Abstract: A process for reducing a phenylalkyl ketone to the corresponding (S)-hydroxy derivative is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the phenylalkyl ketone with Mucor hiemalis IFO 5834 and recovering the (S)-hydroxy derivative.

Abstract: A process is described for selectively preparing a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is halogen;R.sup.2 is halogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or ##STR2## and R.sup.3 hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, ##STR3## wherein the process comprises treating the associated ketone with an oxido-reductase or a microorganism comprising an oxidoreductase. Compounds prepared by this process are useful antipsychotic agents or useful intermediates therefor.

Abstract: (S)-1phenyl-1,3-propanediol or a derivative thereof having high optical purity can be produced simply in high yield, by contacting 1-phenylpropan-3-ol-1-one with a culture of microorganisms, microorganism cells isolated from the culture, or a product obtained by processing the microorganism cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the stereoselective enzymatic reduction of keto group-containing compounds such as N-(4-(2-chloroacetyl)phenyl)methanesulfonamido to form the corresponding hydroxyl-group containing compound. The process is selective for the D(+) enantiomer and is catalyzed by enzymes such as oxido-reductase or dehydrogense, or by microorganisms such as Hansenula, Rhodococcus, or Norcardia species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially pure culture of Pseudomonas sp. strain PED having the ATCC designation 49794. Processes for making R-configured alcohols and for transferring a hydride ion from an R-configured alcohol to the pro-R face of NAD using PED alcohol dehydrogenase isolated and purified from Pseudomonas sp. strain PED are also provided.

Abstract: DNA molecules encoding a modified tryptophan synthase beta subunit are disclosed. When expressed in a recombinant host microorganism, these polypeptide analogs enable significant levels of intracellular indole production and accumulation. In the presence of an aromatic dioxygenase enzyme, the indole so produced can be converted to indoxyl, which upon exposure to air oxidizes to indigo.

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 method of increasing sterol accumulation in a plant by increasing the copy number of a gene encoding a polypeptide having HMG-CoA reductase activity is disclosed. The copy number is preferably increased by transforming plants with a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a vector operatively linked to an exogenous DNA segment that encodes a polypeptide having HMG-CoA reductase activity, and a promoter suitable for driving the expression of said polypeptide. Also disclosed are a method of increasing cycloartenol accumulation in a plant, a method of increasing the resistance of plants to pests and the transformed plants themselves.

Abstract: Coniferyl aldehyde can be prepared from eugenol with the aid of fungi or their constituents.

Abstract: A method for producing spagyric essences in the form of standardized products with defined alcohol contents in respect to the dried residue of plants used in said method. The components of a spagyric essence which are important from the spagyric point of view--fermentation alcohol, volatile aromatic substances and soluble mineral salts--are obtained totally and in pure form. The production process is distinguished by a way to prepare the yeast fermentation which prevents the development of undesirable micro-organisms, by gentle vacuum distillation, by complete incineration with exhaustive extraction of the mineral substances and by different methods for removing impurities which were also extracted. Spagyric essences or primary tinctures are used as medicaments in human and veterinary medicine.

Abstract: Mutations are induced in a microorganism selected from the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae or from the species Candida flareri. The resulting mutants are cultured in the presence of a fermentation inhibitor, such as acetaldehyde, ephedrine or PAC-dione, to form colonies having resistance to the inhibitor. Cells from the colonies are isolated and tested for yield of phenyl acetyl carbinol (PAC) in a fermentation with benzaldehyde and pyruvate. Yeast cells from the colonies that produce elevated levels of PAC are selected for use in subsequent fermentations. PAC is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine, two well-known medicinal chemicals.

Abstract: A method of increasing sterol accumulation in a plant by increasing the copy number of a gene encoding a polypeptide having HMG-CoA reductase activity is disclosed. The copy number is preferably increased by transforming plants with a recombinant DNA molecule comprising a vector operatively linked to an exogenous DNA segment that encodes a polypeptide having HMG-CoA reductase activity, and a promoter suitable for driving the expression of said polypeptide. Also disclosed are a method of increasing cycloartenol accumulation in a plant, a method of increasing the resistance of plants to pests and the transformed plants themselves.

Abstract: A microbiological process for terminal hydroxylation of ethyl groups on aromatic 5- or 6-member ring heterocycles. The hydroxylation is performed with microorganisms which:(a) contain the genes of a Pseudomonas OCT plasmid which form an active alkane monooxygenase, and(b) form no active chromosomal or plasmid-coded alcohol dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Method for improved in vivo production of taxanes by inoculation of tissue of the genus Taxus with virulent or avirulent strains of Agrobacterium. In the preferred embodiment, virulent Agrobacterium is the inoculant which induces gall formation at all stages of the plant, from saplings to mature trees. Incomplete harvesting of galls permits regeneration on the trees, resulting in a renewable resource. Unexpectedly, the inoculant tissue (both virulent and avirulent) produces approximately twice the concentration of taxanes per unit tissue weight as compared to normal tissue. In addition, the virulent strain induced gall biomass is 2-3 times greater than normal tissue per unit growth time, while avirulent inoculants show approximately the same growth as normal. The net yield increase is 2-6 times normal, (4-6 for galls), is renewable, does not require special growth hormones or media, does not result in sacrificing the tree, and can be started at the sapling stage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of vanillin through the bioconversion of a vanillin precursor with a tissue culture of undifferentiated callus cells derived from a vanilla plant and/or enzymes obtained therefrom in the presence of a water soluble sulfhydryl compound and optionally, also in the presence of an assimilable carbon source.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of a carboxylic acid derivative by dissolving the carboxylic acid derivative in an organic solvent which is miscible with water only to a slight extent, saturation of the organic solution with water, bringing the water-saturated organic solution into contact with a hydrolase, the hydrolysis taking place, after which the reaction solution is saturated with water again and brought into contact with the hydrolase and subsequently with water again until the desired degree of conversion is achieved.

Abstract: A process for preparing a phenolic resin which comprises preparing a reaction medium containing a phenol and a peroxidase enzyme and adding a solution of a peroxide to said medium, said peroxide being added to said medium at a rate which decreases from an initial rate of about 2 to 3 millimolar/min as the amount of phenol in said medium decreases such that the concentration of peroxide does not exceed about 12 millimolar.

Abstract: There is described a biocatalytic method for the synthesis of cathecol from a renewable source such as glucose. The method comprises inducing a divergent pathway in the shikimate pathway of a host cell. Additionally, there are described methods for making precursors to cathecol such as protocatechuate.

Abstract: A method is proposed for manufacturing (-)-2-bromo-1-(3'-chlorophenyl) ethanol by bringing a 2-bromo-1-(3'-chlorophenyl) ethanone into contact with a microorganism belonging to 9 genuses including Ashbya genus and Brettanomycess genus to thereby reduce it asymmetrically into (-)-2-bromo-1-(3'-chlorophenyl) ethanol, and for manufacturing (-)-substituted styrene oxide by cyclizing the obtained alcohol under alkaline conditions. The (-)-substituted styrene oxide can be manufactured efficiently.

Abstract: A method of O-methylation of a phenol, S-methylation of a thiophenal, or methylesterification of a carboxylic acid is disclosed, which involves contacting the phenol, thiophenol, or carboxylic acid with a halomethane in the presence of a fungus selected from the group consisting of Hymenochaetaceae, Polyporaceae, and Corticiaceae.

Abstract: An assay is disclosed for identifying mutagenic agents which include large, multilocus deletion events in cultured mammalian cells. The cell lines used are adenine phosphoribosyltransferase heterozygotes derived from CHO cells, which we disclose possess a genomic sequence variation near the above-mentioned gene. We present the nucleotide sequence surrounding this variation, enabling an efficient determination of the proportion of deletion mutants among the mutant colonies induced by the agent to be tested.

Abstract: A process using microorganisms which contain genes, which form an active xylene monooxygenase, which form no effective, chromosomally or plasmid-coded alcohol hydrogenase, and which are, thus, capable of hydroxylating methyl groups on aromatic 5- or 6-atom heterocycles to the corresponding hydroxymethyl derivatives, for the production of hydroxymethylated 5- or 6-atom heterocycles.

Abstract: Described is a microbiological method for producing the lactone, sclareolide having the structure: ##STR1## and a diol having the chemical structure: ##STR2## using a sclareol derivative having one of the structures: ##STR3## wherein a combination of two or more of the compounds as a substrate and using one of the microorganisms:Cryptococcus albidus, ATCC 20918Bensingtonia ciliata, ATCC 20919Cryptococcus laurentii, ATCC 20920 orCryptococcus albidus, ATCC 20921.

Abstract: A mutant Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: A purified hydroxylase component of the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme present in the bacterium Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is found capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions in the presence of suitable reducing agents. The hydroxylase can be reduced by commercial reducing agents, such as sodium dithionite and photo- and electrochemical means when in the presence of electron transport components, such as methyl viologen and proflavin. The hydroxylase can also be activated by hydrogen peroxide in the absence of reducing agents and molecular oxygen and is capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in this manner. The hydroxylase component can be obtained with high final specific activity when ferrous iron compounds and cysteine are included in the purification buffers used to extract the hydroxylase from bacterial cells.

Abstract: A purified hydroxylase component of the soluble methane monooxygenase enzyme present in the bacterium Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b is found capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions in the presence of suitable reducing agents. The hydroxylase can be reduced by commercial reducing agents, such as sodium dithionite and photo- and electrochemical means when in the presence of electron transport components, such as methyl viologen and proflavin. The hydroxylase component can be obtained with high final specific activity when ferrous iron compounds and cysteine are included in the purification buffers used to extract the hydroxylase from bacterial cells.

Abstract: Biocatalytic oxidative processes wherein oxidizable substrates are reacted with peroxides in the presence of a peroxidase such as soybean peroxidase or another legume peroxidase; an oxidative coupling reaction for producing phenolic resins; a method for the purification of peroxidase enzyme-containing extracts generally also are described.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.

Abstract: Biocatalytic oxidative processes wherein oxidizable substrates are reacted with peroxides in the presence of a peroxidase such as soybean peroxidase or another legume peroxidase; an oxidative coupling reaction for producing phenolic resins; a method for the purification of peroxidase enzyme-containing extracts generally also are described.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing enzyme-catalyzed polymers using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. In one embodiment, the process comprises spreading one or more enzyme-polymerizable monomers on a water-miscible solvent. The monomers are sufficiently surface active that they align themselves on the air-solvent interface. Next, pressure is applied to the interface to form a monolayer made up of the monomers. An enzyme is then introduced into the solvent, causing polymerization of the monomers in the monolayer. The polymeric monolayers produced by the present method are easier to process and have reduced cross-linking and branching as compared to similar polymers produced in bulk by enzyme-catalyzed reactions.

Abstract: A gram-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium which is closely related to Chryseomonas luteola and Flavimonas oryzihabitans, has been found to catalyze the biodegradation and biotransformation of bisphenol alkanes, such as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane or bisphenol A. A variety of bisphenol alkyl alcohols can be made by this procedure.

Abstract: A method for resolving racemic mixtures of compounds having the formula ##STR1## or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof that includes the steps of reacting the OR.sub.3 group of either compound with an esterifying agent in the case where R.sub.3 is H or a lower alkyl group; sujecting the compound to the action of an esterase capable of preferentially hydrolyzing either the (+) or (-) enantiomeric form of the compound; and separating the unhydrolyzed compound from the hydrolyzed compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of vanillin through the bioconversion of a vanillin precursor with a ferulic acid degrading microorganism in the presence of a water soluble sulfhydryl compound and optionally, also in the presence of an assimilable carbon source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for preparing pyrocatecholic compounds from monophenolic compounds using catalysis by monophenol monooxygenase in an aqueous solution containing metal ions. The metal ions form complexes with the pyrocatecholic products. This method increases the yield of pyrocatecholic products. In particular, the method of the instant invention can be used to increase the yield of L-DOPA, a drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Biocatalytic oxidative processes wherein oxidizable substrates are reacted with peroxides in the presence of a peroxidase such as soybean peroxidase or another legume peroxidase; an oxidative coupling reaction for producing phenolic resins; a method for the purification of peroxidase enzyme-containing extracts generally also are described.

Abstract: A. parasiticus is employed to hydroxylate 2'-hydroxyterphenyl compounds to terphenyltriols, which can be used to form branched polycarbonates. The hydroxylation reaction is enhanced by maintaining a sufficient amount of a carbon source in the culture medium-reaction medium to maintain the ammonium level below 300 ppm. during the bioconversion phase. Employment of a mutant strain of A. parasiticus which was isolated following ultraviolet light mutagenesis to reduce its tendency to produce aflatoxins is preferred.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.

Abstract: Mutations are induced in a microorganism selected from the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae or from the species Candia flareri. The resulting mutants are cultured in the presence of a fermentation inhibitor, such as acetaldehyde, ephedrine or PAC-dione, to form colonies having resistance to the inhibitor. Cells from the colonies are isolated and tested for yield of phenyl acetyl carbinol (PAC) in a fermentation with benzaldehyde and pyruvate. Yeast cells from the colonies that produce elevated levels of PAC are selected for use in subsequent fermentations. PAC is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of 1-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine, two well-known medicinal chemicals.

Abstract: A gram-negative aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium which is closely related to Chryseomonas luteola and Flavimonas oryzihabitans, has been found to catalyze the biodegradation and biotransformation of bisphenol alkanes, such as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane or bisphenol A. A variety of bisphenol alkyl alcohols can be made by this procedure.

Abstract: A. parasiticus is employed to hydroxylate 2'-hydroxyterphenyl compounds to terphenyltriols, which can be used to form branched polycarbonates. The hydroxylation reaction is enhanced by maintaining a sufficient amount of a carbon source in the culture medium-reaction medium to maintain the ammonium level below 300 ppm. during the bioconversion phase. Employment of a mutant strain of A. parasiticus which was isolated following ultraviolet light mutagenesis to reduce its tendency to produce aflatoxins is preferred.

Abstract: A. parasiticus is employed to hydroxylate biphenyls or terphenyls. The hydroxylation reaction is enhanced by gradually adding a carbon source to the culture medium-reaction medium, preferably in an amount to maintain the ammonium level below 300 ppm. during the bioconversion phase. Employment of a mutant strain of A. parasiticus which was isolated following ultraviolet light mutagenesis to reduce its tendency to produce aflatoxins is preferred.

Abstract: 3-(2-Trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl)propenyl benzyl ether or derivatives thereof having the formula ##STR1## wherin R is a substituted or not substituted phenyl group and a mark * shows an asymmetric carbon atom, and derivatives thereof are provided, which are useful as a material for preparing liquid crystal compound.

Abstract: The production of 1,2-dihydroxy-cyclohexadienes from aromatic compounds by a biochemical process by using strains of Pseudomonas putida, and novel 1,2-disubstituted-cyclo-hexadienes are described. Certain of the novel compounds are useful as intermediates in the production of polymers.

Abstract: A biocatalytic method for reacting organic, especially poorly water-soluble substances. Enzymes, prokariotic and eukariotic cells or combinations of enzymes and cells are immobilized in lyotropic liquid crystals (mesophases), preferably with inverse phase structure. The supply of substrate and the removal of product are performed via one or more solvent phases. Organic solvents function as solvent phases. In addition, an aqueous solvent phase can also be present. In order to produce these two and three-phase systems, three-component systems consisting of water, organic solvent and surfactant are used.

Abstract: A process for the preparing a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halogen, trifluoromethyl or nitro; or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 taken together with the benzene ring to which they are attached are naphthalene, and Ar is p-lower alkoxy phenyl.which comprises reacting ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as described above with the compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein Ar is as described above, in an aromatic organic compound. The intermediates formed by the process of the invention are useful in the production of thiazepin-4(5H)-ones which have activity as calcium channel blockers and accordingly are useful as agents for lowering blood pressure and agents for treating ischemia.

Abstract: A mutant Bacillus sphaericus strain ATC No. 53969 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: A process for preparing resolved (S)-(-)-.alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol or an (S)-isomer-rich optically active .alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol compound.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting 4-substituted biphenyls, such as 4-hydroxybiphenyl, to the corresponding 3,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl utilizing mutant strains of Alcaligenes eutrophus or Pseudomonas putida. Hydroxylation of the unsubstituted biphenyl ring to the corresponding (1S-cis)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,2-diol and its conversion to the corresponding triacetate, followed by treatment in base to form 3,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl is also provided.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing optically active (S)-1,2-diols, wherein (R)-1,2-diols represented by the general formula [I] ##STR1## (where: R represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group) or a mixture of diols of the general formula [I] and (S)-1,2-diols represented by the general formula [II] ##STR2## (Where: R represents the same as above) having an opposite configuration to the general formula [I] is subjected to the action of a microorganism capable of selectively metabolizing the diols of the general formula [I], or capable of converting the diols of the general formula [I] into the diols of the general formula [II], or having the both capabilities, and the formed and accumulated (S)-1,2-diols of the general formula [II] is collected. According to the present invention, optically active (S)-1,2-diols can be produced commercially and advantageously.

Abstract: Biotechnological resolution by means of enzymatic transesterification of the relevant racemic mixture of the optical isomers of .alpha.-alkyl-substituted primary alcohols having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R represents a linear or branched (C.sub.1 -C.sub.20)-alkyl or alkenyl group or an aryl group, also substituted or condensed with other groups, in particular a group of formula (II) or (III): ##STR2## wherein: R.sup.ii represents a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8)-alkyl group, a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)-alkenyl group, an alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, benzoyl, or heterocyclic group;R.sup.iii represents a hydrogen or halogen atom;R.sup.iv represents a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)-alkyl group,and whereinR.sup.i represents a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.