Abstract: A method of proliferating vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (i.e., VAM fungi) is disclosed which comprises inoculating VAM fungi in a soil medium containing a potato and a porous amphoteric ion exchanger, an accelerator and, optionally, in the presence of a VAM formation accelerator.An advantage gained by the use of VAM fungi in cultivation of plants can be found in the fact that smaller amounts of fertilizers need be used when combined with VAM fungi, as opposed to the use of fertilizers alone.

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: An in vitro method for screening Glycine max cells for resistance to a disease caused by Phialophora gregata, brown stem rot, is disclosed. The method is useful for identifying brown stem rot resistant soybean varieties. Means for selecting mutant soybean cells for resistance to a toxin produced by P. gregata is also provided, as are cells and plants selected by this process. The invention involves culture of soybean calli in the presence of a filtrate of used fungal growth medium.

Abstract: A method for expressing higher eucaryotic genes in Aspergillus through the use of a recombinant plasmid capable of integration into the chromosomal DNA of Aspergillus is disclosed. It is preferred to utilize a transcriptional promoter within a DNA construct contained in the plasmid that is of a DNA sequence encoding an ADH enzyme or a TPI enzyme. Promoters capable of directing the expression of a heterologous gene in Aspergillus, as well as other filamentous fungal genera are also disclosed.

Abstract: Both the ease and cost of isolating the water insoluble orange pigment produced as a secondary metabolite by Monascus species can be substantially improved by inducing crystalline pigment formation directly in the culture medium. Poly(oxyethylene)sorbitan esters of palmitic acid are especially effective and cause the formation of large crystals. Another class of crystalline pigment inducing agents is that of the liquid vegetable oils, although generally these lead to smaller crystal sizes.

Abstract: This invention relates to new compounds WF 2015 A and B which have immunosuppressing activity and antitumor activity, to a process for producing WF 2015 A and B by culturing a WF 2015 A and/or B-producing strain belonging to the genus Scolecobasidium in a nutrient medium, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating an extracellular product from white rot fungi. The extracellular product is useful for biosolubilizing low-rank coals to form water-soluble products.

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

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 method for producing a novel antifungal product from a Pediococcus species is described. The preferred product (AFP) comprises a compound which contains valine and lactic acid and has a molecular weight of less than about 500 daltons. The product (AFP) is particularly useful in retarding fungal growth in foods and other materials in need thereof.

Abstract: Non-protein amino acids increase pigment production by Monascus species in the presence of protein amino acids.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol having the general formula [I*]: ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen atom, by asymmetrically reducing 2-halo-acetophenone having the general formula [II]: ##STR2## wherein X is as above, to give optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol, (R)-form or (S)-form, employing the microorganism. ##STR3## According to the present invention, optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol can be prepared with a good optical purity and yield in a simple process.

Abstract: The toxin gene encoding a protein toxic to beetles of the order Coleoptera, named M-7, has been cloned and expressed. M-7 is a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain which has been deposited with a recognized culture repository. The microbe is now known as B. thuringiensis strain san diego.

Abstract: A method of producing Trichoderma conidia in submerged culture comprises first preparing an inoculant of a desired strain of Trichoderma. Then, the inoculum is placed in a sufficient volume of a suitable liquid medium. The medium is maintained under substantially constant illumination, agitation and aeration at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 30.degree. C., and a pH from about 5.8 to about 7.0. The culture is grown from a sufficient period of time until the density of conidia is about 5.0.times.10.sup.8 per ml, and then the conidia so produced are harvested. A similar method is provided for the production of Trichoderma chlamydospores.

Abstract: There is provided a process for bleaching kraft hardwood pulp wherein the bleaching is done utilizing the fungus Coriolus versicolor wherein the pulp is treated with the fungus at a temperature and for a time sufficient for the bleaching to occur. The pulp may subsequently be sterilized after bleaching.

Abstract: Chitin from microbial biomass is converted to chitosan and recovered as an essentially glucan-free product. The method involves contacting the biomass with a strong alkali solution at a temperature within the range of from 60.degree. to 90.degree. C. for a period of at least 10 hours to form an insoluble chitosan/glucan residue. The chitosan is then recovered by adding dilute acid to the residue to dissolve it without dissolving the glucan which can then be recovered separately.

Abstract: A novel microorganism Torulopsis bombicola KSM-36 (FERM BP-799) isolated from cabbage leaves grown in a cabbage field located in Musashino-shi, Tokyo, has sophorose-producing activity.

Abstract: The toxin gene encoding a protein toxic to beetles of the order Coleoptera, named M-7, has been cloned and expressed. M-7 is a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain which has been deposited with a recognized culture repository. The microbe is now known as B. thuringiensis strain san diego.

Abstract: A physiologically-active novel substance "aldostatin" having an estimated molecular formula of C.sub.20 H.sub.20 N.sub.2 O.sub.8 is produced by culturing an aldostatin-producing microorganism of the Pseudeurotium, for example, the Pseudeurotium zonatum M4109 strain. Aldostatin inhibits the aldose reductase activity and as a consequence, avoids abnormal accumulation of sorbitol, galactitol, etc. It is therefore effective for the treatment of chronic complications such as cataract, retinopathy and neuropathy caused by diabetes renalis.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic substance EM5596 is prepared by cultivation of a strain of the microorganism Micrococcus luteus A.T.C.C. No. 53598.

Abstract: A new antibacterial agent designated LL-C19004 is described, which antibacterial agent is produced through microbiological fermentation, under controlled conditions using a new species of Saccharothrix, Saccharothrix espanaensis (NRRL 15764).

Abstract: Method of effecting zoning in wood with the aid of fungus cultures. The wood is pretreated by sterilizing it, setting a suitable moisture content and impregnating it. Impregnation with nutrients ensures that the fungi are sustained by the nutrients added and not by the wood. Special patterns can be achieved by using inhibitors.Pretreated wood is inoculated with one or more fungus cultures and stacked in sandwich fashion. An interlayer is inserted into the inoculated sandwich to produce the desired zoning pattern.Incubation is performed with controlled moisture contents and moisture gradients in the wood, as well as the composition of the gas phase, and may be carried out as a two-step process.The method is performed entirely or partially in a closed system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new compound, designated FR-68504. The compound has antitimor activities and is effective in the treatment of various tumors in both human beings and animals.There is also provided a process for preparing FR-68504 compound which comprises culturing a FR-68504 producing strain belonging to the genus Amauroascus in a nutrient medium.Pharmaceutical composition comprising FR-68504 as an active ingredient is also described.

Abstract: An improved fermentation process for producing carboxylic acids, especially fumaric acid, is disclosed. The improvement comprises growing fungi of genus Rhizopus in the presence of an effective amount of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters having fatty acid residues of 12 to 24 carbons, and triglyceride mixtures.

Abstract: A process for producing D-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoic acids by utilizing microorganisms having an ability of stereospecifically converting alkanoic acids, 2-alkenoic acids or alcohols into D-.beta.-hydroxyalkanoic acids.

Abstract: Antibiotic albicidin, a non-peptide antibiotic, is produced by culturing chlorosis-inducing strains of Xanthomonas albilineans isolated from diseased sugarcane, and mutants thereof. The antibiotic is isolated from the culture medium by adsorption on resin and is purified by gel filtration and HPLC.

Abstract: A polysaccharide contains D-glucose as main constitutive sugar according to gas chromatography carried out through methylation in accordance with the Hakomori's method; and hydrolysis and to paper chromatography carried out through acid hydrolysis shows G.sup.1 .fwdarw.:.fwdarw..sup.3 G.sup.1 .fwdarw.:.fwdarw..sup.3 G.sub.6.sup.1 .fwdarw.=0.38-0.43:0.14-0.24:0.38-0.43 in gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (GC-MS method); has the signal of C.sub.1 at 103 ppm as measured from a .sup.13 C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum; shows characteristic absorption at 1720 cm.sup.-1 -1760 cm.sup.-1 and 890 cm.sup.-1 in an infrared absorption spectrum; has number average molecular weight between 50,000 and 500,000 as measured by the osmotic pressure; has a specific rotation [.alpha.].sub.D.sup.25 between +20 and +70; consists 42.0 to 45.0% of carbon, 5.7 to 6.7% of hydrogen, 0 to 1.0% of nitrogen, 0.2 to 0.8% of ash content and the rest of oxygen according to the results of an elementary analysis; contains 4.0 to 6.

Abstract: A novel strain Trichosporon kashiwayama, a culture product or culture liquid of said strain, sterile liquid, sterile filtrate, sterile supernatant of said culture liquid, or concentrate or dry product thereof, processes for preparations thereof, a dermatic medicament having curative effect of skin disorder or a cosmetic consisting solely of or comprising as a main ingredient the above product, liquid, filtrate, supernatant, concentrate or dry product.

Abstract: Anticancer drugs consisting of sugar and protein composed primarily of xylose which are obtained from the nutrient medium and tissue-medium of Basidiomycetes such as Lentinus edodes which has been cultured in a solid medium rich is xylose such as bagasse is described.

Abstract: The disclosure is concerned with a pretreatment process for removing lignin from lignocellulosic material so as to enhance enzymatic or microbial decomposability of cellulose. The pretreatment process comprises wetting lignocellulosic material with an alkaline aqueous solution in a manner that interstices between the cellulosic material remain, and exposing the wetted cellulosic material to an ozone-containing gas so as to decompose lignin in the lignocellulosic material with a very small energy consumption.

Abstract: A process for the production of Monascus-pigment comprises cultivating, in a nutrient medium containing maltitol, a microorganism of genus Monascus capable of producing said pigment, and harvesting the resultant pigment from the culture.The process advantageously leads to an extremely higher Monascus-pigment production in comparison with that obtained by conventional process, and, therefore, provides a sufficient amount of the pigment to food industry, where demand for naturally-occurring coloring agent with a high degree of safety is increasing.

Abstract: Hollow fiber reactors for growing microbial cells. Isotropic hollow fibers are supported in a housing inoculated with cells. Nutrient medium passing through the lumen undergoes a pressure drop resulting in radial convective flow: the nutrient medium flows outwardly from the lumen into the surrounding area adjacent the entry port and fluid surrounding the hollow fiber flows into the lumen adjacent the exit port. With the efficient distribution of nutrients and removal of product, high cell densities are achieved providing for high product yields per unit reactor volume.

Abstract: A physiologically active novel substance designated as Mutastein is disclosed, which has the following specific physiological properties:(1) it has a molecular weight of at least 200,000, and when subjected to gel-filtration with Sephadex G-100 and Sephallose 6B, it will be eluted in the void volume;(2) its ultraviolet spectrum: FIG. 1;(3) its infrared spectrum: FIG. 2;(4) it has a proteinous nature and contains about 10% of saccharide;(5) it is soluble in water and a saline solution, but it will be salted out from a saturated solution containing about 30% of ammonium salfate; and it is insoluble in acetone, ethanol, ethylacetate and benzene,(6) it dissolves in a buffer solution having a pH 7 or over, but it precipitates at a pH of from 3 to 3.5,(7) it is stable when heat-treated at pH 9, at 100.degree. C. for 10 minutes,(8) its elementary analysis: C: about 44%, H: about 7%, and N: about 12%,(9) its color reactions: Phenol-surfuric acid color reaction (orange), and Folin's color reaction (blue).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new strain of Fusarium which is characterized by particular morphological, genetic and biochemical data. It is used for the production of antibiotics, especially of fusafungine.

Abstract: Spherical shaped mycelial pellets suitable for use in the biocatalytic conversion of organic compounds are prepared having a rigid spherical core surrounded by a porous webbed layer of structural integrity of a mycelial microorganism. The webbed layer is preferably separated from the core by a substantial void space and is attached to the core by a portion of the mycelium of the microorganism. The core may be composed of a cellulose derivative or agar. The pellets are prepared by forming a solution of a cellulose derivative or agar, mixing spores of a mycelial microorganism with the solution, precipitating the celluose derivative or agar to form beads containing the spores and incubating the beads in a culture medium.

Abstract: A food product is prepared having a red-meaty color imparted thereto by the incorporation of an effective amount of pigments produced by the growth of the mold of the genus Monascus on an oat substrate.

Abstract: A food product is prepared having a red-meaty color imparted thereto by the incorporation of an effective amount of pigments produced by the growth of the mold of the genus Monascus on both wheat substrates and barley substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel antibiotic SF-2107 series substance consisting essentially of Substance SF-2107 A-1, Substance SF-2107 B and/or Substance SF-2107 C, each having the phisico-chemical properties as described in the specification, which substance exhibits an antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and is useful for pharmaceuticals, bactericides, disinfectants, etc. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the substance.

Abstract: Antibiotic A-32724 complex, comprising microbiologically-active, related factors A, B and C, is produced by submerged, aerobic fermentation of a strain of Chaetomella raphigera Swift NRRL 12331. The A-32724 antibiotics are closely related antibiotics. The individual A-32724 factors are separated by chromatography. In addition to their antibacterial activity, the A-32724 factors inhibit certain enzymes and exhibit antihypertensive properties.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for the microbiological modification of hardwood in that a microorganism, or an enzymatically active preparation thereof, specially selected for the hardwood in question, is supplied to the surface of the wood for attack thereof under carefully regulated conditions as regards temperature, relative moisture content, O.sub.2 content and CO.sub.2 content. Thereafter, the process is discontinued in a suitable manner, for example by treatment with steam or hot water, followed by drying; or by drying only.

Abstract: Houttuynia cordata Thunb, a medical herb, has an inherent odor due to lauric aldehyde and homologs thereof contained therein. This invention provides a method of removing said inherent odor from Houttuynia cordata Thunb which comprises subjecting green Houttuynia cordata Thunb to a heat-treatment and then fermenting the thus heat-treated Houttuynia cordata Thunb with yeast, koji or a mixture thereof inoculated therein.

Abstract: Spherical shaped mycelial pellets having a support core and which are suitable for biocatalytic conversion of organic compounds are produced by dissolving a cellulose derivative in a solvent to form a solution, mixing spores of a mycelial microorganism with the solution, precipitating the cellulose derivative to form porous beads containing the spores, and incubating the beads in a culture medium. Alternatively, the pellets may be produced by dissolving agar in water, mixing the agar solution with spores of a mycelial microorganism, precipitating the agar to form beads containing the spores and incubating the beads in a culture medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of iodine. More particularly, the invention relates to the enzymatic oxidation of iodide to iodine and the recovery of said formed iodine.

Abstract: New antibiotic U-53,946 produced by the controlled fermentation of the new microorganism Paecilomyces abruptus sp. nov., NRRL 11110. This antibiotic is active against Gram-positive bacteria, for example, Sarcina lutea, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium avium, and Streptococcus pyogenes, and the yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus. Accordingly, they can be used in various environments to eradicate or control these microorganisms.

Abstract: A process for producing lipids having a high linoleic acid content is provided, wherein fungi of Pellicularia genus are cultivated in a medium of a carbohydrate or vegetable fiber as a carbon source. By separating the fungus body from the resulting culture and subjecting it to solvent extraction, the objective lipid is obtained.

Abstract: A single cell protein plant is operated to produce high density cell growth and a substantially pure stream of generally high pressure carbon dioxide for further use, for example, in enhanced oil recovery operations. The plant employs an air separator producing substantially pure streams of oxygen and nitrogen. The oxygen stream is used to enrich a carrier fluid and used for aeration of the fermenter. The off-gases from the fermenter are separated into a generally high pressure, substantially pure carbon dioxide stream which can be used for enhanced oil recovery and a residual recycle stream to which oxygen is again added and which is returned to the fermenter. The single cell protein is dried and further processed as required for human or animal consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an agglutinating substance having an agglutination activity for not only proteins but also organic substances, inorganic substances, minerals and living germs by culturing an agglutinating substance-producing microorganism belonging to Dematium (Dematiaceae) and a process for agglutinating and sedimenting inorganic and organic, insoluble suspensoids, colloid substances, insoluble proteins or soluble proteins contained in water or various industrial wastes by using the agglutinating substances.

Abstract: A-40104 antibiotic complex, comprising active factors A, B, C, and D, produced by submerged aerobic fermentation of Clitopilus pseudo-pinsitus. Individual factors A, B, and C have been isolated. A-40104 factor C is the known antibiotic pleuromutilin. A-40104 factors A and B are novel antibiotics related to pleuromutilin. A-40104 factor A, the major new factor, is the D-xylose acetal derivative of pleuromutilin. A-40104 factors A and B, their 19,20-dihydro derivatives and the per(C.sub.2 -C.sub.6)alkanoyl derivatives of factors A and B and of their 19,20-dihydro derivatives are active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, and Mycoplasma.

Abstract: KS-2-B was obtained as purified material from the culture of Daedalea dickinsii KSDD 6 (FERM-P No. 3993), Lentinus edodes KSLE 7 (FERM-P No. 3994) or Lentinus edodes KSLE 28 (FERM-P No. 4196). This substance, KS-2-B, is an effective interferon inducing substance.