Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-stable pullulanase having the property of hydrolysing glucosidic bonds of the .alpha.-1,6 type in amylopectin and having an enzymatic activity in an acid medium and at a temperature of about 60.degree. C.The invention also relates to strains of microorganisms which produce this pullulanase and processes for the preparation of this pullulanase.The invention also relates to the uses thereof and compositions comprising the product.The invention also relates to a DNA molecule. The invention relates to an expression vector containing this DNA molecule and to a chromosomal integration vector containing this DNA molecule.

Abstract: An endoglucanase obtainable from Dictyoglomus exhibiting optimum activity at a temperature above 85.degree. C. is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the production of isomalto-oligosaccharides syrups. The method comprises the use of enzymes immobilized on a re-usable carrier. The carrier is preferably an anion exchanger. The enzymes used for the conversion of starch hydrolysates are transglucosidase and pullulanase preferably these enzymes are co-immobilized. The carrier/enzyme conjugate is further reinforced by cross-linking.

Abstract: DNA sequences are described which on the codogenic strand code plant debranching enzymes, whose transcripts formed in transgenic plants code new proteins with the enzymatic activity of debranching enzymes which in transgenic plants reduce the degree of branching of amylopectin starch and DNA sequences which on the codogenic strand code plant debranching enzymes, whose transcripts formed in transgenic plants prevent the synthesis of proteins with the enzymatic activity of debranching enzymes, which in the transgenic plants increases the degree of branching of amylopectin starch, as well as plasmids on which these DNA sequences are localized, which can be introduced into plant cells and plants. Also described is a process for the production of plants changed by genetic engineering whose amylopectin starch is modified, and the modified starch obtainable from these plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel thermostable pullulanases obtainable from Pyrodictium.

Abstract: A method is described for the rapid, sensitive and accurate determination of sucrose in biological fluids. A substrate is pre-coated with a glucose or fructose polymer and a transglycosidase enzyme. When the coated substrate is incubated with biological fluids containing concentrations of sucrose, the transglycosidase enzyme transfers monomers of glucose or fructose from the sucrose to the glucose or fructose polymer. The dimensions of the polymer are increased in proportion to the sucrose concentration of the samples. Newly formed polymer is subsequently quantitated in an immunoassay which employs either a combination of a carbohydrate-binding protein (which may be an antibody) and a conjugate of a secondary antibody and a marker enzyme, or a conjugate of a carbohydrate-binding protein and a marker enzyme. The assay is accurate at sucrose concentrations below 1 .mu.g/mL. No interference was observed at glucose concentrations as high as 25 mM.

Abstract: An enzyme is altered by introducing an additional hydrophobic group to enhance the hydrophobic environment in the enzyme so as to interfere with entrance of a water molecule. In this connection, the site of introduction and kind of hydrophobic group to be introduced are selected on the basis of comprehensive analysis of amino acid sequence, three-dimensional structure, reaction mechanism or the like of the target enzyme. Using this method, an amino acid residue of neopullulanase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus was replaced by another amino acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel aerobic, Gram-positive alkaliphilic bacteria which have been isolated from in and around alkaline soda lakes. These alkaliphiles have been analyzed according to the principles of numerical taxonomy with respect to each other and also to a collection of known bacteria. In addition, these bacterial taxa are further circumscribed by an analysis of the lipid components which serve as chemotaxonomic markers. The alkaliphiles of the present invention produce alkalitolerant enzymes which are capable of performing their functions at high pH which makes them uniquely suited for applications requiring such extreme conditions.

Abstract: An .alpha.-amylase characterized by having a specific activity at least 25% higher than the specific activity of Termamyl.RTM. at a temperature in the range of 25.degree. C. to 55.degree. C. and a pH value in the range of pH 8 to pH 10.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-stable pullulanase having the property of hydrolysing glucosidic bonds of the .alpha.-1,6 type in amylopectin and having an enzymatic activity in an acid medium and at a temperature of about 60.degree. C.The invention also relates to strains of microorganisms which produce this pullulanase and processes for the preparation of this pullulanase.The invention also relates to the uses thereof and compositions comprising the product.The invention also relates to a DNA molecule. The invention relates to an expression vector containing this DNA molecule and to a chromosomal integration vector containing this DNA molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovery and purification of isoamylase by raw starch adsorption method. Various raw starches are used to recover the isoamylase produced by a bacterium such as Pseudomonas amyloderamosa. The method comprises using raw starch to adsorb isoamylase under conditions suitable for such adsorption and isolating the adsorbed enzyme. The isoamylase adsorption rate varied with the species of raw starch. Additionally, raw starch can be recycled.

Abstract: There are described DNA sequences, which lead to the formation of levans, plasmids containing these DNA sequences, as well as a process using these plasmids for preparing transgenic plants with levan accumulation.

Abstract: A new enzyme, alternanase, which is effective for the endo-hydrolytic cleavage of alternan, producing a thinned composition of low molecular weight fractions which exhibit reduced viscosity and increased solubility relative to native alternan, is described. The enzyme is produced and secreted extracellularly by a plurality of novel bacteria isolated from soil. One of the fractions present in the thinned alternan resulting from hydrolysis with alternanase is a the cyclic tetrasaccharide, cyclo{-6)-.alpha.-D-Glcp-(1,3)-.alpha.-D-Glcp-(1,6)-.alpha.-D-Glcp-(1,3)-. alpha.-D-Glcp-(1-}. A novel method for isolating strains of microorganisms which produce endo-.alpha.-D-glucanases such as alternanase effective for the endo-hydrolytic cleavage or thinning of alternan is also described. Cultures of the subject strains are contacted with a test substrate of alternan coupled to a detectable indicator. Detection of released indicator provides an indication of endo-.alpha.-D-glucanase activity.

Abstract: A method for increasing the accuracy of photometric-based assays for .alpha.-amylase by subjecting a sample to a secondary interrogating beam of radiation at a wavelength distinguishable from a primary interrogating beam of radiation. The secondary interrogating beam of radiation is indicative of an interfering reaction occurring in the absence of analyte at the primary wavelength. The secondary wavelength is outside the absorption spectrum of the analyte of interest. This secondary radiation beam's absorption is proportional to the interfering reaction at the primary wavelength.

Abstract: A cDNA clone from barley, pAGL.2737, SEQ ID NO: 3, which encodes the enzyme .alpha.-glucosidase, is disclosed. A vector and microbial host containing a DNA sequence coding for the expression of barley .alpha.-glucosidase, and a DNA construct comprising a DNA sequence coding for the expression of barley .alpha.-glucosidase, together with a promoter located 5' to the DNA coding sequence and a 3' termination sequence, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of DNA sequences and PCR products comprises the steps of constructing an oligonucleotide-labeled bead set, and labeled complementary probe, and exposing the bead set and probe to a DNA fragment or PCR product under hybridizing conditions and analyzing the combined sample/bead set by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric measurements are used to classify beads within an exposed bead set to determine the presence of identical or nonidentical sequences within the test sample. The inventive technology enables the rapid analysis of DNA sequences and detection of point mutations, deletions and/or inversions while also reducing the cost and time for performing genetic assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-stable pullulanase having the property of hydrolysing glucosidic bonds of the .alpha.-1,6 type in amylopectin and having an enzymatic activity in an acid medium and at a temperature of about 60.degree. C.The invention also relates to strains of microorganisms which produce this pullulanase and processes for the preparation of this pullulanase.The invention also relates to the uses thereof and compositions comprising the product.The invention also relates to a DNA molecule. The invention relates to an expression vector containing this DNA molecule and to a chromosomal integration vector containing this DNA molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-stable pullulanase having the property of hydrolysing glucoside bonds of the .alpha.-1,6 type in amylopectin and having an enzymatic activity in an acid medium and at a temperature of about 60.degree. C.The invention also relates to strains of microorganisms which produce this pullulanase and processes for the preparation of this pullulanase.The invention also relates to the uses thereof and compositions comprising the product.The invention also relates to a DNA molecule. The invention relates to an expression vector containing this DNA molecule and to a chromosomal integration vector containing this DNA molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-stable pullulanase having the property of hydrolysing glucosidic bonds of the .alpha.-1,6 type in amylopectin and having an enzymatic activity in an acid medium and at a temperature of about 60.degree. C.The invention also relates to strains of micro-organisms which produce this pullulanase and processes for the preparation of this pullulanase.The invention also relates to the uses thereof and compositions comprising the product.The invention also relates to a DNA molecule. The invention relates to an expression vector containing this DNA molecule and to a chromosomal integration vector containing this DNA molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-stable pullulanase having the property of hydrolysing glucosidic bonds of the .alpha.- 1,6 type in amylopectin and having an enzymatic activity in an acid medium and at a temperature of about 60.degree. C.The invention also relates to strains of microorganisms which produce this pullulanase and processes for the preparation of this pullulanase.The invention also relates to the uses thereof and compositions comprising the product.The invention also relates to a DNA molecule. The invention relates to an expression vector containing this DNA molecule and to a chromosomal integration vector containing this DNA molecule.

Abstract: A fat-like carbohydrate, containing 12 to 100%, by weight, short chain amylose, wherein the fat-like carbohydrate is used in foods in an amount effective to function as a replacement for up to 100%, by weight, of one or more fat(s) contained in foods. The short chain amylose may be prepared by the enzymatic debranching of starch, employing an enzyme which specifically degrades the alpha-1,6-D-glucosidic-linkages of the starch molecule. A method of replacing up to 100% of one or more fat(s) contained in foods, wherein the food containing the enzymatically debranched starch exhibits functional and organoleptic qualities equivalent to those of the food containing conventional amounts of fat. Also provided are foods containing the short chain amylose materials in place of fat, cream, oil, oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions and other lipids which are conventional components of the foods.

Abstract: There are described, cleaning compositions comprising proteolytic enzymes having enhanced thermal and/or alkaline stability. Particularly, the compositions comprise a Bacillus sp. subtilisin having enhanced thermal stability and alkaline stability. The composition may be useful for any cleaning application such as laundry cleaning, household cleaning (dishcare, hard surface cleaning) or industrial cleaning.

Abstract: The invention is directed to amino acid and DNA sequences of a unique glucoamylase P that has a high debranching activity, a Trichoderma host cell, transformed with such sequences, the expression of such recombinant glucoamylase P, and the industrial uses for the recombinant enzyme and hosts transformed therewith.

Abstract: The invention comprises two grain conditioners. The first grain conditioner, which is suitable for use on all grains, comprises a pectinase, a protease, a beta-glucanase and an amylase. The second grain conditioner, which is designed for use on easier-to-digest grains, comprises a pectinase, a beta-glucanase, an amylase and a hemicellulase. The invention also comprises animal feeds which comprise a grain which has been conditioned with one of the grain conditioners of the invention designed to be effective on that grain and methods of increasing the weight gain and feed utilization efficiency of an animal comprising feeding the novel animal feeds of the invention to the animal. The invention further comprises a method of conditioning a grain which comprises providing the grain, contacting the grain with one of the grain conditioners of the invention designed to be effective on that grain and incubating the grain and grain conditioner together for at least about 30 minutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to .alpha.-L-rhamnosidase, which catalyzes the cleavage of the bond between terminal rhamnose and the aglycone of rhamnose-containing glycosides, a process for preparing it by biotechnological means, and its use for preparing L(+)-rhamnose (6-deoxy-L-mannose).

Abstract: A production process of optically active amino acids comprising causing a microorganism belonging to Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, Arthrobacter, Nocardiopsis or Bacillus sp. and having nitrile-hydrolyzing activity to act on a nitrile or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the expression of an active pullulanase enzyme in a microorganism host. In one aspect, a DNA construct contains a sequence encoding the pullulanase enzyme, except for the nucleotides necessary to encode the first two amino acids in mature pullulanase, and regulating sequences allowing expression of the coding sequence in a microorganism host. An advantageous DNA construct contains regulatory sequences permitting expression of the pullulanase in a yeast cell.

Abstract: Novel cyclodextrin glycosyl transferases (CGTase) can be produced by anaerobic cultivation of strains of Thermoanaerobacter or Thermoanaerobium. They are more thermostable than known CGTases and have temperature optimum about 95.degree. C.The novel CGTases can be used for starch liquefaction at pH 4.5 and temperature exceeding 100.degree. C. in the production of dextrose or ethanol. They can also be used for conversion of liquefied starch to cyclodextrin at a temperature of 80.degree.-90.degree. C.A method for enzymatically converting solid and liquefied starch into cyclodextrin using cyclodextrin glycosyl transferases (CGTase) elaborated by thermophilic obligate anaerobic strains belonging to the genus Clostridium. These CGTases are characterized by thermostability and a capability to liquefy starch and/or to convert liquefied starch to cyclodextrin at pH 5.0-5.5 and 60.degree.-90.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermostable pullulanases endogenous to the strain Fervidobacterium sp. Ven 5, DSM 6204, or a mutant thereof which is capable of producing the pullulanase having (a) a temperature optimum in the range 80-90.degree. C.; (b) a pH optimum in the range of 5-7; and (c) at least 60% residual activity after 24 hours of incubation at pH 6.0. The invention also relates to the use of the pullulanases in starch converting processes, and to saccharification processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to .alpha.-L-rhamnosidase, which catalyzes the cleavage of the bond between terminal rhamnose and the aglycone of rhamnose-containing glycosides, a process for preparing it by biotechnological means, and its use for preparing L(+)-rhamnose (6-deoxy-L-mannose).

Abstract: This invention allows high-purity maltose to be manufactured both simply and economically by sequentially going through the steps of liquefaction of starch, saccharification of the resulting liquefied substance by combining with general-purpose enzymes and further saccharification with an enzyme which hydrolyzes oligosaccharides of trisaccharide or more, and also allows the economical and favorable manufacturing of maltitol, the reduced product of the above maltose, by going through an additional reduction step.

Abstract: The structural gene encoding isoamylase from Pseudomonas SMP 1 is obtained. Also described are vectors comprising the isoamylase gene and host microorganisms transformed by these vectors. The transformed host microorganisms are capable of expressing and/or secreting mature isoamylase having biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel cycloisomaltooligosaccharide selected from the group consisting of novel cycloisomaltoheptaose having a cyclic structure composed of 7 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage, novel cycloisomaltooctaose having a cyclic structure composed of 8 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage and novel cycloisomaltononaose having a cyclic structure composed of 9 glucose residues in .alpha.-1,6 linkage, novel cycloisomaltooligosaccharide synthase forming said oligosaccharides from dextran, and a process for producing said oligosaccharides by use of said enzyme or a microorganism capable of producing said enzyme.

Abstract: A novel detergent composition containing an alkaline pullulanase is disclosed. The alkaline pullulanase has its optimum pH in an alkaline range and not deactivated by surfactants. Further it has strong resistance to almost all detergent components such as chelating agents, protease, etc. The the detergent composition of this invention has excellent detergency especially against starch soils.

Abstract: A debranching enzyme, a process for producing the enzyme, a microorganism capable of producing the enzyme, and a process for producing glucose liquids using the enzyme are disclosed. The microorganism is preferrably Bacillus FERM BP-4204, the enzyme is a debranching enzyme which acts on alpha-1,6 glucosidase bonds on produce straight chain amylose, acts on pullulan and also acts on relatively long chain saccharides, wherein said substrate specificity for activity on pullulan is set at 100, the activity of said enzyme on soluble starches relative to said activity on pullulan is from about 20 to 40, the activity of said enzyme on glycogen relative to said activity on pullulan is from about 30 to 60, and the activity of said enzyme on amylopectin relative to said activity on pullulan is from about 10 to 30, has an optimum pH from about 4.5 to 6.0, an optimum temperature from about 60.degree. C. to about 70.degree. C., a molecular weight of about 98 kD as measured by SDS-PAGE, and an isoelectric point of about 2.

Abstract: An isoamylase, useful in the field of starch saccharification, having a molecular weight of about 105,000, an isoelectric point of 6.4, an optimum pH of 3.0 to 5.0, an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. and exhibiting temperature stability at 45.degree. C..times.10 minutes and pH stability at pH 3.5 to 6.0, and a process for producing the same comprising cultivating an isoamylase-producing strain belonging to the genus Xanthomonas and recovering the enzyme produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pullulanase, methods of producing and isolating the pullulanase and methods of saccharifying starch using the pullulanase. The pullulanase of the invention works in a wide pH range, as large as pH 4-9. In addition, the pullulanase is heat stable and its optimum temperature is about 60.degree. C. Therefore, the pullulanase of the invention can be used in the saccharification of starch along with amylase, which is enzymatically active at pH 4-9, to increase the yield of saccharides.

Abstract: A detergent composition containing an alkaline pullulanase, a surfactant, alkaline agents and/or inorganic electrolytes, divalent metal ion scavengers and bleaching agents is disclosed. The alkaline pullulanase has an optimum pH range of 8.5-10.0 on pullulan, an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. and is not deactivated by surfactants. Further, the pullulanase has a strong resistance to almost all detergent components such as chelating agents, proteases, etc. The pullulanase is isolated from Bacillus sp. KSM-AP 1378 deposited as FERM BP-3048. The composition specifically contains 0.1-10 wt. % alkaline pullulanase B, 0.5-60 wt. % surfactant, 0-90 wt. % alkaline agents and/or inorganic electrolytes, 0-50 wt. % divalent metal ion scavengers, and 0-85 wt. % bleaching agents.

Abstract: This invention provides a pullulanase having a high degree of pH stability under acidic conditions, which is produced by cultivation of a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, particularly Bacillus circulans SV-98 (FERM P-12161). This enzyme is useful, for example, in the manufacture of glucose and maltose from starch.

Abstract: An analyte polynucleotide strand having an analyte sequence is detected within a sample containing polynucleotides by contacting the analyte polynucleotide with a capture probe under hybridization conditions, where the capture probe has a first binding partner specific for a solid-phase second binding partner. The resulting duplex is then immobilized by specific binding between the binding partners, and non-bound polynucleotides are separated from the bound species. The analyte polynucleotide is optionally displaced from the solid phase, then amplified by PCR. The PCR primers each have a polynucleotide region capable of hybridizing to a region of the analyte polynucleotide, and at least one of the primers further has an additional binding partner capable of binding a solid-phase binding partner. The amplified product is then separated from the reaction mixture by specific binding between the binding partners, and the amplified product is detected.

Abstract: An isolated alkaline pullulanase Y having .alpha.-amylase activity; a microorganism producing the alkaline pullulanase Y; and a process for producing the alkaline pullulanase Y are disclosed. The alkaline pullulanase Y having .alpha.-amylase activity has its optimum pH at higher alkaline range than conventional alkaline pullulanases and exhibits excellent stability in a wide pH range. Further, the alkaline pullulanase Y has strong resistance to almost all detergent components such as surfactants, chelating agents, proteases for detergents, and the like. Thus the alkaline pullulanase Y can advantageously be used as a detergent component.

Abstract: A novel alkaline pullulanase; a microorganism producing the alkaline pullulanase; and a process for producing the alkaline pullulanase are disclosed. The alkaline pullulanase of the present invention has a higher optimum pH range (pH 9.5-11) than conventional alkaline pullulanases and shows excellent stability in a wider pH range. It has also an optimum temperature of higher than 50.degree. C. and is thermally stable up to 40.degree. C. The alkaline pullulanase has also strong reistance to almost all detergent components such as surfactants, chelating agents, proteases for detergents, and the like. The alkaline pullulanase can advantageously be used as a detergent component. Also, it can be utilized for producing many kinds of oligosaccharides and also together with .alpha.-amylase for producing various monosaccharides.

Abstract: This invention allows high-purity maltose to be manufactured both simply and economically by sequentially going through the steps of liquefaction of starch, saccharification of the resulting liquefied substance by combining with general-purpose enzymes and further saccharification with an enzyme which hydrolyzes oligosaccharides of trisaccharide or more, and also allows the economical and favorable manufacturing of maltitol, the reduced product of the above maltose, by going through an additional reduction step.

Abstract: Process for producing starch sugar which comprises contacting liquefied starch with amylase immobilized onto porous chitosan. Immobilized debranching enzyme can be used in combination with the amylase. The debranching enzyme is immobilized onto a specific support.

Abstract: A polypeptide possessing isoamylase activity with a revealed amino acid sequence. The polypeptide has features that it acts on amylaceous substances to produce a high-maltose content product, and that it has a molecular weight of 80,000.+-.5,000 daltons on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, as well as having an isoelectric point of 4.7.+-.0.1 on polyacrylamide gel isoelectric electrophoresis.The polypeptide can be advantageously used in the industrial manufacture of starch syrups.

Abstract: A biologically degradable film is prepared consisting of a synthetic polymer and a biologically degradable polymer. The biologically degradable polymer is divided into small particles by means of enzymes produced by microbes in the form of spores, which enzymes split and release small molecules from the surface of the biopolymer particles. After achieving desired particle size, an emulsion is formed with vegetable oil and particles coated with enzyme protein become coated with vegetable oil, which at the same time interrupts the degradation of the biopolymer particles by the enzyme. The coated particles with the oil is separated from the suspension to remove small molecules after which the particles are redried and then pulverized. The final film is prepared in a film extruder in which the biopolymer is mixed with the synthetic polymer and possibly with other additives that are generally used in forming polymer films.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a stable, opaque cloud in a fluid which employs partially debranched starch. This starch is prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of the alpha-1,6-D-glucosidic bonds of the starch to form a composition comprising amylopectin, partially debranched amylopectin and up to 65%, by weight, short chain amylose. This invention also provides starches that are useful for forming a stable, opaque cloud in a fluid and a method for preparing these starches, employing an endo-alpha-1,6-D-glucanohydrolase, such as pullulanase or isoamylase.

Abstract: A thermoduric and aciduric pullulanase enzyme, and a process for its production from a microorganism designated as Bacillus naganoensis. The pullulanase is useful for the production of dextrose and high-maltose syrups from starch hydrolyzates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to .alpha.-amylase-pullulanase enzyme of a new type produced by Clostridium thermohydrosulfuricum bacterium and to a method for the production of the soluble enzyme by culturing Clostridium thermohydrosulfuricum strains. The invention further relates to a method for the production of maltose and maltotriose from starch by using the enzyme.

Abstract: This invention provides partially debranched starch, prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of the alpha-1,6-D-glucosidic bonds of the starch, comprising amylopectin, partially debranched amylopectin and up to 80%, by weight, short chain amylose. This invention also provides a method for preparing this starch, employing an endo-alpha-1,6-D-glucanohydrolase. The starch of this invention is useful for lending a fat-like, lubricating texture to aqueous dispersions, forming stable opaque clouds, forming thermoreversible gels, high strength gels and water-resistant films, and for thickening and bonding.