Abstract: The present invention provides an adjunctive agent and a method for lavaging the alimentary canal, which is able to reduce a dose of oral cleaning agent for lavaging the alimentary canal and is capable of realizing an excellent cleaning effect at the time of use of the oral cleaning agent. The adjunctive agent comprises butyric acid bacterium (for example, Clostridium butyricum and the like) and/or lactic acid bacterium (for example, species belonging to the genus Lactobacillus and the genus Bifidobacterium).

Abstract: A process for fermenting syngas and a fermentation medium provides high ethanol productivity while removing medium components that were previously thought to be essential. The process is effective for providing a specific STY of at least about 1 g ethanol/(L·day·gram cells). In this aspect, the fermentation medium has a weight ratio of NH4+ to B of about 625:1 or more, or a weight ratio of NH4+ to Mn of about 4050:1 or more, or a weight ratio of NH4+ to Mo of about 2500:1 or more, or a ratio of NH4+ to Cu of about 4050:1 or more; or the fermentation medium has a weight ratio of P to B of about 30:1 or more, or a weight ratio of P to Mn of about 190:1 or more, or a weight ratio of P to Mo of about 120:1 or more, or a weight ratio of Mn to Cu of about 190:1 or more; or the fermentation medium has a weight ratio of K to B of about 35:1 or more, or a weight ratio of K to Mn of about 245:1 or more, or a weight ratio of K to Mo of about 150:1 or more, or a weight ratio of K to Cu of about 245:1 or more.

Abstract: A process for fermenting syngas and a fermentation medium provides high ethanol productivity while removing medium components that were previously thought to be essential. The process is effective for providing a specific STY of at least about 1 g ethanol/(L·day·gram cells). In this aspect, the fermentation medium has less than about 1.04 ppm boron, less than about 0.16 ppm manganese, less than about 0.26 ppm molybdenum, or less than about 0.16 ppm copper.

Abstract: A process is provided for fermentation of syngas that is effective for reducing conductivity and providing an alcohol STY of about 10 g ethanol/(L·day). The process includes introducing the syngas into a reactor vessel and providing a nitrogen feed rate to the reactor vessel of about 100 mg or more nitrogen/gram of cells produced. Fermentation of the syngas is effective for providing a fermentation medium having an average conductivity of about 16 mS/cm or less and an STY of 10 g ethanol/(L·day) or more.

Abstract: A process for fermenting syngas is provided which is effective for decreasing an amount of time needed to inoculate a main reactor. The process includes propagating a culture of acetogenic bacteria to provide an inoculum for a main reactor and fermenting syngas in the main reactor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a microorganism which is novel at the elemental composition level, and to provide a technique for providing such a microorganism. The present inventor has succeeded in causing a microorganism to efficiently contain a non-essential element by decreasing the content of an essential nutrient source for the microorganism, a C source, an N source, a P source, or an S source, and by adding an X compound containing the non-essential element as a constitutive element in a manner to make up for the decreased amount, and then culturing the microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to the enrichment of non-photosynthetic micro-organisms with organic selenium, and more particularly with selenomethionine, from a compound of the seleno-hydroxyacid type such as 2-hydroxy-4-methylseleno-butanoic acid in the (D, L) form or in the form of an enantiomer, salt, ester, or amide derivative of said compound, and to the use of micro-organisms, particularly bacteria thus enriched in the fields of animal or human nutrition, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention provides for microbial compositions and methods for reducing the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the gut as a way to reduce energy uptake and manage obesity. More specifically, the invention provides for decreasing short-chain fatty acids available for absorption in the human gut, such as acetate, using one or more of: a probiotic including a homo-acetogenic, acetate oxidizing bacterium that converts acetate to H2; a probiotic including an acetoclastic methanogen; a microbial electrolysis cell comprising a homo-acetogenic bacterium and/or an acetoclastic methanogen; a prebiotic that enhances the growth or function of acetate-scavenging microbiota; or a highly selective antibiotic that targets H2-oxidizing methanogens.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are generally provided for treating metabolic disorders, e.g., obesity. One aspect discloses methods and compositions for obtaining a biological sample from the subject, evaluating the sample for the presence or absence of a genetic indicator, wherein the genetic indicator is selected from a single nucleotide polymorphism and a level of gene expression, and performing a first metabolic procedure if the genetic indicator is present, or performing an alternative second metabolic procedure if the genetic indicator is absent. One aspect discloses methods and compositions for obtaining a sample including deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) from the subject, evaluating the DNA for an absence or presence of one or more genetic indicators and performing a first metabolic procedure or an alternative second metabolic procedure based on the absence or presence of the genetic indicator(s). Other aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of microbial fermentation of gases. It more particularly relates to a novel strain of Clostridium autoethanogenum bacteria with improved efficiency in the production of ethanol by anaerobic fermentation of substrates containing carbon monoxide (CO).

Abstract: Disorders such as headaches can be treated by administration of a botulinum toxin to a patient suffering therefrom, such as a migraine headache. A combined a fixed site/fixed dose and an optional follow the pain variable dosage and injection site paradigm is disclosed for optimizing clinical effectiveness of botulinum toxin administration for patients suffering headache, particularly chronic migraine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbial composition which is tailored based on the spectrum of microbes found more frequently from the intestine of non-secretor individuals than from the intestine of secretor individuals. The present invention further relates to a method of tailoring a microbial composition based on the spectrum of microbes found more frequently from the intestine of non-secretor individuals than from that of secretor blood group status. The present invention relates to use of the secretor status of an individual as a criterion for microbial supplementation tailored based on the differences in the spectra of microbes found between secretor and non-secretor individuals.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient with migraine headache in accordance with the present invention generally includes administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a Botulinum toxin in a pharmaceutically safe form with the administration being on the trigeminal cervical system, for enabling axonal transport of the neurotoxin from distal to central sites. More specifically, the administration includes extramuscular injection of the neurotoxin over the aponeurotic fascia of the scalp for enabling the neurotoxin to diffuse into distal sensory nerves, in order to enable concentration over the occipital-parietal-frontal head region.

Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods for culturing microorganisms. The disclosure includes mixtures of different microorganisms, especially mixtures of cyanobacteria with fermentative microorganisms. For example, methods and compositions related to co-cultures of yeast and cyanobacteria are provided. Also provided are feedstocks derived from cyanobacteria as well as methods of making such feedstocks and methods of culturing microorganisms in such feedstocks.

Abstract: It was found that bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium induce accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the colon. Moreover, the present inventors found that regulatory T cells (Treg cells) induced by from these bacteria suppressed proliferation of effector T-cells. From these findings, the present inventors found that the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium or a physiologically active substance derived therefrom made it possible to induce proliferation or accumulation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and further to suppress immune functions.

Abstract: A novel Clostridium has been found that produces primarily n-butanol and isopropanol. Increased butanol was obtained by growing it continuously in an immobilized structure and extracting fermentation products immediately thereafter in a continuous flow extraction medium. Increased production was also achieved by fermentation in the presence of an extraction medium (such as corn oil) to decrease product inhibition followed by product separation from the fermentation broth and the extraction medium.

Abstract: Isolated bacteria are disclosed. The isolated bacteria are aerotolerant and can produced butanol. Methods are disclosed to produce generated chemicals. Methods are disclosed to isolate aerotolerant bacteria.

Abstract: A novel protein delivery system to generate induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is described. The delivery system comprises a construct with a receptor binding domain that recognizes a receptor in a somatic cell, a translocation domain that allows the transfer of an inducer into the cytosolic space, and a cargo bearing domain to which the inducer is attached and facilitates transfer of the inducer into the cell.

Abstract: A method for selection and treatment of externally caused migraine headache, the method includes identifying a patient group having chronic migraine headache; determining the identified patient group, a specific patient with a post traumatic migraine headache; and administering to the selected patient by injection of a therapeutically effective amount of a Botulinum neurotoxin in a pharmaceutically safe form to the selected patient's head or upper neck; administration preferably being on the sites of the trigeminal cervical system, enabling axonal transport of the neurotoxin from distal to central sites; and the administration preferably comprising extramuscular injection of the neurotoxin of suitable dilution (a) over the aponeurotic fascia, or (b) intra-orally, in a foramina of the sphenopalatine ganglion, or (c) to emerging exit points of nerves including foraminal sites.

Abstract: A method of treatment of biomass is described, characterized in that a microorganism of the species Clostridium sporosphaeroides is added to the biomass.

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 presently-disclosed subject matter is directed to biosensors comprising spore-forming bacterial cells and/or spores generated therefrom, a recognition unit within each spore-forming cell for binding an analyte of interest, and a reporter molecule within each spore-forming cell for detecting binding of the analyte of interest, wherein the reporter molecule generates a detectable signal upon binding of the analyte by the recognition element. The presently-disclosed subject matter further provides methods of using the biosensors and systems and kits including the biosensors.

Abstract: A conventional shuttle vector constructed by fusing an E. coli-derived plasmid and a transformant-derived plasmid functions in both E. coli and the transformant bacterium, and there exists no expression vector that functions only in a non-E. coli transformant. The present invention provides an plasmid expression vector comprising (1) a plasmid replication unit that functions in an anaerobic microorganism other than E. coli and (2) a protein expression unit formed from DNA coding for a protein having target activity and a DNA fragment containing a promoter and a terminator that function in the anaerobic microorganism. The expression vector of the present invention is capable of being replicated only in a transformant, eliminating the risk of the replication of the transformant gene in other pathogenic or aerobic bacterium, providing an extremely safe and reliable vector and gene transporter for therapeutic application.

Abstract: Methods are provided for selecting microbial strains with improved properties for fermentation and/or bioproduct production. A salt selection is employed to identify mutants with improved bioproduct tolerance, titer, or osmotic tolerance relative to a microbial strain from which they were derived.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for producing butanol by fermentation of carbohydrates using mixed populations of acidogenic-phase cells and solventogenic-phase cells of Clostridium in a solitary vessel. The present system as described does not require intermittent adjustment of pH or venting of headspace gases. The method provides a process for removal of the butanol product which does not irreversibly harm the cells and conditions are described where such cells may resume butanol synthesis in the same solitary vessel. The invention also describes compositions and biologically pure cultures which comprise the Clostridium cells as disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing esters. The methods comprise converting a fermentable carbon source to organic acids by fermentation with organic acid producing microorganisms, followed by catalytic esterification. The methods comprise integrated fermentation, extraction, and esterification reactions wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation are extracted into an extraction solvent and then directly reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters. Methods of producing esters are also provided wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation and extracted into the extraction solvent are stripped from the extraction solvent prior to being reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters.

Abstract: A process for fermenting syngas is provided which is effective for decreasing an amount of time needed to inoculate a main reactor. The process includes propagating a culture of acetogenic bacteria to provide an inoculum for a main reactor and fermenting syngas in the main reactor.

Abstract: A biologically pure isolate of a selected bacterium derived from Clostridium autoethanogenum is described which has improved efficiency in the production of ethanol by anaerobic fermentation of substrates comprising carbon monoxide. The bacterium can produce ethanol and acetate at an ethanol to acetate ratio of at least 1.0 and has a productivity of at least 1.2 g of ethanol/l of fermentation broth per day. The bacterium is also characterized in that it has substantially no ability to sporulate.

Abstract: The invention relates to biological processes for producing one or more desired products, including alcohols such as ethanol and butanol. The processes comprise carrying out first and second fermentations of substrates in first and second bioreactors, wherein each fermentation produces one or more desired products and/or one or more by-products that can be utilized in the other fermentation. A product and/or by-product of the first fermentation is introduced to the second bioreactor during the fermentation, and a product and/or by-product of the second fermentation is introduced to the first bioreactor during the fermentation.

Abstract: A new species of an anaerobic thermophilic cellulolytic and xylano lytic bacterium is disclosed. One particular strain of this new species has been deposited with the ATCC under Deposit No. PTA-10114. It is also provided a method for isolating, culturing and utilizing this novel bacterium for the conversion of biomass to bioconversion products, such as ethanol.

Abstract: The invention provides molecules useful for enhancing charge transport across membranes, such as electron transport across membranes, and methods of using such molecules, for example in improving the performance of a microbial fuel cell or in staining microbes for observation. The amphiphilic molecule comprises a conjugated core with hydrophilic groups on either end. The amphiphilic molecule inserts into the membrane of a microbe and facilitates charge transfer across the membrane of the microbe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a drug product comprising a combination of highly purified collagenase I and collagenase II from Clostridium histolyticum. The method utilizes an improved medium for the cultivation of Clostridium histolyticum which includes a non-meat-derived (i.e., non-mammalian) peptone or vegetable peptone. The method includes one or more of: (1) reducing glucose content in the meat-free or vegetable-derived media; and (2) increasing the salt concentration in the meat-free or vegetable-derived media. Also provided is a drug product which includes collagenase I and collagenase II at an optimized fixed mass ratio, and which has a purity of greater than at least 95%.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin, among other presynaptic neurotoxins is used for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headaches associated with vascular disorders. Presynaptic neurotoxins are delivered focally, targeting the nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve, the occipital nerve and the intranasal terminals of the parasympathetic fibers originating in the Sphenopalatine ganglion. The administration preferably targets the extracranial nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve in the temporal area, the extracranial occipital nerve endings in the occipital area, and the intranasal terminals of the trigeminal nerve and parasympathetic fibers originating in the Sphenopalatine ganglion. The delivery is carried out by way of injection or topically.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen-producing bacterium, which excels in hydrogen yield and hydrogen production rate, and is usable for industrial hydrogen production from biomass as a production source. That is, it is intended to provide a bacterium belonging to the genus Clostridium which has a property of producing hydrogen at a rate of 60 mmol or more per hour per liter of a culture liquid which contains glucose as a substrate, by batch cultivation in a YNU anaerobic culture medium at 47° C. and pH 6.0, and a hydrogen production method comprising the use of the bacterium belonging to the genus Clostridium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the anaerobic production of 1,3 propanediol, by culturing a Clostridium strain in an appropriate culture medium comprising glycerol as a source of carbon, wherein said Clostridium strain does not produce substantially other products of the glycerol metabolism selected among the group consisting of: butyrate, lactate, butanol and ethanol, and recovering of 1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol including a combination of biochemical and synthetic conversions results in high yield ethanol production with concurrent production of high value coproducts. An acetic acid intermediate is produced from carbohydrates, such as corn, using enzymatic milling and fermentation steps, followed by conversion of the acetic acid into ethanol using esterification and hydrogenation reactions. Coproducts can include corn oil, and high protein animal feed containing the biomass produced in the fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved media for the cultivation of Clostridium histolyticum and culture supernatants for the biotechnological production of collagenase enzymes. The nutrient media according to the invention comprise one or more peptones from a non-mammalian source, preferably plant-derived peptones. The media can additionally comprise fish gelatin. The invention provides media, culture supernatants comprising Clostridium histolyticum collagenase, and methods to produce said collagenase.

Abstract: A novel class of bacteria is described which has improved efficiency in the production of thanol by anaerobic fermentation of substrates containing carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Compositions comprising activatable recombinant neurotoxins and polypeptides derived therefrom. The invention also comprises nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, and methods of making such polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods of using clostridial toxins and other biological agents to treat skin cosmesis in humans is provided. The disclosed methods provide beneficial effects in humans.

Abstract: This invention provides co-cultures of photosynthetic microorganisms and biofuel producing microorganisms. In certain embodiments, polysaccharide-producing, photosynthetic microorganisms are microalgae having frustules provide a substrate on which biofuel-producing microorganisms can grow. In other embodiments, the photosynthetic microorganisms produce a lipid and the non-photosynthetic microorganisms produce a solvent in which the lipid is soluble.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and compositions for maintaining and manipulating microbial cultures of Gram-positive bacteria. Also provided are methods for identifying quorum sensing regulatory proteins and auto-inducing peptides in Gram-positive bacteria. Also provided are methods and compositions for affecting quorum sensing pathways of the genus Clostridium in culture including auto-inducing peptides to direct or maintain Clostridium cultures in a desired differentiated state. Differentiated states include extended serial propagation for the production of butanol or other fermentation products.

Abstract: Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.

Abstract: The invention relates to cells and a method for producing acetone.

Abstract: Fermentation products (e.g., bioproducts such as hydrocarbons and other organic compounds) are produced from biomass or gases through digestion and fermentation under conditions that thermodynamically favor production of the fermentation products.

Abstract: A method for processing environmental or industrial samples to remove, reclaim or otherwise reduce the level of chemical species present in the sample that act as redox active species. The redox active species is kept in a waste chamber and is separated from an aqueous bacterial culture that is held in a culture chamber. The waste chamber and the culture chamber are separated by a porous membrane through which electron transfer can occur but through which the aqueous bacterial culture cannot pass. The redox active species substantially remains in the waste chamber and is in non-contact with the aqueous bacterial culture during the process of removal, reduction or reclamation.

Abstract: Methods of using clostridial toxins and other biological agents to treat rosacea in humans is provided. The disclosed methods provide beneficial effects in humans.

Abstract: An isolated clostridia bacterial species (Clostridium coskatii ATCC No. PTA-10522, “PS02”) is provided. Under anaerobic conditions C. coskatii can convert CO and/or H2 and/or CO2 to ethanol or acetate. Thus, this bacterium is capable of transforming waste gases (e.g. syngas and refinery wastes) into useful products.

Abstract: Provided are isolated novel Clostridium phytofermentans biocatalysts with deregulated cellulase activity that produce high yields of products. Further provided are methods of using the biocatalysts to degrade organic material and for use in industrial processes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new method for the production of 1,3-propanediol comprising culturing a microorganism on a culture medium with high glycerine content. The invention also concerns a new microorganism, or strain of microorganism, adapted for the production of 1,3-propanediol from medium comprising high glycerine content. The invention also concerns an “adapted microorganism” which glycerol metabolism is directed to 1,3-propanediol production, and which is allowed to grow in the presence of a high concentration of industrial glycerine. The invention also concerns a biosourced 1,3-propanediol obtained by the process thereof. Finally the invention concerns the use of the above described biosourced 1,3-propanediol as extender chain in thermoplastic polyurethane, as monomers in polytrimethylene terephtalate and as a component in cosmetics formulations.