Abstract: An environmentally-friendly portable toilet that is waterless, odorless and cost efficient, that uses specially-lined bags that kill pathogens and are sealed and released into a base section, which is connected to a hard plastic sitting unit, forming an integral, closed system for waterless sanitation.

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 relates to novel fusarisetin compounds separated from Fusarium sp. FN080326 and having an anticancer activity, and to the use thereof. In detail, novel fusarisetin compounds separated and purified from Fusarium sp. FN080326, which is in turn separated from a soil sample, have an inhibitory activity on the proliferation and transfer of cancer cells such as breast cancer cells, liver cancer cells or myeloid leukemic cells. Therefore, the compounds can be effectively used for anticancer compositions containing the compounds as active ingredients.

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 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: 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 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: An inoculant composition comprising fungal spores applied to a carrier having a moisture content of not more than about 5% is provided. A method of inoculating a plant to promote growth, enhance resistance to adverse conditions or promote re-growth is also provided comprising applying the inoculant composition to the plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Fusarium strain producing novel cyclic pentadepsipeptides which are of excellent multidrug resistance-reversing activity and inhibitory activity against cancer cells. Also, novel cyclic pentadepsipeptides are provided as active ingredients of the compositions useful in the treatment of cancer and diseases associated with multidrug resistance.

Abstract: This invention refers to the pure culture of a wild isolate of the fungal species Fusarium solani (code name: strain ‘Fs-K’) and to its use for the biological control of plant pathogens. The invention includes the mycelium of the strain ‘Fs-K’ and any genetic modification of it, the asexually produced conidia and chlamydospores of the strain ‘Fs-K’, and the cultures of the strain ‘Fs-K’ (grown on liquid or solid media) which contain the mycelium and/or the conidia and/or the chlamydospores, as well as any extract or ingredient which derives from the growth of the strain ‘Fs-K’ or from the growth of any genetic modification of it. The invention further includes organic substrates for plant growth, as well as any other substrate compositions suitable for the growth of fungi and/or plants which contain forms of the strain ‘Fs-K’ (i.e. any vegetative or reproductive structure of it which is involved in the biological control of diseases).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the production of gibberellic acid (GA3), achieving a yield over 225 g/kg of GA3 with solid substrate fermentation, and over 15 g/L by submerged fermentation. The method also provides novel substrates, including the use of Jatropha seed cake. The present invention has in particular provided an improved, cost-effective process for the manufacture of GA3, as the process has a surprisingly high yield of product, achieves the maximal yield in shorter time than other techniques, consumes less energy, and works with very inexpensive substrates. In all, the manufacturing costs are significantly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance to inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Fusarium species, isolated from the dunegrass, Leymus mollis, growing in plant communities on Puget Sound beaches of Washington State. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with the endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and salinity tolerance.

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: The present invention relates to a fungus which produces substantially no functional protein with regulating activity on the transcription of genes which are involved in cell wall stress response. It also relates to a method for screening for antifungal agents, in particular to antifungal agents which target the cell wall. It also relates to a kit for screening for antifungal agents which disturb cell wall biogenesis.

Abstract: A method of treating human and/or animal waste products comprising contacting the waste products with an effective amount of Fusarium culmorum and Muscodor albus, together with a buffering agent and starch. The treatment process covered by the present invention can be employed in connection with pit toilets, portal a toilets, disposable waste bags, or any other environment in which the treatment of human and/or animal wastes is desired. Both the Fusarium culmorum and the Muscodor albus can be stored on infested seed grains, including, but not limited to, barley, rye, rice, wheat, mustard and grass. A method or preparing Fusarium culmorum for use in the treatment of human and/or animal wastes. An isolated culture of Fusarium culmorum. A composition comprising the same four elements used in the treatment process. A method for controlling the pH of a mixture of human liquid and sold wastes.

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: The instant invention is drawn towards transformed strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides effective for the production of lycopene. The transformed strains comprise an expression cassette having three genes encoding, respectively, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate synthase, phytoene synthase and phytoene desaturase (i.e. Tri5crtE, Tri5crtB and Tri5crtl). The transformed strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides of the instant invention produce lycopene at levels of up to 0.5 milligrams per gram culture dry weight.

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: A process for producing a compound of the general formula (I): (wherein R1 represents hydrogen, a lower alkanoyl group or a lower alkyl group; R2 and R3 each represents hydrogen or a lower alkanoyl group) characterized in that a compound of the general formula (II): (wherein R1, R2 and R3 are respectively as defined above) is reacted with a culture of a strain of microorganism belonging to the genus Fusarium or its cells harvested by filtering the broth.

Abstract: An iron cyanide complex is biodegraded by growing a fungus selected from Fusarium solani, Trichoderma polysporum, Penicillium miczynski, Fusarium oxysporum, and Scytalidium thermophilum in a medium containing the iron cyanide complex.

Abstract: A human food product comprises a higher ploidy strain of Fungi imperfecti of which each parent has a genetic growth constraint not shared by the other parent. One parent is for example auxotrophic for two compounds selected from histidine, arginine, leucine and adenine and the other for the other two. The nucleic acid content of the strain is preferably less than 2% by weight. The strain may be made by killing a higher ploidy strain of Fungi imperfecti and simultaneously reducing its nucleic acid content to below 2% by weight by treatment with water. The process may include preparing a higher ploidy strain of edible Fusarium by culturing two auxotrophs thereof together in a medium containing nutrients permitting both to grow and then culturing organisms derived from such culture in minimal medium. The invention is applicable to the production of human food by culturing the strain in conditions such that reversion or partial reversion to the haploid form(s) is minimised.

Abstract: A process for producing a compound of the general formula (I): (wherein R1 represents hydrogen, a lower alkanoyl group or a lower alkyl group; R2 and R3each represents hydrogen or a lower alkanoyl group) characterized in that a compound of the general formula (II): (wherein R1, R2 and R3 are respectively as defined above) is reacted with a culture of a strain of microorganism belonging to the genus Fusarium or its cells harvested by filtering the broth.