Abstract: A medium for culturing microorganisms in the presence of Pb2+ uses as a phosphate component, an O-phosphate-L-amino acid, to provide a source of phosphate for the microorganisms so as to avoid precipitating lead.

Abstract: The present invention provides constructed Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) strains that are toxic to mosquito larvae. The mosquito-toxic B.t. strains have improved characteristics, such as increased production of mosquito-toxic proteins, reduced number of spores or increased variety of mosquito-toxic proteins, compared with the well-known, mosquito-toxic strain Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (B.t. israelensis). The present invention involves insertion of an antibiotic-resistance gene into the B.t. israelensis mosquito-toxin plasmid having a size of approximately 75 mDa such that the plasmid is “tagged” with antibiotic resistance. The advantage of the tagged mosquito-toxin plasmid is that it permits detection of the rare event in which the mosquito-toxin plasmid is transferred from the B.t. israelensis strain (the donor strain) into a non-B.t. israelensis strain (the recipient strain) that normally does not harbor the mosquito-toxin plasmid. Non-B.t.

Abstract: The present invention provides a isolated bacteriophage useful as a tool for studying biological, biochemical, physiological and genetic properties of actinomycetes and other organisms which comprises a novel strain of Saccharomonospora having certain specified characteristics. The invention also relates to a process for the isolation of the said bacteriophage and/or DNA phage and to a novel universal growth medium which is particularly useful in the said process. Another embodiment of the process relates to a cloning vector which comprises a plasmid or bacteriophage comprising the phage DNA of the invention.

Abstract: Shelf-stable soil enrichment solutions contain beneficial soil and plant microbial spores or colonies, e.g. Bacillus bacteria and/or Trichoderma fungal species, that remain at least about 90% viable for at least 12, preferably 18, months at room temperature. Preferred solutions are colloidal in nature and typically contain humic acid or other organic macromolecules, and exhibit a low salt index.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a compound represented by general formula (II-a): (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or an alkali metal; and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (II-a)] or the lactone form of Compound (II-a) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (II-b)] which comprises subjecting a compound represented by general formula (I-a): (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or an alkali metal; and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (I-a)] or the lactone form of Compound (I-a) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (I-b)] to the action of an enzyme source derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus and capable of converting Compound (I-a) or Compound (I-b) into Compound (II-a) or Comp

Abstract: Bacillus sp. NTAP-1 having been deposited under accession number FERM BP-6926; and a collagen-decomposing enzyme produced by bacterium. The above enzyme (1) has a capability of hydrolyzing, at the highest efficiency, collagen and gelatin from among casein, gelatin, albumin and collagen; (2) shows the optimum pH of 3.5 to 4.5; (3) shows the optimum temperature of 65 to 70° C.; (4) after heating at 60° C. at pH 6.0 for 4 hours, sustains an activity amounting to 60% or more of the level before the heat treatment; (5) remains stable at pH 3 to 6; and a molecular weight of approximately 46,000 when measured by SDS-PAGE.

Abstract: A stabilized, granular, biocontrol agent formulation for agricultural pests relies upon a combination of a water absorbent material, a membrane stabilization agent, and a granulating agent to achieve the desired stability and free-flowing properties. The granular product is easily prepared by simple mixing and can be readily rehydrated into a sprayable composition.

Abstract: A method for producing shikimic acid, comprising the steps of cultivating a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus which is deficient in shikimate kinase activity and has shikimic acid productivity, or a bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus which is deficient in 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase activity and has shikimic acid productivity, in an medium, producing and accumulating shikimic acid in the medium, and collecting shikimic acid from the medium.

Abstract: A compound of the formula (I): wherein R1 represents an amino group which may be substituted; R2 represents a carboxy group which may be esterified or amidated; R3, R4, R5 and R6 each represent a hydroxy group which may be protected; Q represents an aryl group which may be substituted; or a salt thereof is disclosed. The compound (I) possesses ant-Helicobacter pylori activity, and is useful in the prevention or treatment of various diseases associated with Helicobacter bacteria, such as duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, chronic gastritis and cancer of the stomach.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microorganism capable of producing vitamin K or a derivative thereof with good efficiency. The present invention relates to Yunnan strain SL-001 FERM BP-6713, a new strain belonging to Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a microorganism is provided designated SH2A and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 55926, or a mutant derived therefrom. Further provided is a biologically pure culture of a microorganism designated SH2B and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 202050, or a mutant derived therefrom. A method of degrading an organic material such as sludge is carried out by treating the organic material with an effective, degrading amount of either SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom. The microorganism designated SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom, is grown by culturing the microorganism at a temperature and in a medium effective to promote growth of the microorganism.

Abstract: A biologically pure strain of Bacillus firmus (CNCM I-1582) possessing nematicidal activity is provided. Also provided are compositions containing and methods for employing the Bacillus firmus strain and a biologically pure strain of Bacillus cereus (CNCM I-1562) possessing nematicidal activity. Nematicidally active mutants of these strains are also provided. Further disclosed are nematicidal compositions for use in plant protection based upon these bacterial strains or mutants thereof. Further disclosed are methods for controlling plant-pathogenetic nematodes which include use of these bacterial strains or mutants thereof. The strains find utility in controlling root-knot disease causing nematodes, for example those belonging to the species Meloidogyne.

Abstract: A novel microorganism such as a Bacillus sp. OYK-01-600 (FERM BP-6394) which has no induction period, immediately undergoes exponential growth, and is nonhemolytic. The bacteria have antimicrobial activities against toxic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, pathogenic Eschericia coli including O-157, Legionella pneumophila, and Klebsiella pneumoniac. The increased growth rate can inhibit bacteria which emit an ofensive odor and many noxious infection bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbial composition for the neutralization of alkaline waste waters by biological means and a method of neutralization of alkaline waste waters using a synergistic mixture of the bacterial strains of Bacillus alkalophilus and Bacillus sp.

Abstract: Mammalian Interleukin-4 receptor proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding mammalian IL-4 receptors, and processes for producing mammalian IL-4 receptors as products of cell culture, are disclosed. A method for suppressing an IL-4-dependent immune or inflammatory response in a mammal, including a human, by administering an effective amount of soluble IL-4 receptor (sIL-4R) and a suitable diluent or carrier.

Abstract: A method for producing an optically active 1-(4-t-butylphenyl)-5-oxo-3-pyrrolidine carboxylic acid and/or an enantiomeric ester thereof which includes treating an ester of (±)-1-(4-t-butylphenyl)-5-oxo-3-pyrrolidine carboxylic acid with an esterase derived from Bacillus brevis 042-24 (FERM BP-5872).

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid molecules which encode fusion proteins which contain as components at least one effector module, a processing module and a targeting module. The nucleic acid molecules according to the invention preferably also encode a modulator module and/or an affinity module. The invention furthermore relates to vectors containing these nucleic acid molecules, hosts transformed with the vectors according to the invention, fusion proteins encoded by nucleic acids according to the invention or produced by the hosts according to the invention as well as to medicaments containing the polypeptides or vectors according to the invention. These medicaments are particularly significant for the therapy of diseases associated with a pathological reproduction and/or increased activity of cell populations.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel thermostable D-hydantoinase, and relates to the nucleic acid sequence, amino acid sequence and vector constructs of the enzyme. The thermostable D-hydantoinase of the invention shows about 45%-70% identity in amino acid sequence with other D-hydantoinases. The thermostable D-hydantoinase of the invention converts 5′-substituted D-hydantoinase to the corresponding N-carbamoyl-D- and/or -L-&agr;/&bgr;-amino acids, and retains at least 50% activity after 30 days at 50° C. In addition, the enzyme activity can also enhanced by certain divalent cations.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns new classes of pesticidally active proteins and the polynucleotide sequences which encode these proteins. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, pesticidal proteins of approximately 40-50 kDa and of approximately 10-15 kDa are used for controlling corn rootworms. Also described are novel pesticidal isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the microbial biotransformation of colchiconic compounds into derivative compounds, which are glycosylated exclusively at the C-3 position of the six-member ring. The process of the present invention provides the 3-O-glycosyl derivatives in high yields and purity.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods usefull in the control of non-mammalian pests and, particularly, plant pests. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides new Bacillus thuringiensis toxins usefull for the control of lepidopterans. The subject invention further provides nucleotide sequences which encode the toxins of the subject invention. The nucleotide sequences of the subject invention can be used to transform hosts, such as plants, to express the pesticidal toxins of the subject invention. The subject invention further concerns novel nucleotide primers for the identification of genes encoding toxins active against pests. The primers are useful in PCR techniques to produce gene fragments which are characteristic of genes encoding these toxins. The primers are also usefull as nucleotide probes to detect the toxin-encoding genes.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a composition suitable as food integrator and for the treatment of intestinal disorders and alterations of the bacterial flora, characterized in that it contains as active principle a combination of Bacillus coagulans and lysine. A further subject of the present invention is a method for the growth and development of cultures of Bacillus coagulans in the presence of lysine, as well as the use of these bacterial cultures thus produced and developed in the preparation of compositions suitable both as food integrators and as pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of novel cysteine proteases in Gram-positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the Bacillus subtilis cysteine proteases CP1, CP2 and CP3. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding CP1, CP2 or CP3. The present invention also provides host cells further comprising nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides a cleaning composition comprising a cysteine protease of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for producing L-phenylalanine, comprising the steps of: culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus Methylophilus which has an ability to produce L-phenylalanine and is resistant to a phenylalanine analog, in a culture medium to produce and accumulate L-phenylalanine in a culture, and recovering L-phenylalanine from the culture.

Abstract: This invention is directed to Bacillus mutants which produce a factor which potentiates the pesticidal activity of a Bacillus related pesticide, a chemical pesticide and/or a virus with pesticidal properties.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent with a high degree of safety is provided, which is derived from a natural product and can exhibit growth-inhibitory activity against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, which is resistant against pasteurization and causes spoilage of fruit juice. The antimicrobial agent against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria contains as an effective ingredient alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin. A preservative for fruit juice is also provided, which contains as an effective ingredient the alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin.

Abstract: Disclosed are Bacillus thuringiensis strains comprising novel crystal proteins which exhibit insecticidal activity against coleopteran insects including red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum) and Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica). Also disclosed are novel B. thuringiensis crystal toxin genes, designated cryET33 and cryET34, which encode respectively the coleopteran-toxic proteins, CryET33 (29-kDa) crystal protein, and CryET34 (14-kDa) crystal protein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using transgenic cells comprising the novel nucleic acid sequences of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant bacterium for the over-production of riboflavin. The recombinant bacterium has has been transformed by three or four vectors, two of which each comprise either a DNA sequence coding for the riboflavin synthesizing enzymatic activities of Bacillus subtilis or a DNA sequence which is substantially homologous and one or more transcription elements and a third and/or fourth vector comprising either a DNA sequence coding for the ribA gene product of Bacillus subtilis or a DNA sequence which is substantially homologous and optionally a transcription element whereby one or a plurality of copies of each of these vectors has/have been integrated at three or four different sites within the bacterium's chromosome.

Abstract: Microbial antagonists that will suppress Fusarium head blight (head scab) in cereals, particularly in wheat and barley have been identified. Two superior antagonists include NRRL B-30210 and NRRL B-30211.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel toxins and genes obtainable from Bacillus laterosporus isolates disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the subject genes and toxins are used to control Western corn rootworm.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains.

Abstract: A process for the bioconversion of a nitrile to its corresponding amide product, particularly acrylonitrile to acrylamide which is used for forming polymers. The process uses a thermophilic bacterium having a nitrile hydratase activity that is constitutively expressed, activated by cobalt ions, stable at 60° C., and is most active between 20° C. to 70° C. with optimum activity at 55° C. Alternatively, the process uses the enzyme extracted from the thermophilic bacterium to convert a nitrile to its amide product. The genes encoding nitrile hydratase and amidase are described in which the former is useful for the conversion of an nitrile to its amide and the later is useful for the conversion of an amide to its acid.

Abstract: An isolation plating medium and mixture for simultaneously identifying Bacillus species are disclosed. The specific bacilli identified are Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus. The medium and mixture contain nutrients, inhibitory ingredients to inhibit the growth of other bacteria yeast and molds and a chromogenic substrate. The substrate changes color in response to the production of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C for the identification of the bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new asporogenous strain of Bacillus subtilis which has been deposited at the Centraalbureau Voor Schimmelcultures under the number CBS 432.90. This strain, which shows a frequency of reversion to the formation of spores of less than about 10−8 and good plasmid stability, is suitable as a host in a host-vector system for the preparation of heterologous products of interest.

Abstract: An improved Bacillus thuringiensis biocontrol stain, useful to control insect and fungal attack on crop plants, is provided. The chitinase and DNA sequence encoding the chitinase are also encompassed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to Bacillus mutants which produce a factor which potentiates the pesticidal activity of a Bacillus related pesticide, a chemical pesticide and/or a virus with pesticidal properties.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are novel methods for controlling lepidopteran pests whereby said pests are contacted with a pesticidal amount of a toxin obtainable from Bacillus thuringiensis isolate PS31G1 (NRRL B-21560).

Abstract: The present invention provides three fungal cellulases, their coding sequences, recombinant DNA molecules comprising the cellulase coding sequences, recombinant host cells and methods for producing same. The present cellulases are from Orpinomyces PC-2.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for obtaining a factor which potentiates the pesticidal activity of a Bacillus related pesticide, a chemical pesticide and/or a virus with pesticidal properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses a two-step process for recovery of thuringiensin, comprising adsorbing the thuringiensin from fermentation broth by calcium silicate, and dissociating the thuringiensin by dibasic sodium phosphate. The resulting thuringiensin can be further purified by using semi-preparative HPLC and electrodialysis to remove the excess salts from the recovered thuringiensin solution.

Abstract: Novel bacterial isolates of B. thuringiensis are disclosed which have enhanced toxicity with respect to previously resistant or insufficiently susceptible insect species, including, but not limited to, Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera exigua, as well as certain secondary pests such as Trichoplusia ni. Such isolates may be characterized by their possession of a particular subset of the genes coding for the various B. thuringiensis &dgr;-endotoxin proteins and by a characteristic plasmid profile, or array, known to be associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate wherein a microorganism having malate isomerase activity or matter processed therefrom and a microorganism having ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate ethylenediamine lyase activity or matter processed therefrom are allowed to act on a substrate solution containing maleic acid, maleic anhydride, or a maleic acid salt, and ethylenediamine, in the presence of at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals, iron, zinc, copper, nickel, aluminum, titanium and manganese. The present invention enables to accumulate [S,S]-ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinate in a higher yield and at a high concentration within a reaction system using maleic acid as a raw material.

Abstract: A method of producing amino acids by culturing an amino acid auxotroph of a biologically pure strain of a type I methylotrophic bacterium of the genus Bacillus which exhibits sustained growth at 50° C. using methanol as a carbon and energy source and requiring vitamin B12 and biotin is provided.

Abstract: Novel bacterial isolates of B. thuringiensis are disclosed which have enhanced toxicity with respect to previously resistant or insufficiently susceptible insect species, including, but not limited to, Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera exigua, as well as certain secondary pests such as Trichoplusia ni. Such isolates may be characterized by their possession of a particular subset of the genes coding for the various B. thuringiensis &dgr;-endotoxin proteins and by a characteristic plasmid profile, or array, known to be associated therewith.

Abstract: A Bacillus strain has a chromosome with two reporter genes, a first reporter gene having a promoter which is dependent on active &sgr;F factor, and a second gene having a promoter regulated similarly to the gene encoding the sigma factor. A method of using Bacillus strain in an assay for screening putative antibiotics.

Abstract: The strain Bacillus sp. DS11 (KCTC 0231BP) is disclosed and a phytase produced by DS11 having the following characteristics: optimum temperature: 65° C.; optimum pH: 7.0; molecular weight: 43,000 dalton; isoelectric point: 5.6; and a specified N-terminal amino acid sequence. The bacterial strain DS11 or the phytase it produces can be used as an animal feed additive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a compound represented by general formula (II-a): (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or an alkali metal; and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (II-a)] or the lactone form of Compound (II-a) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (II-b)] which comprises subjecting a compound represented by general formula (I-a): (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or an alkali metal; and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (I-a)] or the lactone form of Compound (I-a) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (I-b)] to the action of an enzyme source derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus and capable of converting Compound (I-a) or Compound (I-b) into Compound (II-a) or Comp

Abstract: A novel antibiotic-producing Bacillus sp. is provided that exhibits antifungal activity only on certain specific plant pathogens and no antibacterial activity is provided by this invention as well as a biologically pure culture of a strain having all the identifying characteristics of this strain. Also provided is a method of treating or protecting plants, fruit and roots from fungal infections by applying an effective amount of these strains, supernatants produced by these strains or a metabolite isolated from these strains.

Abstract: A process for the bioconversion of a nitrile to its corresponding amide product, particularly acrylonitrile to acrylamide which is used for forming polymers. The process uses a thermophilic bacterium having a nitrile hydratase activity that is constitutively expressed, activated by cobalt ions, stable at 60° C., and is most active between 20° C. to 70° C. with optimum activity at 55° C. Alternatively, the process uses the enzyme extracted from the thermophilic bacterium to convert a nitrile to its amide product. The genes encoding nitrile hydratase and amidase are described in which the former is useful for the conversion of an nitrile to its amide and the later is useful for the conversion of an amide to its acid.

Abstract: A process for the bioconversion of a nitrile to its corresponding amide product, particularly acrylonitrile to acrylamide which is used for forming polymers. The process uses a thermophilic bacterium having a nitrile hydratase activity that is constitutively expressed, activated by cobalt ions, stable at 60° C., and is most active between 20° C. to 70° C. with optimum activity at 55° C. Alternatively, the process uses the enzyme extracted from the thermophilic bacterium to convert a nitrile to its amide product. The genes encoding nitrile hydratase and amidase are described in which the former is useful for the conversion of an nitrile to its amide and the later is useful for the conversion of an amide to its acid.