Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the screening, identification and/or application of microorganisms of use in imparting beneficial properties to plants.

Abstract: The present invention is a new additive material that is physically blended with polymeric material to create at least a partially biodegradable product.

Abstract: A process for separation of a mixture containing a microbial substance and a liquid using deformable filter is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell which comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a xylose isomerase, wherein the amino acid sequence of the xylose isomerase has at least about 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 3 and wherein the nucleotide sequence is heterologous to the host. A cell of the invention may be used in a process for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. Such a process may comprise fermenting a medium containing a source of xylose with a cell of the invention such that the cell ferments xylose to the fermentation product.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the expression and subsequent screening of DNA libraries, particularly synthetic, genomic, and cDNA libraries, in filamentous fungal hosts. In particular, the invention provides vectors, host strains, and a method for the expression and screening of complex DNA libraries, including, but not limited to, combinatory (combinatorial) libraries expressing one, two or more variable constituents and/or prepared from two or more sublibraries (e.g., for the expression and screening of immunoglobulin (including fragments and derivatives of whole immunoglobulin proteins) and other receptor or complex DNA libraries or libraries of libraries). The invention is useful for the expression and screening for a large variety of proteins and protein complexes, including human proteins. The present invention also relates to novel fungal protease sequences.

Abstract: A method of processing stillage from fermentation derived alcohol is disclosed, including dry-grind ethanol production from corn, by fermentation with filamentous fungi. This produces high-value fungal biomass that can be recovered by screening, is easily dewatered and used as an animal feed, human food or as a source of nutraceuticals. The methodology uses an airlift reactor to enhance the morphology of the fungi for easy harvesting and separation of water for recycling and reuse and to recover added enzymes and mineral acid with the water. The process also separates oil from the stillage. The fungal processing removes organic substances from the water that are otherwise inhibitory to the reuse prospects for the water, i.e. suspended and dissolved organic matter, including glycerol, lactic and acetic acids. The process also separates oil from the stillage by enmeshing the oil in the fungal biomass and can produce more oil through cultivation of oleaginous fungi.

Abstract: Methods, enzymes, recombinant microorganism, and microbial systems are provided for converting suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, such as those derived from biomass, as well as various aldehydes and/or ketones, into commodity chemicals, such as biofuels. Commodity chemicals produced by the methods described herein are also provided. Commodity chemical enriched, refinery-produced petroleum products are also provided, as well as methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which filamentous fungi are macerated and encapsulated in an inert matrix to form beads, which can be used to promote reactions carried out by the fungi. The beads are useful, e.g., for producing compounds and compound libraries.

Abstract: The invention provides a ventilating/stirring culture tank that has a longitudinal tubular container 2 that is capable of freely containing culture fluid, within which a rotation shaft 3 that is supported coaxially with the axis of the container 2, a stirring impeller 4 that is attached to the rotation shaft in order to stir the culture fluid, and an air feed pipe 5 for feeding air into the container, are provided, and wherein an opening 6 for introducing culture medium material and fungal cells is provided in an upper part of the container, in which a ratio (HT/D) of height (HT) to inner diameter (D) of a cylindrical portion 7 of the container is greater than 3.8, and a baffle plate 8 for causing turbulence within the culture fluid that is being stirred is attached to an inner side of a peripheral wall of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides a process, for producing fats or oils in which the rate of triglycerides constituted by the same polyunsaturated fatty acids linking to the three hydroxyl groups of glycerol is 20% or more by weight for the total triglycerides, which comprises culturing a microorganism capable of producing said fats or oils and if required recovering said fats or oils; fats or oils produced by this process; and a process for producing said fats or oils.

Abstract: Provided are termite phagostimulatory compositions extracted from fungi coexisting with subterranean termites. In a preferred embodiment, a subterranean termite feeding stimulant is obtained from extracts of fungi coexisting with Reticulitermes hesperus. Termite feeding stimulants in accordance with the present invention may be incorporated into termiticide-treated bait-based systems and methods to selectively target and enhance control of subterranean termites. Also provided are compositions which deter feeding of subterranean termites. These phagodeterrent compositions may be obtained from non-polar extracts of subterranean termite-associated fungus-colonized filter paper. They may also find useful application in termite control strategies, for example, by deterring subterranean termites from colonizing or feeding on particular substrates and structures.