Abstract: A method and/or system can include processing a blood sample of a patient by degrading red blood cells of the blood sample using a lysing solution, quenching the degradation of the red blood cells after a threshold lysing time, centrifuging and aspirating the quenched solution to remove degraded red blood cell debris and concentrate white blood cells of the blood sample, and suspending the concentrated white blood cells in a buffer solution; within a threshold transfer time, deforming white blood cells, of the suspended white blood cells, within a microfluidic chip; and determining a probability that the patient is in an immune activation state based on images of the white blood cells acquired while deforming the white blood cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aqueous latex compositions comprising polysaccharide particles and a polymer dispersion or polymer emulsion. In one embodiment the polysaccharide particles comprise poly alpha-1,3-glucan. Also disclosed are an adhesive, film, coating, or binder comprising the latex composition in a dry form, as well as articles comprising the adhesive, film, coating, or binder.

Abstract: A method and/or system can include processing a blood sample of a patient by degrading red blood cells of the blood sample using a lysing solution, quenching the degradation of the red blood cells after a threshold lysing time, centrifuging and aspirating the quenched solution to remove degraded red blood cell debris and concentrate white blood cells of the blood sample, and suspending the concentrated white blood cells in a buffer solution; within a threshold transfer time, deforming white blood cells, of the suspended white blood cells, within a microfluidic chip; and determining a probability that the patient is in an immune activation state based on images of the white blood cells acquired while deforming the white blood cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a mineral substance from a base comprising mineral matter, the method comprising obtaining the base comprising a predetermined quantity of the mineral matter synthesised by a living structure or a portion of the latter, characterised in that obtaining the base comprises providing the living structure and providing at least one lactic acid microorganism suitable for symbiosis with the living structure for the synthesis of the mineral matter of the mineral substance. The invention also relates to a mineralising composition comprising a living structure, a lactic acid microorganism, a nutritive substance; the mineral substance used in the method; and the use of a combination of a living structure and a lactic acid microorganism in symbiosis with each other as a mineralising agent in a self-regenerating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enriching a biomass of a microalga of the species Tetraselmis chuii in superoxide dismutase (SOD) by placing said microalga under abiotic stress conditions. The invention also relates to a biomass enriched in SOD as well as to an extract of the microalga and to the uses thereof as a pharmaceutical composition, as a cosmetic or in foodstuff.

Abstract: Herein a Bacillus exosporium antigen delivery (BEAD) system that provides a means to introduce recombinant proteins or small molecules into the exosporium of members of the B. cereus family of bacteria, i.e. B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, is disclosed. The system results in the surface display of recombinant proteins or small molecules such that they can stimulate an immune response. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fusion protein comprising (1) a bacterial microcompartment (BMC) shell protein comprising one or more subunit, and (2) a first component of a specific-binding pair, operably linked to the BMC shell protein such that the first component faces (i) a lumen (inside) side, or (ii) outside of a BMC shell formed incorporating the fusion protein and the fusion protein does not disrupt or prevent the folding of the BMC shell protein or the ability of the BMC shell protein to integrate with other BMC shell proteins into a BMC shell; wherein the first component is capable of forming a stable or irreversible interaction with a second component of the specific-binding pair.

Abstract: Reactors, systems and processes for the production of biomass by culturing microorganisms in aqueous liquid culture medium circulating inner loop reactor which utilize nonvertical pressure reduction zones are described. Recovery and processing of the culture microorganisms to obtain products, such as proteins or hydrocarbons is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for triggering triacylglycerols (TAG) accumulation in microalgae comprising the step of contacting a source of exogenous nitroxide (NO) with said microalgae in their growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and a healthy food product for inducing bowel movements and promoting weight loss comprising 47-57 parts by weight of a psyllium husk powder, 18-28 parts by weight of a rice bran powder, 5-6 parts by weight of a kelp powder, 4-5 parts by weight of a fructooligosaccharide, 3.5-4.5 parts by weight of chicory fiber, 3-4 parts of weight of glasswort, 2.5-3.5 parts by weight of yeast powder, 1.5-2.5 parts by weight of lactulose powder, 0.5-1.5 parts by weight of lactic acid bacteria powder, 0.05-0.15 parts by weight of complex amino acid, 0.4-0.6 parts by weight of Aloe arborescens, and 0.5-1.5 parts by weight of garlic powder. The composition and health food product for inducing bowel movements and promoting weight loss of the present invention comprise nutritional ingredients such as vegetable dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc. which feed beneficial intestinal bacteria.

Abstract: A topical sanitizing composition for restoring skin's natural balance of bacteria is provided. The topical sanitizing composition includes about 0.02 wt. % to 10.0 wt. % of an active ingredient, at least about 40 wt. % of one or more C1-6 alcohols; and water. The active ingredient comprises one or more of a probiotic, probiotic derivative, and a prebiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation and use of nanocellulose fibrils or crystals such as disintegrated bacterial nanocellulose, tunicate-derived nanocellulose, or plant-derived nanocellulose, together with carbon nanotubes, as a biocompatible and conductive ink for 3D printing of electrically conductive patterns. Biocompatible conductive bioinks described in this invention were printed in the form of connected lines onto wet or dried nanocellulose films, bacterial cellulose membrane, or tunicate decellularized tissue. The devices were biocompatible and showed excellent mechanical properties and good electrical conductivity through printed lines (3.8·10?1 S cm?1). Such scaffolds were used to culture neural cells. Neural cells attached selectively on the printed pattern and formed connective networks.

Abstract: The invention provides an agent for improving circadian rhythm comprising cells of lactic acid bacterium or treated product thereof as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A process for optimizing the operation of a plug-flow fermenter for the anaerobic fermentation of organic wastes, wherein the plug-flow fermenter comprises a horizontally oriented fermenter tank and a stirrer, which stirrer comprises a stirrer shaft which traverses the interior of the fermenter tank in an axial manner and multiple paddles which are arranged on the stirrer shaft and protrude radially and also a drive, and the fermentation material is moved in the fermenter tank by means of the stirrer.

Abstract: A process for producing a retroviral or lentiviral vector formulation comprising a filter-sterilisation step wherein the filter-sterilisation step is not the final step in the purification process.

Abstract: A microorganism strain Lactobacillus plantarum Inducia DSM 21379 for use as hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial and anti-oxidative agent and as enhancer of the natural defense potential of a subject. L. plantarum Inducia is used for reducing the level of LDL-cholesterol in blood for preventing the cholesterol metabolism disorders and cardiovascular disorders. L. plantarum Inducia enhances simultaneously the natural defense potential and cellular immunity, and as anti-oxidative agent enhances anti-oxidative activity of blood by reducing the level of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). The strain is also used as an antimicrobial agent for lowering risk of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) by preventing germination of C. difficile spores and by suppressing proliferation of its vegetative cells. The compositions comprising L. plantarum Inducia decrease the levels of LDL-cholesterol and ox-LDL in blood, enhance the natural defense potential and lower risk of CDAD.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods for achieving sequence-specific organism detection and/or phenotype(s) using sequence-specific oligonucleotides. Also disclosed are related kits, cultures, and cells for detecting and/or phenotyping microorganisms in a sequence-specific manner.

Abstract: Engineered microorganisms are provided that convert gaseous substrates, such as producer gas, into limonene. In some embodiments, limonene is pumped out of the cell via an efflux pump. In some embodiments, limonene, produced as described herein, is converted through catalytic dimerization into jet fuel. Producer gas used in the processes described herein for production of limonene may be derived from sources that include gasification of waste feedstock and/or biomass residue, waste gas from industrial processes, or natural gas, biogas, or landfill gas.

Abstract: A food composition for alleviating hangovers, the food composition contains, as an active ingredient, at least one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactococcus chungangensis, Lactococcus fujiensis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, and Lactococcus raffinolactis, or a culture liquid thereof culture medium, wherein functional cream cheese is prepared using five species of Lactococcus strains above having the ability to decompose ethanol and acetaldehyde.

Abstract: Herein a Bacillus exosporium molecule delivery (BEMD) system that provides a means to deliver molecules of interest (MOIs) to an environment is disclosed. The system results in the display of MOIs on the exosporium surface of Bacillus family members such that they can be delivered to an environment in a stable and active form. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides mammalian milk osteopontin and/or an active truncation or active peptide thereof for improving immune responsiveness to an infectious disease in a mammal, for example a human subject, as well as enhancing the efficacy of vaccination for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of an infectious disease in mammals, such as humans. The invention further provides a vaccine system, for use in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of an infectious disease in a mammal, comprising a vaccine and a mammalian milk osteopontin and/or an active truncation or active peptide thereof for oral administration to a mammal, as well as methods of enhancing immune resistance to an infectious disease in a mammal by administration of a vaccine and a mammalian milk osteopontin and/or an active truncation thereof.

Abstract: Herein a Bacillus exosporium antigen delivery (BEAD) system that provides a means to introduce recombinant proteins or small molecules into the exosporium of members of the B. cereus family of bacteria, i.e. B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, is disclosed. The system results in the surface display of recombinant proteins or small molecules such that they can stimulate an immune response. In addition, methods of making and using the system are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a secreted fungal catalase, for hydrogen-peroxide neutralization in growth media for the detection of microorganisms as well as to a method for detecting microorganisms in hydrogen peroxide-bearing aerosol or on a hydrogen peroxide bearing surface, said method comprising contacting said aerosol or surface with a growth medium comprising a secreted fungal catalase, and detecting growth of microorganisms in said medium.

Abstract: Provided is a separatome-based recombinant peptide, polypeptide, and protein expression and purification platform based on the juxtaposition of the binding properties of host cell genomic peptides, polypeptides, and proteins with the characteristics and location of the corresponding genes on the host cell chromosome, such as that of E. coli, yeast, Bacillus subtilis or other prokaryotes, insect cells, mammalian cells, etc. This platform quantitatively describes and identifies priority deletions, modifications, or inhibitions of certain gene products to increase chromatographic separation efficiency, defined as an increase in column capacity, column selectivity, or both, with emphasis on the former. Moreover, the platform provides a computerized knowledge tool that, given separatome data and a target recombinant peptide, polypeptide, or protein, intuitively suggests strategies leading to efficient product purification.

Abstract: A method for treating a skin disorder, e.g., acne, e.g. acne vulgaris, in a subject is provided. The method comprises administering, e.g., applying, e.g., topically administering, ammonia oxidizing bacteria, e.g., a preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing bacteria, to a surface of the subject. Preparations comprising ammonia oxidizing bacteria for treating such skin disorder, e.g., acne, e.g. acne vulgaris in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and economic method of extracting a crystalline Carotenoid compound, such as Beta-carotene, Lycopene, with a purity of at least 99%. The present invention further describes a process to prepare such a highly pure crystalline Carotenoid compound from microbial biomass, using an Anti-purity compound removal process followed by a mono-solvent extraction method. Further the process describes value addition of the co-products recovered during the extraction process thus resulting in a highly economical industrial method for the production of such high purity crystalline Carotenoids compound.

Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and materials for culturing and transporting stem cells in a three-dimensional culture. The materials comprise cellulose nanofibrils in a form of three-dimensional discontinuous entities in a biocompatible hydrogel.

Abstract: This disclosure describes genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms, e.g., Cyanobacteria, that overexpress an acyl carrier protein (ACP), an acyl-ACP synthase (Aas), or both, optionally in combination with one or more overexpressed or exogenous lipid biosynthesis proteins, and/or one or more overexpressed or exogenous glycogen breakdown proteins. Exemplary biosynthesis proteins include diacyglycerol acyltransferases, thioesterases, phosphatidate phosphatases, phospholipases, triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolases, fatty acyl-CoA synthetases, and/or acetyl-CoA carboxylases, including combinations thereof. Also included are photosynthetic microorganisms comprising mutations or deletions in a glycogen biosynthesis or storage pathway, which accumulate a reduced amount of glycogen under reduced nitrogen conditions as compared to a wild type photosynthetic microorganism.

Abstract: Engineered microorganisms are provided that convert gaseous substrates, such as producer gas, into limonene. In some embodiments, limonene is pumped out of the cell via an efflux pump. In some embodiments, limonene, produced as described herein, is converted through catalytic dimerization into jet fuel. Producer gas used in the processes described herein for production of limonene may be derived from sources that include gasification of waste feedstock and/or biomass residue, waste gas from industrial processes, or natural gas, biogas, or landfill gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a nitrification reaction in a biological nitrogen removal reactor to favor partial nitrification of ammonia to nitrite instead of complete oxidation of ammonia to nitrate are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: maintaining a pH in the reactor within a range that promotes growth of ammonia oxidizing bacteria; maintaining a concentration of dissolved oxygen in the reactor within a range that limits the ammonia oxidizing bacteria from completing nitrification; selecting an operational solids retention time within a range suitable for maintaining increasing concentrations of the ammonia oxidizing bacteria in the reactor while reducing concentrations of nitrite oxidizing bacteria in the reactor; and increasing a concentration of free ammonia in the reactor thereby inhibiting growth of the nitrite oxidizing bacteria in the reactor.

Abstract: A non-therapeutic method of accumulating a polymeric or high molecular weight molecular product within a bacterial microcompartment in bacterial cytoplasm, which method employs a recombinant bacteria which is transformed to express a microcompartment containing an enzyme capable of converting a low molecular weight substrate into a polymeric or high molecular weight product, the method comprising the steps of: incubating the recombinant bacteria with the low-molecular weight substrate, or a precursor of the low molecular weight substrate which is capable of being metabolized to the substrate within the recombinant bacteria, such that the substrate or precursor is taken up by the bacteria, wherein the substrate enters the microcompartment and the enzyme within the microcompartment converts the substrate to a polymeric or high molecular weight molecular product, and wherein the polymeric or high molecular weight molecular product is accumulated within the microcompartment due to its size.

Abstract: The invention relates to suitable screening strategies for evaluating various candidate promoters for differential gene expression during the propagation and production phases of a fermentation process. The invention also relates to recombinant host cells that comprise identified promoter nucleic acid sequences and methods for producing fermentation products employing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to producing chemicals and biofuels from wood material, e.g. mixed forest biomass. Specifically, the invention concerns a process for conditioning spent liquor produced by SO2-ethanol-water (SEW) fractionation of wood chips for fermentation to butanol, ethanol and acetone/isopropanol (so called ABE process) by Clostridia bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium producing 5?-inosinic acid, in which the expression of genes encoding purine biosynthesis related enzymes is increased higher than the intrinsic expression, and to a method for producing 5?-inosinic acid, comprising culturing the microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium with improved 5?-inosinic acid productivity.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the low energy, anaerobic bioconversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a gaseous substrate stream to oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol by contact with microorganisms in a fermentation system with high conversion efficiency of both hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The processes of this invention use a pre-reactor and a deep, tank reactor in gaseous substrate flow sequence to obtain high conversion of gas substrate without undue risk of carbon monoxide inhibition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of microorganisms (biocatalysts), or catalysts derived from these organisms (enzymes), to improve the quality of crude oil and bitumen as an attractive alternative to current upgrading methods. The invention identifies and characterizes the microorganism species, in particular, N. muscorum (UTEX 2209) and Kocuria rhizophilia (ATCC533), that have the capability to biochemically convert organic acids into chemical species that do not possess corrosive properties.

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 present invention relates to a method for preparing a mutant E. coli strain, capable of simultaneously using glucose and xylose, by genetic engineering and evolutionary adaptation; the mutant E. coli prepared using the same; and a method for producing biofuels, biologically active ingredients, medicinal materials or base chemicals for the chemical industry using the mutant E. coli. Being capable of simultaneously using glucose and xylose, in contrast to wild-type E. coli, the mutant E. coli can be effectively applied to the enzymatic saccharification process of producing biofuels from a biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus growth inhibition by lactic acid bacterium strains. More specifically it is directed to the use of lactic acid bacterium strains, compositions comprising lactic acid bacterium strains, methods of use and kits thereof to inhibit the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This invention more specifically relates to the inhibitory effect of lactic acid bacterium strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus caseion methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method of preventing, mitigating or treating Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) that includes administering an effective amount of a medicament comprised of Streptococcus oralis 89a to a human to prevent, mitigate or treat PANDAS.

Abstract: Provided is a separatome-based recombinant peptide, polypeptide, and protein expression and purification platform based on the juxtaposition of the binding properties of host cell genomic peptides, polypeptides, and proteins with the characteristics and location of the corresponding genes on the host cell chromosome, such as that of E. coli, yeast, Bacillus subtilis or other prokaryotes, insect cells, mammalian cells, etc. This platform quantitatively describes and identifies priority deletions, modifications, or inhibitions of certain gene products to increase chromatographic separation efficiency, defined as an increase in column capacity, column selectivity, or both, with emphasis on the former. Moreover, the platform provides a computerized knowledge tool that, given separatome data and a target recombinant peptide, polypeptide, or protein, intuitively suggests strategies leading to efficient product purification.

Abstract: A method of increasing the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in an Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans culture is disclosed. The method includes inhibiting an enzyme, such as citrate synthase, aconitase, or isocitrate dehydrogenase, in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle leading to alpha-ketoglutarate.

Abstract: Some products such as solvents, e.g., butanol, are toxic to solvent-producing microorganisms, yet fructose metabolism can facilitate the increase of protective substrates such as triglycerides, which can protect the microorganism from the toxic effect of the product. Methods are provided for producing a product, e.g., a solvent from fructose derived from a cellulosic or lignocellulosic material. Using the methods herein, a fructose solution can be fermented to a solvent more rapidly, and with better yields, than a glucose solution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a leak-proof seal for two-piece capsules containing oil-based liquids or other compositions by a two-stage process. The capsule cap and capsule body are combined by a nitrogen purge instant bonding (NPIB) system. An overlay medium is applied to selected portions of the capsule, including near the seam formed by the interconnection of the capsule cap and capsule body to provide a substantially leak-proof seal. The overlay medium is made from materials that make up the capsule cap and capsule body, including gelatin, starch, cellulose or polysaccharides, among others, which are dispersed in a hydro-alcoholic, aqueous or organic solution. The overlay medium includes additives to impart desired qualities to the capsule and include taste-enhancers, taste-maskers, odor-enhancers and odor-maskers. The additives may include color additives, aroma additives and taste additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant factor H and variants and conjugates thereof and methods of their production, as well as uses and methods of treatment involving the materials.

Abstract: A nutritional composition comprising a combination of non-digestible oligosaccharides and a product obtained by incubating an aqueous substrate by bifidobacteria and optionally a product obtained by incubating an aqueous substrate by S. thermophilus. Said combination reduces bacterial translocation and improves the intestinal barrier function.

Abstract: A low calcium sensitive (calcium stable) high acyl gellan gum is prepared for enhanced colloidal stability in beverages. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum has superior suspension performance for colloidal stability compared to other high acyl gellan gums. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum is prepared by adjusting the pH of a gellan fermentation broth (polymer solution) prior to pasteurization and reducing the pasteurization hold time compared to conventional pH levels and hold times.

Abstract: Functionalized substrate materials, for example inorganic particles and/or synthetic polymeric particles, are used to enhance bioprocesses such as saccharification and fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant microorganism with enhanced sugar utilization and methods for preparing the same. The mutant strain is capable of effectively utilizing various sugars including cellobiose and xylose, and can thus be useful in the production of biofuels, physiologically active materials, medicinal materials or industrial chemicals from cellulosic biomass. It also reduces the need for addition of one out of the three enzymes used in the saccharification of lignocellulose. It also eliminates the need for separate reactors to ferment pentose and hexose sugar.