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

Abstract: According to the method for preparing chitosan of the present invention, chitosan is prepared by inoculating a filamentous fungi belonging to the family Mucoraceae into a culture medium for pre-cultivation containing yeast extract, malt extract, peptone, glucose and magnesium sulfate to perform pre-cultivation and then inoculating the pre-culture into a culture medium for main-cultivation having a composition essentially identical to that of the medium for pre-cultivation to perform the main-cultivation. Particularly preferred filamentous fungi belonging to the family Mucoraceae is Absidia coerulea. According to the method for preparing chitosan through the cultivation of microorganisms, chitosan exhibiting uniform quality can efficiently be produced and the method does not adversely affect the circumferential environment.

Abstract: Itaconic acid is produced economically, with high productivity, by microbiologically fermenting an aqueous nutritive medium containing at least one starch as a source of assimilable carbon, in the presence of at least one saccharifying amylolytic enzyme.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing delta-lactones useful for incorporation in flavourings and fragrances, wherein a micro-organism which is preferably acceptable for making "food grade" products and which does not metabolize delta-lactones, is cultured aerobically in a culture medium containing as the substrate, an 11-hydroxy fatty acid having an odd number .gtoreq.5 of carbon atoms between the carboxyl group and the carbon atom carrying the hydroxy group. The preferred micro-organism is a Saccharomyces cerevisiae species. The delta-hydroxy-alkanoic acid reaction product of the process is lactonized either in the fermentation broth or after separation therefrom. Especially suitable is 11-hydroxy palmitic acid. The hydroxy fatty acid may be added either pure or as the mixture obtained by hydrolysis of an ester thereof. Enzymatic hydrolysis of such ester may be done in situ in the fermentation broth.

Abstract: A process for the production of arachidonic acid comprising culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Mortierella capable of producing arachidonic acid to produce arachidonic acid or a lipid comprising arachidonic acid, and recovering the arachidonic acid.

Abstract: Aphidicolin is produced with a high productivity by culturing microorganisms belonging to the genus Verticillium, for example, Verticillium sp FERM BP-3430, in a culture medium, thereby forming and accumulating aphidicolin therein and recovering the aphidicolin therefrom.

Abstract: An antibiotic agent produced by the cultivation of Zalerion arboricola which is a cyclic lipopeptide with very high activity against human pathogens and of very low mammalian toxicity is described. Its production and isolation are also described.

Abstract: An antibiotic R106 represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R is methyl or ethyl;X.sub.1 is MePhe, .beta.-HOMePhe or Phe;X.sub.2 is allo-Ile, Val or Leu;X.sub.3 is MeVal or Val;X.sub.4 is .beta.-HOMeVal, .gamma.HOMeVal, MeVal, Val, N,.beta.-MeAsp, .beta.-HOMePhe, MePhe, MeDH.sub.2,3 Val or MeDH.sub.3,4 Valis produced by a process which comprises culturing a strain of the genus Aureobasidium that is capable of producing the said antibiotic R106 and collecting the said antibiotic from the fermentation broth. The antibiotic R106 compounds are useful in the treatment of fungal infection.

Abstract: Method for producing lignin-peroxydase from the fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The method comprises a first step of culture wherein the phospholipids and the emulsified fatty acids are added to the culture medium; a second step during which veratrylic alcohol is added to the culture medium, the culture medium being partially renewed for the second culture step and totally renewed for the third and fourth culture steps, by varying the content of constituents in said medium. Application to the production of lignin-peroxydase with important yields.

Abstract: A process for producing an antibiotic compound which is normally one of several minor components in the cultivation of Z. arboricola ATCC 20868 to be the primary product is described.

Abstract: Compounds comprising a linear .beta.1.fwdarw.6 glucan esterified by caproic acid, the number of D-glucose residues being from 7 to 40 and the number of caproic acid residues being from 2 to 30, may be be obtained by fermentation of a microorganism of the genus Aureobasidium. These compounds are designated HS-142-1. Preferred microorganism is Aureobasidium pullulans var. melanigenum KAC-2383 (FERM-BP 2407).The compounds of the present invention exhibit excellent antagonistic activity to ANP and are capable of inhibiting the bonding of ANP to ANP receptors.

Abstract: A method of designing or modifying protein structure at the protein or genetic level to produce specified amino-termini in vivo is described. The method is used to alter the metabolic stability and other properties of the protein or, alternatively, to artificially generate authentic amino-termini in proteins produced through artificial means. The method is based upon the introduction of the use of artificial ubiquitin-protein fusions, and the discovery that the in vivo half-life of a protein is a function of the amino-terminal amino acid of the protein.

Abstract: The AB-021 Antibiotics and the main components thereof: AB-021a Antibiotic and AB-021b Antibiotic, obtained by means of the controlled aerobial cultivation of Streptomyces sp. NCIB 40068 in an aqueous nutrient cultivation medium, are disclosed.The AB-021 Antibiotics show a biological activity against pathogenous fungi of agrarian cultivations, of human pathogenous fungi and of bacteria.

Abstract: A growth medium is provided for mutant mixtures of Pichia stipitis or Candida shehatae that permits the growth of mutants which are the best xylose-to-ethanol fermenters in the mixture while inhibiting the growth of inefficient fermenters. The medium comprises a mixture of two compounds, the first compound selected from the group consisting of L-xylose, L-arabinose, D-arabinose, glycerol, erythritol, erythrose, 5- and 6-carbon polyols such as xylitol, L-arabinitol, D-arabinitol and mannitol, and wherein the second compound is ammonium tartarate or an inorganic nitrogen source compound such as ammonium chloride or ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A new compound, which we have named "Leualacin" has the formula (I): ##STR1## and may be prepared by cultivation of a microorganism of the genus Hapsidospora, especially Hapsidospora irregularis. The compound may be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases and disorders, especially hypertension.

Abstract: Peptides and proteins related to an epitope comprising an outer membrane protein of Haemophilus influenzae are described. The peptides and proteins can be prepared by methods including novel and improved methods of puiification from H. influenzae cultures, and by recombinant DNA and chemical synthetic techniques. Additionally, recombinant vectors containing nucleotide sequences encoding PBOMP-1 and PBOMP-2 related peptides and proteins are also described. Recombinant vectors include plasmid DNA and viral DNA such as human viruses, animal viruses, insect viruses and bacteriophages that direct the expression of the PBOMP-1 and PBOMP-2 related peptides and proteins in appropriate host cells. The peptides, proteins and viruses both "live" and "inactivated" are used as immunogens in vaccine formulations to protect against H. influenzae infections. The peptides and proteins are also used as reagents in immunoassays as well as to prepare immunoglobulins for passive immunization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for the production of a substance which accelerates the hatching of potato cyst nematode eggs using root cells of plants of Solanaceae family.In this method, the cultivation of the root cells may be carried out in a specific medium, or, alternatively, the cells obtained by transformation of the root cells with Ri plasmid T-DNA is used.The disclosed method can be applied for the prevention of the damage by the cyst nematodes in potato cultivation.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for the enantiomer-specific preparation of mercapto alkanoic acids by stereoselective hydrolysis of mercapto or thioester alkanoic acid esters.

Abstract: There is provided a process for biodegradation of TNT (2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene) wherein the biodegradation is done utilizing the fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain BKM F-1767, wherein waste containing TNT is treated with the fungus under predetermined conditioning and for a time period sufficient for biodegradation to occur rendering the waste ecologically acceptable to the environment.

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

Abstract: A novel mutant strain of Morel mushroom has been found to produce the blue pigment indigo by submerged fermentation in a nutrient culture medium containing a carbon and a nitrogen substrate. A red/purple pigment is also produced. The novel strain is Morchella rotunda nov. ES-1 sp. ATCC 20951.

Abstract: Novel packaging in a process for producing same is disclosed whereby oxygen from the interior of an enclosed container is scavenged by introducing into the container the enzyme, alcohol oxidase and its substrate, alcohol.

Abstract: A sodium chloride substitute composition having low bitterness and an intense sodium chloride flavor is prepared containing autolyzed yeast, ammonium chloride and optionally potassium chloride. The composition is prepared preferably by a method wherein yeast, an exogenous enzyme, ammonium chloride, optionally potassium chloride and liquid are mixed to form a liquid mixture, the mixture is stirred at an elevated temperature until the yeast is autolyzed, and the mixture is dried. The composition contains an amount of autolyzed yeast relative to the amount of ammonium chloride in the range of about 60 to 95 percent by weight. The composition is suitable for use in processed meats and snack foods.

Abstract: A screening procedure is provided which utilizes a milk clotting assay for selecting supersecreting yeast cells for obtaining high yields of desired polypeptide products.Supersecreting yeast cells are provided as filed with American Type Culture Collection.Final polypeptide products are obtained from mutant yeast strains which have been screened as to secreting properties with supersecreters then cultured to obtain high yields.

Abstract: In a packaging container (1a) provided with a distribution valve (7), a chamber is provided enclosing the starting components of a system (9) for the anaerobic fermentation of sugars using yeasts, which produce the carbon gas forming said propulsive product. The chamber is composed either of a flexible, gas-tight, hermetically closed pocket (8) or of a small rigid reservoir, which is normally closed by a valve calibrated to open only when the pressure which is established in said reservoir exceeds by a given value the pressure reigning in the interior space of the packing container.

Abstract: A method of feeding fry, shellfish or mollusks comprising directly feeding the fry, shellfish or mullusks a dried yeast feed of enhanced nutritive value comprising active yeast and up to, but not exceeding, 20% by dry weight of fish oil.

Abstract: A feedstock containing a biomass such as lignocellulosic materials, e.g. forest biomass; agricultural residues; or manures, is pretreated and thereafter is fractionated into cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses. New mutants are disclosed which include Chaetomium cellulolyticum IAF-101 (NRRL 18756), Aspergillus sp. IAF-201 (NRRL 18758), Penicillum sp. IAF-603 (NRRL 18759), and Trichoderma reesei QMY-1. With these new mutants and also known fungi including Pleurotus sajor-caju and other Pleurotus spp. unfractionated predetermined biomass is converted into feed. The same treatment can also be applied to hemicelluloses, and cellullose. Cellulose can also be hydrolyzed by means of a cellulase-system prepared from cellulose and Tricoderma reesei to prepare glucose which can be converted to alcohol with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces spp. and Zymomonas mobilis. The residual microbial biomass of these microorganisms from alcohol fermentation broth is also used as feed.

Abstract: Biologically pure culture of Aureobasidium sp. SN-124A strain (FERM BP-1429) and artificial mutants thereof according to the present invention show the properties of forming and accumulating erythritol in a culture solution, when aerobically cultured on a liquid culture medium containing an assimilable carbon source and an assimilable nitrogen source, and are useful for the preparation of erythritol by fermentation of sugars. A method for preparing erythritol by fermentation of sugars according to the present invention comprises inoculating microorganism selected from the group consisting of Aureobasidium sp. SN-124A strain (FERM BP-1429) and mutants thereof on a liquid culture medium of pH 4 to 9 containing an assimilable carbon source and an assimilable nitrogen source, and aerobically culturing them at a temperature of 30.degree. to 38.degree. C. to form and accumulate erythritol in said culture medium for collection.

Abstract: A yeast expression and secretion vector is described. The vector carries a nucleotide sequence coding for a precursor polypeptide which includes the signal sequence of amylo-alpha-1-,-4-glucosidase from Saccharomyces diastaticus.

Abstract: A novel compound having an intense insecticidal activity and a process for producing the same which comprises culturing a strain belonging to the genus Humicola and isolating the compound from the culture.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of colorants and/or active compounds by culturing a microorganism of the genus Monascus in a sterilizable fluidized-bed fermenter of low water content, such as was proposed in German Patent Application P 3,625,698.6. The fluidizable particle used here is the microorganism itself--in pellet form or grown on carriers--which can be supplied with nutrients by spraying in substrate solutions. The colorants and/or active compounds are isolated by extraction with organic solvents.

Abstract: In a packing container (1a) provided with a distribution valve (7), a chamber is provided enclosing the starting components of a system (9) for the anaerobic fermentation of sugars using yeasts, which produce the carbon gas forming said propulsive product. The chamber is composed either of a flexible, gas-tight, hermetically closed pocket (8) or of a small rigid reservoir, which is normally closed by a valve calibrated to open only when the pressure which is established in said reservoir exceeds by a given value the pressure reigning in the interior space of the packing container.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprise a first amino acid sequence and a second amino acid sequence. The first amino acid sequence is derived from a retrotransposon or an RNA retrovirus and confers on the fusion protein the ability of assemble into particles; an example is the product of the TYA gene of the yeast retrotransposon Ty. The second amino acid sequence is biologically active; for example, it may be antigenic.

Abstract: A drug resistant strain of P.chrysogenum has said drug resistance conferred by heterologous DNA, in particular a heterologous gene(s) under the control of a Penicillium control sequence(s). Drug resistance is especially to sulfonamides, or to trimethoprim or methotrexate by a gene derived from plasmid R388. A vector capable of conferring resistance to methotrexate or sulfonamide on P.chrysogenum, comprises at least one said resistance gene under the control of trpC controlling sequences.

Abstract: A novel biologically active substance named Islets-Activating Protein obtained from the cultivation of the miocroorganism Bordetella and having insulin secretion promoting action as well as glucose tolerance improving action for mammals.

Abstract: Shuttle vectors including a DNA sequence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae including ars 1.2 micron ori and a marker gene for transformed yeast permitting synthesis of leucine by the transformant; adjacent to said ars 1 a DNA sequence of Escherichia coli which is either in EcoR1--PvuII or EcoR1--TthIII--I fragment of plasmid pBR322; and adjacent to the yeast marker gene the expression control region of the repressible acid phosphatase gene of yeast.

Abstract: Mutants blocked or altered in the production of the trichothecene mycotoxin T-2 have been selected following UV mutagenesis of Fusarium sporotrichioides NRRL 3299. One mutant, NRRL 18339, accumulates the rare trichothecenes dideacetylcalonectrin and deacetylcalonectrin. The second mutant, NRRL 18340, accumulates trichodiene, the first intermediate on the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway. These compounds are useful toxins or toxic precursors for the production of or investigation of immunotoxins for cancer therapy.

Abstract: Microorganisms or animal cells are cultured in a fluidized or fixed bed bioreactor on porous inorganic sintered support spheres containing inwardly continuous and outwardly open pores. The spheres have a density and diameter such that shear forces created under fluidized bed conditions shear off microorganisms or animal cells grown out of the pores and on the surface of the spheres. Culturing may be carried out in a fixed bed continuous reactor and the bed subjected to intermittent fluidized bed conditions to shear microorganisms or animal cells off the sphere surfaces. The spheres may be coated with a thin plastic layer to increase resistance to abrasion. Also, the spheres may be provided with a surface layer of inorganic and/or organic material for improving immobilization of microorganisms or animal cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a glyceryl mononitrate or of a mixture of glyceryl mononitrates, characterized in that it comprises a bioconversion step of nitroglycerine to glyceryl mononitrate(s) by a microorganism chosen from the group consisting of the yeasts, the fungi and protozoa, preferably a bioconversion step by fungi.

Abstract: A modified protein (i) derived from a hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein and (ii) having hepatitis B virus surface antigen activity and the ability to bind polymerized human serum albumin, wherein the modification comprises rendering at least one trypsin-like protease sensitive site of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein insensitive. The modified protein can be used in the production of a vaccine for prevention of hepatitis B virus infections and as an antigen for diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infections.

Abstract: Cellulolytic, N.sub.2 -fixing bacteria have been isolated from terrestrial ecosystems. Many of these bacteria can be taxonomically classified as Bacilli, while others may not be characteristic of any previously defined taxon. These organisms are useful for converting lignocellulosic and other cellulosic materials into foods and fertilizers having increased carbohydrate digestibility and enhanced assimilable nitrogen content.

Abstract: An antifungal agent produced by cultivation of Zalerion arboricola is a cyclic lipopeptide with very high activity against human pathogens and of very low mammalian toxicity. Its production and isolation are also described.

Abstract: A strain of symbiotic yeast NRRLY-18546 from the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) has been discovered, which is capable of detoxifying a variety of zenobiotics including insecticides, herbicides, mycotoxins, and plant toxins (allelochemicals). Thus, compositions of the yeast provide a biological alternative to chemical detoxification of xenobiotics.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting coal to low molecular weight organic compounds comprising combining an aqueous solution of an aqueous-soluble polymeric coal substrate with a lignin peroxidase, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The invention is exemplified using the lignin peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Also provided are aqueous-soluble polymeric coal substrates suitable for lignin peroxidase-catalyzed depolymerization and methods of preparing such substrates. Finally, a method is provided for isolating the lignin peroxidase from mycelia-free, unconcentrated media of cultures of P. chrysosporium producing the enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transforming Penicillium chrysogenum. More particularly, the method includes obtaining an auxotrophic mutant of P. chrysogenum and employing an exogeneous segment of P. chrysogenum DNA capable of complementing said auxotorph so as to restore prototrophy. The exogeneous DNA segment thus comprises a phenotypic marker indicating successful transformation of the mutant.The exogeneous complementary DNA segment may further be prepared in a recombinant plasmid vector. These plasmid vectors include, by way of example, the pPctrpCL and pPctrpC.sub.6 plasmids developed by Applicants. These transforming plasmid vectors and those having identifying characteristics thereof are suitable for use in the subject transformation process. The exogeneous complementary DNA segment comprises a gene encoding a selected biosynthetic enzyme. By way of example, these genes include trpC, pyr4, argB and NO.sup.- reductase, as well as other genes which encode metabolically required enzymes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the production of homogentisic acid which involves growing a fungus (typically a yeast of the species Yarrowia lipolytica) which has been mutated to provide a strain which is unable to grow on L-tyrosine and/or L-phenylalanine as the sole carbon source in a suitable growth medium containing L-tyrosine and/or L-phenylalanine together with a sub-optimal concentration of carbohydrate assimilable by the yeast. The yeast secretes recoverable quantities of homogentisic acid which can be rapidly and completely polymerized by raising the pH of the medium to above 10 thereby forming a melanin pigment.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an enriched S-isomer of a 2,2-R.sub.1,R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a carbocyclic ring of 3 to 6 carbon atoms comprising subjecting a mixture of R and S isomers of formula I to the action of a microorganism or a substance derived therefrom capable of stereoselective consumption of the R form of formula I for a period of time sufficient to consume the R-isomer to obtain an enriched S isomer of the compound of formula I. Preferably, at least 50% by weight of the R-isomer is consumed.The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 2,2-R.sub.1,R.sub.2,-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol consisting predominantly of or substantially completely of S-isomer.

Abstract: Novel packaging in a process for producing same is disclosed whereby oxygen from the interior of an enclosed container is scavenged by introducing into the container the enzyme, alcohol oxidase and its substrate, alcohol.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel microorganism Aspergillus niveus, ATCC 20922, and a process for chiral reduction of ketones using said microorganisms.