Using Fungi Patents (Class 435/171)
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Patent number: 6946277Abstract: This invention provides a method for enhancing the cellobiase activity of the strain Termitimyces clypeatus using 2-deoxy-D-glucose as glycosylation inhibitor, said process comprises inoculating and growing mycelial culture of (the edible mushroom) Termitimyces clypeatus, in sterilized medium containing 0.05 to 5.0% of 2-deoxy-D-glucose in addition to 0.5 to 2.0% of cellobiose, succinate—0.5%, 2 to 3% of ammonium di hydrogen phosphate and conventional micro-nutrients at pH between 3 to 8 and incubating at temperatures between 20-35° C. under shaking in aerobic conditions, and separating the culture medium by known methods, and using the culture filtrate directly as the source of the enzyme cellobiase and also for endo-glucanase and cellobiohydrolase for use in cellulose hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Suman Khowala, Sumana Mukherjee
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Patent number: 6943007Abstract: There is disclosed novel Phellinus linteus Yoo. This mushroom is identified as novel as analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and by microbiological features. A polysaccharide substance isolated from the fruiting bodies or mycelia the strain and other Phellinus spp. has an anticancer activity by inciting the cytotoxicity of T-cells and the antibody forming potency of B-cells. Also, the polysaccharide substance shows a potent activity against cancer metastasis. The polysaccharide substance, which can stimulate the immunity of the body, may be effective in the prophylaxis and treatment of immune-related diseases, such as cancers and AIDS, and in the study on the basic mechanism of the diseases.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Ick-Dong Yoo, Soo-Muk Cho, Byeung-Wook Park, Jae-Kuk Yoo, Nam-Doo Hong, Hwan-Mook Kim, Sang-Bae Han, Chang-Woo Lee
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Patent number: 6916639Abstract: An isolated strain of the Moniliella species that converts glucose to erythritol with a conversion rate of at least about 45% is disclosed, as is a method of producing erythritol from such a strain.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Food Industry Research and Development InstituteInventors: Shie-Jea Lin, Chiou-Yen Wen, Chang-Cheng Huang, Wen-Shen Chu
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Patent number: 6902912Abstract: There is disclosed a fermentation process for producing glutathione which comprises (a) the obtainment of a biomass pre-culture by pre-cultivating, in aerobic conditions, a strain of a glutathione producing yeast wherein the glutathione content per biomass unit is higher than 1.2% w/w; (b) the cultivation, in aerobic conditions, of the resulting biomass pre-culture such that the resulting biomass density is higher than 50 g/l; (c) the activation of the cultured biomass; and (d) the recovery of the cultured biomass, extracting glutathione at a pH equal to or lower than 6 and purifying the resulting glutathione. The process allows to obtain glutathione with high yields and relatively low costs.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Gnosis SrlInventors: Alberto Benedetti, Enrico Giuseppe Roberto Berardi, Matilde Manzoni, Marina Nichele, Hermes Pagani, Manuela Rollini
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Patent number: 6867023Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates comprising a monomer unit having the following chemical formula (2): (where the reference characters R represents an arbitrarily selected substituent and x represents an integer of 0 to 8) is produced by culturing a microorganism in a culture medium containing a substituted fatty acid ester having the following chemical formula (1): (where the reference characters R and R? separately denote an optional substituent and x represents an integer of 0 to 8). The microorganism is capable of taking the substituted fatty acid ester into the cells and synthesizing the desired polyhydroxyalkanoate in the culture medium.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsutomu Honma, Tetsuya Yano, Takeshi Imamura, Takashi Kenmoku
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Patent number: 6867024Abstract: A composition is provided that includes an ubiquinone, such as CoQ10, bound by a glycoprotein matrix. A method is also provided for the manufacture of a composition of the invention. The glycoprotein matrix can be formed by permitting the growth of glycoprotein producing bacteria in the presence of the ubiquinone. The composition of the invention provides a method for increasing the stability and bioactivity of the ubiquinone. A method is also provided for administering an ubiquinone to a host by utilizing a composition of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Dilip Chokshi
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Patent number: 6858405Abstract: The present invention relates to a method which can prevent browning of hydrolyzed protein obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of vegetable protein material. A vegetable protein material containing saccharides is mixed with the fungal culture and is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis in a liquid reaction system. The reaction is conducted first at a temperature ranging from 15° C. to 39° C. with aeration and agitation, and then, after stopping the aeration, the reaction is conducted and completed at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 60° C.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.Inventors: Michinobu Nakamura, Mitsuyoshi Seki, Miyoko Nawata, Hidetsugu Nakazawa, Hideki Okamura
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Patent number: 6849281Abstract: A food product suitable for reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels comprising an amount of soy protein of at least 5 grams per average serving and at least 5 mg/kg statins is described. Preferably the food product comprises a fermented soy ingredient.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Unilever Bestfoods, North America, a division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Janos Bodor, Gijsbertus Johannes Van Oorschot, Mario Jorge Santos Da Silvo, Eelko Gerben Ter Schure, Elke A. Trautwein
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Patent number: 6828132Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and garbage. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Ultra Biotech LimitedInventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
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Patent number: 6828131Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells that have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, over produce growth factors, and over produce ATP. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing the biological fertilizer compositions and methods of uses are also encompassed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Ultra Biotech LimitedInventor: Lingyu Zhang
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Patent number: 6824772Abstract: The invention discloses an isolated, biologically pure culture of a microorganism, Bacillus licheniformis, strain SB3086 for use as an environmentally desirable biofungicide. The invention also discloses a method for enhancing biofungicidal activity of a microbial agent. The inventional further discloses a nutrient composition comprising a microbial agent and a method for controlling plant fungal diseases and infestation of Aspergillis niger utilizing, said strain.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Novozymes Biologicals, Inc.Inventors: David J. Drahos, Lee West
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Patent number: 6812001Abstract: A process for the isolation of crystalline carotenoid compound from microbial biomass comprising disrupting the microbial cell walls, separating cellular debris from the carotenoid-containing residue, washing one member of the group consisting of the microbial biomass, the disrupted cell mass and the carotenoid-containing reside with a solvent to remove lipid, suspending the obtained carotenoid crystals in water to float the crystals, recovering the crystals and, optionally, further purifying the crystals which avoids the use of large amounts of solvent of carotenoid extraction process.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: DSM N.V.Inventors: Mieke Sibeijn, Robertus Mattheus De Pater
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Patent number: 6806069Abstract: A composition is provided that includes an ubiquinone, such as CoQ10, bound by a glycoprotein matrix. A method is also provided for the manufacture of a composition of the invention. The glycoprotein matrix can be formed by permitting the growth of glycoprotein producing bacteria in the presence of the ubiquinone. The composition of the invention provides a method for increasing the stability and bioactivity of the ubiquinone. A method is also provided for administering an ubiquinone to a host by utilizing a composition of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Dilip Chokshi
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Patent number: 6800466Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and sludge. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Ultra Biotech LimitedInventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
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Patent number: 6783963Abstract: The process of the invention reports a new biological method, instead of chemical or physical methods, for preparing colloidal nano-sized metal sulphides using fungi.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial ResearchInventors: Priyabrata Mukherjee, Deendayal Mandal, Absar Ahmad, Murali Sastry, Rajiv Kumar
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Patent number: 6784203Abstract: A 5,6-dihydro-&agr;-pyrone of formula (I) wherein R is CO2H or CH3 and, when R is CO2H, a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable salt thereof. Processes for producing compounds of formula (I) and their use as cytokine production inhibitors.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Keith Wrigley, Sangeeta Bahl, Roya Mansour Sadeghi Guilani, Michael Moore, Werner Albert Katzer, Steven Michael Martin, David Andrew Kau, Andrew Jonathan Whiting, Neil Robinson, Martin Alistair Hayes, Thomas Haydn Mander
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Patent number: 6767543Abstract: The present invention relates to the establishment of a cultivation condition that is suitable for the large-scale production of pharmacologically active filtrates from a culture of A. camphorata, in particular, by optimizing the agitation rate and/or pH value during the cultivation. The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining pharmacologically active compositions from a culture of A. camphorata through a series of fractionation. This invention is further directed to the uses of the above compositions in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Council of Agriculture, Executive YuanInventors: Mei-Chiao Wu, Ren-Chang Huang, Shie-Jea Lin, Bor-Cheh Wang
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Patent number: 6756039Abstract: Novel fusion proteins capable of self-assembling into regular structures, as well as nucleic acids encoding the same, are provided. The subject fusion proteins comprise at least two oligomerization domains rigidly linked together, e.g. through an alpha helical linking group. Also provided are regular structures comprising a plurality of self-assembled fusion proteins of the subject invention, and methods for producing the same. The subject fusion proteins find use in the preparation of a variety of nanostructures, where such structures include: cages, shells, double-layer rings, two-dimensional layers, three-dimensional crystals, filaments, and tubes.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Todd O. Yeates, Jennifer Padilla, Chris Colovos
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Patent number: 6750048Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Martek Biosciences CorporationInventors: Craig M. Ruecker, Swithin Patrick Adu-peasah, Brian S. Engelhardt, George T. Veeder, III
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Patent number: 6746862Abstract: The invention discloses a method for cultivation of filamentous fungi using a suspended nutritionally solid substrate, the method including the steps of: (a) preparing a medium comprising a nutritionally solid substrate; and (b) inoculating an inoculum into the medium comprising the nutritionally solid substrate in a bioreactor to carry out fermentation. The present invention combines the properties of solid-state culture and submerged culture. In addition, the present invention may employ an air-lift bioreactor with a net draft tube and the fed-batch process to elevate the yields of filamentous fungi and metabolites thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Food Industry Research & Development InstituteInventors: Wen-Teng Wu, Pei-Ming Wang, Ting-Kuo Huang, Gwo-Fang Yuan
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Publication number: 20040101938Abstract: A novel method of very efficiently elevating the yield of oligosacchrides containing &agr;-galactosyl, compared with the conventional methods, which comprises treating galactose or a galactose-containing material with a specific &agr;-galactosidase and thus performing a dehydrocondensation reaction at a high substrate concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Masamichi Okada, Shigeharu Mori, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Koki Fujita, Kozo Hara
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Patent number: 6727373Abstract: The present invention discloses a microbial polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA)-containing oil with a high triglyceride content and a high oxidative stability. In addition, a method is described for the recovery of such oil from a microbial biomass deriverd from a pasteurized fermentation broth, wherein the microbial biomass is subjected to extrusion to form granular particles, dried and the oil then extracted from the dried granules using an appropriate solvent.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: DSM N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Louis Bijl, Johannes Hendrik Wolf, Albert Schaap, Johannes Martinus Jacobus Visser
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Publication number: 20040047842Abstract: The invention relates to Monascus purpureus mutants, which are useful in the preparation of fermentation products having blood pressure lowering activity with a very low amount of citrinin.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: FOOD INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTEInventors: Yen-Lin Chen, Ing-Er Hwang, Ming-Chin Lin, Chien-Cho Chen, Gwo-Fung Yuan
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Patent number: 6682916Abstract: A process for efficiently preparing an optically active chloropropanediol derivative, especially (S)-1-benzyloxy-3-chloro-2-propanol, which has a high optical purity and is useful as an intermediate for medicines. The process comprises treating an inexpensive racemic chloropropanediol derivative with a nitroxyl compound and an oxidizing agent to convert it into a chlorohydroxyacetone derivative and then stereospecifically reducing the carbonyl group of the chlorohydroxyacetone derivative by the action of either a carbonyl-reducing enzyme having the ability to stereospecifically reduce the chlorohydroxyacetone derivative or an optically treated culture of a microorganism having the ability to yield the carbonyl-reducing enzyme. Thus, an optically active chloropropanediol derivative is prepared.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Kaneka CorporationInventors: Naoaki Taoka, Hironobu Maeda, Kazumi Okuro, Koichiro Toyota, Yoshihiko Yasohara
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Patent number: 6682913Abstract: The present invention relates to a new microbial process for the preparation of the compound formula (I) from a compound of general formula (II) wherein R stands for an alkali metal or ammonium ion, by the submerged cultivation of a mold strain able to 6&bgr;-hydroxylate a compound of the Formula (II) in aerobic fermentation and by the separation and purification of the product of Formula (I) formed in the course of the bioconversion. The process comprises cultivating a strain of Mortierella maculata filamentous mold species that is able to 6&bgr;-hydroxylate a compound of the general Formula (II), on a nutrient medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources and mineral salts and separating the product formed from the fermentation broth, then isolating the compound of formula (I) and purifying the same. Novel strains of Mortierella maculata are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Institute for Drug Research Ltd.Inventors: Antonia Jekkel, Attila Konya, Istvan Barta, Eva Ilkoy, Gyorgy Somogyi, Gabor Ambrus, Gyula Horvath, Karoly Albrecht, Istvan Szabo, Julianna Mozes nee Suto, Janso Salat, Attila Andor, Laszlo Birincsik, Sandor Boros, Ildiko Lang, Margit Bidlo nee Igloy
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Publication number: 20030215480Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a new nematocidal composition particularly useful against plant parasitic nematodes and also a process to prevent damage resulting from nematode infestation. The method for production of the composition involves heating a pH-adjusted fermentation broth of microorganisms to a temperature of at least about 100° C. for at least about 15 minutes. Preferably, the microorganism is Gibberella fujikuroi, Streptomyces erythraeus, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus thuringiensis or Fusarium moniliforme.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Valent BioSciences Corp.Inventors: Prem Warrior, Daniel Feulner Heiman, Linda Anne Rehberger, Ronald Eugene Johnson, James Russell Hansen, Kevin Allen McVicker
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Publication number: 20030215932Abstract: The process for the preparation and isolation of the hypolipaemic active substance lovastatin in substantially pure form having a purity of at least 95% which comprises lactonizing the mevinolinic acid to lovastatin in a totally aqueous medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Parveen Kumar, S. Rama, Pardeeo Narula
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Patent number: 6638742Abstract: Methods for obtaining taxanes from novel sources are disclosed. Angiosperms other than hazelnut and the gymnosperm ginkgo have been discovered to be sources of taxane, including paclitaxel. Taxane may also be obtained from fungal endophytes from these plants. Methods for optimizing the recovery of taxane from plant sources are disclosed in which a plant part is surface-sterilized before extracting taxane therefrom or before culturing fungal endophytes therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: University of PortlandInventor: Angela Hoffman
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Publication number: 20030180901Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for promoting a recovery from stress comprising Tricholoma matsutake, a hot water extract of Tricholoma matsutake or a dried product thereof, or an alkaline solution extract of Tricholoma matsutake or a dried product thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and a novel Tricholoma matsutake strain FERM BP-7304 are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Kenichi Matsunaga
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Patent number: 6613550Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the production of compounds of the formula: from a compound of the formula comprising hydroxylating a compound of the formula I in the presence of an enzyme produced by a microorganism of the genera Cunninghamella species or Aspergillus. Preferred microorganisms are Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans and Aspergillus flavipes. Mixtures of compounds of formulae II and III may also be highly enriched in their composition of compound II by using the enzyme from Cunninghamella echinulata ATC 8688b.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: Pfizer Inc.Inventor: John W. Wong
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Patent number: 6599930Abstract: The present invention relates to novel active substances (coniosetin and coniosetin derivatives) of the formula I which are produced by the microorganism Coniochaeta ellipsoidea Udagawa (DSM 13856) during fermentation, wherein R, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, X2, X3 and X4 have the meanings stated in the specification, to chemical derivatives of coniosetin, to a process for their preparation and to their use as pharmaceuticals.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Aventis Pharma Deutschland GmbHInventors: Laszlo Vertesy, Martin Knauf, Astrid Markus-Erb, Luigi Toti, Marie-Cecile Raynal-Wetzel, Florence Fassy
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Patent number: 6596272Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and poultry manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Ultra Biotech LimitedInventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
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Patent number: 6589777Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for carrying out the following stereoselective microbial reduction of a racemic tetralone: which comprises: contacting a compound of formula (I) with a microorganism, or an enzyme reduction system capable of accomplishing the subject reduction comprising an enzyme derived from said microorganism and a co-factor for said enzyme, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield the (4R) tetralol of formula (II) and to leave substantially unreacted the (4S) tetralone of formula (V) or “chiral tetralone.” The chiral tetralone can be used in the synthesis of sertraline. The subject process further optionally comprises the separation of the (4S) tetralone of formula (V) from the (4R) tetralol of formula (II). The (4R) tetralol can be recycled to produce the compound of formula (I) and the subject process repeated to result in even more of the desired (4S) tetralone of formula (V).Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Pfizer Inc.Inventors: Brook K. Morse, Susan J. Truesdell, John W. Wong
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Publication number: 20030124646Abstract: A microbial culture having an increased glutaminase activity is produced by releasing catabolite repression of said glutaminase during incubation of a microorganism capable of producing glutaminase, and feeding a nitrogen source in the intermediate stage of the incubation as required.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: AJINOMOTO CO. INC.Inventors: Ari Yuasa, Hideki Okamura, Jiro Kataoka
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Patent number: 6555356Abstract: A method and microbial culture medium for inhibiting homoserine lactone and/or acylated homoserine lactone regulated processes in microorganisms using furanone compounds.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Unisearch LimitedInventors: Staffan Kjelleberg, Peter David Steinberg, Peter Canisius De Nys, Ria Maximilien, Michael Manefield, Michael Givskov, Lone Gram
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Patent number: 6537798Abstract: A process for reforming oil fuel comprises the steps of contacting oil fuel with activated aspergillus fungi for a certain period and then mixing the resulting oil fuel with unreformed oil fuel. The reformed oil fuel may be treated with a magnetic catalyst after treatment by the activated aspergillus fungi.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: Hideaki Tanaka
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Patent number: 6521418Abstract: The invention features a G protein-coupled receptor that has an enlarged extracellular loop between the fourth and fifth transmembrane domains. A nucleic acid encoding the receptor was isolated from a human granulocytic cell library and antibodies generated against the polypeptide revealed expression in a variety of tissues including heart, placenta, and lung. This antibody, or others that specifically bind the G protein-coupled receptor of the invention, can be used in the diagnosis of diseases or conditions that are associated with upregulation of the receptor, as occurs, for example, when hematopoietic cells differentiate. These diseases include inflammatory and neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer's Disease. The nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies described herein can also be used as therapeutic agents to treat these diseases by inhibiting the expression or activity of the receptor. They can also be used in the treatment of obesity.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: The Scripps Research InstituteInventor: Richard D. Ye
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Patent number: 6518050Abstract: The invention relates to a means for enhancing the value of distillation residues of fermentation products and in particular, a process for producing compounds of economic interest from these distillation residues of fermentation products. This production process also comprises suitable steps for extracting these compounds. In particular, the invention relates to enhancing the value of distillation residues of fermentation products from the agro-feeding industry.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: RevicoInventors: Christian Ambid, Severine Carle, Gustavo De Billerbeck
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Patent number: 6506956Abstract: The invention provides lignin-degradable fungi capable of degrading dioxins that have accumulated in the soil for farm crops, into harmless substances; a method for degrading dioxins by applying the fungi to a dioxin-containing object to such a degree that the cell concentration in the object reaches at least 1×102 cfu per gram of the object; compost containing the fungi; a method for producing compost that comprises a step of thermally fermenting a lignin-containing, plant-derived organic material to be compost, at a temperature falling between 65 and 100° C. for at least 2 hours, followed by inoculating the thus-fermented material with lignin degrading enzymes-producing fungi and further fermenting it; and a method of using the compost for cultivating plants.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichiro Yuki, Motoshi Suzuki, Hideo Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6500651Abstract: A method for producing mevinolin by a microorganism in a fermentation process having a seed culture stage and a main fermentation stage, including a) cultivating a microorganism biomass in the seed culture stage to produce an inoculum; b) transferring the inoculum into a fermentation medium in the main fermentation stage; and, c) maintaining steady stage conditions in the main fermentation stage, thereby producing a fermentation broth containing mevinolin. Preferably, the steady state conditions are maintained in the main fermentation stage by one or more of feeding of organic carbon sources; controlling glucose and/or total reducing sugar content; feeding of organic nitrogen sources; controlling pH; controlling foam level; controlling the mass of the fermentation broth by withdrawals and feedings; and, controlling the dissolved oxygen level.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Biogal Gyogyszergyar Rt.Inventors: Péter Seress, Gábor Balogh, Antal Oláh, László Cséke
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Patent number: 6485952Abstract: White-rot fungi are grown on a sugar beet pulp substrate. By-product of fungal growth, such as lignin-degrading enzymes, can be recovered from the culture.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1991Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Emerald BioAgriculture CorporationInventors: Clifford A. Bradley, Robert D. Kearns, Pauline P. Wood, William E. Black
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Patent number: 6465228Abstract: A levodione reductase having the following physical properties is provided: molecular weight: from about 142,000 to about 155,000±10,000 (consisting of four homologous subunits having a molecular weight of 36,000±5,000); co-factor: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (AND/NADH); substrate specificity: active on levodione; optimum temperature: about 15° C. to about 20° C. at pH 7.0; optimum pH: 7.5; and activator: K+, Cs+, Rb+, Na+ and NH4+. The levodione reductase according to the present invention produces actinol, an important intermediate for the production of zeaxanthin, from levodione. This enzyme may be produced from a microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, preferably the microorganism Corynebacterium aquaticum AKU 611 (FERM BP-6448) or a functional equivalent, subculture, mutant or variant thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Roche Vitamins, Inc.Inventors: Shigeru Nakamori, Sakayu Shimizu, Masaru Wada
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Publication number: 20020137155Abstract: The present invention describes new and distinct strains of higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms, and a process for growing them in submerged culture. Specifically, the new strains of species of the genus Pleurotus offer superior yields of mushroom biomass and concentrations of biologically active compounds, for example, cholesterol-lowering compounds, lectins, proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins or polysaccharides. The process includes use of defined media and a simple one-step procedure of separating the lovastatin-containing nutriceuticals from culture broth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Solomon P. Wasser, Sergey V. Reshetnikov
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Patent number: 6451567Abstract: A process is provided for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. Further, a process for producing lipids includes a fermentation by growing euryhaline microorganisms which are capable of producing 1.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Omegatech, Inc.Inventor: William R. Barclay
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Publication number: 20020127703Abstract: A polyester containing aromatic moieties is contacted with microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester to decompose or reduce it. Preferably, either or both of Trichosporon FERM BP-6445 or Arthrobacter FERM BP-6444 was contacted with the polyester to decompose or reduce it. A fiber made of the polyester or a cloth made of such fiber may be reduced by contacting it with the microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Kohei Oda, Yoshiharu Kimura
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Patent number: 6448053Abstract: A method of producing erythritol. The method includes growing in a culture an isolated yeast strain that possesses certain unique characteristics and is capable of converting glucose to erythritol in a glucose-containing medium, and purifying erythritol from the culture.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Food Industry Research and Development InstituteInventors: Shie-Jea Lin, Chiou-Yen Wen, Wen-Haw Hsu, Guey-Yuh Liou, Wen-Shen Chu
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Patent number: 6444448Abstract: There is provided a method of production of an immunostimulatory &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation, comprising the step of autolysis of cells of a microorganism at a pH of 5 to 6 and a temperature of 35 to 60° C. for 6 to 48 hours, and separating solid material roam the autolysed product. The &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation may be incorporated as a food component or be used as a pharmaceutical for treatment of conditions such as immuno-suppression, hypercholesterolaemia, hypoglycaemia and heavy metal excretion.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Carlton and United Breweries, LimitedInventors: Ragini Wheatcroft, Joseph Kulandai, Robert White Gilbert, Keith James Sime, Craig Gordon Smith, Willem Hendrik Langeris
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Patent number: 6440712Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing erythritol by fermentation using a polysaccharide negative erythritol producing strain and recovering erythritol crystals by direct crystallization from the unrefined micro-organism-free fermentation broth. Direct crystallization of erythritol is performed at dry substance higher than 80% w/w. Recovery of erythritol crystals is at least 85% and purity of erythritol crystals is at least 99% w/w.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Cerestar Holding B.V.Inventors: Jean-Claude Marie-Pierre Ghislain de Troostembergh, Ignace André Debonne, Willy Richard Obyn
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Patent number: 6440692Abstract: Large amounts of hairs and feathers can be decomposed and refined by treatment in an oxygen-containing gas stream with a fungus that can decompose hairs and feathers. The resulting decomposed and refined hairs and feathers are useful as a fertilizer.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Japan Institute of Leather ResearchInventors: Yoh-ichi Koyama, Koki Suzuki, Koki Ogata, Masashi Kusubata, Shinkichi Irie
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Patent number: 6441208Abstract: The present invention discloses a microbial polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA)-containing oil with a high triglyceride content and a high oxidative stability. In addition, a method is described for the recovery of such oil from a microbial biomass derived from a pasteurized fermentation broth, wherein the microbial biomass is subjected to extrusion to form granular particles, dried and the oil then extracted from the dried granules using an appropriate solvent.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: DSM N.V.Inventors: Hendrik Louis Bijl, Johannes Hendrik Wolf, Albert Schaap, Johannes Martinus Jacobus Visser