Abstract: It is intended to provide a fungus of the genus Rhizopus having improved ability to produce lactic acid and a method for producing lactic acid using the fungus. The present invention provides a method for improving the lactate dehydrogenase activity of a fungus of the genus Rhizopus, comprising germinating a spore of a fungus of the genus Rhizopus in a culture medium containing a surfactant under specific conditions to obtain a mycelium, and a method for producing lactic acid using the mycelium of the fungus of the genus Rhizopus.

Abstract: A rhizopus oryzae strain, mutagenesis and screening methods thereof, and methods of producing fumaric acid by fermentation. The strain is named as Rhizopus oryzae ME-F13, and deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection with depository number CCTCC M 2010351. The strain is obtained by physically mutagenizing the original strain ME-F12 through ion injection, culturing the processed bacteria on the solid selective plate containing 2-D-deoxylucose (2-DG) and picking up 2-DG-resistant single colony. The strain is capable of simultaneously saccharifying starchy material and fermenting it to produce fumaric acid. With an improved enzymatic activity, the strain can be directly used to ferment raw starchy materials without needing pre-saccharifying.

Abstract: A rhizopus oryzae strain, mutagenesis and screening methods thereof, and methods of producing fumaric acid by fermentation. The strain is named as Rhizopus oryzae ME-F13, and deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection with depository number CCTCC M 2010351. The strain is obtained by physically mutagenizing the original strain ME-F12 through ion injection, culturing the processed bacteria on the solid selective plate containing 2-D-deoxylucose (2-DG) and picking up 2-DG-resistant single colony. The strain is capable of simultaneously saccharifying starchy material and fermenting it to produce fumaric acid. With an improved enzymatic activity, the strain can be directly used to ferment raw starchy materials without needing pre-saccharifying.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of obtaining a high quantity of desired acid salt in a form that is relatively easy to recover. Particularly desired as a recovery product is an organic acid. A salt form of the desired organic acid is formed that is relatively high in concentration and that is relatively soluble in an aqueous medium. The method includes a step of fermenting a fermentable carbon source in the fermentation medium in the presence of a magnesium compound containing oxygen.

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 process for obtaining a treated backset for use in ethanol production, the process involving treating waste material from an ethanol fermentation process with microorganisms to remove or decrease microbial cell growth inhibitors present in the waste material; and removing microbial biomass from the treated waste material to form a treated backset. The treated backset can be used in a process for producing ethanol from a fermentable biomass. Recovered microbial biomass can be used in as an animal feed or as a dietary supplement.

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 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 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: 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: This patent describes a novel method of detecting genetic interactions in yeast. This method can also be used to screen for function of biological effectors on yeast. The method encompasses crossing yeast strains with genetic alterations to acquire double mutants. The phenotypes of these double mutants are then checked to detect genetic interactions between the double mutants. This method can be used to assign function to yeast genes and their viral, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic homologs, and aptamers. It can also be used to study yeast two hybrid interactions and to find genes that regulate certain yeast promoters.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel strains of Rhizopus oryzae and uses thereof. The strains of the invention are temperature-resistant and convert a carbon source to lactic acid at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing chitin or chitosan by culturing a Rhizopus azygosporus fungus or an Actinomucor taiwanensis fungus and isolating chitosan or chitin from the culture.

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.