Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing growth conditions for plants by growing the plants in soil containing, in proximity to the plant roots, both a phosphorus source and at least two strains of the fungus Penicillium, particularly P. bilaiae, more particularly strains NRRL 50162 and NRRL 50169.

Abstract: A method for the biological decomposition of organic compounds of the group of hydrocarbons, fats, oils, waxes, and derivatives thereof as well as mixtures thereof in media polluted therewith, in the presence of at least one dispersant, wherein the medium polluted with the pollutants is treated with at least one dispersant and with microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel phosphate solubilizing strains as well as compositions and methods thereof for increasing the availability of phosphate for plants.

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 relates to a host cell deficient in an essential gene, comprising a vector, said vector comprising at least said essential gene and an autonomous replication sequence, wherein the host cell is a filamentous fungal cell. The invention also relates to a host cell deficient in an essential gene, comprising a vector, said vector comprising at least said essential gene and an autonomous replication sequence, wherein the host cell comprises a recombinant polynucleotide construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding a biological compound of interest or a compound involved in the synthesis of a biological compound of interest.

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 a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a variant polypeptide or variant polynucleotide thereof, wherein the variant polypeptide has at least 73% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or the variant polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that has at least 73% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention features the full length coding sequence of the novel gene as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional polypeptide and functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to methods for using the polypeptide in industrial processes. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention suitable for producing these proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of infecting a nail fragment with a fungus, to form an infected nail fragment comprising at least 1×102 fungal colony forming units (cfu) per cm2 of the infected surface(s). There is also provided a method of assessing the efficacy of potential therapeutic compounds in the treatment or prevention of a fungal nail infection. The fungal nail infection may be a dermatophyte, a non-dermatophyte mould or a pathogen.

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: A method to prevent contamination of feed line(s) and nutrient feed reservoirs(s) is disclosed. In this method the growth medium which flows from the nutrient feed reservoir through the feed line to the bioreactor contains at least one nutritional component supplied at a concentration which is inhibitory to cell growth. The inhibitory nutritional component in the growth medium prevents back growth of cells from the bioreactor into the feed line(s). The growth medium with inhibitory nutritional component is diluted in the bioreactor.

Abstract: A compound having a structure expressed by the following Structural Formula (1):

Abstract: A method for the biological decomposition of organic compounds of the group of hydrocarbons, fats, oils, waxes, and derivatives thereof as well as mixtures thereof in media polluted therewith, in the presence of at least one dispersant, wherein the medium polluted with the pollutants is treated with at least one dispersant and with microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated fungal endophytes and synthetic combinations thereof with host grass plants. Methods for inoculating grass plant with the endophytes, for propagating the grass-endophyte combinations, and for producing feeds and biofuels from grass-endophyte combinations are also 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: The invention relates to optimised micro-organism strains for the biotransformation production of molecules having NADPH-consuming biosynthetic pathways. The inventive strains can be used in NADPH-consuming biotransformation methods. Said strains are characterized in that one or more NADPH-oxidizing activities are limited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-organism, Penicillium funiculosum, to enzyme mixtures obtained from it and nucleic acid sequences thereto.

Abstract: Recombinant microbial cells are provided which have been engineered to produce branched chain products such as branched fatty acid derivatives by the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, and methods of making branched fatty acid derivatives using the recombinant microbial cells.

Abstract: A compound having a structure expressed by the following Structural Formula (1):

Abstract: The invention is in the field of use of engineered microbes for the delivery and administration of therapeutic peptides or proteins to humans or animals suffering from a disease, or the use of engineered microbes for the delivery of antigens such as for vaccination purposes. More in particular, the invention relates to a recombinant microbe that has reduced capacity of colonizing the mucosa in comparison to its wild type ancestor, in particular when residing in the alimentary tract as part of a treatment or vaccination of a human or animal. In particular, the recombinant microbe contains an inactive thymidylate synthase gene that causes the reduced capability for the microbe to colonize in the alimentary tract. The invention also covers the use of said recombinant microbes comprising nucleic acids or vectors for expressing heterologous or homologous proteins; and also for delivery, especially therapeutic delivery, of the said proteins to animals or humans.

Abstract: This invention relates to substance FKI-3864 represented by the following formula [I] having an inhibitory activity on the synthesis of triacylglycerols and a method for preparing the same. The substance FKI-3864 can be prepared by a method comprising culturing a microorganism which belongs to the genus Penicillium and is capable of producing the substance FKI-3864, and particularly Penicillium pinophilum FKI-3864 (FERM BP-11093) so as to accumulate the substance FKI-3864 in the culture and collecting the substance FKI-3864 from the culture. The substance has an inhibitory activity on the synthesis of intracellular triacylglycerols and is useful for prevention or treatment of obesity.

Abstract: The objective is to provide a method for rapidly, and highly accurately performing genetic detection of the cyclopiazonic acid-producing ability in a strain belonging to genus Aspergillus, etc. as well as a transformant (strain), etc. that does not produce cyclopiazonic acid or a precursor thereof, cycloacetoacetyl L-tryptophan (CAT). A polynucleotide encodes the following polypeptides: (1) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2; (2) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence with one or several amino acids deleted, substituted or added in the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2 and having a polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetase activity; or (3) a polypeptide having 90% or more homology (identity) as an overall average with the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2 and having a polyketide synthase-nonribosomal peptide synthetase activity.

Abstract: Provided is a method of modifying fungal morphology. The method comprises introducing an amount of a surfactant to a fungus, or to a growing mixture comprising a fungus, wherein said amount of a surfactant is sufficient to induce a change in the morphology of said fungus.

Abstract: A stable, pellet-frozen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture comprises at least one additive compound in a commercial relevant package. The pellet-frozen culture has at least 50 g frozen material and a content of viable bacteria of at least 109 colony forming units per gram of frozen material. The individual pellets of the frozen culture do not stick together and remain as individual pellets, when stored at about ?46° C., for at least 7 to 14 days.

Abstract: Liquid microbial starter culture that retains its initial metabolic activity during storage for extended periods of time. Such liquid starter cultures are useful in the manufacturing of food and feed products. Starter cultures of the invention include culture of lactic acid bacteria, e.g. Lactococcus species.

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: The present invention discloses the manufacture of MPA by fermentation under optimal fermentation parameters using a new strain of Penicillium arenicola.

Abstract: The invention relates to a promoter DNA sequence highly suited in an improved expression cloning method for isolation of DNA sequences comprising a DNA sequence encoding a protein of interest in a host cell and to the improved expression cloning method wherein use is made of this promoter. The isolated DNA sequences are useful in processes for producing a protein of interest.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is “gluten-free” spore or mildew cultures of the genus Penicillium, in particular of the species Penicillium roqueforti for the blue-veining of cheeses intended for persons affected by celiac disease. Furthermore, the aim of the present invention is a method for the preparation of said cultures which foresees the use of an anallergic substrate in association with a subsequent enzymatic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated fungal promoter DNA sequences, to DNA constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising these promoters in operative association with coding sequences encoding polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods for expressing a gene and/or producing a polypeptide using the new promoters isolated. The present invention also relates to methods for altering the transcription level and/or regulation of an endogenous gene using the new promoter of the invention.

Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to further genetic modifications in eukaryotic host cells that have been transformed to express a xylose isomerase that confers the host cell the ability of isomerising xylose to xylulose. The further genetic modifications are aimed at improving the efficiency of xylose metabolism and include e.g. reduction of unspecific aldose reductase activity, increased xylulose kinase activity and increased flux of the pentose phosphate pathway. The modified host cells of the invention are suitable for the production of a wide variety of fermentation products, including ethanol, in fermentation processes in which a source of xylose or a source of xylose and glucose are used as carbon source.

Abstract: Various methods for the production of cellulase are disclosed. In one embodiment the method for producing cellulase includes contacting a culture comprising a sophorolipid producer and a cellulase producer with a substrate that is consumed by the sophorolipid producer. In addition, a microorganism culture made from a sophorolipid producer and a cellulase producer is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the manufacture of MPA by fermentation under optimal fermentation parameters using a new strain of Penicillium arenicola.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of targeted integration of a polynucleotide to a pre-determined site into the genome of a filamentous fungal cell with a preference for NHR, wherein said polynucleotide has a region of homology with said pre-determined site, comprising steering an integration pathway towards HR. The present invention also relates to a mutant filamentous fungus originating from a parent cell, said mutant having an HR pathway with elevated efficiency and/or an NHR pathway with a lowered efficiency and/or a NHR/HR ratio with decreased efficiency as compared to said HR and/or NHR efficiency and/or NHR/HR ratio of said parent cell under the same conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism having one or more gene disruptions, the one or more gene disruptions occurring in genes encoding an enzyme obligatory coupling 3-hydroxypropionic acid production to growth of the microorganism when the gene disruption reduces an activity of the enzyme, whereby the one or more gene disruptions confers stable growth-coupled production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid onto the non-naturally occurring microorganism.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to the identification of a gene involved in the elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids containing unsaturation at the carbon 9 position (i.e., “?9-elongase”) and to uses thereof. In particular, ?9-elongase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) to eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6). The production of dihomo-?-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) from eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2n-6), and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) from dihomo-?-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) is then catalyzed by ?8-desaturase and ?5-desaturase, respectively. AA or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced therefrom may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention relates to the isolation, sequencing, and recombinant expression of genes encoding either a nitrile hydratase (NHase) or amidase (Am) from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, where the NHase is useful for catalyzing the hydration of nitrites to the corresponding amides, and the amidase is useful for hydrolysis of amides to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Also provided are transformed host cells containing polynucleotides for expressing the nitrile hydratase or amidase enzymes from Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel microorganism and a method for producing fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides. More particularly, the present invention relates to Penicillium citrinum KCTC 10225BP of soil origin which produces fructosyl transferase and hydrolyzes sucrose into fructooligosaccharides of the following formula I: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G represents glucose and F represents fructose, and neofructooligosaccharides of the following formula II: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G and F are defined as above, at the same time using the fructosyl transferase, and to a method for producing simultaneously fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides using said microorganism.

Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel microorganism and a method for producing fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides. More particularly, the present invention relates to Penicillium citrinum KCTC 10225BP of soil origin which produces fructosyl transferase and hydrolyzes sucrose into fructooligosaccharides of the following formula I: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G represents glucose and F represents fructose, and neofructooligosaccharides of the following formula II: in which n is integer of 1 to 5, G and F are defined as above, at the same time using the fructosyl transferase, and to a method for producing simultaneously fructooligosaccharides and neofructooligosaccharides using said microorganism.

Abstract: Newly-isolated and purified metabolites which are effective in regulating the development of at least one filamentous fungal microorganism species are disclosed. These compounds, which are referred to as conidiogenol and conidiogenone, may be used to induce conidiation in and/or to inhibit the growth of populations of such fungal species. The compounds are preferably produced by culture of the fungal species Penicillium cyclopium, and may be subsequently recovered from the culture medium and purified. Methods of using and methods of producing these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the efficient in vivo diversification of gene-products in filamentous fungi, starting from (but not limited to) two or more copies of a single gene constituent. The diversification involve use of the Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP) process in N. crassa, and other fungi that have analogous mutational processes. The invention takes advantage of the induction of G:C to A:T transition mutations specific to duplicated DNA sequences during the premeiotic dikaryon phase of the life cycle of the fungus. The methods and compositions of the invention can be utilized to generate diversity in target genes, and are proposed for the purpose of altering and generating novel forms and activities of gene-products thus encoded. Duplicated genes may be introduced into the organism and are present either in tandem, or at separate ectopic locations within the genome of the fungus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition useful for early and profuse sporulation in fungi with about 100 fold increase in spore count within 48 hours of inoculation, said composition comprising molasses ranging between 5-20 g/L, Corn Steep Liquor (CSL) ranging between 10-25 g/L, Sodium chloride (NaCl) ranging between 5-15 g/L, calcium sulphate (CaSO4) ranging between 0.1-0.5 g/L, Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) ranging between 0.001-0.01 g/L, Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4.7 H2O) ranging between 0.001-0.01 g/L, Copper sulphate (CuSO4) ranging between 0.001-0.0050 g/L, Ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) ranging between 0.0009-0.005 g/L, an anti-foam agent, and optionally solidifying agent and a method thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel micro-organism, Penicillium funiculosum, to a new enzymes mixture obtained from it, and nucleic acid sequences encoding such enzymes.

Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.

Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.

Abstract: The strain of the microorganism Penicillium oxalicum var. Armeniaca CCM 8242 produces an anthraquinonyl carboxylic acid derivative of structural formula (I), which may be used as a colorant, especially as a food colorant or cosmetic colorant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for inducing resistance against phytophathogenic microorganisms in plants wherein the agent is an extract of biomass from non-plant-pathogenic microorganisms obtainable by the following process: a) resuspending 50 g to 200 g (dry weight) of biomass from non-plant-pathogenic microorganisms per liter of inorganic or organic solvent; b) stirring at room temperature for 1 to 12 hours; c) incubating; d) resuspending; e) allowing to cool to room temperature; and f) optionally filtering.