Abstract: The growth of the bacterium, Burkholderia cepacia (ex Pseudomonas cepacia) CIP 1-2052 is substantially increased when it is supplied with tert-butanol (TBA) or tert-amyl alcohol (TAA) as the sole source of carbon and energy in the presence of at least one cobalt salt, at a concentration of 0.01 to 4 mg/l of medium. The bacterium is degraded to CO2 in the presence of oxygen. The inoculom produced by the process and the degradation process for these alcohols are useful for water treatment applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of degradation or corrosion prevention or inhibition through the use of bacteria which secrete antimicrobial chemical compositions. In particular, the invention relates to the use of bacteria which, either naturally or through the use of recombinant technology, secrete chemical compositions which inhibit the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria on metals, concrete, mortar, and other surfaces subject to corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microbially-driven Fenton reaction for the transformation of organic contaminants. The microbially-driven Fenton reaction combines abiotic and biotic reactions in one system by utilizing the H2O2— and Fe(II)-producing microorganism Shewanella putrefaciens to generate Fenton reagents as metabolic by-products of alternating aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a process for oxidatively degrading organic contaminants comprising reacting Fe(III) citrate with S. putrefaciens under alternating anaerobic and aerobic conditions to generate Fenton reagents Fe(II) and H2O2, further reacting the Fenton reagents under neutral pH conditions with the organic contaminant to produce degraded transformation products of the contaminant.

Abstract: A slow-release solid chemical composition for environmental bioremediation is provided. The composition comprises a source of soluble organic substrates which include sugars, soluble organic polymers and mixtures of them in an amount of 7% to 90%, insoluble organic substrates an amount of 10% to 70%, complex inorganic phosphates in an amount of 0.5% to 7% and soluble organic salts in an amount of 2% to 70%. The insoluble organic substrates include fibrous plant materials, starches, cellulosic materials and mixtures of these substrates. The complex inorganic phosphates include ringed metaphosphates, linear polyphosphates and mixtures. The organic salts include lactates, formates, acetates, citrates, etc. Also the composition further comprises microorganisms which include Bacillus spp., Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhibzobium spp., Fibrobacter spp., Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas. spp., Geobacter spp., Arthrobacter spp., Nocardia, spp., aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Candida spp., Yarrowia spp.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biocatalytic process to produce terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid from p-xylene and m-xylene, respectively. Terephthalic acid has been prepared by oxidizing p-xylene with bacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia. Conversion of p-xylene into terephthalic acid is accomplished by a single bacterial strain that produces all of the requisite enzymes. In addition, this invention relates to the preparation of isophthalic acid from a mixture of m- and p-xylene.

Abstract: Bacterial strains transformed with the pcu genes are useful for the production of para-hydroxybenzoate (PHBA). Applicant has provided the p-cresol utilizing (pcu) and tmoX gene sequences from Pseudomonas mendocina KR-1, the proteins encoded by these sequences, recombinant plasmids containing such sequences, and bacterial host cells containing such plasmids or integrated sequences. Method for the use of these materials to produce PHBA are also disclosed.

Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of pseudomonic acid A comprising submerged cultivation of a Pseudomonas bacterium strain capable of biosynthesis of the substantially pure pseudomonic acid A in aerated conditions via fermentation; and isolation of the desired compound is disclosed. In particular, the procedure of the present invention comprises cultivation of the Pseudomonas sp. bacterium strain No. 19/26 deposited under accession No. NCAIM(P)B 001235 in the National Collection of the Agricultural and Industrial Microorganisms, Budapest, Hungary, or its pseudomonic acid A-producing mutant or variant, on a medium at a temperature of between about 20° C. and 30° C.

Abstract: A method for screening a bacterium antagonistic to pathogenic bacteria that emerge during raising of seedlings of gramineous plants utilizing tropolone resistance and tropolone non-producing property as indices, and a microbial pesticide containing as an active ingredient the bacterium that has tropolone resistance and tropolone non-producing property selected by the screening method or spores thereof.

Abstract: Insecticidally-active bacterial cultures and methods of maintaining the virulence of the bacterial cultures. Several species of the bacteria are harvested from nematodes of the families Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae maintained in suitable insect hosts and then cultured as separate, isolated cultures under conditions suitable to the reproduction of the particular bacterial specie(s). Bacteria are harvested for use as an insecticide during the exponential phase of population growth so that the bacteria are highly motile, optionally mixed with other populations of bacteria harvested and cultured from suitable nematode hosts, diluted in water and applied to the insects to be controlled by, for instance, spraying or, in the case of such insects as ants and termites, by pouring the dilute, harvested bacteria onto the insect mound. To maintain the virulence of the isolated bacterial cultures, the bacteria are periodically re-isolated from the nematode, infected in the insect host, and then re-cultured.

Abstract: A metalloprotease that converts TNF-&agr; from the 26 kD cell form to the 17 kD form has been isolated and purified and the cDNA sequence known. In particular, the protease has a molecular weight of approximately 80 kD. The isolated and purified protease is useful for designing an inhibitor thereof, and may find use as a therapeutic agent. Assays for detecting the protease-inhibiting activity of a molecule are also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.

Abstract: A novel sorbitol dehydrogenase having excellent substrate affinity and substrate specificity which can be used to measure D-sorbitol which occurs in human erythrocytes and serum in a slight amount or D-sorbitol or D-fructose contained in foods, a microorganism for producing such an enzyme, and a process for the production of the enzyme using such a microorganism. Also disclosed is provides a method for the measurement of sorbitol using the foregoing sorbitol dehydrogenase and a reagent for the quantitative determination therefor.

Abstract: A novel marine microorganism (Pseudomonas CH07) capable of degrading different congeners namely coplanar, sterically hindered and other chlorobiphenyls present in a technical grade PCBs (Clophen A-50); the aerobic bacterial strain, identified as Pseudomonas CH07 isolated from coastal zone of Arabian sea near Goa, India subjected to intense anthropogenic activity is shown to degrade PCBs of chlorine content (4-7 chlorine atoms per biphenyl).

Abstract: A microbial process is provided for selective cleavage of only organic C—N bonds while leaving C—C bonds intact which may be used for reducing the nitrogen content of nitrogen-containing organic carbonaceous materials. Microorganisms of Pseudomonas ayucida have been found which have the ability of selective cleavage of organic C—N bonds. A particularly preferred microorganism is Pseudomonas ayucida strain ATCC No PTA-806. Other microorganisms useful in the cleavage of organic C—N bonds are Aneurinibacillus sp, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Yokenella sp. and Pseudomonas nitroreducens.

Abstract: The invention includes an isolated bacterium and a consortium of microorganisms including an isolated bacterium of the invention, which is capable of utilizing as a sole carbon source a polychlorinated biphenyl. The invention also includes a recombinant microorganism, such as a bacterium, a yeast or a bacteriophage, transfected with nucleic acid from an isolated bacterium of the invention, which is capable of utilizing as a sole carbon source a polychlorinated biphenyl. The invention also includes an isolated bacterium, which is capable of utilizing as a sole carbon source a chlorobenzoate. In addition, the invention includes an isolated nucleic acid and recombinant enzymes useful in the degradation of a polychlorinated biphenyl. The invention also includes methods for the bioremediation or enhancement of the bioremediation of a PCB-contaminated environment using the bacteria or microorganisms of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of avian antibodies and/or antigen binding fragments thereof, for the production of a drug for treatment and/or prevention of respiratory tract infection. The drug is administered through local application at the oral cavity and/or pharynx.

Abstract: A novel marine microorganism (Pseudomonas CH07) capable of degrading different congeners namely coplanar, sterically hindered and other chlorobiphenyls present in a technical grade PCBs (Clophen A-50); the aerobic bacterial strain, identified as Pseudomonas CH07 isolated from coastal zone of Arabian sea near Goa, India subjected to intense anthropogenic activity is shown to degrade PCBs of chlorine content (4-7 chlorine atoms per biphenyl).

Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of pseudomonic acid A comprising submerged cultivation of a Pseudomonas bacterium strain capable of biosynthesis of the substantially pure pseudomonic acid A in aerated conditions via fermentation; and isolation of the desired compound is disclosed. In particular, the procedure of the present invention comprises cultivation of the Pseudomonas sp. bacterium strain No. 19/26 deposited under accession No. NCAIM(P)B 001235 in the National Collection of the Agricultural and Industrial Microorganisms, Budapest, Hungary, or its pseudomonic acid A-producing mutant or variant, on a medium at a temperature of between about 20° C. and 30° C. containing organic nitrogen and carbon sources and, optionally, mineral salts.

Abstract: A procedure for the preparation of pseudomonic acid A comprising submerged cultivation of a Pseudomonas bacterium strain capable of biosynthesis of the substantially pure pseudomonic acid A in aerated conditions via fermentation; and isolation of the desired compound is disclosed. In particular, the procedure of the present invention comprises cultivation of the Pseudomonas sp. bacterium strain No. 19/26 deposited under accession No. NCAIM(P)B 001235 in the National Collection of the Agricultural and Industrial Microorganisms, Budapest, Hungary, or its pseudomonic acid A-producing mutant or variant, on a medium at a temperature of between about 20° C. and 30° C. containing organic nitrogen and carbon sources and, optionally, mineral salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel xylanase producing bacteria, Pseudomonas stutzeri deposited at the MCMRD, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India and having the assession number MCMRD-AB-001 and also deposited at ______ having accession No. ______, and a process for production of thermophilic and alkalophilic extracellular enzyme xylanase using the said bacteria.

Abstract: An isolate of useful bacteria, preferably of the genus Pseudomonas, preferably of the species Proradix, is used for the treatment of plants and/or seed and incubated in a culture medium containing phosphorus compounds, nitrogen compounds and succinic acid. The solution can be used directly for spraying plants and/or seed, optionally followed by vacuum treatment. Furthermore, the solution can be vacuum-dried, the powder being dissolved in water prior to use.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve a conventional soil percolation technique to thereby provide a method of enriching and isolating decomposing bacteria decomposing an organochlorine agricultural chemical PCNB which is difficult to decompose, in a short time period, and to provide decomposing bacteria for efficiently processing PCNB. To practice the method, an enrichment soil layer 2 is formed by mixing a soil containing an organochlorine agricultural chemical PCNB with a fragmented porous material having an infinite number of micropores and at the same time a greater adsorptivity for adsorbing PCNB than the soil, and an inorganic salt medium 3 containing a carbon and nitrogen source, the carbon and nitrogen source being formed by only PCNB, is circulated through the enrichment soil layer 2, thereby enriching the aerobic bacteria Burkholderia cepacia in the fragmented porous material.

Abstract: A biological agent and methods for inhibiting plant pathogens are provided. More particularly, this invention provides the use of Pseudomonas resinovorans in the biological control of inter alia: Ralstonia solanacearum, Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora infestans. This invention further relates to a biological combination agent for inibiting Colletotrichum coccodes, in addition to the above pathogens.

Abstract: A process for preparation of (R)-1,2-propanediol which comprises cultivating a microorganism belonging to genus Pseudomonas or genus Alcaligenes which has ability to assimilate (S)-1,2-propanediol as a single carbon source, in a culture medium containing racemic 1,2-propanediol as a single carbon source and then isolating the remaining (R)-1,2-propanediol from the culture broth.

Abstract: Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. are described which are effective for the control of diseases caused by the soil-borne fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis (Gg), such as take-all, in small grain crops or turf grass. The subject biocontrol strains have a unique genotype as shown by a characteristic banding pattern, and exhibit root-colonizing ability which is characterized by both higher population density on roots and extended colonizing activity compared to known Gg-suppressive strains. A further property is the ability of a strain to duplicate the level of biocontrol obtained naturally in a take-all decline soil. Methods for isolation and identification of the strains and their use to control diseases caused by Gg are provided. In particular, strains of P. fluorescens NRRL B-21806 and NRRL B-21807.

Abstract: A novel tyrosyl diester antibiotic is obtained from fermentation of a recombinant strain of Streptomyces lividans designated Stretomyces lividans WD 15684 (ATCC-202143). The new antibiotic, designated tyrissamycin, exhibits antibacterial activity, particularly against gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel sphingolipid ceramide N-deacylase (SCDase) having a wide substrate specificity; a method for enzymatically producing a lysosphingolipid or a sphingolipid derivative using the SCDase which is useful in the fields of medicine, carbohydrate engineering, cell engineering, and the like; the lysosphingolipid or sphingolipid derivative obtained by this production method; a gene which encodes a polypeptide having an SCDase activity useful in sphingolipid technology; a method for industrially producing a polypeptide having an SCDase deacylase activity and a recombinant polypeptide thereof using a transformant to which the gene is introduced; a probe or primer which hybridizes to the gene; and an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to the polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel sphingolipid ceramide N-deacylase (SCDase) having a wide substrate specificity; a method for enzymatically producing a lysosphingolipid or a sphingolipid derivative using the SCDase which is useful in the fields of medicine, carbohydrate engineering, cell engineering, and the like; the lysosphingolipid or sphingolipid derivative obtained by this production method; a gene which encodes a polypeptide having an SCDase activity useful in sphingolipid technology; a method for industrially producing a polypeptide having an SCDase deacylase activity and a recombinant polypeptide thereof using a transformant to which the gene is introduced; a probe or primer which hybridizes to the gene; and an antibody or a fragment thereof which specifically binds to the polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of a novel putative efflux gene from Pseudomonas mendocina. The putative efflux gene is useful for probing an organism's efflux system to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of solvent tolerance. The invention further provides a Pseudomonas mendocina strain deficient in this gene. This strain is unable to grow in the presence of chloramphenicol and, compared to the wildtype strain, grows slowly in the presence of high concentrations of PHBA.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of identifying and selecting desiccation tolerant strains of bacteria and a method of producing a desiccated formulation of the identified strains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules for znssp6, a novel member of the galactosyltransferase family. The polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding them, are cell-cell interaction and glycoprotein synthesis modulating and may be used for delivery and therapeutics. The present invention also includes antibodies to the znssp6 polypeptides.

Abstract: A method for controlling bacterial fungal diseases using Pseudomonas aureofaciens in admixture with metabolites, particularly phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) is described. Pseudomonas aureofaciens is particularly useful in inhibiting the microorganisms in cultivated dicot plants, cereal crops and nursery stock and seeds. The method is environmentally safe and economical.

Abstract: A method for controlling infections caused by protozoans, such as Cryptosporidium parvum, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania donovani. The method comprises using syringomycin-family lipodepsipeptides, preferably syringomycins such as syringomycin E, to control or prevent infections caused by protozoans. The method is directed to therapeutic treatment of mammals, such as humans, exposed to protozoans, and additionally as a prophylactic treatment in immunocompromised subjects at high risk for contracting protozoan infections.

Abstract: Isolated DNA coding for canine p53 protein is described, along with vectors and host cells containing such isolated DNA. Methods for producing canine p53 protein by culturing host cells that contain such DNA are also described.

Abstract: Bioavailability of lead and other heavy metals in the environment may be reduced by addition of microorganisms which sequester lead from the environment in the presence of phosphate. The microorganisms are highly mobile and are, therefore, capable of scavenging a material for lead, which they then sequester. The method basically consists of reducing bioavailability of lead in the environment by addition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CHL004 (ATCC 55937) to said environment in the presence of phosphate which contains at least stoichiometric equivalent amounts of phosphate to lead.

Abstract: A method and composition for microbial remediation or other treatment of chemicals is described. The method particularly uses solidified oils or oils impregnated into inert particles or particles which release nutrient medium over time.

Abstract: A microbial process for the preparation of D(-)-N-carbamoylphenylglycine from DL-5-phenylhydantoin which comprises culturing the strain pseudomonas sp. having Accession No. NCIM 5070 (ATCC 55940) and deposited in National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) (India), having hydantoinase activity, in a medium for 16-20 hours, separating the cells by centrifugation, treating the solid cells obtained with DL-5-phenylhydantoin in buffer, at a temperature in the range of about 25-30° C. for a period of about 2-6 hours, acidifying the mixture to obtain solid D(-)-N-carbamoylphenylglycine, and separating the product by filtration.

Abstract: Transgenic fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. are described which have a biosynthetic locus which encodes for the production of the antibiotic phenazine-1-carboxylic acid stably introduced into the genome, have a locus which encodes for the production of the antibiotic 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol, and are effective for control of diseases caused by the soil-borne fungus, Rhizoctonia. Strains are also described which control diseases caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis or Pythium, in addition to Rhizoctonia, or have the ability to control all three diseases.

Abstract: A method for removal of free-floating oil from an aqueous environment by bio-dispersion and bio-utilization comprising the steps of: (i) isolating species/strains of bacteria having an ability to utilize hydrocarbons as the only source of carbon; (ii) admixing the bacteria with a fatty substance and hydrocarbon oil to form an oleophilic suspension comprising a physiologically active bacterial culture of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, the fatty substance comprising an oleophilic nutrient as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for the bacteria, and (iii) applying the oleophilic suspension of the bacteria to a free floating oil in an aqueous environment to disperse and remove free-floating oil therefrom.

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: The invention provides ups (ugc) polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding ups (ugc) polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing ups (ugc) polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for anaerobic biodegradation, bioremediation or bioprocessing of hydrocarbons dissolved in an aqueous matrix, such as wastewater, groundwater, or slurry. Dissolved alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons), alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons), aromatic hydrocarbons and/or halogenated hydrocarbons are metabolized or cometabolized. In one form, the invention involves introducing an aqueous stream comprising at least one dissolved aromatic hydrocarbon (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol, or p-cresol) and a dissolved oxide of nitrogen [such as nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide (N2O)] to a reactor, and operating said reactor under conditions that support denitrification of the aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A mutant Pseudomonas ayucida strain ATCC N° PTA-806 which is able to selectively cleave organic C—N bonds and reduce the nitrogen content of organic carbonaceous materials is described.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of microorganisms capable of converting RS-&agr;-piperazinecarboxamides into the corresponding R-&agr;-piperazinecarboxylic acid. R-&agr;-piperazinecarboxamides is the only nitrogen source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Pseudomonas sp. YS-180 having a capability of producing a docosahexaenoic acid and a method for the production of DHA using such a microorganism. Pseudomonas sp. YS-180 was isolated and identified from the intestine of fishes by investigating the morphological, culturing, and physiological characteristics of a strain excellent in a DHA-producing capability. By TLC and GC, Pseudomonas sp. YS-180 according to the present invention was confirmed that it produced the greatest amount of DHA when it was shaking-cultured in a culture containing glucose 2% (w/v), a yeast extract 2% (w/v), and sea water 20%(v/v). Optimal conditions for producing DHA were a pH of 6.0, and a temperature of 20° C. Under these conditions a DHA production was 96.7 mg/L, and a biomass growth was 7.8 g/L.

Abstract: A mutant Pseudomonas ayucida strain No PTA-806 which is able to selectively cleave organic C—N bonds and reduce the nitrogen content of organic carbonaceous materials is described.

Abstract: A method for controlling Dreissena species, including, but not limited to, zebra (D. polymorpha) and quagga (D. bugensis) mussels, by use of a toxin-producing microorganism having the identifying characteristics of Pseudomonas ATCC 55799 is disclosed.

Abstract: Dissolved selenium is removed from contaminated water by treating the water in a reactor containing selected endemic and other selenium reducing organisms. Microbes may be isolated from the specific water or imported from other selenium contaminated water, The microbes are then screened for ability to reduce selenium under the site specific environmental conditions. The selected microbes are optimized for selenium reduction, then established in a high density biofilm within a reactor. The selenium contaminated water is passed through the reactor with optimized nutrient mix added as needed. The elemental selenium is precipitated and removed from the water.

Abstract: A genomic fragment harboring the gene phaG was cloned by phenotype complementation of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 mutants, defective in the polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA) synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis but not affected in PHA biosynthesis via fatty acid &bgr;-oxidation. The 885-bp phaG gene encodes a protein of 295 amino acids with a molecular weight of 33.876 Da. The transcriptional induction of phaG could be observed under conditions of PHA synthesis via de novo fatty acid biosynthesis whereas no induction was detected under conditions which favor PHA synthesis via fatty acid degradation by &bgr;-oxidation. The phaG gene is useful for the production of PHAs in bacteria and plants.