Abstract: The present invention relates to a transcription factor found in filamentous fungi, especially in Aspergillii, DNA sequences coding for said factor, its transformation into and expression in fungal host organisms, and the use of said factor in such hosts for increasing the expression of a polypeptide of interest being produced by said host.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing red mold dioscorea, and the method comprises the following steps: washing and cutting a fresh dioscorea into pieces with a specific dimension; drying the pieces of the fresh dioscorea for making the dried dioscorea contain a specific water content and a specific sulfur content; adding some water with an appropriate ratio to fresh dioscorea or dried dioscorea; sterilizing the dioscorea; after the dioscorea being cooled down, inoculating the dioscorea with Monascus species; cultivating the dioscorea with an appropriate temperature, an appropriate humidity and an appropriate shacking frequency for an appropriate time period; and drying the cultivated red mold dioscorea with an appropriate water content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain for the production of ethanol, whereby a yeast strain is modified by introducing and expressing araA gene (L-arabinose isomerase), araB gene (L-ribulokinase D121-N) and araD gene (L-ribulose-5-P 4-epimerase) and carrying additional mutations in its genome or overexpressing a TAL1 (transaldolase) gene, enabling it to consume L-arabinose, to use it as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol, as well as a method for producing ethanol using such a modified strain.

Abstract: Methods of producing lignin peroxidase are provided. Also provided are methods and cosmetic compositions suitable for skin and hair lightening as well as kits and an article-of manufacturing including active ingredients for skin and hair lightening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an isolated Muscodor albus strain producing volatile organic compounds such as aristolene, 3-octanone and/or acetic acid ester, as well as cultures of said strain and compositions, metabolites and volatiles derived from said strain or culture as well as methods of obtaining said compositions, metabolites and volatiles and their methods of use for controlling pests. Also disclosed are artificial compositions having the same components and uses as the volatiles derived from the strain. A method for capturing and sampling the volatiles is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting glucan and mannan from the cell wall of a microorganism. Specifically, the method of the present invention in one embodiment comprises the steps of: a) treating the cells of the microorganism with an alkaline protease and an mannanase; b) separating the mixture from step a) into a heavy phase and a light phase; c) drying the heavy phase obtained from step b), obtaining the glucan preparation; and d) drying the light phase obtained from step b), obtaining the mannan preparation. Optionally, in the step c), the heavy phase obtained from step b) may be treated sequentially with an alkali and an acid, and separated again into a heavy phase and a light phase. The heavy phase is dried, obtaining the glucan preparation. The present invention further relates to the glucan preparation and mannan preparation produced thereby, and the uses thereof.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous extract of a myceliated agricultural substrate for use as a nutraceutical or food composition for human consumption comprising at least one small molecule compound, wherein mycelia is grown on an agricultural substrate by inoculating the agricultural substrate with a pure strain of a fungal culture selected from the group comprising Basidiomycota and Ascomycota derived from a liquid fermentation, under optimum growth conditions. The present invention further provides methods of formation of an aqueous extract and nutraceutical or food compositions obtained from the extract. The aqueous extract and the nutraceutical compositions obtained from the extract thereof have neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties amongst many other therapeutic properties.

Abstract: Compositions comprising metabolized conditioned growth medium and/or metabolized cell extract and methods of use are described. The metabolized conditioned growth medium and metabolized cell extract compositions may be formulated with an acceptable carrier into injectable or topical formulations, for example, as a cream, lotion or gel, and may be used in cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical applications. The metabolized conditioned growth medium and metabolized cell extract may also be further processed to concentrate or reduce one or more factors or components contained within the metabolized conditioned growth medium or metabolized cell extract. The growth medium may be conditioned by any eukaryotic cell. The metabolized conditioned growth medium and metabolized cell extract may be used to prevent or treat a condition, for example, a skin condition.

Abstract: Compositions comprising metabolized conditioned growth medium and/or metabolized cell extract and methods of use are described. The metabolized conditioned growth medium and metabolized cell extract compositions may be formulated with an acceptable carrier into injectable or topical formulations, for example, as a cream, lotion or gel, and may be used in cosmeceutical or pharmaceutical applications. The metabolized conditioned growth medium and metabolized cell extract may also be further processed to concentrate or reduce one or more factors or components contained within the metabolized conditioned growth medium or metabolized cell extract. The growth medium may be conditioned by any eukaryotic cell. The metabolized conditioned growth medium and metabolized cell extract may be used to prevent or treat a condition, for example, a skin condition.

Abstract: The invention is a process for producing ethanol from sugarcane bagasse, the principal steps of which are mild sulphuric acid hydrolysis of the hemicellulose fraction of the sugarcane bagasse, followed by extraction of the hydrolysate and then fermentation thereof with the yeast Pichia stipitis. The process can be carried out with different solid : liquid ratios, and provides a step of acclimatizing the Pichia stipitis yeast, which results in a greater rate of ethanol production. The process takes place in a press reactor specially designed for this purpose, which allows more efficient extraction of the hydrolysate and, as a consequence, better process performance.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, microbial, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as food products and amino acids.

Abstract: Methods for micropropagation of plant or fungal material within a plant bioreactor by attachment of the plant or fungal material to a positively-charged polymer-coated support structure and placement of the support structure within a growth chamber of the bioreactor are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fermenting velvet antler (or venison or deer bone) together with a mushroom concentration in order to increase the efficacy thereof, and a fermentation product obtained thereby. In accordance with the present invention, velvet antler is fermented in a state in which it was not concentrated or ground, and the shape thereof is maintained after fermentation. Thus, the loss of velvet antler is insignificant, and the fermented velvet antler has a high efficacy and can be used in various shapes in subsequent processes.

Abstract: Wheat bran culture mix is used to inoculate organic waste and produce an inoculated waste material, where the wheat bran culture mix includes soil derived microbes. The inoculated waste material is shredded to produce shredded inoculated waste material which is fermented the shredded inoculated waste material for at least 7 days. Contents from the fermenter are then transferred into a dewatering device to produce dewatered contents which are then separated into soluble and suspended products.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter concerns a process for the co-production of glucosamine polymers (chitin, chitosan or any of its derivatives) and polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose, by the high cell density fermentation of the yeast Pichia pastoris in a bioreactor under aerobic conditions. The process can include the use of glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel industry as carbon source. Pure glycerol, pure methanol, glycerol-rich or methanol rich mixtures may also be used as carbon sources. The P. pastoris fermentation process can be duly optimized for attaining high cell densities and high cell wall chitin content. The disclosed subject matter also concerns polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose.

Abstract: A method for preservation of a microorganism capable of microbial production of a polyunsaturated fatty acid or a compound comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid as a constituent fatty acid, which method comprises: (a) forming spores in a spore-forming medium at pH 4-7 containing a nutrient source comprising an inorganic salt and a saccharide; (b) suspending the spores obtained in (a) in sterilized water, or sterilized water containing a surfactant and/or an inorganic salt to prepare a spore suspension, and adding a cryoprotectant at 5-15% to prepare a cryopreserving spore suspension; and (c) preserving the cryopreserving spore suspension obtained in (b) at between ?100° C. and ?20° C.

Abstract: Described are novel S. stipitis strains that were obtained by UV-C irradiation of wild-type S. stipitis NRRL Y-7124 cultures, followed by 5-month anaerobic growth on xylose at 28° C. The UV-C-mutagenized strains were able to grow anaerobically on xylose or glucose medium with higher ethanol production than a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain under comparable fermentation conditions. The mutagenized strains were identified by DNA fingerprinting to be unique strains closely related to wild-type Scheffersomyces stipitis. These mutagenized strains have potential application in large-scale industrial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to fuel ethanol.

Abstract: A method produces a chemical through continuous fermentation including: (a) culturing a cell in a culture medium in a fermentor to ferment a feedstock to produce a chemical; (b) conducting filtration of the culture medium with a separation membrane module; (c) separating a permeate containing the chemical from the culture medium while retaining a non-permeated liquid in the fermentor, and (d) supplying a gas from at least one of a lower portion of the separation membrane module and a pipe communicating between the fermentor and the separation membrane module to adjust a gas linear velocity in the separation membrane module to 0.15 cm/s to 70 cm/s while supplying the separation membrane module with a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention involves developing and stabilizing cultivating droplets within a matrix of a porous medium. A cultivation medium may be selected, prepared and mixed with a surfactant. Where cells are desired to be cultured in droplets, cells may be added. The mixture may be converted into cultivating droplets. The cultivating droplets may be stabilized by introducing them to a porous medium. The porous medium may contain hydrophobic particles. Stabilized, cultivating droplets having one or more cells may form an aseptic microenvironment for the concentrated growth of cells.

Abstract: A substantially pure Candida host cell is provided for the biotransformation of a substrate to a product wherein the host cell is characterized by a first genetic modification class that comprises one or more genetic modifications that collectively or individually disrupt at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene in the substantially pure Candida host cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing articles impregnated with at least one plant substance from at least one plant, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) Extraction and/or pressing of at least one plant (V1), or at least one part of said plant, producing a liquid plant extract (E1)) and a solid fibrous residue (R1), then b) Separation of said plant extract (E1) from said fibrous residue (R1), and c) Destructuring of said fibrous residue (R1), d) Production of a fibrous web or of an article made from the fibrous residue (R1) obtained in step c), and e) Impregnation of said fibrous residue (R1) with (i) at least said plant extract (E1), which is optionally concentrated, purified, flavored and/or fragranced, with (ii) at least one water-soluble or liposoluble plant substance isolated from said plant extract (E1), with (iii) at least one composition comprising at least one optionally concentrated, purified, flavored and/or fragranced water-soluble or liposoluble substan

Abstract: Pythium, when cultured with crude glycerol as a carbon source, produces useful polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The crude glycerol is pretreated to remove soaps and methanol. An exemplary Pythium species for use in the production of EPA is Pythium irregulare.

Abstract: A microbial pesticide which is safe for the environment, fast-acting and excellent in an insecticidal effect in case of spray treatment for eggs and larvae of a pest is required. The invention provides a method for controlling at least one pest selected from the group consisting of whiteflies, aphid, spider mites, thrips, rust mites, leaf miners, pyralidae, cabbage moths and longhorn beetles, with Lecanicillium muscarium strain V-5 (deposition number: FERM BP-11135); and a microbial pesticide comprising the strain.

Abstract: Provided is a novel high-expression promoter, namely a GAL1 promoter, derived from Kluyveromyces marxianus. Also provided are the following, characterized by the use of the provided high-expression promoter; a recombinant polynucleotide containing said high-expression promoter; a vector containing said recombinant polynucleotide; a transformant obtained by introducing said recombinant polynucleotide or vector into yeast; a method using said transformant for high expression of a target gene; and a method using said transformant to manufacture the gene product of a target gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for improving the production of ethanol by a microorganism in a fermentation medium are provided, where the method comprises adding to the fermentation medium an emulsion comprising a monoterpene and a surfactant in an amount sufficient to improve the production of ethanol.

Abstract: An isolated fungus is described. The isolated fungus produces at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,8-cineole, 1-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene, and (+)-?-methylene-?-fenchocamphorone. A method for producing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 1,8-cineole, 1-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene, and (+)-?-methylene-?-fenchocamphorone is also described. The method includes culturing a fungus on or within a culturing media in a container under conditions sufficient for producing the at least one compound.

Abstract: Protein concentrates and protein isolates, in addition to processes for the production of protein concentrates and protein isolates, are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to the removal of fiber from macroalgae and/or microalgae using low g-force centrifugation.

Abstract: A method of processing stillage from fermentation derived alcohol is disclosed, including dry-grind ethanol production from corn, by fermentation with filamentous fungi. This produces high-value fungal biomass that can be recovered by screening, is easily dewatered and used as an animal feed, human food or as a source of nutraceuticals. The methodology uses an airlift reactor to enhance the morphology of the fungi for easy harvesting and separation of water for recycling and reuse and to recover added enzymes and mineral acid with the water. The process also separates oil from the stillage. The fungal processing removes organic substances from the water that are otherwise inhibitory to the reuse prospects for the water, i.e. suspended and dissolved organic matter, including glycerol, lactic and acetic acids. The process also separates oil from the stillage by enmeshing the oil in the fungal biomass and can produce more oil through cultivation of oleaginous fungi.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an isolated cellulose degrading fungus and pharmaceutical substances produced by the fungus.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages.

Abstract: A purified tea extract is improved in taste by reducing a percentage of gallates in the non-polymer catechins. A process according to the present invention for the production of a purified tea extract includes subjecting a tea extract to a hydrolysis treatment, causing the tea extract to adsorb on the activated carbon, and then bringing a basic aqueous solution or an aqueous solution of an organic solvent into contact with the activated carbon to elute the non-polymer catechins.

Abstract: The method for producing functional compost according to the invention includes: inoculating a filamentous fungus with a function, such as the Coprinus curtus GM-21 strain (NITE BP-37) with a plant disease control function, into compost in an bacterial-activity-restricted state which is, for example, at least one state selected from the group consisting of a nutrient-restricted state, a pH-restricted state and a water content-restricted state; and cultivating the filamentous fungus in the compost to allow its selective proliferation. Further, the invention provides functional compost obtained by the above production method, as well as compost for proliferating a filamentous fungus in a bacterial-activity-restricted state.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing bacterial infection in an animal comprises administering an effective amount of degraded date pits. Degraded date pits can be produced by the treatment of date pits with fungi.

Abstract: The method separates emulsions derived from whole-cell biotransformations, including stable emulsions derived from typical biocatalytic two-phase processes that result with such a biotransformation. A supercritical extraction to obtain the valuable product can follow directly, because of the use of compressed or supercritical gas as the separation agent. It is unimportant whether the valuable product is present in the aqueous or the organic phase. Recycling of the organic phase is possible, since the surfactant cell components decisively responsible for the formation of the stable emulsion can be separated off via sedimentation, because of the treatment. The achieved separation remains in existence even after the gas has gassed out, so that aside from extraction, other methods for product isolation can also follow, if necessary.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the efficient production of carotenoids. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method for producing carotenoid and carotenoid-containing cells, especially astaxanthin and astaxanthin-containing cells, by generating mutant microorganisms belonging to the photoautotrophic algae of the Class Chlorophyceae and culturing same. The present invention further relates to methods of generating microorganisms producing high yields of carotenoids, in particular astaxanthin, products containing said microorganisms or said carotenoids, and the use of said carotenoids produced by the microorganisms according to the present invention and deposited mutant strains generated from said microorganisms.

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: A spalted wood product having a first ply cut from a wood and a second ply cut from the wood wherein the first ply and the second ply are spalted. The spalted first ply or spalted second ply is positioned on a base, where the base includes engineered wood, and the wood products include wood flooring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing Saccharomyces strains that are capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source at a desired growth rate, (such as at least one generation per 48 hours), strains made by such methods, and Saccharomyces strains that grow at a growth rate of at least one generation per 48 hours using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth made by non-recombinant methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides spray methods of delivering saccharification enzymes, fermentation organisms, and other hydrolysis or fermentation ingredients onto lignocellulosic biomass. The methods reduce the need for mechanical mixing when the biomass solids are undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis, and reduce dilution to allow higher product titers in the hydrolysis and/or fermentation steps.

Abstract: The present invention particularly discovered strains that are capable of producing a long-chain dicarboxylic acid by culturing microorganisms belonging to Candida vini Candida entamophila, Candida blankii and Pichia farinosa which has the ability to produce a long-chain dicarboxylic acid in a liquid medium containing a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon (tridecane) as substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising the broth obtained by inoculating a biomass of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, with a yeast culture, and allowing fermentation of the biomass to produce a fermentation broth. Also described is a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae. The present invention also relates to topical compositions comprising as a a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component a ferment of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or a combination of both.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed for use in the production of useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use biomass materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to enhance the production of a product, e.g., the production of ethanol and/or butanol by fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a host cell comprising at least four different heterologous polynucleotides chosen from the group of polynucleotides encoding cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is capable of producing the at least four different enzymes chosen from the group of cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is a filamentous fungus and is capable of secretion of the at least four different enzymes. This host cell can suitably be used for the production of an enzyme composition that can be used in a process for the saccharification of cellulosic material.

Abstract: A truncated pullulanase variant of a parent pullulanase belonging to family GH57 comprising an X47 domain and the use thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing alcohol from syngas integrates the alcohol recovery with the removal of CO2 from syngas. A syngas feed containing CO, H2, and CO2 contacts an aqueous alcohol stream to remove CO2 from the syngas that then passes to bioreactor containing microorganisms for conversion to alcohol and other liquid products. Flashing of the scrubbing liquid releases the CO2 and simultaneously concentrates alcohol in the overhead flash vapor. Condensation of the flash vapor provides an enriched alcohol stream for enhanced recovery of the ethanol product in a product separation zone. The remainder of the scrubbing liquid along with make-up alcohol and water from the process gets returned for continued contact with the syngas feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.