Abstract: The present invention is generally related to systems and methods to permit the growth of anaerobic, ethanol-producing bacteria using pretreated biomass such as cellulose in a manner to facilitate the efficient conversion of cellulose to ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel endoglucanase nucleic acid sequence, designated egl6, and the corresponding EGVI amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding EGVI, recombinant EGVI proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and 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 are methods and compositions for increasing the production of one or more cellulases from a fungal host cell. The disclosure is based, on the surprising discovery that mis-expression of the transcriptional regulator clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell was able to induce expression of cellulase genes under non-inducing or starvation conditions, resulting in increased secretion of cellulases from the cell. Advantageously, mis-expression of the transcription factor clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell cultured in the absence of cellulose or cellobiose results in increased secretion of cellulases.

Abstract: The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detoxifying a lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate, including: preparing a hydrolysate by pretreating a lignocellulosic biomass by hydrolysis; and decreasing or removing toxicity by adding a surfactant to the hydrolysate. The detoxifying method according to the present disclosure may effectively remove toxicity of compounds derived from lignin that inhibit the growth of and fermentation by microorganisms during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Further, production efficiency can be improved since loss of sugar can be avoided during the detoxification and additional cost can be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme compositions comprising a polypeptide having cellobiohydrolase II activity, a polypeptide having xylanase activity, and one or more cellulolytic proteins and their use in the degradation or conversion of cellulosic material.

Abstract: Enzyme compositions including at least a) a cocktail of cellulases from Trichoderma reesei, and b) an enzymatic cocktail from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus including a cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) or c) a recombinant cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Pycnoporus cinnabarinus, preferably also including a Family 61 glycoside hydrolase. Also, methods for degrading a lignocellulosic biomass, for producing a fermentation product, for producing gluconic acid, xylonic acid and/or xylobionic acid, for enhancing the production of gluconic acid, xylonic acid and/or xylobionic acid or for increasing the yield of sugars from a lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: Described herein are improved methods of degrading or converting cellulosic material into fermentable sugars using dithionite. Also described are improved methods of fermentation in the presence of dithionite.

Abstract: Provided are isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity, catalytic domains, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains. Also provided are nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus, and materials are disclosed for generating multi-purpose liquid fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a liquid fuel includes forming a gaseous fuel (e.g., by dissociating biomass waste using waste heat recovered from an external heat source). Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process can be harvested and reacted with the gaseous fuel to generate the liquid fuel. A hazardous contaminant can be dissolved in the liquid fuel, with the liquid fuel operating as a solvent or continuous phase for a solution or colloid that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant can include at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A method is presented for the production of cellulosic ethanol, acetic acid and derivatives from the extract containing fibers and hemicelluloses after steam cooking of biomass in a host plant. The process is integrated with the host plant process to minimize the effect of loss of heat value from the extracted hemicelluloses and eliminate the need for the waste water treatment plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity, beta-xylosidase activity, or beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase 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 provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, or a sugar source feedstock module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module.

Abstract: A process for converting a cellulosic feedstock to chemical compound, such as an alcohol, or mixture of chemical compounds, wherein one or more process streams can be used in one or more of the other process steps.

Abstract: Processes for production of an alcohol product from granular starch comprising a pre-treatment at an elevated temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of the granular starch followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and optionally recovery of ethanol, are described.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant GH61 proteins obtained from Myceliophtora thermophila, and nucleic acids that encode such proteins. The invention also provides protein fractions isolated from M. thermophila supernatant that have GH61 protein activity. These preparations can be used to increase yield of products from reactions in which a cellulose-containing substrate undergoes saccharification by one or more cellulase enzymes, such as endoglucanase, ?-glucosidase, or cellobiohydrolase. Combinations of GH61 protein and cellulases can be used to break down cellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars in the production of ethanol.

Abstract: Economic conversion of lignocellulose requires both the maximization of conversion of available carbohydrates, as well as minimization of process capital cost. Process intensification minimizes capital cost while preserving conversion yield by combining into a single step those unit operations that are conducted at similar conditions. Flowsheet variations are proposed that minimize process capital while maintaining overall conversion yield.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a process for the production of ethanol. The process includes performing liquefaction, saccharification, and fermentation steps to produce ethanol from an organic material. In one embodiment, the liquefaction step may include disposing a carbon-containing material within a first vessel, adding at least one enzyme to the first vessel, and incubating the first vessel at a first temperature for a predetermined time period. Next, the saccharification step can include adding at least one enzyme to the first vessel and then incubating the first vessel at a second temperature to form a liquefact in the first vessel. Then, in some embodiments, the fermentation step includes removing the liquefact from the first vessel and transferring the liquefact to a second vessel. Once in the second vessel, at least one additional enzyme, at least one nutrient, and a plurality of yeast cells can be added to the second vessel. Then, the second vessel is incubated to promote fermentation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol from mannitol using yeast and a yeast strain that produces ethanol from mannitol. The method for producing ethanol from mannitol comprises culturing yeast strains capable of mannitol assimilation and ethanol production from mannitol in a medium containing mannitol.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for materials and methods for converting biomass to biofuels. The materials include a colloid mill with or without cellulase enzymes, and the methods include the use of a colloid mill and optionally cellulose enzymes to pretreat biomass for use in a biomass to biofuel production process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a fermentation product from a sugar hydrolysate. The method comprises fermenting the sugar hydrolysate in a fermentation system with yeast to produce a fermentation broth comprising a fermentation product; introducing acid and an oxidant, such as chlorine dioxide, to the fermentation system so as to expose microbial contaminants in the fermentation system at one or more stages to chlorine dioxide and a pH of less than 3.0; and recovering the fermentation product. In one example of the invention, a yeast slurry obtained from a yeast recycle step is treated with acid and the oxidant.

Abstract: The system for fermentation using algae of the present invention includes a first reactor and a second reactor being in fluid communication with each other. A first valve placed between the first reactor and the second reactor controls the fluid connection between the reactors. A gas inlet, in fluid connection to the first reactor, is located at an end opposite the second reactor. A devolatization unit or cell lysis chamber is connected to the second reactor by a second valve. A biomass stream having gas, liquid and biosolids contents passes through the first reactor with gas. The biomass stream mixes and dissolves the gas in the reactors. The cellular structure of the biomass stream ruptures in the devolatization unit, allowing the processed materials, such as oil, gas, and biosolids, to be harvested for use.

Abstract: This invention provides a process of making a linear dicarboxylic acid of C10, C12, C14, C16 or C18 chain length, the process comprising providing a feed which is a renewable resource, contacting the feed with a catalyst in the presence of hydrogen and at a temperature of about 250° C. to about 425° C. and at a pressure of about 500 psig to about 2500 psig (3450 kPa to about 17,250 kPa) to produce a hydrocarbon product having at least a 5:1 ratio of even-numbered alkanes to odd-numbered alkanes and comprising a linear alkane of Cn chain length; and fermenting at least a portion of the linear alkane of Cn chain length to a linear dicarboxylic acid of Cn chain length, wherein n=10, 12, 14, 16 or 18. The catalyst comprises an oxide, molybdenum, and one or more active metals selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and mixtures thereof and the catalyst is in sulfided form.

Abstract: A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and encoding a polypeptide involved in at least partially degrading, cleaving, transporting, metabolizing, or removing polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups; and at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide involved in fermenting sugar molecules to a product. Additionally, enzymatic and/or proteinaceous extracts may be isolated from one or more genetically modified organisms. The extracts are utilized to convert biomass into a product.

Abstract: This invention provides processes to convert biomass into energy-dense biomass for combustion, alone or in combination with another solid fuel. Some embodiments provide processes for producing energy-dense biomass from cellulosic biomass, comprising extracting the feedstock with steam and/or hot water to produce an extract liquor containing hemicellulosic oligomers, dissolved lignin, and cellulose-rich solids; separating the extract liquor, to produce dewatered cellulose-rich solids; hydrolyzing the dewatered cellulose-rich solids, thereby removing a portion of the cellulose, to produce intermediate solids (with higher energy density) and a hydrolysate; drying the intermediate solids to produce energy-dense biomass; and optionally recovering fermentable sugars from the hydrolysate. The energy-dense biomass may be pelletized into biomass pellets, which may have a similar energy density as torrefied pellets from wood.

Abstract: A process for the fermentative production of at least one organic compound having at least 3 C atoms or having at least 2 C atoms and at least one 1 N atom, comprising the following steps: a1) milling a starch feedstock, thus obtaining a millbase which comprises at least part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; a2) suspending the millbase in an aqueous liquid and hydrolysis of the starch portion in the millbase by enzymatic liquefaction and, if appropriate, subsequent saccharification, whereby a first liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides is obtained; and b) addition of the liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides together with metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharides or together with a composition which comprises metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharide in a concentration of at least 50% by weight and which is essentially free from solids which are insoluble in water to a fermentation medium comprising a microorganism which is capable of overproduc

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to variant CBH I polypeptides that have reduced product inhibition, and compositions, e.g., cellulase compositions, comprising variant CBH I polypeptides. The variant CBH I polypeptides and related compositions can be used in variety of agricultural and industrial applications. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acids encoding variant CBH I polypeptides and host cells that recombinantly express the variant CBH I polypeptides.

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

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions comprising one or more compound components generally recognized as safe for human consumption, and related methods of use, such compositions and methods as can be employed in a wide range of agricultural, industrial, building, pharmaceutical and/or personal care products and applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing at least one organic compound comprising at least 3 C-atoms or at least 2 C-atoms and at least 1 N-atom by fermentation. Said method comprises the following steps: i) a starch source is ground in order to obtain a grinding material which contains at least one part of the non-starch containing solid components of the starch source; ii) the grinding material is suspended in an aqueous liquid in an amount such that the dry mass content in the suspension is at least 45 wt.

Abstract: Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for production of alcohols and/or solvents from a cellulosic or lignocellulosic biomass, comprising: a step for thermochemical pre-treatment of a cellulosic or lignocellulosic substrate; an optional step for washing the pre-treated substrate and adjusting the pH; a step for enzymatic hydrolysis of the pre-treated substrate; a step for ethanolic fermentation of the hexoses contained in the hydrolysate obtained from step (c) into ethanol by a hexose-fermenting microorganism and for obtaining an ex-hexose ethanolic liquor; an extraction step; a step for ethanolic fermentation of the pentoses contained in at least one of the streams obtained from one of the preceding steps with a pentose-fermenting microorganism and for obtaining an ex-pentose ethanolic liquor; in which at least a portion of the ex-pentose ethanolic liquor is recycled upstream of at least one of the enzymatic hydrolysis and/or ethanolic fermentation steps.

Abstract: Described are variants of alpha (?)-amylases having altered starch hydrolysis profiles. The variants have improved thermostability and increased specific activity, resulting in reduced peak viscosity and altered final viscosity during starch liquefaction. The amylase variants are useful, e.g., in liquefaction and other starch degradation processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing the activity of a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, comprising: adding a divalent copper cation to a composition comprising the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, wherein the presence of the divalent copper cation and the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity increases degradation or conversion of a cellulosic material by an enzyme composition compared to the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity without the divalent copper cation. The present invention also relates to compositions, methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material, and methods for producing a fermentation product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides comprising a carbohydrate-binding module amino acid sequence and an alpha-amylase amino acid sequence as well as to the application of such polypeptides.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fermentable sugars derivable from biomass that contains polysaccharide, such as cellulose, made increasingly accessible as a substrate for enzymatic degradation or other methods of depolymerization. These fermentable sugars are subsequently able to be fermented to produce various target chemicals, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones or acids.

Abstract: A process for pretreating a lignocellulosic material is provided. The process comprises mixing the lignocellulosic material and an alkaline aqueous solution, in a solid to liquid weight ratio of equal to or more than 25:75 to equal to or less than 60:40, in a mixer to produce an aqueous slurry and heat-treating the aqueous slurry at a temperature in the range from equal to or more than 50° C. to equal to or less than 200° C. to produce a heat-treated aqueous slurry comprising a pretreated lignocellulosic material. The lignocellulosic material has a lignin content in the range from equal to or more than 10 wt % to equal to or less than 50 wt %, based on the total weight of the lignocellulosic material. The alkaline aqueous solution has a pH of equal to or more than 9.0.

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: 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: A system is provided for reducing non-specific binding of an enzyme to lignin to enhance an enzymatic processing of a lignocellulosic material. The enhancements provide economic and process advantages to any process that converts a lignocellulosic biomass into a product using an enzyme. Systems are provided comprising a reaction vessel; a lignocellulosic feedstock comprising a component selected from the group consisting of a hardwood, a softwood, or a non-wood material; an enzyme component including a cellulase, a hemicellulase, or a combination thereof; and, water. The reaction vessel can contain a combination of the lignocellulosic feedstock, the water, and the enzyme component at a pH ranging from about 5.2 to about 6.2; and, the lignocellulosic feedstock can be saccharified in the reaction vessel. Moreover, the systems can include a lignosulfonate, with or without a pH of about 5.2 to about 6.2, to also reduce non-specific binding and enhance enzymatic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that can be used in hydrolyzing biomass such as compositions comprising a polypeptide having glycosyl hydrolase (GH) family 61/endoglucanase activity and/or a ?-glucosidase polypeptide, methods for hydrolyzing biomass material, and methods for using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of ethanol comprising both gasification and fermentation of feedstocks, and, in particular to a process for the production of ethanol comprising: a) passing a biomass feedstock to a first fermentation step wherein it is subjected to anaerobic fermentation at a pH below 6.0 and at a temperature in the range 20 to 700C to convert the biomass to a solution comprising acetic acid as the predominant product, b) passing a gasifiable feedstock to a gasification step wherein it is subjected to gasification to produce a gaseous mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and c) passing the solution comprising acetic acid from step (a) and the gaseous mixture from step (b) to one or more further fermentation steps wherein they are subject to fermentation to produce ethanol.

Abstract: Flat panel biofilm photobioreactor systems with a photosynthetic, autofermentative microorganism that forms a biofilm and methods for using the same to make metabolic intermediate compound(s) through photosynthesis and to convert metabolic intermediate compound(s) into chemical product(s) such as a biofuel or a feedstock through autofermentation.

Abstract: Improved manganese peroxidases, polynucleotides encoding improved manganese peroxidase and vectors and cells thereof are provided, as well as methods for converting a cellulose-containing biomass feedstock to ethanol using improved manganese peroxidases and cells expressing a heterologous manganese peroxidase as disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the enhanced production of ethanol from fermentation using an ethanol producing microorganism. In particular, the present invention provides a process for the enhanced growth and metabolism of an ethanol producing microorganism (e.g., yeast), for the purpose of increasing or enhancing ethanol production, both in terms of total ethanol produced and in terms of the time required for ethanol producing microorganisms to convert carbohydrates and/or sugars to end products (i.e., ethanol). In accordance with this invention bicarbonate ions are used to enhance ethanol fermentation and/or reduce the time required for ethanol producing microorganisms to convert carbohydrates and/or sugars to end products, i.e., ethanol. The present invention can also be used for enhancing fermentation end products in, for example, the fuel ethanol, industrial, cheese, brewing, and wine making industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing a substance from a cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel Clavispora spp. yeast strain, NRRL Y-50464, that produces ethanol. More specifically, the yeast strain is able to utilize cellobiose as a sole carbon source and produce native ?-glucosidase enzyme activity under a one-step simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of cellulose to ethanol.

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.