Abstract: The present invention provides various GH61 protein variants comprising various amino acid substitutions. The GH61 protein variants have an improved ability to synergize with cellulase enzymes, thereby increasing the yield of fermentable sugars obtained by saccharification of biomass. In some embodiments, sugars obtained from saccharification are fermented to produce numerous end-products, including but not limited to alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellobiohydrolase variants having improved thermostability in comparison to wild-type CBH2a.

Abstract: Variant sucrose transporter polypeptides that enable faster sucrose utilization in bacteria are described. Additionally, variant or recombinant bacteria comprising these variant sucrose transporter polypeptides, and methods of utilizing the bacteria to produce products such as glycerol and glycerol-derived products are provided.

Abstract: Recombinant bacteria having an improved ability to utilize sucrose are provided. These recombinant bacteria have nucleotide sequences encoding sucrose utilization polypeptides integrated into their genome between the yihP gene or its homolog and the yihO gene or its homolog. Additionally, methods of utilizing the recombinant bacteria to produce products such as glycerol and glycerol-derived products are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cells which are capable of converting arabinose, comprising the following steps: a) Introducing into a host strain that cannot convert arabinose, the genes AraA, araB and araD, this cell is designated as constructed cell; b) Subjecting the constructed cell to adaptive evolution until a cell that converts arabinose is obtained, c) Optionally, subjecting the first arabinose converting cell to adaptive evolution to improve the arabinose conversion; the cell produced in step b) or c) is designated as first arabinose converting cell; d) Analysing the full genome or part of the genome of the first arabinose converting cell and that of the constructed cell; e) Identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) in the first arabinose converting cell; and f) Using the information of the SNP's in rational design of a cell capable of converting arabinose; g) Construction of the cell capable of converting arabinose designed in step f).

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising a xylose isomerase polynucleotide, a recombinant fungal host cell comprising a recombinant xylose isomerase polynucleotide, and related methods.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing succinic acid in which a microorganism having a succinic acid-producing ability is allowed to react with a sugar, the method being characterized in that the ratio of the oxygen transfer rate to the succinic acid production rate (mmol-O2/mol-SA) is 0.1 to 240 and that the doubling time of the microorganism during the reaction is not shorter than 40 hours.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of appropriate cultivation conditions for a bacteria to grow anaerobically (fermentatively) on a glycerol substrate. The method requires culturing bacteria having a functional 1,2-propanediol pathway and a functional type II glycerol dehydrogenase-dihydroxyacetone kinase pathway in a culture medium containing high concentrations of glycerol, a neutral to mildly acidic pII, low levels of potassium and phosphate, and high levels of CO2, such that glycerol is thus converted into a desirable product, such as ethanol, hydrogen, formate, succinate, or 1,2-propanediol.

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 invention relates to cellobiohydrolase variants having improved thermostability and/or thermoactivity in comparison to wild-type Myceliophthora thermophila CBH2b.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants and nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods of using the variant enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylases, nucleic acids encoding the alpha-amylases, methods of producing the alpha-amylases, and methods of using the alpha-amylases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent alpha-amylase, the variant having improved stability or activity at low calcium conditions or at low pH.

Abstract: Recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria that have enhanced acetyl-CoA synthetase activity and the ability to produce glycerol and glycerol-derived products, such as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, methylglyoxal, 1,2-propanediol, and 1,3-propanediol, are described. The recombinant E. coli comprise a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having acetyl-CoA synthetase enzyme activity, wherein the promoter and nucleotide sequence are each independently either native or non-native.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants, polynucleotides encoding the variants and nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods of using the variant enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing 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: A novel xylose isomerase nucleotide sequence obtained from a bovine rumen fluid metagenomic library and also provides the amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence, and a vector and a transformant containing the nucleotide sequence. When the xylose isomerase is expressed, a host cell is endowed with the capability of converting xylose into xylulose, and the xylulose is further metabolized by the host cell. Therefore, the host cell can take the xylose as a carbon source for growth. The xylose isomerase from a new source is expressed with high activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is a mesophilic enzyme with optimal temperature of 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic modifications in eukaryotic host cells that have been transformed to express a xylose isomerase that confers on the host cell the ability to isomerize xylose to xylulose. These genetic modifications are aimed at improving the efficiency of xylose metabolism and include. e.g., reduction of nonspecific aldose reductase activity, increased xylulose kinase activity and increased flux of the pentose phosphate pathway. The modified host cells of the invention are suitable for the production of a wide variety of fermentation products, including ethanol, in fermentation processes in which a source of xylose or a source of xylose and glucose are used as carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variant endoglucanases having improved thermoactivity, improved thermostability, and improved viscosity reduction activity over wild-type M. thermophila endoglucanase.

Abstract: The invention relates to an eukaryotic cell expressing nucleotide sequences encoding the ara A, ara B and ara D enzymes whereby the expression of these nucleotide sequences confers on the cell the ability to use L-arabinose and/or convert L-arabinose into L-ribulose, and/or xylulose 5-phosphate and/or into a desired fermentation product such as ethanol. Optionally, the eukaryotic cell is also able to convert xylose into ethanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation product from ligno-cellulosic material, comprising the following steps: a) optionally pre-treatment b) optionally washing; c) enzymatic hydrolysis; d) fermentation; and e) optionally recovery of a fermentation product; wherein in step c) an enzyme composition is used that has a temperature optimum of 55 degrees C. or more, the hydrolysis time is 40 hours or more and the temperature is 50 degrees C. or more.

Abstract: Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose are described. The recombinant bacteria comprise in their genome or on at least one recombinant construct: a nucleotide sequence from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC® 14580 encoding a polypeptide having sucrose transporter activity and a nucleotide sequence from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC® 14580 encoding a polypeptide having sucrose hydrolase activity. These nucleotide sequences are each operably linked to the same or a different promoter. Recombinant bacteria capable of metabolizing sucrose to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-derived products such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid are also described.

Abstract: Recombinant E. coli having enhanced acetyl-CoA synthetase activity and the ability to produce glycerol and glycerol-derived products, such as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, methylglyoxal, 1,2-propanediol, and 1,3-propanediol, are described. The recombinant E. coli comprise a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having acetyl-CoA synthetase enzyme activity, wherein the promoter and nucleotide sequence are each independently either native or non-native.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of one or more fermentation product from a sugar composition, comprising the following steps: a) fermentation of the sugar composition in the presence of a yeast belonging to the genera Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Candida, Pichia, Schizosaccharomyces, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Schwanniomyces or Yarrowia, and b) recovery of the fermentation product, wherein the yeast comprises the genes araA, araB and araD and the sugar composition comprises glucose, galactose and arabinose.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for making a biofuel comprising: providing a nitrogen-limiting, minimal growth media comprising glycerol, sugars generated from cellulosic biomass or both, under conditions in which an oleaginous microbe converts the growth media into at least one of triacylglycerol, neutral lipids, fatty acids, long-chain fatty acids, and hydrocarbons that is secreted by the microbe.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of energy photoconverters which act in a continuous and closed manner for producing biofuels and other products of interest by means of the mass culturing of phytoplankton.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of appropriate cultivation conditions for a bacteria to grow anaerobically (fermentatively) on a glycerol substrate. The method requires culturing bacteria having a functional 1,2-propanediol pathway and a functional type II glycerol dehydrogenase-dihydroxyacetone kinase pathway in a culture medium containing high concentrations of glycerol, a neutral to mildly acidic pH, low levels of potassium and phosphate, and high levels of CO2, such that glycerol is thus converted into a desirable product, such as ethanol, hydrogen, formate, succinate, or 1,2-propanediol.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, methods are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell which comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a xylose isomerase, wherein the amino acid sequence of the xylose isomerase has at least about 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the nucleotide sequence is heterologous to the host. A cell of the invention may be used in a process for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. Such a process may comprise fermenting a medium containing a source of xylose with a cell of the invention such that the cell ferments xylose to the fermentation product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to eukaryotic cells which have the ability to isomerise xylose directly into xylulose. The cells have acquired this ability by transformation with nucleotide sequences coding for a xylose isomerase that has one or more specific sequence elements typical for isomerases having the ability of functional expression in yeasts, such as e.g. xylose isomerases obtainable from a bacterium of the genera Clostridiumand Fusobacteriumor a tunicate form the genus Ciona. The cell preferably is a yeast or a filamentous fungus, more preferably a yeast is capable of anaerobic alcoholic fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising a xylose isomerase polynucleotide, a recombinant fungal host cell comprising a recombinant xylose isomerase polynucleotide, and related methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid molecules coding for a bacterial xylose isomerase (XI), preferably coming from Clostridium phytofermentans, for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of recombinant microorganisms of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol, by means of xylose fermenting yeasts. The present invention further relates to cells, particularly eukaryotic cells, which are transformed utilizing a nucleic acid expression construct which codes for a xylose isomerase, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid expression construct imparts to the cells the capability to directly isomerize xylose into xylulose. Said cells are preferably utilized for reaction/metabolization, particularly fermentation, of biomaterial containing xylose, and particularly for the production of bioalcohols, particularly bioethanol.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms having an improved ability to co-metabolize in medium both fructose and glucose are described. The recombinant microorganisms comprise a promoter operably linked to a native or non-native nucleotide sequence that encodes a fucose:H+ symporter polypeptide. The recombinant microorganisms are useful for the production of a variety of products including glycerol and glycerol derivatives such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid.

Abstract: Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin.

Abstract: A process of producing fermentation product comprising, forming an acidified suspension of particulate plant derived material comprising a first polysaccharide which is more readily hydrolysable and a second polysaccharide which is more difficult to hydrolyse; allowing the first polysaccharide to undergo hydrolysis under conditions such that the first polysaccharide is hydrolysed, thereby forming a mixture of an aqueous liquor containing dissolved sugar and a solid residue containing the second polysaccharide; subjecting the acidic mixture to one or more separation stages in which the solid residue and aqueous sugar liquor are substantially separated from each other; passing the aqueous liquor to a fermentation stage where the dissolved sugars are acted upon by a microorganism in a broth to produce a fermentation product; and separating the fermentation product from the broth, characterised in that the separation stage uses one or more flocculating agent(s) to form a waste by-product.

Abstract: A process of producing an organic compound and/or an intermediary compound as defined herein by feeding carbon dioxide to a culture of a cyanobacterial cell and subjecting the culture to light, wherein the cell is capable of expressing a nucleic acid molecule, wherein the expression of the nucleic acid molecule confer on the cell the ability to convert a glycolytic intermediate into the organic compound and/or into the intermediary compound and wherein the nucleic acid molecule is under the control of a regulatory system which responds to a change in the concentration of a nutrient in the culture.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of hydrolysis of wet fiber and a method for preparing ethanol. Generally, an agricultural plant material, such as corn hulls, distiller's dried grains, or spent germ, is treated to at least partially hydrolyze the fiber. The process may include a maceration step followed by a shearing operation in the presence of steam to yield a treated product, in which, in many embodiments, saccharides will be released and unbound from fibrous portions of the agricultural product. In some embodiments, the process includes macerating the material to provide a slurry having a solids content of at least 10 percent and jet cooking the slurry. A mixture of saccharides prepared in this fashion may be fermented to yield ethanol and/or biochemicals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell which comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a xylose isomerase, wherein the amino acid sequence of the xylose isomerase has at least about 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the nucleotide sequence is heterologous to the host. A cell of the invention may be used in a process for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. Such a process may comprise fermenting a medium containing a source of xylose with a cell of the invention such that the cell ferments xylose to the fermentation product.

Abstract: A method for the modification of a material comprising a non-starch carbohydrate, which method comprises contacting said material comprising a non-starch carbohydrate with a polypeptide which has peroxidase activity and which is: a. a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 55% homology with an amino acid sequence set out in any one of: amino acids 21 to 513 of SEQ NO: 2; amino acids 20 to 510 of SEQ ID NO: 4; amino acids 1 to 493 of SEQ ID NO 6; or amino acids 1 to 491 of SEQ ID NO: 8 or b. a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide comprising the nucleotide sequence having at least 55% homology with a nucleotide sequence set out in any one of: nucleotides 61 to 1539 of SEQ ID NO: 1; nucleotides 58 to 1530 of SEQ ID NO: 3; nucleotides 1 to 1479 of SEQ ID NO: 5; or nucleotides 1 to 1473 of SEQ ID NO: 7.

Abstract: This invention provides systems and methods for the production of compounds by C. phytofermentans. C. phytofermentans is genetically-engineered for hydrolysis and fermentation of carbonaceous biomass to synthesize compounds of commercial value.

Abstract: Recombinant bacteria capable of producing glycerol and glycerol-derived products from sucrose are described. The recombinant bacteria comprise in their genome or on at least one recombinant construct: a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having sucrose transporter activity; a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having fructokinase activity; and a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having sucrose hydrolase activity. These nucleotide sequences are each operably linked to the same or a different promoter. These recombinant bacteria are capable of metabolizing sucrose to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-derived products such as 1,3-propanediol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a diacylglycerol, which comprises, reacting triacylglycerol with water and an enzyme preparation to obtain a mixture comprising of diacylglycerol, monoacylglycerol and free fatty acid; removing water content in the mixture by way of dehydration; and separating monoacylglycerol, free fatty acid and residual triacylglycerol by at least one separation method to obtain a high-purity diacylglycerol. An oil or fat composition comprising of diacylglycerol obtained from the process and phytosteryl esters and/or ferulic acid esters in an amount of from 0.5% to 25% by weight of diacylglycerol is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selecting a strain of an organism capable of improved consumption of a mixed substrate comprising two or more carbon sources as compared to a reference strain of the organism, which method comprises: growing a population of the reference strain of the organism in the presence of the two or more carbon sources, wherein the number of generations of growth of the said population on each of the said carbon sources is at least about 50% of the number of generations of growth on the carbon source most preferred by the organism; and selecting the resulting strain of the organism, thereby to select a strain of the organism capable of improved consumption of a mixed substrate comprising the two or more carbon sources as compared to the reference strain of the organism. The invention also relates to strains of organisms selected using such a method.

Abstract: A method of fractionating biomass, by permeability conditioning biomass suspended in a pH adjusted solution of at least one water-based polar solvent to form a conditioned biomass, intimately contacting the pH adjusted solution with at least one non-polar solvent, partitioning to obtain an non-polar solvent solution and a polar biomass solution, and recovering cell and cell derived products from the non-polar solvent solution and polar biomass solution. Products recovered from the above method. A method of operating a renewable and sustainable plant for growing and processing algae.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process, a plant, and a biofuel for integrated biofuel production, such as with butanol, biodiesel, and/or sugar product. The integrated process includes the step of removing hexose from a feedstock to form a lignocellulosic material. The process also includes the step of converting the hexose to butanol and/or a biodiesel material, and the step of depolymerizing lignocellulosic material to form pentose and a residue. The process also includes the step of converting the pentose to butanol and/or a biodiesel material.

Abstract: A process of separating suspended solids from a fermentation liquor by subjecting the liquor to a solids-liquid separation stage, wherein the fermentation liquor is produced in a fermentation process for the production of a fermentation product, and which liquor comprises lignin, wherein the solids-liquid separation stage is assisted by a treatment system, characterised in that the treatment system comprises an anionic polymer, with the proviso that the treatment system and does not include a cationic polymer having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 4 dl/g.

Abstract: An industrial method of reclaiming the glycerol fraction resulting from biodiesel production, a new strain of Yarrowia lipolytica for use in said method, and its use.