Abstract: A method comprising the indirect electrochemical regeneration of NAD(P)H in enzymatic substrate conversions which are catalyzed by monooxygenases, for example, is described. In particular, a method for the electroenzymatic preparation of 2,3-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives, which is catalyzed by the enzyme 2-hydroxybiphenyl 3-monooxygenase and in which simultaneously the NAD+ formed by reductive cleavage of oxygen is electrochemically reduced, is described.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-propan-2-ol enantiomersthrough enzymatic resolution by a lipase.

Abstract: An optical input device for measuring the movement of a finger (15) ia accommodated in a housing provided with a transparent window (12) for transmitting a measurement beam (13) from a diode laser (3) to the finger and radiation reflected by the finger to a detector (4). This feature prevents that grease and dust disturb and block the measuring beam.

Abstract: Flavor components, particularly for a vanilla composition, are produced by essentially natural methods employing biotransformation of plant-derived materials. Ferulic acid, a component of many plant cell walls, may be converted into vanillin, directly or indirectly. A plurality of such compounds may undergo bioconversions to produce components of a flavor composition.

Abstract: The inventon relates to an enzymatic method for the enantioselective reduction of organic keto compounds to the corresponding chiral hydroxy compounds, an alcohol dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus minor and a method for the enantioselective production of (S)-hydroxy compounds from a racemate.

Abstract: A biocatalytic method for preparing para-hydroxystyrene from para-hydroxycinnamic acid is described. The method uses an enzyme source having para-hydroxycinnamic acid decarboxylase activity to catalyze the decarboxylation of para-hydroxycinnamic acid in a biphasic reaction medium to produce para-hydroxystyrene, which is extracted into the organic phase of the biphasic reaction medium. The method results in a high yield of para-hydroxystyrene due to the decreased exposure of the enzyme source to the inhibitory product. The product is readily recovered from the extractant, or may be chemically derivatized directly in the extractant before recovery.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybenzene from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybenzene acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided. Methods are also provided for converting 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxybenzene to 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene by catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel stereoselective processes for the preparation of (S)-1-arylethanols by the reduction of the corresponding keto group containing compounds by microorganisms. (S)-1-arylethanols are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds that are inhibitors of &ggr;-secretase useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enantioselective reduction of a prochiral aromatic ketone comprising at least one trifluoromethyl group on the aromatic cycle. The inventive method can be used to gain access primarily to an alcohol with configuration (R). Said method is characterised in that the reduction of the prochiral aromatic ketone comprising at least one trifluoromethyl group on the aromatic cycle is carried out in the presence of the Lactobacillus enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new eco-friendly process for the preparation of chiral alcohols by asymmetric reduction of prochiral ketones in water using soked phaseolus aureus L (green grams).

Abstract: The invention provides an NDO or NDO related complex comprising at least one alpha-subunit polypeptide that comprises: 1) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 352 in NDO, 2) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 201, 202, 260, 316, 351, 358, 362, or 366 in NDO, or 3) a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 352 in NDO, and a substituted amino acid at the position corresponding to position 201, 202, 260, 316, 351, 358, 362, or 366 in NDO; or a catalytically active fragment thereof. The invention also provides DNA encoding such polypeptides, host cells augmented by such DNA, and methods for using the enzymes or host cells to provide useful and novel synthons. The invention also provides novel compounds prepared with the complexes or methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the biocatalytic oxidation of aromatic compounds using recombinant xylene monooxygenase-expressing microorganisms in a biphasic reaction medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to use of hyperthermophilic enzymes for industrial chemical redox reactions such as ethanol production. The present invention is especially useful for the coupled synthesis and recovery of alcohols whereby recovery of alcohol is simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbiological process for preparing chiral arylalkanols by enantioselectively hydroxylating arylalkanes in the presence of a microorganism's host cells which are expressing the genes for oxygenases.

Abstract: An in vivo method for the production of pHS via a recombinant host cell is disclosed. The host cell expresses at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having para-hydroxycinnamic acid decarboxylase activity in combination with either at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having tyrosine ammonia lyase activity or at least one gene encoding a polypeptide having phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns enzymatic aromatic hydroxylation-activated prodrugs, particularly anti-tumor prodrugs and those which are specifically activated by the hydroxylation activity of the enzyme CYP1B1.

Abstract: A catalase-dependent enzymatic oxidation process wherein a substrate to be oxidized is contacted with catalase in the absence of hydrogen peroxide is provided. Also provided are methods for using this process in a variety of biomedical, clinical and diagnostic applications as well as industrial processes. A method for stimulating the enzymatic oxidation process by treatment with ultraviolet light and uses for this method are also provided.

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: A method comprising the indirect electrochemical regeneration of NAD(P)H in enzymatic substrate conversions which are catalyzed by monooxygenases, for example, is described. In particular, a method for the electroenzymatic preparation of 2,3-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives, which is catalyzed by the enzyme 2-hydroxybiphenyl 3-monooxygenase and in which simultaneously the NAD+ formed by reductive cleavage of oxygen is electrochemically reduced, is described.

Abstract: An enzyme having diterpene cyclase activity has been purified from P. elisabethae using a series of chromatography steps. The purified enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of about 47 kilodaltons and an isoelectric point of about 5.1. The purifed enzyme catalyzed the cyclization of geranyl geranyl diphosphate to elisabethatriene.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing optically active diols represented by the general formula (II): wherein R1 represents (CH2)n, CH═CH, O, S or NH whereupon n is an integer of 1 to 4, and R2 represents hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, (C1-6 alkoxy)-carbonyl, hydroxy, carboxy, halogen, nitro or amino, which comprises treating compounds represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 have the same meanings as defined above, with a culture of a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, Bacillus, Brevibacterium or Gordona and being capable of stereoselectively diolating a double bond in ring A, or with a culture of Mortierella vinacea, or with said microorganism itself, or with a treated material from said microorganism.

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: The present invention relates to synthetic enzymes for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, the use thereof for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, DNA coding for these enzymes and microorganisms transformed with this DNA.

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 compound of formula (I), a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, wherein Ph is a phenyl radical R1 is H, OH, OC1-4alkyl, NO2; R2 is OH, OC1-4alkyl, OC═OC1-4alkyl or OC═OPh where the Ph can be optionally substituted by halogen, C1-3 alkyl or NO2; R1 and R2 along with the two carbon atoms of the phenyl ring to which they are attached can combine to form a 5 or 6 membered heterocyclic ring comprising 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from O, S or N; R3 is an optionally substituted hydroycarby radical; R4 is H, CH3, OH or ═O; when R4 is ═O, then the carbon to which R4 is attached is not bonded to H; W is C(═O)—CH2, CH═CH—, CH2CO, CH(OH)—CH2, C(CH3)(OH)CH2, CH2CH(OH), CH2C(CH3)OH, CO, CHOH, C(CH3)(OH), CH2, CH2CH2; X is —CH—OH, C(CH3)OH, CH2, CH(CH3) or —C═O; Y is —CH—OH, C(CH3)OH, CH2, CH(CH3) or —C═O; provided that one of W, X or Y has an OH group.

Abstract: An enzyme composition which acts on a disaccharide glycoside, e.g., &bgr;-primeveroside or its analog, to thereby form a physiologically active component, and a method of releasing one or more monosaccharide unit from a glycoside (for example, &bgr;-primeveroside) by treating the glycoside with an enzyme composition. The enzyme composition comprises at least one of &bgr;-xylosidase and &bgr;-glucosidase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic enzymes for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, the use thereof for the production of coniferyl alcohol, coniferylaldehyde, ferulic acid, vanillin and vanillic acid, DNA coding for these enzymes and microorganisms transformed with this DNA.

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: The present invention provides a bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of gallic acid from a carbon source. Methods of producing gallic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided. The gallic acid produces from these methods can be further converted to pyrogallol. Methods for the biosynthesis of pyrogallol from gallic acid are also provided.

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: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of quinic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing quinic acid from a earbon source based on the synthesis scheme as well as conversion of quinic acid to hydroquinone are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated strain of the Moniliella species that converts glucose to erythritol with a conversion rate of at least about 45% is disclosed, as is a method of producing erythritol from such a strain.

Abstract: A process for large-scale, low cost, batch or continuous production of polyphenols using enzyme-mediated reactions and methods for recycling non-consumed reactants.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing an S-enantiomer compound having the formula in enantiomeric excess, or an R-enantiomer compound having the formula in enantiomeric excess, said process comprising hydrolyzing a compound having the formula with: (a) an enzyme capable of producing an enantiomeric excess of the S-enantiomer compound of formula (IA) of at least 70%, or (b) an enzyme capable of producing an enantiomeric excess of the R-enantiomer compound of formula (IB) of at least 70%, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkylalkyl.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of vanillin from a carbon source is provided. The bioconversion methods of the present invention comprise the steps of microbe-catalyzed conversion of a carbon source to vanillic acid followed by enzyme-catalyzed reduction of the vanillic acid to produce vanillin. As shown in the synthesis scheme of FIG. 2, the microbe-catalyzed conversion step of the present invention requires five enzymes which are provided by a recombinant microbe. In a preferred embodiment, the recombinant microbe is Escherichia coli designed to cause dehydration of 3-dehydroshikimic acid and regioselective methylation of the resulting protocatechuic acid. The enzyme-catalyzed reduction step of the present invention comprises the reduction of vanillic acid to vanillin by aryl-aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to use of hyperthermophilic enzymes for industrial chemical redox reactions such as ethanol production. The present invention is especially useful for the coupled synthesis and recovery of alcohols whereby recovery of alcohol is simplified.

Abstract: A process of controlling the molecular weight and dispersity of poly(p-ethylphenol) and poly(m-cresol) synthesized enzymatically by varying the composition of the reaction medium. Polymers with low dispersities and molecular weights from 1000 to 3000 are synthesized in reversed micelles and biphasic systems. In comparison, reactions in bulk solvents resulted in a narrow range of molecular weights (281 to 675 with poly(p-ethylphenol) in a DMF/water system and 1,400 to 25,000 with poly(m-cresol) in an ethanol/water system). Poly(p-ethylphenol) was functionalized at hydroxyl positions with palmitoyl, cinnamoyl, and biotin groups.

Abstract: A process of controlling the molecular weight and dispersity of poly(p-ethylphenol) and poly(m-cresol) synthesized enzymatically by varying the composition of the reaction medium. Polymers with low dispersities and molecular weights from 1000 to 3000 are synthesized in reversed micelles and biphasic systems. In comparison, reactions in bulk solvents resulted in a narrow range of molecular weights (281 to 675 with poly(p-ethylphenol) in a DMF/water system and 1,400 to 25,000 with poly(m-cresol) in an ethanol/water system). Poly(p-ethylphenol) was functionalized at hydroxyl positions with palmitoyl, cinnamoyl, and biotin groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microbial transformation process for producing a hydroxyaromatic compound represented by the formula (II): 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions of matter comprising an enzyme activity capable of carrying out the following stereoselective reduction of a racemic tetralone: 1

Abstract: The invention makes available, by means of an increased provision of intracellular metabolic intermediates, in particular of erythrose 4-phosphate, alternative processes for the microbial preparation of substances, in particular of aromatic amino acids such as L-phenylalanine, in which processes the activity of a transaldolase is increased in a microorganism producing these substances. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the activity of a transketolase or the activity of a transport protein for the PEP-independent uptake of a sugar and/or the activity of a kinase which phosporylates the relevant sugar are/is additionally increased. The invention also relates to gene structures, and to transformed cells carrying these gene structures, which make it possible to implement these processes in a particularly successful manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1&agr;-hydroxylase activity, being useful for the prevention, diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of adult diseases such as osteoporosis induced by the decrease of active type vitamin D3 and catalyzing the final stage of vitamin D3 activation; and the gene encoding the polypeptide. In accordance with the present invention, the following can be provided; a polypeptide having 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1&agr;-hydroxylase activity, DNA encoding the polypeptide, a recombinant DNA prepared by inserting the DNA in a vector, a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA, a method for preparing 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1&agr;-hydroxylase by using the transformant, a method for preparing 1&agr;, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 comprising using the polypeptide having 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1&agr;-hydroxylase activity, and an antibody recognizing the polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention relates to yeast-mediated catalysis in organic solvents, and in particular the yeast-mediated condensation between pyruvate and a substituted aromatic aldehyde to yield the corresponding acyloin (hydroxy ketone) compound. The invention provides a method of synthesis of a substituted carbinol compound, comprising the step of subjecting the corresponding substituted aromatic aldehyde to acyloin condensation mediated by a yeast in an organic solvent under non-fermenting conditions. Preferably the yeast is Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction is that between pyruvate and benzaldehyde to yield phenylacetylcarbinol, the precursor to ephedrine, to yield a product of high enantiomeric purity.

Abstract: A process for large-scale, low cost, batch or continuous production of polyphenols using enzyme-mediated reactions and methods for recycling non-consumed reactants.

Abstract: A process for macromolecularizing phenolic compounds or aromatic amine compounds by the action of a catalyst comprising an enzyme having a polyphenol oxidizing activity in the alkali region; applications of the compounds obtained by the above process to thickeners, stabilizers, coagulants, emulsifiers, dispersants, water retainers, antioxidants, adhesives, concrete admixtures, dyes, coating materials, petroleum recovering agent, soil conditioner, a blow-applied seed bearing surface soil stabilizer, deodorants, smell eliminators, agricultural chemical spreaders, feeding stuff binders, bactericides, antimicrobial agents, viral infection inhibitors, bioadhesion preventives, biotic repellents, insecticides, poultices, ink bases or wood treating agents; and method of waste water disposal, a method of deoxygenation and a method of treating wood, concrete or soil in which use is made of the above reaction.

Abstract: An (S)-1-phenyl-2-substituted propane derivative shown by the following formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 represent a lower alkyl group, etc., or R1 and R2 may form together an alkylene group, etc.; R3, R4 and R5 represent a hydrogen atom, etc.; and X represents a hydroxyl group which may be protected with a protective group, or a halogen atom etc., can readily be produced (i) by permitting a microorganism belonging to the genus Torulaspora, the genus Candida, the genus Pichia or the like to act on a phenylacetone derivative and asymmetrically reducing the compound, or (ii) by sterically inverting an (R)-enantiomer. (R,R)-1-phenyl-2-[(2-phenyl-1-methylethyl)amino]ethanol derivative having a high optical purity can easily be obtained from the compound of the formula (I). The ethanol derivative is useful as an anti-obesity agent and the like.

Abstract: A process of controlling the molecular weight and dispersity of poly(p-ethylphenol) and poly(m-cresol) synthesized enzymatically by varying the composition of the reaction medium. Polymers with low dispersities and molecular weights from 1000 to 3000 are synthesized in reversed micelles and biphasic systems. In comparison, reactions in bulk solvents resulted in a narrow range of molecular weights (281 to 675 with poly(p-ethylphenol) in a DMF/water system and 1,400 to 25,000 with poly(m-cresol) in an ethanol/water system). Poly(p-ethylphenol) was functionalized at hydroxyl positions with palmitoyl, cinnamoyl, and biotin groups.

Abstract: A process of controlling the molecular weight and dispersity of poly(p-ethylphenol) and poly(n-cresol) synthesized enzymatically by varying the composition of the reaction medium. Polymers with low dispersities and molecular weights from 1000 to 3000 are synthesized in reversed micelles and biphasic systems. In comparison, reactions in bulk solvents resulted in a narrow range of molecular weights (281 to 675 with poly(p-ethylphenol) in a DMF/water system and 1,400 to 25,000 with poly(m-cresol) in an ethanol/water system). Poly(p-ethylphenol) was functionalized at hydroxyl positions with palmitoyl, cinnamoyl, and biotin groups.

Abstract: A propargylic alcohol, enriched in the (R)-enantiomer, has the formula wherein R is C1-4 alkoxy, halogen, or C1-4 alkyl optionally substituted by OH or halogen. This is prepared by the steps of: (a) enantioselective (R)-esterification of the racemic alcohol using any acyl donor and a first enzyme; (b) removal of the untreated (S)-alcohol; and (c) enantioselective hydrolysis of the (R)-ester, using a second enzyme.