Abstract: A new microorganism for breaking down moenomycins, a process for the breakdown, and the use of the breakdown products are disclosed. A new Bacillus species and the appropriate enzymes obtained therefrom can be used to break down phosphoglycolipid antibiotics. The breakdown products of moenomycins display antibiotic activity or can be used as building blocks for the synthetic preparation of transglycosylase inhibitors.

Abstract: A new microbiological process for the production of hydroxy-nitrogen-heterocyclic-carboxylic acids or their soluble salts of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group and X is a nitrogen atom or a CR.sub.3 function, wherein R.sub.3 is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, starting from the corresponding nitrogen-heterocyclic-carboxylic acids, as well as new microorganisms suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: A process for treating R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof or a mixture of benzaldehyde or a derivative thereof, and; hydrogen cyanide, with a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus sp. HT29-7 (FERM BP-3857) in an almost neutral or basic aqueous medium to thereby directly produce a predominant amount of R(-)-mandelic acid or a derivative thereof, whereby the racemic R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof or benzaldehyde or a derivative thereof and hydrogen cyanide can be directly converted into R(-)-mandelic acid or a derivative thereof at a ratio of about 80 to 100% and at an optical purity of almost 100%.sub.ee without performing any optical resolution.

Abstract: A process for the oxidation of 2-phenoxypropionic acid to 2-(4-hydrophenoxy)propionic acid using microorganisms is described.

Abstract: A microbiological process, capable of producing polymers comprising monomer repeat units of the structure--O.CH((CH.sub.2).sub.x CH.sub.3).CH.sub.2.--CO--wherein x is particularly 6 from glucose, novel polymers produced through the process and new strains of Pseudomonas for use in the process.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 5-hydroxypyrazinecarboxylic acid and/or its salts with microorganisms using nicotinic acid and/or its salts.

Abstract: Described is a process for the preparation of compositions of matter containing octalactones defined according to the structure: ##STR1## which includes the stereoisomers having the structures: ##STR2## by means of the sequential steps of (i) fermentation of caprylic acid or the ethyl ester of caprylic acid defined according to the generic structure: ##STR3## wherein R is hydrogen or ethyl using a microorganism selected from the group consisting of:Mortierella ramanniana var. ramanniana--CBS 112.08Mortierella ramanniana var. ramanniana--CBS 478.

Abstract: Copolymers of poly(beta-hydroxybutyric acid) and poly (beta-hydroxyvaleric acid) are produced by culturing alcohol-utilizing strains of Alcaligenes eutrophus on a carbon source including primary alcohols having an odd number of carbon atoms such as propan-1-ol.

Abstract: 2-Oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid is treated with a microorganism, which has been optionally treated, capable of asymmetrically reducing 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid into either (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid, and the (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid thus produced is recovered to thereby give optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid.The optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid is an important intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs such as a remedy for hypertension.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies or paratope-containing portions thereof are disclosed that immunoreact with an enol ester substrate ligand having a prochiral center and catalytically hydrolyze a single predetermined eThis invention was made with government support under Contract GM 43858 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: Novel strains of Aspergillus terreus have been discovered which provide fermentation production of at least 5.2 g/L of 7-[1,2,6,7,8,8a(R)-hexahydro-2(S),6(R)-dimethyl-8(S)-hydroxy-1(S)-naphthyl ]-3(R),5(R)-dihydroxyheptanoic acid (triol acid, I), but with production of not more than 0.85 g/L of (triol acid)-related side products and specifically less than 0.10 mg/liter of lovastatin. The predominant fermentation product triol acid, may be converted in a straightforward manner to its lactone form, in which it is an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase and thus useful as an antihypercholesterolemic agent, and in which it may also serve as an intermediate for preparation of other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxypyrazinecarboxylic acid and/or its salts with microorganisms using picolinic acid and/or its salts. The microorganisms grow with picolinic acid and/or its salts as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source. In this way the formed 6-hydroxypyrazinecarboxylic acid is accumulated in the medium and then isolated.

Abstract: A (2R,3S)-3-hydroxy-2-methylbutyrate is efficiently and selectively produced by microbial asymmetric reduction of a 2-methyl-3-oxobutyrate with a bacterial strain or its processed material.

Abstract: Mixture containing at least 70% by weight of polyhydroxyalkanoate and one or more compounds which contain reactive alcohol and/or acid groups, mixtures of poly-D (-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid with a polyether being excluded, process for the preparation of a polymer by melting the above mixture and a polymer in which at least some of the acid and/or alcohol groups of the polyhydroxyalkanoate are bonded via ester bonds to alcohol and/or acid groups of the admixed compound.

Abstract: A process for the predominantly producing R(-)-mandelic acid or a derivative thereof which comprises subjecting (i) R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, or (ii) a mixture of prussic acid and benzaldehyde or a derivative of benzaldehyde to the action of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of the genus Aureobacterium, Pseudomonas, Caseobacter, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter, Brevibacterium, Nocardia, and Bacillus or treated cells thereof, which the microorganism is capable of stereospecifically hydrolyzing a nitrile group of the R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, in a neutral or basic aqueous reaction system to produce the R(-)-mandelic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing delta-lactones useful for incorporation in flavourings and fragrances, wherein a micro-organism which is preferably acceptable for making "food grade" products and which does not metabolize delta-lactones, is cultured aerobically in a culture medium containing as the substrate, an 11-hydroxy fatty acid having an odd number .gtoreq.5 of carbon atoms between the carboxyl group and the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy group. The preferred micro-organism is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae species. The delta-hydroxy-alkanoic acid reaction product of the process is lactonized either in the fermentation broth or after separation therefrom. Especially suitable is 11-hydroxy palmitic acid. The hydroxy fatty acid may be added either pure or as the mixture obtained by hydrolysis of an ester thereof. Enzymatic hydrolysis of such ester may be done in situ in the fermentation broth.

Abstract: Process for extracting polyhydroxyalkanoates from the cell material of microorganisms by adding an organic solvent for the polyhydroxyalkanoate which is immiscible with water and which has a boiling point of below 100.degree. C., and, if appropriate, by adding water; stirring the resulting extraction mixture, if appropriate with refluxing; separating off the aqueous phase which contains the cell material in undissolved form from the organic phase; and injecting the organic phase into hot water, causing the dissolved polyhydroxyalkanoate to precipitate and the organic solvent to evaporate, and also isolating the precipitated polyhydroxyalkanoate flocs.

Abstract: The invention relates to optically active alkyl 3-aryl-3-hydroxypropionates represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy of 1-4 carbon atoms, benzyloxy, flurorine, chlorine or bromine and R.sup.6 is alkyl, and a method for producing the above compounds.

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: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: The long-term activity of the biocatalyst for the production of sorbitol and gluconic acid from an aqueous solution of fructose and glucose is considerably improved with the aid of permeabilized cells of Zymomonas mobilis immobilized using .kappa.-carrageenan that has been rigidified and then stabilized by K.sup.+ ions. Rigidification of .kappa.-carrageenan is preferably carried out by treatment with glutaraldehyde alone or by treatment with polyethyleneimine or hexamethylenediamine and subsequent exposure to glutaraldehyde. A buffer-free solution is preferred and the pH is maintained by adding Ca.sup.++ ions while simultaneously precipitating gluconic acid.

Abstract: A process for the decomposition of acrylamide using an amidase (acrylamide amido hydrolyase) enzyme in which the enzyme has been heated to a temperature in the range 40.degree. to 80.degree. to induce increased activity of the enzyme. A method for preparing the enzyme and a process for producing acrylic acid are also claimed. The process for the decomposition of acrylamide is useful in particular for reducing the level of unreacted monomer associated with homo- and hetero-polymers of acrylamide. A temperature in the range 50.degree. to 62.degree. is particularly preferred for heating.

Abstract: An antibody molecule or molecule containing antibody combining site portions (catalytic molecule) that catalytically hydrolyzes a preselected carboxylic acid amide or ester bond of a reactant ligand, methods of making and using the catalytic molecule, and cells that produce those molecules are disclosed. The catalytic molecules bind to a reactant ligand containing the bond to be hydrolyzed and also to a haptenic ligand. The haptenic ligand is structurally analogous to the reactant ligand and contains a tetrahedral carbon atom that is bonded to a hydroxyl group and to a saturated carbon atom at a position in the haptenic ligand that corresponds to position of the carbonyl group and its bonded heteroatom of the reactant ligand. The haptenic ligand also contains a group that bears an ionic charge in aqueous solution at physiological pH values that is not present at a corresponding position of the reactant ligand. The ionic charge-bearing group is located in the hapten within 7 .ANG.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of ethanol and the recovery of economically significant amounts of such by-products therefrom as glycerol, betaine, L-pyroglutamic acid, succinic and lactic acid, potassium sulfate and a free flowing distiller's dry grain and solubles useful as an animal feed or a component of food for humans or as a premix for agricultural fertilizer and/or a feed additive. An important aspect of the recovery step is the utilization of a crossflow microfiltration system which includes inorganic membranes for the classification of the stillage.

Abstract: This invention relates to the manufacture of ethanol and the recovery of such by-products therefrom as glycerol, betaine, succinic and lactic acid, potassium sulfate and a free flowing distiller's dry grain and solubles useful as an animal feed or a component of food for humans or as a premix for agricultural fertilizer. The process disclosed is an improvement over that of U.S. application Ser. No. 136,415 in the area of enhancement of glycerol recovery from stillage resulting from the fermentation of a biomass mash, and involves production of glycerol in amount in excess of 10 grams per 100 grams of reducing sugar in the starting biomass mash.

Abstract: Described is a process for the preparation of compositions of matter containing octalactones defined according to the structure: ##STR1## which includes the stereoisomers having the structures: ##STR2## by means of the sequential steps of (i) fermentation of caprylic acid or the ethyl ester of caprylic acid defined according to the generic structure: ##STR3## wherein R is hydrogen or ethyl using a microorganism selected from the group consisting of:Mortierella isabellina, ATCC 44583;Mortierella isabellina, ATCC 38063;Syncephalastrum racemosum, NRRL A-5889;Mortierella isabellina, IFO 7884;Mortierella ramanniana var. angulispora, IFO 8187;Mortierella isabellina, CBS 221.

Abstract: Optically active substances are prepared by the asymmetric hydrolysis of ##STR1## with specific microorganisms.