Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides Listeria that are attenuated for entry into non-phagocytic cells as well as a variety of methods of inducing immune responses involving administering compositions comprising the attenuated Listeria. Some of the attenuated Listeria are mutant Listeria that comprise at least one mutation in a gene encoding an invasin, such as an internalin. Some of the attenuated Listeria are further attenuated for cell-to-cell spread. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines useful in the methods of the invention are further provided. Methods of making and improving vaccines are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a fermented milk product comprising Bifidobacteria in combination with lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactococcus lactis, Sterptococcus thermophilus, and/or Lactobacillus bulgaricus. The problem to be solved is to provide a method to improve growth of Bifidobacteria population in milk during the fermentation process for making fermented milk products (e.g. a yogurt) in order to obtain a high cell count of Bifidobacteria in the final product.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of production of fermented products. More in particular, it relates to improved compositions for making dairy products, in particular improved bulk starter inoculum compositions and improved bulk starters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing vaccines, including methods wherein whole organism vaccines are provided with limited replication abilities, thereby increasing vaccine safety and efficacy, through the use of non-natural, unnatural, or non-naturally encoded amino acids.

Abstract: An isolated DNA molecule having a sequence which comprises in a 5? to 3? direction (i) one or more promoter elements, (ii) the geneof interest, and (iii) a poly-adenylation 5 signal, and (iv) a terminator element, and expressing the geneof interest incorporated into the DNA molecule in an expression system, and use of said molecule to enhance expression of a gene of interest.

Abstract: Use of bacterial cells of the genus Tenacibaculum, from the crude cellular extract or from its cultivation supernatants, capable of degrading N-acyl homoserine lactones, for quorum quenching, for treatment of infectious bacterial illnesses or to inhibit formation of biofilms.

Abstract: Various aspects provide for genetically modifying photosynthetic cells. In some cases, an integrated light harvesting efficiency of photosynthetic cells may be increased by reducing the amount of incident light that is absorbed but not used for photosynthesis. In some cases, an increased transparency may be associated with an increased light harvesting efficiency when absorption due to non-photosynthetic processes is reduced. A reduced capacity of various light-harvesting antenna apparatus may increase transparency. In some cases, a capacity of an organism to adapt to varying light levels may be reduced, and in certain cases, a modified organism may have a reduced ability to acclimate to a low light irradiance.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes and biocatalysts for producing ethanol and other useful products from biomass and/or other materials. Initial processing of lignocellulosic biomass frequently yields methylglucuronoxylose (MeGAX) and related products which are resistant to further processing by common biocatalysts. Strains of Enterobacter asburiae are shown to be useful in bioprocessing of MeGAX and other materials into useful bioproducts such as ethanol, acetate, lactate, and many others. Genetic engineering may be used to enhance production of desired bioproducts.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).

Abstract: To provide a bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium which is excellent in a survival ability in the gastrointestinal tract, has an effect of inhibiting the cholesterol absorption in the intestinal tract, and is excellent in lipid metabolism ameliorating effects including decreasing the blood cholesterol level and the like, and shows a high survival rate after storage, and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor using the same. The invention provides a cholesterol absorption inhibitor containing, as an active ingredient, at least one microorganism selected from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis YIT 10394, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis JCM 1253, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis JCM 7117, and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum subsp. globosum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasmid-free clone of Escherichia coli strain DSM 6601, to a method for preparing the same and to the use thereof as a cloning vehicle.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the display of polypeptides of interest on the tip of pili of Gram-positive bacteria. According to the present invention, the polypeptide of interest is amino terminal to a Gram-positive bacterial pilus tip protein or an active variant or fragment thereof, wherein the active variant or fragment comprises a cleaved cell wall sorting signal (CWSS) motif. The Gram-positive bacterium displaying a polypeptide of interest on the tip of pili that are disclosed herein are useful, for example, in methods for immunizing a subject with an antigen and methods for removing contaminants from a composition.

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 TPP riboswitch is a target for antibiotics, herbicides, algicides, fungicides and other utilities. The atomic structure of the binding pocket of the TPP riboswitch has been resolved. Compounds identified and optimized using this information can be used to stimulate, activate, inhibit and/or inactivate the TPP riboswitch.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for selectively targeting CRKL through the use of targeting peptides. Selective targeting of secreted CRKL through the use of a targeting peptide may be used, for example, in the treatment of cancer to deliver a chemotherapeutic compound, fusion protein, or fusion construct to a cancer cell or tissue.

Abstract: Cells of lactic acid bacteria, which have been obtained by controlling pHs of media in a culturing step and processing steps to a neutral range of, for example, from 5 to 8 or so, have a mode value (particle size) of 1.0 ?m or smaller in their particle size distribution. Cells of nano-sized lactic acid bacteria which have such a small particle size are excellent in INF-? producing capacity and are also superb in water dispersibility.

Abstract: This invention relates to Micrococcus luteus containing compositions useful for controlling skin disorders in which bacteria are a causative component. The invention also provides for a new strain of Micrococcus luteus useful in these compositions.

Abstract: The invention provides gut commensal bacteria that have been modified to express one or more biologically active polypeptides or protiens, the bacteria includes a promoter, such as a xylanase promoter, which is induced in response to the presence of xylan in the diet and which regulates the expression of the biologically active polypeptide or protien.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of prophylaxis of allergies, and relates specifically to primary prevention of atopic diseases by administering probiotic bacteria, beneficial microbes of the healthy gut flora, pre- and postnatally to children at high risk of atopic diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated bacterial strain Candidatus Brocadia caroliniensis strain, having Accession Deposit Number NRRL B-50286. The strain is capable of oxidizing ammonium and releasing di-nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods, devices, and kits for non-specifically isolating bacterial cells. The compositions comprise a solid support which has a surface comprising a combination of a carbohydrate and a biotin-binding protein, wherein the protein is covalently bonded to the carbohydrate, and wherein the protein is linked to the solid support via the carbohydrate; and at least one of 1) a plurality of bacterial cells non-specifically bound to the combination of the carbohydrate and the protein or 2) an amphiphilic glycoside of a steroid or triterpene. The methods, devices, and kits include at least one of these compositions.

Abstract: A fermentation process uses substantially pure oxygen. The oxygen is the only reactive gas which is injected into a fermentation vessel. The oxygen is moved through the vessel solely by its own pressure. The process can be used with both mechanically-agitated and air-lifted fermenters. The mechanically-agitated fermenter includes an analyzer for measuring oxygen concentration in the exhaust line, and adjusting the flow of fresh oxygen into the vessel accordingly. In the air-lifted fermenter, an analyzer measures the oxygen concentration in the head space of the vessel, and operates valves which either recycle the gas from the head space, or vent that gas to the outside, according to the measured concentration. A stream of nitrogen is periodically injected into the vessel to drive out carbon dioxide and other gases, to control the pH of the fermentation medium. The present invention substantially improves the efficiency of a commercial fermentation process.

Abstract: Waste material is screened to produce unders and overs, the overs are treated to produce a partially hydrolyzed biomass, and the partially hydrolyzed biomass and the unders are anaerobically digested. Treating the overs includes fermenting and mixing the overs with an aerotolerant anaerobic bacteria in a controlled environment, such as a rotating drum, while air is passed through the controlled environment. The moisture content, pH, and biological content of the overs can be adjusted before the overs are treated. Volatile fatty acids from the air passed through the controlled environment can be collected for anaerobic digestion or can be recirculated back into the controlled environment. The cleansed air can also be recycled back into the controlled environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel, probiotic, anti-inflammatory strains of Bifidobacterium longum, their use for treatment of diseases, and for preparation of human or pet food or pharmaceutical compositions. The strains produce high amounts of exopolysaccharides with a high content of mannose- and glucose residues. Accordingly, the invention also relates to a bacterial polysaccharide composition obtained from the strains, their use for treatment of diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such polysaccharides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new strain of the genus Bifidobacterium and the components of its supernatants of cultivation in the form of various preparations (functional and new foods, probiotics, symbiotics, supplements, nutraceutics and medications) with the purpose of improving the defences and reducing the risk of disease. Its mechanisms of action include: (i) regulation of the intestinal glycosylation favouring that of healthy individuals, (ii) modulation of the interactions between the epithelial cells and the intestinal microbiotics, favouring the adhesion of beneficial bifidobacteria and (iii) regulation of the immunological responses. The products included are stable in gastrointestinal and technological conditions which guarantee their exploitation.

Abstract: The invention provides, biologically active spinosyns, hybrid spinosyn polyketide synthases capable of functioning in Saccharopolyspora spinosa to produce the spinosyns, and methods of controlling insects using the spinosyns.

Abstract: Crude solid vanillin-containing material is precipitated from a solution obtained by biotransformation, and purified by a process comprising contacting it with a purification fluid selected from (a) a liquefied gas whose pressure exceeds its critical pressure and whose temperature is below its critical temperature; (b) a supercritical fluid; (c) a gas. The fluid is preferably liquid carbon dioxide. The temperature is maintained below 25°. The product may be further purified by treatment with CO2 in a fluid bed drier. The crude material is preferably one precipitated from a solution resulting from biotransformation of ferulic acid. A new strain of Amycolatopsis capable of generating high concentrations of vanillin with minimal odoriferous by-products (e.g. guaiacol) is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, fragments and variants thereof are provided in the current invention. In addition, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and cells comprising the expression vectors. Methods for producing the polypeptides of the invention and methods for their use are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of variants of lactic bacteria stems that produce, under standard fermentation conditions, at least about 1.2 times more K2 vitamin than the starting lactic bacteria stems cultured in the same conditions. The invention further relates to a method for preparing food products, including fermented products and/or fresh diary products, enriched with K2 vitamin, and to the food products thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for efficiently amplifying a giant DNA. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for amplifying DNA in a cell, comprising amplifying the DNA as the target of amplification in the presence of DNAs selected from the following (i), (ii) and (iii): (i) DNA encoding a protein selected from the following 1), 2) and 3): 1) a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence which has a deletion, substitution, insertion or addition of one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and 3) a protein comprising an amino acid sequence which has an identity of 90% or more to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, (ii) DNA consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and (iii) DNA hybridizing to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 under stringent conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved polysaccharides (e.g., gellan and diutan) produced by mutant gene R Sphingomonas strains containing at least one genetic modification that favors slime-forming polysaccaride production. Methods of making the mutant Sphingomonas strains and the culture broth containing such mutant Sphingomonas strains are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an amide hydrolase which is with excellent thermostability and stereoselectively hydrolyzes an ?-amino acid amide; a gene encoding the enzyme protein; a novel recombinant vector containing the gene; a transformant containing the recombinant vector; and a process for producing an L-?-amino acid using the transformant.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms are useful for producing xylitol by fermentation of arabinose. The recombinant microorganisms are produced by transformation of host microorganisms with heterologous polynucleotide sequences coding for each of L-xylulose reductase, D-tagatose 3-epimerase, and L-arabinose isomerase, which transformants express the heterologous polynucleotides at a sufficient functional level to be effective to produce xylitol from arabinose. Production of xylitol is effected by contacting these recombinant microorganisms with a substrate comprising arabinose under conditions effective to produce xylitol from arabinose.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems, and methods for preserving and/or stabilizing a cell (e.g., a whole cell). A cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition may include a chelator, a chelator enhancing component, and optionally a base (e.g., a purine base or a pyrimidine base). A cell stabilizing method may include contacting a cell with a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell stabilizing system may include a container suitable for receiving a sample containing a cell and a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell may be preserved and/or stabilized under ambient conditions (e.g., without refrigeration). A cell may include a protein, a nucleic acid, and/or another biomolecule marker of cell preservation and/or stabilization. A composition may be configured to preserve and/or stabilize one or more cells for analysis by flow cytometry and simultaneously preserve and/or stabilize one or more intracellular nucleic acids for molecular analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for performing monitoring and/or cultivation of microscopic objects. Microscopic objects are in particular microscopic organisms like bacteria and cell cultures, such as cultivation objects like tissue samples and embryos, providing optimal and safe cultivation conditions for incubation during embryo development and for facilitating the selection of optimal embryos to be used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) by facilitating embryo handling for automated digital imaging and time-lapse microscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of culturing bacterial organisms belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae in mammalian embryonic or fetal cells. In particular, the present invention is directed to growth of bacterial organisms belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae including organisms belonging to the Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Neorickettsia genera. The bacterial organisms may be cultured in mammalian embryonic or fetal host cells including feline embryonic host cells. Bacterial material cultured according to the methods described herein may be used as the basis for vaccines against diseases associated with the Anaplasmataceae bacteria, or as the basis for diagnostic applications useful for diagnosing diseases associated with the Anaplasmataceae bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preserving biological material comprising the steps of: providing a vitrification solution comprised of the biological material and a vitrification agent where the solution has a temperature in the range from 0.1° C. to 17.9° C.; microwaving the vitrification solution for a first period of time; allowing the vitrification solution to rest for a second period of time; repeating steps b and c until the vitrification solution enters into a glassy state.

Abstract: The invention relates to the enrichment of photosynthetic microorganisms in organic selenium using selenohydroxy acid compounds, in particular 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid, in D or L form, or an enantiomer, salt or ester or amide derivative of these compounds, and also to the use of the microorganisms thus enriched in animal or human nutrition, in cosmetics or in pharmacy.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems isolated from or derived from non-bacterial organisms, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.

Abstract: The invention relates to assay methods for use in detecting specific materials such as core oligosaccharides derived from microorganisms, particularly pathogenic microorganisms, in a test sample. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for the rapid growth of such microorganisms enabling detection of same significantly earlier than is currently possible. In particular embodiments the invention is directed towards the rapid growth and/or detection of Salmonella, Shigella or Listeria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation of metabolically active bacteria, compositions comprising such a preparation, e.g., probiotic supplements or animal feeds, and to uses thereof, for example in the treatment of diseases affecting the intestinal microbial balance. Also described are a growth substrate for microorganisms comprising a mixture of complex and simple sugars and a process for the manufacture of preparations of metabolically active microorganisms using this growth substrate.

Abstract: Several bacterial species were isolated from marine segment obtained from seabed sediment at depths exceeding 1700 feet. At least four of the bacteria produced a compound that showed antibacterial activity against one or more multiple-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria isolated from hospitals and clinics. One isolate, SJCH-12, exhibited a broad range of activity against MDR strains tested, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Abstract: Provided is a microbial or probiotic composition which is tailored based on the spectrum of bifidobacteria found in the intestine of at least one individual with secretor blood group phenotype but not commonly found in individuals of non-secretor blood group phenotype. Further provided is a method of tailoring a microbial or probiotic composition based on the bifidobacteria found in the intestine of at least one individual with secretor blood group phenotype but not commonly found in individuals non-secretor blood group phenotype.

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 pharmacologically 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. Vectors and shuttle vector constructs are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to bacterial ghost preparation using betapropiolactone for final inactivation of bacteria.

Abstract: There is provided a pharmaceutical agent, food, or beverage for treating or preventing a disease or condition that can be ameliorated by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, comprising a clinically-effective amount of (1S,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-?-carboline-3-carboxylic acid.

Abstract: It has been discovered that certain natural mRNAs serve as metabolite-sensitive genetic switches wherein the RNA directly binds a small organic molecule. This binding process changes the conformation of the mRNA, which causes a change in gene expression by a variety of different mechanisms. Modified versions of these natural “riboswitches” (created by using various nucleic acid engineering strategies) can be employed as designer genetic switches that are controlled by specific effector compounds. Such effector compounds that activate a riboswitch are referred to herein as trigger molecules. The natural switches are targets for antibiotics and other small molecule therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligopeptide-free cell culture media comprising at least 0.5 mg/L of a polyamine and to methods for cultivating cells in said oligopeptide-free cell culture media comprising at least 0.5 mg/L of a polyamine. The invention also relates to methods for expressing at least one protein in a medium comprising at least 0.5 mg/L of a polyamine and to methods for producing at least one virus in a medium comprising at least 0.5 mg/L of a polyamine.