Abstract: A method for utilizing cultivated plant biomass components, namely cellulose, hemicellose, and lignin, and converting them to value-added biobased chemical products is described herein. The present method provides treatments to obtain a plurality of component streams from cultivated plant biomass for producing derivative products while minimizing waste products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing hydrolysis of a cellulosic material, comprising: hydrolyzing the cellulosic material with an enzyme composition in the presence of a polypeptide having peroxidase activity.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbial organism has at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a MEK pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce MEK. The MEK pathway includes an enzyme selected from an acetoacetyl-CoA dehydrogenase (bifunctional), an acetoacetyl-CoA aldehyde dehydrogenase, a 3-oxobutyraldehyde reductase, a 3-oxobutanol dehydratase, an MEK oxidoreductase, a 3-oxobutyraldehyde aminotransferase, a 4-aminobutan-2-one deaminase, a 2-amino-4-ketopentanoate (AKP) thiolase, an AKP aminotransferase, a 2,4-dioxopentanoate decarboxylase, an AKP deaminase, an acetylacrylate decarboxylase, an AKP decarboxylase, a glutamate dehydrogenase, a 3-oxobutyraldehyde oxidoreductase (aminating) and an AKP oxidoreductase (aminating). A 2-butanol pathway further includes an MEK reductase. A method for producing MEK or 2-butanol includes culturing these organisms under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce MEK or 2-butanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to yeast species which are normally capable of producing sophorolipids but which are modified in such way that they are incapable producing the latter compounds. These sophorolipid-negative strains surprisingly display equal growth characteristics and biomass formation as their wild type counterparts and are hence useful for the production of compounds such as recombinant proteins, glycolipids, polyhydroxyalkanoates and carotenoides. In addition, the present invention discloses two glucosyltransferase genes with key-functions in sophorolipid production.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having polyketide synthase activity have been identified and characterized. Expression or over-expression of the nucleic acids alters levels of cannabinoid compounds in organisms. The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce cannabinoid compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an aqueous glucose solution from maize or maize kernels. The invention also relates to a glucose solution obtainable by this process, and to its use for the production of organic compounds. The process according to the invention comprises: a) fractionating dry milling of maize kernels, where the maize kernels are separated into a maize-starch-comprising endosperm fraction and a high-oil germ fraction and, if appropriate, a bran fraction; b) enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification of the maize starch in an aqueous suspension of the endosperm fraction, which gives an aqueous glucose solution comprising maize gluten; and c) depletion of the maize gluten and, if appropriate, any bran present from the aqueous glucose solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a biocatalytic process for oxidation of organic compounds with the aid of an alkL gene product, and microorganisms used in this process.

Abstract: Microbial production of pyruvate and metabolites derived from pyruvate in cells exhibiting reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase activity compared to wild-type cells. Acetate and glucose are supplied as a carbon sources.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic reduction of an enoate (1) wherein the C?C bond of the enoate (1) is stereoselectively hydrogenated in the presence of an enoate-reductase and an oxidizable co-substrate (2) in a system which is free of NAD(P)H, a. b. in which c. A is a ketone radical (—CRO), an aldehyde radical (—CHO), a carboxyl radical (—COOR), with R?H or optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl radical, d. R1, R2 and R3 are independently of one another H, —O—C1-C6-alkyl, —O—W with W=a hydroxyl protecting group, C1-C6-alkyl, which can be substituted, C2-C6-alkenyl, carboxyl, or an optionally substituted carbo- or heterocyclic, aromatic or nonaromatic radical, or one of R1, R2 and R3 is a —OH radical, or R1 is linked to R3 so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, or R1 is linked to R so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, with the proviso that R1, R2 and R3 may not be identical.

Abstract: A dense but oxygen permeable membrane separates the oxygen supply compartment from the fermentation compartment, which contains all microorganisms, a nutrient medium and the pretreated lignocellulose. The oxygen, necessary for the growth and the activity of the aerobic cellulolytic enzymes producing microorganisms is solely transported from the oxygen supply compartment through the membrane, which leads to an oxygen gradient within the biofilm growing on the membrane. The oxygen rich zone of the biofilm lies on the membrane whereas the biofilm further away from the membrane as well as the surrounding nutrient medium are oxygen depleted. In the aerobic biofilm the extra-cellular enzymes are produced in situ and are released into the nutrient medium where they hydrolyse the cellulose and hemicellulose into soluble monosugars, which are then converted to the desired fermentation product by suitable microorganisms in the anaerobic zones of the reactor.

Abstract: Using screening of transposon random insertion mutants, genes involved in accumulation of (p)ppGpp were found to be involved in bacterial cell response to butanol. Reduced production of proteins with enzymatic activity for (p)ppGpp biosynthesis confers increased butanol tolerance. Bacterial strains with reduced (p)ppGpp accumulation and having a butanol or 2-butanone biosynthetic pathway are useful for production of butanol or 2-butanone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Provided herein is a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a cyclohexanone pathway and comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a cyclohexanone pathway enzyme. Also provided herein is a method for producing cyclohexanone, including culturing these non-naturally occurring microbial organisms.

Abstract: Strict anaerobic thermophilic bacterium belonging to the group of Thermoanaerobacter italicus subsp. marato subsp. nov. and mutants and derivatives thereof. The bacterium is particularly suitable for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, lactic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen from lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. For example, the microbial organism can contain at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme or protein in an acetyl-CoA pathway. The microbial organism is capable of utilizing synthesis gases comprising CO, CO2 and/or H2, alone or in combination with methanol, to produce acetyl-CoA.

Abstract: Cyclic alkynes (e.g., cyclooctynes such as dibenzocyclooctynes) can be photochemically generated from cyclopropenones as disclosed herein. The cyclic alkynes can be reacted (e.g., in situ) with materials having alkyne-reactive groups (e.g., azide groups in a “click” reaction). In preferred embodiments, the generation and reaction of the cyclic alkyne can proceed in the absence of a catalyst (e.g., Cu(I)). These reactions can be useful, for example, for the selective labeling of living cells that are metabolically modified with azido-containing surface monosaccharides, or for light-directed surface patterning.

Abstract: There are provided bioproducts and methods of improving production of the bioproducts from engineered microbial cells, the methods comprising: providing a fermentation broth comprising a crude carbon source; inoculating said fermentation broth with said microbial cells; and incubating the inoculated fermentation broth; wherein said bioproduct is a hydrophobic solvent immiscible with said fermentation broth, and wherein a toxic side product present in said crude carbon source is soluble in said hydrophobic solvent. Also, provided are kits for practicing the methods of improving production of bioproducts.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-petroleum high-octane fuel derived from biomass sources, and a method of producing same. The method of production involves reducing the biomass feedstocks to sugars, fermenting the sugars using microorganisms or mutagens thereof to produce ethanol or acetic acid, converting the acetic acid or ethanol to acetone, and converting the acetone to mesitylene and isopentane, the major components of the renewable engine fuel. Trimerization of acetone can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of niobium, iron and manganese. The ethanol can be converted to mesitylene in a dehydration reaction in the presence of a catalyst of zinc oxide/calcium oxide, and unreacted ethanol and water separated from mesitylene by distillation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for restoring a Glu+ phenotype to a PTS?/Glu? bacterial cell which was originally capable of utilizing a phosphotransferase transport system (PTS) for carbohydrate transport. Bacterial cells comprising the Glu+ phenotype have modified endogenous chromosomal regulatory regions which are operably linked to polynucleotides encoding galactose permeases and glucokinases.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of pantothenate compounds as a non-genetic switch for the production of heterologous acetyl-CoA derived (HACD) compounds in microbial host cells. The invention provides genetically modified microorganisms that are more stable when stored and initially cultured under reduced pantothenate concentrations, cell culture media having reduced concentrations of pantothenate compounds, and methods of producing HACD compounds using the cell culture media and the genetically engineered microorganisms of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of an aqueous glucose solution from maize or maize kernels. The invention also relates to a glucose solution obtainable by this process, and to its use for the production of organic compounds. The process according to the invention comprises: a) fractionating dry milling of maize kernels, where the maize kernels are separated into a maize-starch-comprising endosperm fraction and a high-oil germ fraction and, if appropriate, a bran fraction; b) enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification of the maize starch in an aqueous suspension of the endosperm fraction, which gives an aqueous glucose solution comprising maize gluten; and c) depletion of the maize gluten and, if appropriate, any bran present from the aqueous glucose solution.

Abstract: Provided are modified valencene synthase polypeptides and methods of using the modified valencene synthase polypeptides. Also provided are methods for producing modified terpene synthases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to sesquiterpene synthases and methods for their production and use. Particularly, the invention provides nucleic acids comprising the nucleotide sequence of citrus valencene synthase (CVS) which codes for at least one CVS. The invention further provides nucleic acids comprising the nucleotide sequence coding for amino acid residues forming the tier 1 and tier 2 domains of CVS. The invention also provides for methods of making and using the nucleic acids and amino acids of the current invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enzymatic reduction of alkyne derivatives of the formula (1), wherein R1 represents H, C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, or an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic, aromatic or non-aromatic group, R2 represents H, C1-C6-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl, by reaction in the presence of special reductases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of (3R)-3-hydroxy-?-ionone and its (3S)-enantiomer in high optical purity from commercially available (rac)-?-ionone. The key intermediate for the synthesis of these hydroxyionones is 3-keto-?-ionone ketal that was prepared from (rac)-?-ionone after protection of this ketone as a 1,3-dioxolane. Reduction of 3-keto-?-ionone ketal followed by deprotection, lead to 3-hydroxy-?-ionone that was transformed into (rac)-3-hydrox-?-ionone by base-catalyzed double bond isomerization in 46% overall yield from (rac)-?-ionone. The racemic mixture of these hydroxyionones was then resolved by enzyme-mediated acylation in 96% ee. (3R)-3-Hydroxy-?-ionone and its (3S)-enantiomer were respectively transformed to (3R)-3-hydroxy-(?-ionylideneethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride [(3R)-C15-Wittig salt] and its (3S)-enantiomer [(3S)-C15-Wittig salt] according to known procedures.

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: In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing polymers from alkenone-producing algae, such as algae species of the Isochrysis family.

Abstract: The present invention is related to recombinant host cells comprising: (i) at least one deletion, mutation, and/or substitution in an endogenous gene encoding a polypeptide that converts pyruvate to acetaldehyde, acetyl-phosphate or acetyl-CoA; and (ii) a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having phosphoketolase activity. The present invention is also related to recombinant host cells further comprising (iii) a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having phosphotransacetylase activity.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method comprising a) fermenting biomass to produce a fermentation broth; b) separating the fermentation broth into a liquid stream and a solid or slurry stream; c) passing the liquid stream through a reverse osmosis membrane to obtain a permeate and a retentate; and d) concentrating the retentate. Herein disclosed is a method comprising a) fermenting biomass in a first fermentor to produce a first fermentation broth; b) separating the first fermentation broth into a first liquid stream and a first solid or slurry stream; c) introducing the first solid or slurry stream into a second fermentor to produce a second fermentation broth, wherein the second fermentor comprises a lower fermentation products concentration than the first fermentor; d) separating the second fermentation broth into a second liquid stream and a second solid or slurry stream; and e) passing the second liquid stream through a reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems for producing engineered oleaginous yeast or fungi that express carotenoids.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the production of a biochemical selected among acetol and 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol comprising culturing a microorganism modified for an improved production of the biochemical selected among acetol and 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol in an appropriate culture medium and recovery of the desired biochemical which may be further purified wherein the microorganism expresses a YqhD enzyme which catalytic efficiency toward NADPH is increased. The present invention also relates to a mutant YqhD enzyme comprising at least one amino acid residue in the protein sequence of the parent enzyme replaced by a different amino acid residue at the same position wherein the mutant enzyme has retained more than 50% of the YqhD activity of the parent enzyme and the catalytic efficiency toward NADPH of the mutant YqhD is increased as compared with the catalytic efficiency toward NADPH of the parent enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the production of a biochemical selected among lactic acid, acetol and 1,2-propanediol, comprising culturing a microorganism modified for an improved production of the biochemical selected among lactic acid, acetol and 1,2-propanediol in an appropriate culture medium and recovery of the desired biochemical which may be further purified wherein the microorganism expresses a methylglyoxal synthase (MGS) enzyme which activity is not inhibited by orthophosphate. The present invention concerns a mutant methylglyoxal synthase (MGS) comprising at least one amino acid residue in the protein sequence of the parent enzyme replaced by a different amino acid residue at the same position wherein the mutant enzyme has retained more than 50% of the methylglyoxal synthase activity of the parent enzyme and the methylglyoxal synthase activity of the mutant MGS is not inhibited by orthophosphate as compared to the parent enzyme.

Abstract: There is provided is a process for producing a sulfur-containing ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid compound represented by the formula (2): wherein R1 represents hydrogen, C1-8 alkyl, or C6-20 aryl, which comprises subjecting a sulfur-containing ketol represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 is the same as defined above, to the action of microbial cells of a microorganism belonging to the genus Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus or Bacillus capable of converting the ketol into a corresponding ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid compound, or a treated material thereof, thereby producing the sulfur-containing ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid without using a hydroxynitrile compound as a starting material.

Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of enzymatic synthesis of polymers such as polyorganosilicones and polyesters, and new polymers made by these methods.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a DOI synthase having properties such as stability to heat and pH, which are superior to those of conventional enzymes, and a method for producing DOI using the above-mentioned enzyme. The present invention provides a 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose synthase having the properties described in the following (1), (2), (4), (6) and (7), and also having the properties described in the following (3) and/or (5): (1) action: the enzyme has a function to convert glucose-6-phosphate to 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose; (2) optimum pH range: pH 7.0 to 7.7; (3) stable pH range: pH 6.0 to 8.0; (4) optimum temperature range: 55° C. to 70° C.; (5) stable temperature range: 20° C. to 46° C.; (6) coenzyme used: NAD+; and (7) molecular weight: 39,000 to 42,000.

Abstract: A high-yield bacterial strain for producing acetoin named Bacillus pumilus XH195 has been deposited in a microorganism deposit center in Germany. The deposit number is DSM 16187. The bacteria of the strain are rod-shaped, 1.5 ?m to 3.0 ?m in length, and 0.6 ?m to 0.7 ?m in diameter. The colony color of the bacterial strain is yellow or white. The strain has the typical fatty acid profile of Bacillus and its physiological and biochemical characteristics align with those of Bacillus pumilus. When the bacteria of strain were cultured at 37° C. for 60 hours with shaking, the yield of acetoin could reach 63.0 g/L or 58.1 g/L, when glucose or sucrose was used as the substrate, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: A process for the racemization of an optically active alpha-hydroxyketone by incubating said alpha-hydroxyketone in the presence of an acetoin racemase of Lactobacillus.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a biomass conversion subsystem produces methane and/or alcohol and residual biomass. A pyrolysis or a gasification subsystem is used to produce thermal energy and/or process gasses. The thermal energy may be stored thermal energy in the form of a pyrolysis oil. A fuel conversion subsystem produces liquid hydrocarbon fuels from the methane and/or alcohol using thermal energy and/or process gasses produced by the gasification or pyrolysis subsystem. Because the biomass production system integrates the residual products from biomass conversion and the residual thermal energy from pyrolysis or gasification, the overall efficiency of the integrated biomass production system is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming heptan-4-one, and, optionally, heptan-4-ol, from fermentable sugars. The sugars are fermented using a bacteria or yeast that predominantly forms butyric acid. The butyric acid is subjected to catalytic ketonization conditions to form heptan-4-one, with concomitant loss of water and carbon dioxide. The heptan-4-one can be subjected to catalytic hydrogenation to form heptan-4-ol, an either of these can be included in gasoline compositions. In one aspect, the fermentable sugars are derived from lignocellulosic materials such as wood products, switchgrass, or agricultural wastes, which are delignified to form lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The cellulose and hemicellulose can be depolymerized to form glycose and xylose, either or both of which can be fermented by the bacteria.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic reduction of an enoate (1) wherein the C?C bond of the enoate (1) is stereoselectively hydrogenated in the presence of an enoate-reductase and an oxidizable co-substrate (2) in a system which is free of NAD(P)H, a. b. in which c. A is a ketone radical (—CRO), an aldehyde radical (—CHO), a carboxyl radical (—COOR), with R?H or optionally substituted C1-C6-alkyl radical, d. R1, R2 and R3 are independently of one another H, —O-C1-C6-alkyl , —O—W with W=a hydroxyl protecting group, C1-C6-alkyl, which can be substituted, C2-C6-alkenyl, carboxyl, or an optionally substituted carbo- or heterocyclic, aromatic or nonaromatic radical, or one of R1, R2 and R3 is a —OH radical, or R1 is linked to R3 so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, or R1 is linked to R so as to become part of a 4-8-membered cycle, with the proviso that R1, R2 and R3 may not be identical.

Abstract: The present invention relates a recombinant Clostridium expressing one or more heterologous Wood-Ljungdahl (WL) genes. In particular, the recombinant Clostridium produces a metabolite at an increased level. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a metabolite by the recombinant Clostridium.

Abstract: Methods for producing heterologous terpenes, terpenoids and/or small molecules in transgenic glandular trichome-bearing plants are provided, as well as the transgenic glandular trichome-bearing plants capable of producing the heterologous terpenes, terpenoids and small molecules. The genetically engineered glandular trichome-bearing plants contain and express one or more genes which encode proteins active in the biosynthetic pathways which produce the terpenes, terpenoids and small molecules. As a result, the essential oil of the transgenic plant is enriched for the heterologous or homologous terpenes, terpenoids and/or small molecules Storage of the essential oil in the glandular trichomes of the plant reduces the volatility and cytotoxic capacity of the heterologous molecules, thereby increasing yield and decreasing damage to the transgenic plant.

Abstract: Polypeptide with an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID No. 1 or a variant in which up to 10% of the amino acids have been altered by insertions, deletions or substitution.

Abstract: A process for converting a substrate such as carbon monoxide to useful chemicals has been developed. The process involves providing a substrate comprising CO to a bioreactor which contains a culture of one or more micro-organisms and anaerobically fermenting the substrate to produce 2,3-butanediol (BDO). The BDO is next converted to one or more of butane, butadiene and/or methyl ethyl ketone which in turn can be converted to other compounds. The source of the CO can be an industrial process such as the ferrous metal products manufacturing. The microorganism can be Clostridium autoethanogenum, Clostridium ljundahlii or Clostridium ragsdalei.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.