Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing butadiene by forming two vinyl groups in a butadiene synthesis substrate. These pathways described herein rely on enzymes such as, inter alia, a decarboxylating thioesterase, cytochrome P450, or dehydratases for the final enzymatic step.

Abstract: (EN)The invention relates to the preparation of doped plant complexes by a process of fermenting a compost CP in particular of straw and of horse manure fermented for 3-6 days, with coverage by a special carbonated plant complex CVC. A doped or overdoped plant complex is obtained that has a very high concentration in particular of humic acid nuclei, mycorrhizae, and fixed gases (nitrogen, carbon), having an extremely improved biological activity with an application in the improvement of methanization, up to 200-350%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GH61 polypeptide variants. 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: The present invention provides fungal xylanase and/or beta-xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce xylanase and/or beta-xylosidases, as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor for methanizing biomass, a biogas plant having a plurality of such bioreactors, and a method for operating such a bioreactor. Because the elongated reactor vessel includes both a loading gate and an unloading gate that are arranged at opposite ends of the elongated reactor vessel, it is possible to remove consumed biomass, which is harmless in terms of epidemiologic hygiene and plant hygiene due to thermophilic process control during the fermentation, from the reactor vessel through the unloading gate and to transfer this consumed biomass directly to the composting process. The bioreactor thus has a “clean” unloading gate and an “unclean” loading gate.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

Abstract: This invention relates to recombinant microorganisms capable of producing isoprene and isoprene production with the use of such recombinant microorganism with good efficiency. In this invention, functional activity of the ispA gene is altered to reduce the production of isoprenoid molecules in recombinant cells engineered to produce isoprene or in cells otherwise susceptible to isoprenoid accumulation during fermentation. This decreased ispA gene functional activity enables enhanced synthesis of isoprene in a host microorganism.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein pertain to cells, and methods for preparing cells, that can be used as biocatalysts by altering enzymes that compete for a substrate or product of a pathway of interest such that the targeted enzyme is sensitive to a site-specific protease, which protease is expressed but relocated in the cell to a site where it is not in contact with the targeted enzyme in the intact cell. Upon cell lysis, the protease contacts the target enzyme, which is then inactivated by protease cleavage.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a toluene, benzene, p-toluate, terephthalate, (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, (2-hydroxy-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, benzoate, styrene, 2,4-pentadienoate, 3-butene-1ol or 1,3-butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce toluene, benzene, p-toluate, terephthalate, (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, (2-hydroxy-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, benzoate, styrene, 2,4-pentadienoate, 3-butene-1ol or 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to biochemical and chemical industry, and more particularly to a method which can be used in fermenting carbohydrate substrates of plant origin for producing C1-C5 alcohols, and for synthesis of higher alcohols, other oxygen-containing compounds and hydrocarbons as well as for the production of motor fuel components from biomass. Since C6 and higher alcohols, ethers, acetals, and higher hydrocarbons are not obtainable by a direct biochemical route, it is proposed to synthesize these using known chemical reactions, wherein by-products of fermentation are as raw materials for said synthesis.

Abstract: Low cost, efficient two-stage anaerobic digestion systems for the production of biogas (e.g. methane) are provided. During the first stage, biogas is produced in a first reactor by anaerobic microbes cultured in two phases: a high solids phase and a low solids phase. During the second stage, biogas is produced in a second reactor by a methanogen-rich anaerobic culture cultured in low solids medium. Removal of effluent comprising pH lowering reaction products assists in maintaining a suitable pH in the high solids phase. The transfer of effluent from the second reactor to the first reactor assists in maintaining a suitable pH in the high solids phase, in mixing of the high solids phase, and in reseeding the high solids phase with methanogens. Methane is produced in and recovered from both reactors.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon synthase gene encoding protein having excellent capacity to synthesize a hydrocarbon such as alkane and novel functions is provided. The gene encodes a protein comprising an amino acid sequence comprising a motif sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and having activity of synthesizing a hydrocarbon with a carbon number one less than that of an aldehyde compound from the aldehyde compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides means useful for establishing an excellent isoprene monomer production system. Specifically, the present invention provides a polynucleotide of the following (a), (b), or (c): (a) a polynucleotide comprising (i) the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1, or (ii) the nucleotide sequence consisting of the nucleotide residues at positions 133 to 1785 in the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1; (b) a polynucleotide that comprises a nucleotide sequence having 90% or more identity to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; or (c) a polynucleotide that hybridizes under a stringent condition with a polynucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (i) or (ii) above, and encodes a protein having an isoprene synthase activity; and the like.

Abstract: Provided herein are non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a formaldehyde fixation pathway and a formate assimilation pathway, which can further include a methanol metabolic pathway, a methanol oxidation pathway, a hydrogenase and/or a carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. These microbial organisms can further include a butadiene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-2-ol pathway. Additionally provided are methods of using such microbial organisms to produce butadiene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-2-ol.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes are described herein. The aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes can be used in biofuels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a system for processing plant remains, in particular shells of seeds and nuts, even more in particular shells of cocoa beans, shells of grain seeds, and rice remains. The method comprises the following steps: (i) providing plant remains having a shell portion of at least 20 wt %; and (ii) at least partially hydrolyzing constituents of the plant remains, in particular at least partially hydrolyzing and/or fermenting a carbohydrate, a fat, and/or a protein. A liquid phase having dissolved constituents and a solid phase can subsequently be separated. The solid portion can be used as dietary fiber and the liquid phase can be used as feed for a biogas plant.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing isoprene by forming two vinyl groups in a central precursor produced from isobutyryl-CoA, 3-methyl-2-oxopentanoate, or 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoate as well as recombinant hosts for producing isoprene.

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 invention features compositions and methods for the increased production of mevalonate, isoprene, isoprenoid precursor molecules, and/or isoprenoids in microorganisms via the heterologous expression of the mvaE and mvaS genes from the organisms Listeria grayi DSM 20601, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus gallinarum EG2, and Enterococcus casseliflavus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing derivatives from cultured cells. In addition, the present invention provides methods for conversion of prenyl derivatives, obtained from biological or petrochemical sources, to isoprene by employing chemical or biological catalysts. The present invention also provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene or prenyl derivatives produced there from.

Abstract: A method for the continuous liquefying of organic solids in a fermenter, wherein an outwardly directed flow of solids is produced in a dammed-up liquid, the solids are added in the lower region of the fermenter and the solid fermentation residues are essentially collected and removed below the level of the dammed-up liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for the production of isoprene from biological materials.

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 relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase 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: The efficient production of ethanol from low-cost biomass (e.g., corn, sugar beets, sugar cane, switchgrass and/or paper) has become increasingly important in making ethanol competitive with gasoline and decreasing the United States' dependence on foreign oil. For example, to reduce the cost of transporting biomass to ethanol production facilities, mobile systems for producing ethanol from biomass are provided. Also provided are small-scale ethanol production facilities. For example, instead of transporting biomass to the production facility, the facility is transported to the biomass or is located nearby the source of the biomass. The ethanol production facilities or components thereof may be transported via land, water, or air. Production of other products, such as hydrocarbons, natural gas, hydrogen gas, plastics, polymers, and proteins, can also be made by the methods and facilities. Any product described herein can be made in finished form or un-finished form and moved, e.g., to a fixed facility, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent cellobiohydrolase II. 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: The present invention relates to host cells transformed with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a eukaryotic xylose isomerase obtainable from an anaerobic fungus. When expressed, the sequence encoding the xylose isomerase confers to the host cell the ability to convert xylose to xylulose which may be further metabolized by the host cell. Thus, the host cell is capable of growth on xylose as carbon source. The host cell preferably is a eukaryotic microorganism such as a yeast or a filamentous fungus. The invention further relates to processes for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, in which a host cell of the invention uses xylose for growth and for the production of the fermentation product. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding eukaryotic xylose isomerases and xylulose kinases as obtainable from anaerobic fungi.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester is fed a feedstock, for example sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, and produces a digestate. The digestate is dewatered into a cake. The cake may be dried further, for example in a thermal drier. The cake is treated in a pyrolysis system to produce a synthesis gas and biochar. The gas is sent to the same or another digester to increase its methane production. The char may be used as a soil enhancer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a biofuel using genetically modified sulfur-oxidizing and iron-reducing bacteria (SOIRB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing a SOIRB that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a biofuel; feeding a first source of ferric iron to the SOIRB; feeding sulfur, water, and carbon dioxide to the SOIRB; producing at least the first particular biofuel, a first source of ferrous iron, sulfate, excess ferric iron, and an SOIRB biomass; electrochemically reducing the excess ferric iron to a second source of ferrous iron; providing an iron-oxidizing bacteria that have been genetically modified to include a particular metabolic pathway to enable them to generate a second biofuel; producing at least the second biofuel, a second source of ferric iron, and an IOB biomass; and feeding the second source of ferric iron to the SOIRB.

Abstract: A system for generating biogas comprises at least one fermenter (1) for fermenting solid biomass (13). The fermenter (1) comprises a device for charging the biomass with a liquid medium, a gas outlet (2) for removing the biogas from the fermenter (1) and a gas inlet (3) for supplying gases to the fermenter (1). The gas inlet (3) is connectable to a biogas source, preferably to the gas outlet (2), a biogas line and/or a biogas reservoir.

Abstract: It has been found that certain cells in culture can convert more than about 0.002 percent of the carbon available in the cell culture medium into isoprene. These cells have a heterologous nucleic acid that (i) encodes an isoprene synthase polypeptide and (ii) is operably linked to a promoter. The isoprene produced in such a cultured medium can then be recovered and polymerized into synthetic rubbers and other useful polymeric materials. The synthetic isoprene containing polymers of this invention offer the benefit of being verifiable as to being derived from non-petrochemical based resources. They can also be analytically distinguished from rubbers that come from natural sources. The present invention more specifically discloses a polyisoprene polymer which is comprised of repeat units that are derived from isoprene monomer, wherein the polyisoprene polymer has ?13C value of greater than ?22‰.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant host cells comprising one or more recombinant polynucleotides encoding enzymes in select pathways that provide the ability to use the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene. The present disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing the recombinant host cells, and methods for the use of the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene, either through formation of the intermediate compound crotonol followed by chemo-catalytic dehydration to 1,3-butadiene, or through the use of a recombinant cell comprising a fully enzymatic pathway capable of converting crotonyl-CoA or crotonyl-ACP to crotonol and then crotonol to 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: This invention is about a process of increased Biogas (9) production, with high methane content, in anaerobic biodigestion plants, with production of electric (11) and thermal energy. The process is based upon biotechnologies, hardware and software specifically developed for this aim. One or more Devices for the Acceleration (4) of autochthon methanogenic bacteria multiplication, originally contained in the Organic Wastes (1), collect a portion of the biological material from the Anaerobic Biodigester (3) and, successively, gives it back at a higher rate, with its methanogenic bacteria population remarkably multiplied. The increase and stabilization of the reproduction and nutrition of these bacterial strains allows the increase of the biogas produced in the Anaerobic Biodigester (3) along with the percentage of methane contained in this very Biogas (9).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant host cells comprising one or more recombinant polynucleotides encoding enzymes in select pathways that provide the ability to use the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene. The present disclosure also provides methods of manufacturing the recombinant host cells, and methods for the use of the cells to produce 1,3-butadiene. The methods utilize recombinant host cells that comprise an engineered pathway of enzymes that provides for the conversion of naturally occurring intermediate crotonyl-CoA (or -ACP) to 1,3-butadiene through enzyme catalyzed steps involving the reduction of glutaconyl-CoA (or -ACP) to form the intermediate 5-hydroxypent-3-enoate. The disclosure provides alternative engineered pathway involving either decarboxylation of 5-hydroxypent-3-enoate directly to 1,3-butadiene, or phosphorylation of 5-hydroxypent-3-enoate followed by a phosphate elimination step catalyzed by a decarboxylase to produce 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: Scalable biomaterial-based bioreactors are described. In one embodiment, the bioreactor may comprise perforated plates stacked such that the assembled bioreactor has the necessary manifolds and chambers to transport gas and liquids to a biomaterial contained within the bioreactor, and to remove the reaction products. In another embodiment, single use bioreactors are described. Methods of operating the bioreactors are also described.

Abstract: Terpene synthases are enzymes that directly convert IPP & DMAPP to terpenes, such as fusicoccadiene. Described herein are methods and compositions for the production of terpenes and terpenoids for use as fuel molecules or other useful components. Genetically engineered enzymes capable of producing terpenes and terpenoids are also described.

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 methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material using an enzyme composition in the presence of a reducing agent. The present invention also provides methods for producing a fermentation product and methods of fermenting a cellulosic material using an enzyme composition in the presence of a reducing agent.

Abstract: A human waste treatment system is disclosed that includes at least one waste receptacle such as an airline-style toilet, an anaerobic digester such as an induced bed reactor, and a gas conditioner. Human waste may be moved by a macerator pump. Inside the digester, bacteria digests organic solids to form biogas. The anaerobic digester may be operated at thermophilic temperatures to kill pathogenic bacteria in the waste and produce treated water. The gas conditioner purifies the biogas which may be used to power an electric generator. Treated water may be used to flush the system. The system may be mounted on a semi-truck trailer and transported. The system may be self-contained.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of one or more terpenoids through microbial engineering, and relates to the manufacture of products comprising terpenoids.

Abstract: Contiguous flow anaerobic digester for mechanization of organic matter and production of fertilizer powering the conditions and performance of the anaerobic digestion process, through homogenization of the sludge and process temperature, wherein the digester is tubular shaped and comprises a biogas exhaust valve at the top of the digester. One end of the digester has a sludge outlet connection, a water- and gas-tight zipper that is resistant to the corrosive elements of digestion, and an outlet. The opposite end of the digester has a mud inlet, and a water- and gas-tight zipper that is resistant to the corrosive elements of digestion, wherein said digester further comprises at its base a gas irrigation system for biogas recirculation composed of a polymeric material resilient to the corrosive elements of anaerobic digestion.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for producing isoprene by culturing recombinant cells (e.g., cells engineered to produce isoprene) under reduced oxygen inlet levels.

Abstract: The invention provides a microbial eukaryotic cell capable of utilizing C5 sugars, in particular xylose. Another objective of the invention is to provide an improved protein sequence to enable eukaryotic cells to degrade C5 sugars. The present invention thus provides protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75% identity, preferably 80% identity, most preferably 90% identity, most highly preferably 95% identity to SEQ ID NO. 2 or SEQ ID NO. 8 and having xylose-isomerase activity in a eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Described is a process for the conversion of halophytic plant biomass containing saline organic solids into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Operation of the process with saline (e.g., seawater) as liquid media under the method conditions taught leads to biological conversion of the organic matter into biogas. Additionally described is a method for pretreatment of the biomass under mild physicochemical conditions to increase the bioavailable fraction of the biomass for conversion.

Abstract: A system (100, 200, 300, 400) for producing biogas from waste stream (101) including organic material includes a liquid waste container (102) and a solid waste container (103). In addition, it includes a separator (104) for at least partially separating liquid fraction into the liquid waste container (102) and solid fraction into the solid waste container (103) from the waste stream (101) so that the solid waste container includes more solid content than the liquid waste container. Furthermore, the system includes a communication member (106, 111) between the liquid waste container (102) and a mixer (105, 202) for introducing liquid from the liquid waste container to the waste stream portion containing solid fraction in order to extract more liquid from the solid fraction.

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: A method of converting CO2 gas produced during industrial processes comprising contacting methanogenic archaea with the CO2 gas under suitable conditions to produce methane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms and polypeptides for detoxifying aldehydes associated with industrial fermentations. In particular, a heat-stable, NADPH- and iron-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase was cloned from Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus 39E and displayed activity against a number of aldehydes including inhibitory compounds that are produced during the dilute-acid pretreatment process of lignocellulosic biomass before fermentation to biofuels. Methods to use the microorganisms and polypeptides of the invention for improved conversion of bio mass to biofuel are provided as well as use of the enzyme in metabolic engineering strategies for producing longer-chain alcohols from sugars using thermophilic, fermentative microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one isoprene synthase enzyme with improved catalytic activity and/or solubility. In particular, the present invention provides variant plant isoprene synthases for increased isoprene production in microbial host cells. Biosynthetically produced isoprene of the present invention finds use in the manufacture of rubber and elastomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating 1,3-diene compounds through a biological process. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for producing 1,3-diene compounds (for example butadiene or isoprene) from molecules of the 3-hydroxyalk-4-enoate type or from 3-phosphonoxyalk-4-enoates.