Abstract: The present invention relates to a new strain of Micrococcus luteus, named Otnes7, which is superior to known strains in its ability to synthesise the carotenoid sarcinaxanthin and a method of producing sarcinaxanthin or a derivative thereof, said method comprising introducing into and expressing in a host cell one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding an activity in the sarcinaxanthin biosynthetic pathway.

Abstract: Disclosed are inoculants that include Bacillus bacteria and induce production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by a plant that has been treated with the inoculant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of life sciences and food, feed or pharmaceutical industry. Specifically, the invention relates to novel peptides, pilus structures, polynucleotides as well as vectors, host cells, products and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polynucleotides, peptides or pilus structures. The invention also relates to gene clusters and antibodies. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for producing the peptides or pilus structures or producing the products comprising the peptides or pilus structures. Furthermore, the present invention relates to treatments as well as uses and methods for screening bacterial strains, for reducing or inhibiting the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, promoting the adhesion of bacterial cells to the mucus and for modifying immune response in a subject. Still, the present invention relates to methods for detecting probiotic bacterial strains or pathogen strains.

Abstract: An isolated microorganism comprising a Propionibacteria strain is described. When the microorganism is fed to a ruminant, protein and fat levels in milk produced by the ruminant are increased, while body condition and milk production levels are maintained. When fed to the ruminant, the microorganism also has positive effects on various metabolic hormones and metabolites, e.g, an increase in energy balance, plasma non-esterified fatty acids levels, and plasma leptin level. Supplementation with propionibacteria reduced dry matter intake but did not affect milk production in the cows. Therefore, the propionibacteria of the invention made the cows more energy efficient as cows produced the same amount of milk, yet consumed less dry matter.

Abstract: The invention features isolated cytochrome P450 polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules, as well as expression vectors and transgenic plants containing these molecules. In addition, the invention features uses of such molecules in methods of increasing the level of resistance against a disease caused by a plant pathogen in a transgenic plant, in methods for producing altered compounds, for example, hydroxylated compounds, and in methods of producing isoprenoid compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attenuated Salmonella typhi having mutation in chromosomal gene loci, its use as a potent vaccine candidate to combat the Salmonella infection.

Abstract: Compositions of bacteria which are effective for the nitrification of wastewater, particularly at low temperatures, are described. The compositions are comprised of 35 strains or populations of at least partially characterized isolated bacteria. These compositions may be used to treat wastewater contaminated with animal fecal waste and/or ammonia. In use, wastewater is contacted with the bacterial composition of the invention under aerobic conditions and for a period of time effective to oxidize ammonia therein.

Abstract: A strain of Enterococcus mundtii has probiotic qualities. The strain of E. mundtii (ST4SA) produces an antimicrobial peptide which exhibits antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria. An isolated nucleotide sequence codes for the antimicrobial peptide (peptide ST4SA). A process is also provided for the production of a peptide which comprises cultivating Enterococcus mundtii strain ST4SA in a nutrient medium under micro-aerophilic conditions at a temperature of between 10° C. and 45° C., until a recoverable quantity of the peptide is produced, and recovering the peptide. The isolated peptide may be used as an antimicrobial agent in a liquid formulation or a gel formulation as a topical treatment and may also be used as an antimicrobial agent following encapsulation in a polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated mutant eubacterium comprising at least one mutation resulting in a substitution of at least one amino acid in the beta-subunit of the RNA-polymerase encoded for by the rpoB-gene providing an altered production of a product of interest when said production of a product of interest is compared to the production of the same product in an isogenic wild type strain grown at identical conditions, wherein the substitution of at least one amino acid occurs at any of positions 469, 478, 482, 485, or 487 of SEQ ID NO:2, or at the equivalent positions in any eubacterial RNA-polymererase beta-subunit family member. Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for producing at least one product of interest in a mutant eubacterium and to a use of the mutant eubacterium according to the invention for producing at least one product of interest.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating a surface of a food processing facility which has a first population of microorganisms disposed thereon. The method includes disposing on the surface a biofilm containing a second population of microorganisms or a population of microorganisms that can form a biofilm onto the surface of the food processing facility. The growth of the second microbial population and the formation of a biofilm comprising these microorganisms can then inhibit the growth of the first population of microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an antimutagenic substance by using a lactic acid bacteria, which can produce the antimutagenic substance in a large quantity in an extremely simple manner and is economically advantageous; particularly a method for producing an antimutagenic substance effective for a carcinogenic substance, particularly a heterocyclic amine (HCA) which is a carcinogenic substance derived from a food, by using a lactic acid bacteria. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an antimutagenic substance by using a lactic acid bacteria, which is characterized by suspending the lactic acid bacteria in a poorly nutrient or nutrient-free medium and leaving the lactic acid bacteria in the medium.

Abstract: Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced by transformation with heterologous polynucleotide sequences coding for xylulokinase (XKS) from Yersinia pestis and xylose isomerase (XI) are capable of xylose utilization. The transformants express these heterologous polynucleotides at a sufficient functional level to grow aerobically on xylose as the sole carbon source. Further transformation of the recombinant yeasts to overexpress one or more of the S cerevisiae genes PIP2, IMG2, MAK5, VPS9, COX10, ALE1, CDC7, and MMS4, permits the yeast to grow anaerobically on xylose as the sole carbon source. When grown under anaerobic conditions on a culture medium comprising both glucose and xylose, the transformed yeast exhibit increased ethanol productivity, with the yeast growing on the xylose to increase their biomass and fermenting the glucose to ethanol.

Abstract: Compositions comprising linear PNAI, cyclic PNAI, linear PEI, and/or cyclic PEI, useful for delivering compounds or substances into a cell, are provided, as well as methods of making linear PNAI, cyclic PNAI, linear PEI, and cyclic PEI. Also provided are methods of using compositions comprising linear PNAI, cyclic PNAI, linear PEI, and/or cyclic PEI for introducing substances into a cell.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to natural gas and methylotrophic energy generation, bio-generated fuels and microbiology. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides nutrient amendments and microbial compositions, e.g., consortia, that are both specifically optimized to stimulate methanogenesis, or for “methylotrophic” or other conversions. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods to develop nutrient amendments and microbial compositions that are both specifically optimized to stimulate methanogenesis in a given reservoir. The invention also provides methods for the evaluation of potentially damaging biomass formation and scale precipitation resulting from the addition of nutrient amendments. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods for simulating biogas in sub-surface conditions using a computational model.

Abstract: This invention provides an Amycolatopsis sp. strain (zhp06), and a method of using the whole cell preparation of the strain for vanillin production. The strain was deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection on Jul. 26, 2011 with the number of CCTCC NO: M 2011265. Under high concentrations of ferulic acid substrate, the vanillin production by this method can reach more than 10 g/L. The molar conversion rate of ferulic acid is more than 50% and the purity of vanillin is from 80% to 95%. The advantage of this invention includes: repeated use of biocatalyst cells, mild biotransformation condition, low environmental pollution, short production cycle, high product purity and simple purification procedure. It has a great potential for industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to methods of screening a sample obtained from a subject for antibodies relating to granulocytic ehrlichia (GE) infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-producing strains of probiotic bacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to a selection of bacterial strains belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium which were selected for their ability to produce conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from linoleic acid (LA). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a food, dietetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising said bacterial strains capable of increasing the quantity of CLA in situ, i.e. inside the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms containing 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol pathways comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a butadiene pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol, by culturing a non-naturally occurring microbial organism containing 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol pathways as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce 2,4-pentadienoate, butadiene, propylene, 1,3-butanediol, crotyl alcohol or 3-buten-1-ol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter in an avian species, especially a domesticated avian species such as chicken, turkey, duck, goose and quail, by administering, in ovo, live cells of Campylobacter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of the ABO blood group genotype of an individual as a criterion for microbiota modulation that is tailored based on the differences in the spectrum of bacteria found between individuals with different ABO blood group genotypes. The present invention relates further to a microbial composition tailored based on the microbial genotypes shown to be specific for A, B, and/or O blood groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel marine microorganism which can metabolize 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose and use of the same. The novel marine microorganism belongs to Vibrio sp. which utilizes 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose (3,6-L-AHG) as a single carbon source to convert 3,6-L-AHG to ribose and 3,6-anhydrogalactonic acid.

Abstract: A relatively low cost, highly productive, scalable culture vessel, and method to grow photosynthetic organisms, in particular autotrophic algae, is provided. The culture vessel can be constructed of a transparent plastic enclosure. One or more thin sheets, films, droplets, or streams of a free falling suspension of organism in liquid media can be continuously formed within an enclosure. The free falling media can fall into a collector or pool at the bottom of the enclosure. The media can then be recirculated to the top of the enclosure to once again form into a free falling sheet, curtain, droplets, etc. The organisms (e.g., algae) can then be harvested from a collector.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A flexible bag is disposed within the chamber of the support housing, the flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An impeller is disposed within the chamber of the flexible bag. A drive shaft is coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the draft shaft and is adapted to rotate the drive shaft. An adjustable arm assembly is coupled with the drive motor assembly and is adapted to move the drive motor assembly which in turn moves the position of the drive shaft and impeller. An electrical controller can control movement of the adjustable arm.

Abstract: A continuous process for efficiently harvesting microalgae from aqueous systems is described herein. The method and apparatus of the present invention allows continuous harvesting of algae from a variety of source waters including saltwater, brackish water, fresh water, and treated wastewater. High concentration factors are achievable and the system produces a deflocculated product that is readily processed for biofuel or pharmaceutical applications. The process of the present invention does not add contaminants that can limit the downstream usage possibilities for the algae concentrate produced. The effluent water from the process is suitable for conventional discharge or recycling to the growth system. The process of the present invention is inexpensive, scalable, and generates useful effluent water and algae concentrate as products.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nucleic acid molecule of Corynebacterium glutamicum origin, having an improved promoter activity, which is operably linked to operon encoding aspartate kinase and aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogense, a vector containing the same, a transformant transformed with the vector, and a method for the production of L-lysine using the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of Bifidobacteria. In particular the present invention relates to the field of Bifidobacteria with a modulated stress resistance. One embodiment of the present invention is a Bifidobacterium with a constitutively modulated DnaK, DnaJ, GrpE and/or CIpB expression.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the screening and isolation of ligand-binding polypeptides, such as antibodies. In some aspects, methods of the invention enable the isolation of intact soluble antibodies comprising a constant domain. Screening methods that employ genetic packages such as bacteria and bacteriophages enable high through-put identification of ligand binding molecules.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for recombinant protein production and, more particularly, fusion polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding fusion polypeptides, expression vectors, kits, and related methods for recombinant protein production.

Abstract: A nematicidal product for the biological control of plant pathogenic nematodes containing three new isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis strain N11, Bacillus mojavensis strain SR11 and Azospirillum brasilense strain ALo1, deposited in the Spanish Type Culture Collection (CECT) with the names CECT-7665, CECT-7666 and CECT-5856 respectively, which have a high antagonistic capacity against pathogens of this type, as well as the property of stimulating plant growth through different mechanisms. Liquid and solid formulations of the product which have good stability at room temperature and which are effective in the biological control of plant pathogenic nematodes and for stimulating the growth of plants.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods or reactivating a latent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in a cell. The methods comprise modulating a level of NF-?B activity in the cell by contacting the cell with an agent that produces a transient first increase in the level of NF-?B activity without a second delayed increase in NF-?B activity. Optionally, a second agent is used to prime the reactivation. Also provided herein is an isolated Massilia bacterium or population thereof capable of producing a HIV-1 reactivating factor (HRF). Also provided are methods of culturing the Massilia bacteria. Further provided are methods of reactivating a latent Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in a subject comprising administering to the subject a HIV-1 reactivating factor produced by Massilia bacteria, optionally with a priming agent.

Abstract: Helicobacter based preparations comprising a pharmacologically active molecule of interest are disclosed, as well as methods of preparing and using said preparations. In particular, Helicobacter pylori vectors, vector plasmids and recombinant cells that include a sequence encoding a pharmacologically active molecule of interest useful in therapeutic treatments and/or vaccination against disease are provided. Delivery of the pharamacologically active molecules is provided at the mucosal surface, such as the gastric mucosa or nasal membranes, to provide effective and continuous delivery of a pharmacologically active agent. In some embodiments, the Helicobacter provides exposure of a desired molecule of interest though the surface of the Helicobacter, providing exposure of the antigen to the host at the gastric mucosa. Live Helicobacter pylori vaccines are also provided. Vectors and shuttle vector constructs of the Helicobacter are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material for capturing microbes or the like, a device for capturing microbes or the like, a method of capturing microbes or the like, and a method of producing a material for capturing microbes or the like, and has an object of using a pulverizable resin whereby a minor amount of microbes or the like contained in a large amount of a liquid, or microbes or the like contained in a small amount of a liquid can be captured efficiently, quickly, labor-savingly, and reliably. Disclosed is: a material for capturing microbes or the like, which comprises irregular-shaped powdery grains made of a pulverizable adsorbent resin and distributed in a predetermined grain size range, and which can adsorb or bond to a target such as a microbe contained in a liquid; a device for capturing microbes or the like; and a method of capturing microbes or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microorganism having an ability of converting daidzein to equol in 24 hours of 50% or higher; a food/beverage or pharmaceutical composition containing the microorganism; an equol production method employing the microorganism; and a nucleic acid fragment which can specifically detect the microorganism.

Abstract: Antibodies, polypeptides, and polynucleotides are provided for the detection, prevention, amelioration and treatment of diseases caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for culturing spirochetes, in particular Borrelia burgdorferi. The present invention also provides methods of identifying spirochetes present in a biological sample. The present invention further provides methods of diagnosing diseases cause by a spirochete infection, such as Lyme disease, syphilis, and multiple sclerosis. The present invention further provides methods for identifying spirochete susceptibilities to antimicrobials and antimicrobial compositions and cocktails. The present invention also provides methods for treating subjects suspected of having a spirochete infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for sustaining a microbial culture during periods of limited substrate supply. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a microbial culture comprising carboxydotrophic bacteria can be sustained during periods of limited substrate supply by maintaining the temperature of the microbial culture at a temperature below an optimum operating temperature. Examples of periods of limited substrate supply include when the microbial culture is transported to a remote location or during time when it is stored.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing purple-blue natural pigment containing violacein and its derivative (deoxyviolacein) using Chromobacterium sp. NIIST-CKK-01 (MTCC 5522, NCIM 5341; Genbank Accession No. FJ982784). The method comprises the steps of maintaining and growing the bacterium in a specific medium under defined conditions of pH, temperature and agitation. At the end of incubation, pigment and biomass is separated from the culture broth, pigment is recovered from the biomass through solvent extraction and finally pigment is concentrated by drying.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide novel bacterial-based methods, systems, and delivery vehicles capable of delivering DNA, RNA, proteins, and other cargo into targeted mammalian cells, both in vitro and in vivo, with high efficiency. Delivery vehicles may be used to deliver molecules such as prophylactic or therapeutic proteins, DNA, shRNA, DNA vaccines, mucosal vaccines, modified viruses or viral components, and other bioactive molecules. Potential applications include gene therapy, wound healing therapies, cancer therapy, immune modulation, and research applications for which delivery of DNA, RNA, proteins, or other cargo into mammalian cells and tissues is required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for reducing the start-up time of an aerobic granular sludge reactor, said process comprising starting said reactor with an active biomass comprising fragmented aerobic sludge granules.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing L-amino acids, such as L-arginine, L-citrulline, and L-lysine, using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of one or more genes, such as the pepA, pepB, and pepD genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterium which has an ability to produce a useful metabolite derived from acetyl-coenzyme A, such as L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-proline, L-arginine, L-leucine, L-cysteine, succinate, and polyhydroxybutyrate, wherein said bacterium is modified so that activities of D-xylulose-5-phosphate phosphoketolase and/or fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase are enhanced. The present invention also provides a method for producing the useful metabolite using the bacterium.

Abstract: Mutant Listeria bacteria that modulate interferon-B production are provided. The subject bacteria are characterized by having a mutation in a gene chosen from a TetR gene, a LadR gene, a VirR gene, a MarR gene a MdrL gene, a MdrT gene and a MdrM gene. The subject bacteria find use in a variety of applications, where representative applications of interest include, but are not limited to: (a) use of the subject bacteria as adjuvants; (b) use of the subject bacteria as delivery vectors for introducing macromolecules into a cell; (c) use of the subject bacteria as vaccines for eliciting or boosting a cellular immune response; etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to the quality control of Staphylococcus aureus testing using nucleic acid amplification-based detection assays. A Staphylococcus aureus control containing a quantified amount of the microorganism with high reproducibility across vials and which is used to calibrate, validate, or verify the performance of an MRSA detection assay and methods to test patient samples together with a control. Disclosed are specific Staphylococcus aureus strains that have a phenotype demonstrating reduced aggregation and increased consistency by Real-Time PCR compared to current Staphylococcus aureus strains used as external controls. Also disclosed is a process for increasing the reproducibility of Staphylococcus aureus strains that do not exhibit a non-aggregating phenotype.

Abstract: This invention relates to bacterial cellulose-based ice bags and their production methods thereof. Bacterial cellulose membranes used in the present invention are produced through the fermentation of cellulose-producing microorganisms. Ice bags with three sealed sides and one open side are made from water-impermeable (under room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure) bacterial cellulose membranes. The bags are filled with filler materials and then sterilized at 120 degrees C. for 30 minutes and sealed aseptically. The use of bacterial cellulose as the packaging material solves the problems associated with conventional ice bags. The advantages of the present invention include: no condensation at the bag surface, smaller temperature changes during the course of application, and longer lasting ice therapy session. In addition, bacterial cellulose membrane is safe and non-toxic, and has excellent biocompatibility, plasticity and higher mechanical strength, making it an ideal packaging material for ice bags.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved vaccination methods for increased protection against ileitis. The methods provide for the vaccination of young animals, preferably piglets, between 10 and 26 days of age, vaccination of pregnant sows during the second or third stages of gestation, and a combination of these methods. Vaccination of the pregnant sows can occur using repeated and/or high doses of Lawsonia antigen prior to farrowing.

Abstract: Embodiments herein concern compositions, methods and uses for harvesting suspension cultures or decontaminating waters. In certain embodiments, suspension microorganism cultures can comprise algal cultures. In some embodiments, harvesting suspension cultures may include using a composition capable of interacting with the culture in order to separate the culture from a liquid or media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid products, for example diary products, comprising micro-organisms, especially probiotics. The micro-organisms are able to survive for several months at room temperature basically due to their inability to metabolise nutrients contained in the liquid product. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the liquid product according to the invention.

Abstract: The vaccine that is protective against pathogenic bacterial species, typically staphylococcal species, and including methods to prepare said vaccine and to culture pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). In particular, the invention concerns new, efficient, economical and environmentally safe microbial methods to enhance oil recovery, as well as microorganisms useful in such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a probiotic mixture for the protection of bees' health, and more specifically for the protection from microbial pathologies, such as those caused by Paenibacillus larvae, etiological agent of the American Foulbrood Disease (AFD).