Abstract: A method for enhancing anaerobic reductive dechlorination of a contaminated site includes enriching the site with organic carbon suitable for use as an energy source by dechlorinating bacteria, nitrogen in the form of urea or ammonia, nutrient phosphorus, matter that releases bio-available hydrogen over a relatively short period of time and relatively quickly following site enrichment and matter that releases bio-available hydrogen over a relatively long period of time following site enrichment.

Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxiod to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.

Abstract: A medium for enriching Listeria spp. without polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibition and a method of using the medium.

Abstract: An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method for producing a selective medium that allows a target microorganism to predominantly proliferate in the simultaneous presence of many different microorganisms according to specific criteria. The object is solved by a method for producing a selective medium for a microorganism, which comprises the steps of: selecting at least one carbon source assimilable by a microorganism and/or at least one antibiotic to which the microorganism has resistance based on biological information about the microorganism; and mixing the selected carbon source and/or antibiotic with basic medium components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for the detection of analytes, in particular toxic substances, comprising at least a whole-cell biosensor with cells immobilized onto a transparent and inert matrix that allows the maintenance of cell vitality. The matrix comprises a mixture of collagen and/or its enzyme degradation derivatives, a proteoglycan and a mixture of vinyl polymer and an optionally modified polysiloxane, and an orthosilicate. The biosensor can be a genetically modified cell that expresses luciferase as reporter gene.

Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of continuous and high-cell-density cultivation in laboratory- or large-scale liquid shaken cultures. More particularly it relates to a method of enzyme-based fed-batch (EnBase) for liquid microbial prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell cultivation having the possibility to manipulate the growth rate of the cultured organisms by a controlled enzymatic release of the growth-limiting substrate-monomer from substrate-polymers or substrate-oligomers.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide compositions comprising an electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid, wherein the oxygen in the fluid is present in an amount of at least 25 ppm. In certain aspects, the electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid comprises electrokinetically modified or charged oxygen species present in an amount of at least 0.5 ppm. In certain aspects the electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid comprises solvated electrons stabilized by molecular oxygen, and wherein the solvated electrons present in an amount of at least 0.01 ppm. In certain aspects, the fluid facilitates oxidation of pyrogallol to purpurogallin in the presence of horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) in an amount above that afforded by a control pressure pot generated or fine-bubble generated aqueous fluid having an equivalent dissolved oxygen level, and wherein there is no hydrogen peroxide, or less than 0.1 ppm of hydrogen peroxide present in the electrokinetic oxygen-enriched aqueous fluid.

Abstract: Protein in an aqueous whey solution is degraded by adding a protease to the aqueous whey solution. After that, a whey degradation medium is prepared by adding yeast extract or the like to the aqueous whey solution. The whey degradation medium is inoculated with bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterium and the lactic acid bacterium is cultured while the whey degradation medium is maintained at pH of not lower than 5 and not higher than 6. After the completion of the culture, the whey degradation medium (culture solution) is centrifuged to thereby separate a concentrated cell suspension containing the lactic acid bacterium in a concentrated form. The concentrated cell suspension has extremely high antibacterial activity (several tens of thousands AU) and is usable as a food preservative. Further, yogurt is produced by fermenting a yogurt mix to which 0.01% to 0.1% by weight of the concentrated cell suspension is added. With this process, it is possible to suppress an increase in the acidity of the yogurt.

Abstract: First, prepared is a whey degradation medium to which a protease, yeast extract, and the like are added. Further, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate or propylene glycol monooleate is added to the whey degradation medium. The whey degradation medium is inoculated with bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterium and the lactic acid bacterium is cultured while the whey degradation medium is maintained at pH of 4 to 5. After the completion of the culture, the whey degradation medium (culture solution) is centrifuged to thereby separate therefrom a concentrated cell suspension containing the lactic acid bacterium in a concentrated form. The concentrated cell suspension has very low antibacterial activity (several tens AU or less). Then, by adding the concentrated cell suspension to a yogurt mix and fermenting the same, it is possible to produce yogurt containing the bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterium without any delay in the fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid nutrient media composition having alkaline pH, useful for isolating and identifying alkaliphilic microorganisms in pure form. The media composition consists of 5-15 g of carbon source, 2.5-10 g of peptone, 2.5-10 g of yeast extract, 0.5-1.5 g of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate; 0.1-0.5 g of magnesium sulphate heptahydrate, 30 ?l-4 ml of super saturated solution of sodium hydroxide, 5-20 g of potassium chloride and 10-30 g of ?-carrageenan in one liter of distilled water. The potassium salt in combination with ?-carrageenan in specific proportion has been found to be a suitable replacement of agar in solidifying bacteriological media especially, for isolation of extreme alkaliphiles. The present invention also provides a method of using the solid nutrient media composition having alkaline pH to study biodiversity of cultivable alkaliphilic bacteria.

Abstract: Methods are provided for conditioning an inhibitor-containing composition, such as a cellulosic biomass hydrolysate, to remove inhibitors of microbial growth and/or product production. The methods include precipitation of inhibitors by formation of complexes with metal salts, such as aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for use in industrial production of proteins. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of recycling solid supports for cultivation of anchorage-dependent cells such as, e.g., microcarriers and Fibra-Cel® disks. Solid supports recycled by a method of the present invention allow obtaining a protein productivity level comparable to the productivity level obtained with non-recycled solid support. The method comprises the steps of rinsing with water, rinsing with a sodium hydroxide solution and second rinsing step with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the production of alcohols by microbial fermentation, particularly to production of alcohols by microbial fermentation of a substrate comprising CO. It more particularly relates to the provision of an inorganic organic sulfur source to a fermentation system such that one or more micro-organisms convert a substrate comprising CO to alcohols. In a particular embodiment, a microbial culture is provided with sodium polysulfide, wherein a substrate comprising CO is converted to products including ethanol and 2,3-butanediol.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the production of alcohols by microbial fermentation, particularly to production of alcohols by microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to the provision of an improved fermentation media, comprising nickel, to a fermentation system such that one or more micro-organisms convert a substrate comprising CO to one or more alcohols, such as ethanol. In particular embodiments, a microbial culture is provided with at least 10 ?M nickel, such that CO uptake by the microbial culture increases and ethanol productivity improves.

Abstract: A hazardous substance adsorbing tablet prepared by direct compression of a dry powder mixture which includes a porous particulate adsorbent having an average particle diameter of 100 ?m or less and containing 200 mesh pass particles in an amount of more than 80% by weight, and a particulate binder having an apparent specific gravity of at least 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods for the growth of microorganisms for the production of organic chemicals, for example, coenzyme Q10.

Abstract: Cell culture media, concentrated media and feeds, methods of manufacturing cell culture media and feeds, and methods of culturing cells are provided. One or more small peptides, including dipeptides are added to the cell culture media to provide improved stability and improved conditions for culturing cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for culturing spirochetes and treating spirochetal diseases. For example, the present invention provides serum-free media for culturing spirochete bacteria in vitro. The present invention further provides methods for identifying spirochete susceptibilities to antimicrobials and antimicrobial compositions and cocktails. The present invention also provides methods for treating subjects suspected of having a spirochete infection.

Abstract: A resource production system using a byproduct from the production of ethanol for efficiently producing biogas and fertilizer from the byproducts of ethanol production. The resource production system using a byproduct of a production of ethanol generally includes a plurality of processes for producing an inorganic renewable fertilizer, such as struvite and a non-fossil fuel source of energy, such as biogas, by using various types of byproducts produced by the ethanol plant, such as but not limited to whole stillage, thin stillage and thin stillage solubles. The process also produces an organic fertilizer, such as biosolids and a liquid stream suitable for further processing to produce recyclable water at the ethanol plant.

Abstract: Animal product free (APF) media and processes for the culture and fermentation of botulinum toxin producing Clostridium botulinum bacteria. The botulinum toxin obtained can be used for formulating and compounding botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The APF media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products and use non-animal based products instead of the animal-derived products. Preferably, the APF media used are substantially free or free of animal derived products.

Abstract: Media and processes for the fermentation of Clostridium botulinum and obtaining a botulinum toxin for use in formulating botulinum toxin pharmaceutical compositions. The growth media can contain significantly reduced levels of meat or dairy by-products using non-animal based products to replace the animal-derived products. Preferably, the media used are substantially free of animal derived products.

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: 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: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: A method of producing a nanostructure composition from a solid powder is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) heating the solid powder, thereby providing a heated solid powder; (b) immersing the heated solid powder in a liquid in the presence of a gas medium, the liquid being colder than the heated powder, and (c) irradiating the cold liquid, the heated solid powder and the gas medium by electromagnetic radiation selected such that nanostructures are formed from particles of the solid powder and a stable gas phase is formed from the gas medium.

Abstract: A reaction medium for the culture and/or detection and/or identification of bacteria of the Legionella genus includes at least one siliceous compound, where the siliceous compound is a nonpolar silica. A method for detecting and/or identifying bacteria of the Legionella genus, includes bringing a sample that may contain bacteria of the Legionella genus into contact with a reaction medium comprising at least one siliceous compound, incubating, and detecting the presence of bacteria of the Legionella genus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to demucilaged flax sprouts derived from flaxseeds freed of their mucilage. The flax sprouts according to the invention are easily digestible and can be utilized in different fields, e.g. in food industry, therapy and hus-handry. The invention also relates to the production process and applications of the demucilaged flax sprouts. The present invention further relates to a process for recovering mucilaginous substance generated as a by-product in the production process as well as to various applications thereof.

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: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

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: The invention is a selective growth medium for investigating, isolating, counting and directly identifying pathogenic bacteria of the genus Listeria.The medium promotes the Listeria spp. while simultaneously inhibiting the growth of non-Listeria organisms. The medium does not produce a bacterial biomass contaminated with interfering fluorophores. The medium contains nitrofurantoin, esculin and lithium chloride and lacks acriflavin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for direct detection and differentiation of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in a sample comprising (i) inoculation with said sample of a culture medium comprising at least meropenem and/or ertapenem and at least one chromogenic agent, (ii) incubation of said culture medium under conditions allowing the growth of carbapenem-resistant bacteria, and (iii) detection of colonies formed on said culture medium corresponding to carbapenem-resistant bacteria, as well as a culture medium suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A method of producing biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic matter may include adding cobalt, iron, and hydrochloric acid to an organic matter; bringing the organic matter in contact with biogas-producing bacteria; and digesting the organic matter under anaerobic conditions in a reactor while producing biogas and a digested sludge. A device for producing biogas may include a reactor being adapted for containing the organic matter in the form of a sludge while the sludge is digested. The device includes a feeding device for adding cobalt, iron, and hydrochloric acid to the organic matter, and an agitator for mixing the added cobalt, iron and hydrochloric acid with the organic matter. An additive, which is adapted for being added to a device for producing biogas by anaerobic digestion, may include cobalt, iron, and hydrochloric acid in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: An improved system and method for dispensing dehydrated culture media (DCM) powder into containers for preparation as a culture media. The manual and automated systems and methods operate to dispense DCM powder, as well as liquid, into vessels or media preparation instruments in a manner to avoid DCM dust inhalation by persons in the surrounding area and contamination of equipment and surfaces in the surrounding area. The system can further comprise a carousel arrangement that permits dispensing of DCM powder from multiple containers at multiple volumes and rates. In addition, the containers have a particular configuration for use with the system and method, such as the carousel arrangement, to avoid errors, promote repeatability and eliminate dusting. The containers can also include a device, such as an auger, to facilitated measured dispensing of the DCM powder automatically or manually into a flask, automated media sterilizers or other instruments.

Abstract: A Corynebacterium diphtheriae culture medium for the production of diphtheria toxin and methods for producing the toxin are provided. The medium is substantially free of animal-derived products and comprises water, a carbohydrate source, a nitrogen source and a number of free amino acids in an initial concentration wherein the initial concentration of each free amino acid is not limiting for the production of the toxin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for culturing spirochetes and treating spirochetal diseases. For example, the present invention provides serum-free media for culturing spirochete bacteria in vitro. The present invention further provides methods for identifying spirochete susceptibilities to antimicrobials and antimicrobial compositions and cocktails. The present invention also provides methods for treating subjects suspected of having a spirochete infection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mixture of bacteria. Said mixture is a non starter culture which is free from metabolites and comprises at least one first bacterium selected from the species <i>Propionibacterium jensenii</i> and at least one second bacterium selected from the genus <i>Lactobacillus</i>. Furthermore, food, feeding stuff and medicaments comprising such a mixture, a method for manufacturing and storing such goods and the use of the mixture to inhibit fungi and bacteria are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the cultivation of sophisticated bacteria, preferably of the genus Bartonella, and to a method for the cultivation of these bacteria.

Abstract: The invention describes a novel composition of matter obtained from the leaves of green plants, which is useful in promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Specifically, that the invention describes a hydrolysate prepared from plant leaf biomass (leaf biomass hydrolysate or ‘LBH’) which dramatically stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Use of LBH as a fermentation substrate can also stimulate rapid production of organic acids and other organic compounds. LBH can be used as a substrate to promote the fermentation-based production of biobased industrial chemicals or biofuels, LBH can be utilized as a prebiotic to promote the growth of beneficial probiotic organisms, hi addition, LBH may also be useful in stimulating the fermentation-based production of other products, examples of which include preservatives, antibiotics, antigens, vaccines, amino acids, vitamins, recombinant proteins, bioremediation treatments, and immobilized enzymes.

Abstract: A method for identifying a biological analyte that is affected by a stressor is disclosed in which two substantially identical biological samples are provided, with a first sample being a control sample and a second sample being an experimental sample. The control sample is grown with a nutrient having an isotope of a first atom, whereas the experimental sample is grown with a nutrient having a second isotope of the first atom. The experimental sample is grown with a stressing agent and regimen. The samples are admixed, and the formed composite is mass spectroscopically assayed for analyte peaks. The ratio of first isotope to second isotope is determined for the peaks, as is a sample median isotopic ratio. The ratio for assayed analyte peaks is compared with the median ratio. An analyte whose isotopic ratio significantly deviates from the median ratio is an analyte affected by the stressing agent.

Abstract: Composition and method for preventing, treating or attenuating inflammatory diseases by way of inhibiting lipid peroxidation and subsequent elementary inflammation through ensuring the presence of the following biologically active ingredients in the PMRS of cells involved in inflammation: i) at least one killed probiotic and ii) at least one omega 3 FA and iii) vitamin E and iv) ubiquinone by introducing a composition comprising any of the missing ingredients.

Abstract: The method provides a simple, accurate and inexpensive way to prepare culture media for conducting microbiological analysis with an absolute minimum of facilities, extraneous equipment and time consuming procedures. The invention introduces the use of a carrier piece that is suitable for carrying a reactant material for combining with growth media. The carrier piece may be formed using (non-)porous, (non-)absorbent material, including paper, plastic, gum, fabric, or acetate. The carrier piece carries a single one or a combination of various reactant materials that are released into the medium or medium/test sample mixture upon contact therewith. The reactant materials may include, among other things, nutrients, inhibitors, including antibiotics and bile salts, enzyme substrates, and/or a catalyst for a gelling agent contained in the growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the large scale in vivo synthesis of sialylated oligosaccharides, culturing a microorganism in a culture medium, optionally comprising an exogenous precursor such as lactose, wherein said microorganism comprises heterologous genes encoding a CMP-Neu5Ac synthetase, a sialic acid synthase, a GlcNAc-6-phosphate 2 epimerase and a sialyltransferase, and wherein the endogenous genes coding for sialic acid aldolase (NanA) and for ManNac kinase (NanK) have been deleted or inactivated. The invention also relates to these micoorganisms which are capable of producing internally activated sialic acid.

Abstract: Selective growth media N4 agars that include a combination of high levels of yeast extract, possibly higher levels of protein, elevated levels of sugar and reduced levels of sodium chloride. The combination of ingredients provides the ability to detect Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. with almost identical sensitivity while alleviating false-negative and false-positive problems commonly encountered with the presence of Proteus spp. and Citrobacter spp.

Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxoid to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the enhanced production of bacterial toxins in large-scale cultures. Specifically, methods and compositions for reducing bacterial toxin expression inhibitors are providing including, but not limited to, addition of toxin expression inhibitor binding compounds, culture media having reduced concentrations of toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors and genetically modified toxogenic bacteria lacking enzymes required to metabolize the toxin inhibitor metabolic precursors.

Abstract: A method for producing a microbial growth stimulant (MGS) from a plant biomass is described. In one embodiment, an ammonium hydroxide solution is used to extract a solution of proteins and ammonia from the biomass. Some of the proteins and ammonia are separated from the extracted solution to provide the MGS solution. The removed ammonia can be recycled and the proteins are useful as animal feeds. In one embodiment, the method comprises extracting solubles from pretreated lignocellulosic biomass with a cellulase enzyme-producing growth medium (such T. reesei) in the presence of water and an aqueous extract.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the enzymatic synthesis of oligosaccharides, particularly, sialylated oligosaccharides comprising the carbohydrate moeities of the gangliosides GM3, GD3, and GT3.

Abstract: Bioreactors suitable for housing a predetermined volume of culture medium comprising a plurality of containers of approximately equal internal volume in which the culture medium resides, wherein the predetermined volume of culture medium is retained in approximately equal amounts within each of the plurality of containers during operation of the bioreactor, and wherein the internal volume of each container is selected so that the amount of culture medium in each container exceeds 50 vol. % of the container internal volume during operation of the bioreactor, and related methods of use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medium for specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus and/or discrimination between positive-coagulase Staphylococcus and negative-coagulase enabling Staphylococcus to isolate bacteria of the genus staphylococcus and identify the Staphylococcus aureus species, which use at least an enzymatic substrate, preferably a chromogenic or fluorescent agent, and still more preferably consisting of an indoxyl or naphthol base. The invention also concerns a method for identifying, and optionally counting, Staphylococcus aureus using such a medium. It consists of a Staphylococcus aureus culture medium and at least an enzymatic substrate enabling testing of an ?-glucosidase activity. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of diagnosis.