Abstract: A process for producing fatty acids, which comprises supplying an oil phase substrate and a water phase substrate to an enzyme column packed with an immobilized enzyme, concurrently flowing them in the same direction, and hydrolyzing a fat and/or oil, wherein the oil phase substrate and the water phase substrate are alternately supplied to the enzyme column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heterogenous enzymatic catalyst that takes the form of a cellular monolith consisting of a silica or organically modified silica matrix, said monolith including macropores, mesopores, and micropores, said pores being interconnected, and wherein the inner surface of the macropores is functionalized by a coupling agent selected from among silanes, said inner surface moreover having an unpurified enzyme attached thereon by means of a covalent or electrostatic bond.

Abstract: A method of making a molded part, including forming a liquid aggregate. A fungal inoculum and the liquid aggregate are inserted into a mold cavity. A portion of an object is inserted into the mold cavity. The fungal inoculum is grown into live mycelium that operably couples with the object. The mycelium is heated to terminate further growth and develop a composite part made of mycelium and the object.

Abstract: Provided are a novel use of a lipolytic enzyme for forming anti-fingerprint coating, a method of forming anti-fingerprint coating including treating a substrate with a composition comprising the lipolytic enzyme, a substrate including the anti-fingerprint coating formed by the same method, and a product including the same. The anti-fingerprint coating can reduce contamination of display devices, appearances of electronic devices or building materials by fingerpris.

Abstract: A quantum dot (QD) conjugate comprises a QD and a ligand conjugated with the QD, in which the ligand has at least one thiol and at least one other functional group. The QD conjugate may further comprise a bioactive agent covalently coupled to the ligand to form a bioactive agent-tagged QD conjugate. A method for preparing a QD conjugate comprises the steps of: (1) providing a solution comprising a QD encapsulated within a dendrimer; (2) adding into the solution a ligand; and (3) allowing an exchange between the ligand and the dendrimer for the QD to obtain a ligand-QD conjugate, in which the ligand is covalently conjugated to the surface of the QD. The method may further comprise the step of coupling the ligand-QD conjugate to a bioactive agent to obtain a bioactive agent-tagged ligand-QD conjugate.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of isomerically pure substituted cyclohexanols starting from a mixture of cis/trans substituted cyclohexanols which comprises reacting the cis/trans mixture of a substituted cyclohexanol with a dicarboxylic acid anhydride in the presence of a lipase, to give the trans semi-ester which is separated off from the unreacted substituted cyclohexanol cis isomer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a useful substance, the process includes feeding a liquid mixture formed of two liquid phases into a fixed bed-type reaction column packed with an immobilized enzyme, and allowing the liquid mixture to flow in the same direction in a co-current manner to perform a reaction. The packing thickness of the immobilized enzyme per stage of the fixed bed-type reaction column having an equivalent circular diameter of 35 mm? or larger is 10 to 200 mm. The flow of the reaction liquid inside the column can be made uniform, and as a result, reactivity and productivity is enhanced.

Abstract: An improved method for the design and development of high performance hybrid devices having biological and nonbiological components. The biological component is used in hybrid constructs that may be nanostructures, given the small size of the biological parts. In one specific embodiment, chlorosomes of Chloroflexus aurantiacus (C. aurantiacus) enhance performance of a silicon photovoltaic cell. C. aurantiacus, strain J-10-f1, has the A.T.C.C. designation number 29366, having been deposited in July, 1976. Its chlorosomes are harvested and positioned in light communicating relation to a photoactive semiconductor. The chlorosomes react to light of a first wavelength by emitting light at a second wavelength to which the semiconductor electrically responds.

Abstract: A porous ?-tricalcium phosphate material for bone implantation is provided. The multiple pores in the porous TCP body are separate discrete voids and are not interconnected. The pore size diameter is in the range of 20-500 ?m, preferably 50-125 ?m. The porous ?-TCP material provides a carrier matrix for bioactive agents and can form a moldable putty composition upon the addition of a binder. Preferably, the bioactive agent is encapsulated in a biodegradable agent. The invention provides a kit and an implant device comprising the porous ?-TCP, and a bioactive agent and a binder. The invention also provides an implantable prosthetic device comprising a prosthetic implant having a surface region, a porous ?-TCP material disposed on the surface region and optionally comprising at least a bioactive agent or a binder. Methods of producing the porous ?-TCP material and inducing bone formation are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of separating microorganisms from a sample including contacting the sample containing microorganisms with an inorganic ion exchange material such that the sample reacts with the inorganic ion exchange material, and contacting the reacted sample with a means for capturing microorganisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and compositions for reducing turf thatch and/or preventing turf thatch buildup.

Abstract: Processes for microbial digestion of organic material, and preparation of substrates for microbial digestion, suitable for the production of biomethane, from municipal and industrial waste water or from municipal or agricultural waste. In addition, a method for identifying a composition of matter that is suitable for microbial digestion, more particularly anaerobic digestion and/or mixed aerobic and anaerobic digestion. Also, a system and process for detoxifying organic wastes, such as those which may be present in waste water from industrial processes.

Abstract: Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing and using such substrates and surfaces are provided. The substrates and surfaces provide low density reactive groups preferably on an otherwise non-reactive surface for use in different applications including single molecule analyses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising a pair of bellows pumps configured for efficient mixing at a microfluidic scale. By moving a fluid sample and particles in suspension through an aperture between the paired bellows pump mixing chambers, molecular collisions leading to binding between the particles and ligands in the sample are enhanced. Such devices provide an alternative for mixing that does not use a vent and can be used with a variety of particles in suspension such as magnetic beads to capture or purify useful cells and molecules.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytases, polynucleotides encoding them, uses of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. In particular, the invention provides polypeptides having phytase activity under high temperature conditions, and phytases that retain activity after exposure to high temperatures. The invention further provides phytases which have increased gastric lability. The phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be formulated as foods or feeds or supplements for either to, e.g., aid in the digestion of phytate.

Abstract: Immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase on a carrier selected from the group consisting of macroporous adsorbent resin of the acrylic type, synthetic epoxy activated resin and Mg—Al-hydrotalcite enhances its enantioselectivity by six to seven folds. The immobilized Candida rugosa lipase is suitable for use in resolution of racemic alcohols and/or carboxylic acids, particularly in resolution of racemic menthol or production of menthyl esters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are coated articles and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a ground product of a lipase powder composition comprising an immobilized lipase in which a lipase derived from Thermomyces sp. is immobilized to a silica carrier and a hydrophilic powder other than a silica carrier, the method comprising the steps of wetting the hydrophilic powder with oil; separating the hydrophilic powder wetted with oil from the oil to obtain an oil-containing hydrophilic powder; mixing the oil-containing hydrophilic powder and the immobilized lipase at a ratio of 0.45:1 to 0.85:1 based on mass of the hydrophilic powder and the immobilized lipase before oil wetting; and grinding the obtained mixture, the steps being conducted in the above order.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for culturing pluripotent or multipotent cells in vitro, the method comprising attaching pluripotent or multipotent cells to a plurality of microcarriers to form microcarrier-cell complexes, and culturing the microcarrier-cell complexes in suspension culture in the presence of a ROCK inhibitor.

Abstract: Nanoparticles for use in the collection, concentration, isolation and storage of biomolecules from biological samples are provided. More specifically, nanoparticles used to isolate biomolecules, including nucleic acids and proteins, cells, cell fragments, bacteria, and viruses from biological samples such as urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), mouthwash samples, and amniotic fluid are provided. Kits for using nanoparticles for the isolation of biomolecules are also provided.

Abstract: A process for making a particulate material comprising mesoporous particles having granules of a metal containing species in at least some of the pores thereof, said process comprising: allowing a compound of the metal to enter pores of hydrophobic mesoporous particles, said compound being thermally decomposable at a decomposition temperature to form a metal containing species and said particles being substantially thermally stable at said decomposition temperature; and heating the hydrophobic mesoporous particles having the compound in the pores thereof to the decomposition temperature so as to decompose the compound and to form the mesoporous particles having granules of the metal containing species in at least some of the pores thereof.

Abstract: A granule with an allergenic component has reduced dust by including antifoam added during the production of the granule. The antifoam may be dispersed throughout the granule or added to one of the components of the granule. The granule with antifoam produces at least 30% less dust than a comparable granule produced according to a process in which no antifoam is added.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil degumming method that is free of emulsification. This method includes the steps of treating crude oil first with immobilized phospholipase and then extracting the phospholipase-treated crude oil with pure water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of rapid detection of micro-colonies of microorganisms by changing their shape from a regular semi-sphere to a long and thin cylinder. Cells are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides, and attached to a filter from one side. A micro-channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro-channels (diameter of each channel=1-20 ?m, and length 100-1000 ?m). The micro-channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to a nutrient media agar block. Cells produce micro-colonies of a long and thin shape according the shape of the micro-channel. The growth of microorganisms in the micro-channels permits a change in the number of cells to accomplish light absorbance. Fewer cells need a shorter time to reproduce. Thus detection and counting of cells can be accomplished in a rapid fashion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to regularly align microparticles, on each of which a nucleic acid synthetase or a DNA probe capable of capturing a nucleic acid sample fragment is immobilized, on a support so as to improve throughput of nucleic acid analysis. The present invention relates to a method comprising immobilizing a nucleic acid synthetase, a DNA probe, or the like in advance to a microparticle, forming a pattern of metal pads each having a diameter smaller than the microparticle diameter with gold or the like on a support, and allowing a microparticle to be bound to the pads via a chemical bond. In addition, when the surfaces of microparticles are electrically charged, a pattern of metal pads each having a diameter equivalent to or larger than the microparticle diameter is formed with gold or the like on a support and a microparticle is allowed to be bound to the pads via a chemical bond.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making mesoporous nanoparticles. The process comprises providing an acidic mixture comprising a fluorocarbon surfactant, a second surfactant and a silica precursor. The silica precursor is then reacted to form the mesoporous nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and constructs for craniofacial reconstruction implants, and methods for making and using same. Specific embodiments provide for a biocompatible scaffold having an auricular shape and a permanent bendable framework within the scaffold, wherein the permanent bendable framework allows deformation and return to pre-deformation shape, and thus maintains the auricular shape of the scaffold.

Abstract: A material includes a surface and a reactive agent that is located at the surface of the material, covalently attached to a backbone of the material, and/or located within the material. The reactive agent has nitrite reductase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and/or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The reactive agent also converts at least one of nitrites, nitrates and nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood. A reproducible nitrosothiol sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the substrate specificity of an enzymatic activity comprising the following steps: providing an assembly comprising a plurality of amino acid sequences on a planar surface of a support material, whereby the amino acids are directionally immobilized; contacting and/or incubating of an enzymatic activity with the assembly; and detection of a reaction between one of the amino acid sequences that are immobilized on the assembly and the enzymatic activity. According to the invention, during the reaction of the enzymatic activity with the assembly, a change in the molecular weight of at least one of the amino acid sequences takes place.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are functionalized in a broadly applicable manner. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are noncovalently functionalized. The functionalized SWNTs are highly versatile, being useful for a variety of implementations, including for the immobilization of molecules, for circuit arrangements, molecular electronics and for molecular sensors. In addition, stable suspensions of functionalized SWNTs in solutions can be achieved, as well as the self-assembly of nanotubes with unperturbed sp2 structures and thus their electronic characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to supports for bioassays and the use thereof in cell culturing and in cell-based methods and assays. More precisely, the invention provides solid materials coated with films of nanostructured titanium dioxide suitable for the immobilisation of viruses and for cell-adhesion. The nanostructured TiO2 film-coated support of the invention is particularly useful for the preparation of microarrays for genetic and phenotypic analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of adhering active enzymes to an inert support, the product produced thereby, and a method of using the enzyme-coated support in enzyme-catalyzed reactions such as the glucose isomerase-catalyzed conversion of glucose to fructose. The method includes the steps of coating an inert support with a cationic copolymer, preferably a polyamine, and most preferably a di-C1-C6-alkylamino-epichlorohydrin copolymer, and then adhering enzyme to the coated support in the absence of any intervening cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Reactive surfaces, substrates and methods of producing and using such substrates and surfaces are provided. The substrates and surfaces provide low density reactive groups preferably on an otherwise non-reactive surface for use in different applications including single molecule analyses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel, which demonstrates superior mechanical properties, by uniformly dispersing a clay mineral in an organic polymer over a wide range of clay mineral content, and a dried form thereof, to be produced easily in a short period of time. The production process of an organic/inorganic composite hydrogel of the present invention comprises reacting a water-soluble organic monomer (a) in the presence of a water-swellable clay mineral (b) by irradiating with an energy beam in a solution in which a non-water-soluble polymerization initiator (d) is dispersed in an aqueous medium (c).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for producing androstenedione (4-androstenedione), of improved purity and for modulating its production, for example by deletion or inactivation of ksdA, cxgA, cxgB, cxgC, or cxgD. The invention also provides methods and compositions, including nucleic acids that encode enzymes, for producing 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione (ADD) and related pathway compounds, including 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-4-en-3-one and 20-(hydroxymethyl)pregna-1,4-dien-3-one. The compositions of the invention include nucleic acids, probes, vectors, cells, transgenic plants and seeds, transgenic animals, kits and arrays.

Abstract: A method for microbiologically processing water includes treating the water in a bioreactor with microorganisms, wherein at least 70% of the microorganisms can break down 2-propanol and/or acetone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a system for in-vivo detection of a biomarker in the gastrointestinal tract. The invention further relates to a method for the in-vivo detection of a biomarker in the gastrointestinal tract such as e.g., the ?1-antitrypsin precursor (A1AT biomarker), by using the recognition factor, e.g., trypsin immobilized to a solid surface. The invention further relates to a kit for the in-vivo detection of a biomarker in the gastrointestinal system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit and method for the capture of tumor cells in a body fluid sample or a serum-containing sample. The kit and method of the invention can capture living tumor cells but not non-living tumor cells or cell fragments so that the tumor species can be further identified by further culture of the captured tumor cells. Also, the kit and method of the invention can readily identify whether a sample contains tumor cells and collect these tumor cells for further identification so that the presence of cancer and development of the metastasis and early relapse can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemically functionalized submicron graphitic fibril having a diameter or thickness less than 1 ?m, wherein the fibril is free of continuous thermal carbon overcoat, free of continuous hollow core, and free of catalyst. The fibril is obtained by splitting a micron-scaled carbon fiber or graphite fiber along the fiber axis direction. These functionalized graphitic fibrils exhibit exceptionally high electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, high elastic modulus, high strength and good interfacial bonding with a matrix resin in a composite. The present invention also provides several products that contain submicron graphitic fibrils: (a) paper, thin-film, mat, and web products; (b) rubber or tire products; (c) energy conversion or storage devices, such as fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors; (d) adhesives, inks, coatings, paints, lubricants, and grease products; (e) heavy metal ion scavenger; (f) absorbent (e.g.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of efficiently producing nitrate nitrogen as inorganic nutrients from an organic material without performing any operation using constant electrical power such as aeration. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a solid medium for cultivating a plant, which allows hydroponics to be performed through the direct addition of an organic fertilizer even in the case of performing hydroponics with solid medium cultivation.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a population of cells in a porous matrix is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a silica sol mixture, aerosolizing the silica sol mixture to form a silica sol vapor, and coating the cell population with the silica sol vapor, wherein the vapor condenses to form a sol-gel matrix encapsulating the cell population.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and methods capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage stable forms are also discussed.

Abstract: A skin dressing comprises a first dressing component (16) carrying oxidoreductase enzyme in dried condition; and a second dressing component (18) carrying a source of water, such that when the first and second dressing components are placed in fluid communication with each other, water migrates from the second component towards the first comportent and acts to hydrate enzyme carried by the first component, at least at the surface of the first component. The dressing components are kept separate before use, e.g. being sealed in separate sterile, water-impervious packages such as laminated aluminum foil pouches. In use of the dressing, the second dressing component is located on the skin of a human or animal, e.g. over a wound to be treated or on a region of skin to be treated for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes such as for treatment of acne or other skin conditions. The first dressing component is placed on top of the second component in fluid communication therewith.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of recovering lipase activity which comprises the steps of using a lipase derived from Thermomyces sp. and immobilized on a carrier, or a lipase powder composition which comprises a filter aid and the lipase derived from Thermomyces sp. and immobilized on a carrier which is crushed into the average particle size of 1 ?m or larger and smaller than 300 ?m in an esterification or transesterification reaction; and washing said lipase or lipase powder composition with triacylglycerol. According to this method, the decreased lipase activity can be effectively recovered.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode. In one embodiment, the substance can be bacteria, enzymes, other microorganisms, or combinations thereof. The compositions that are in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention have varied uses, which can include delivering microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the substances can include liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: In a process for producing organic substrate particles bonded to switchable ferromagnetic nanoparticles with a mean particle diameter in the range from 10 to 1000 nm, the ferromagnetic nanoparticles used are those nanoparticles which are nonferromagnetic at first, but become ferromagnetic when the temperature is lowered, these at first nonferromagnetic nanoparticles in dispersed form are bonded to the organic substance particles, and then the nanoparticles bonded to the substrate particles are made ferromagnetic as a result of the temperature being lowered.