Abstract: The present invention provides methods for tagging and/or identifying microorganisms. In some preferred embodiments, the microorganisms are bacteria. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the bacteria are members of the genus Streptococcus, while in other embodiments, the bacteria are members of other genera. The present invention also provides microorganisms tagged using the methods set forth herein. In some preferred embodiments, the tagged microorganisms are bacteria. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the tagged bacteria are members of the genus Streptococcus, while in other embodiments, the tagged bacteria are members of other genera.

Abstract: The invention may be broadly defined as the addition of Argon to FFPE procedures as an RNA stabilizing agent. Argon is an inert gas from the Noble gas group with low saturation concentrations in water. It is therefore highly surprising that Argon would have any effect on RNA stability in the presence of Formalin, or any other chemical. This property of Argon appears to be specific in that other inert gases fail to show any RNA stabilizing effect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inducing desired activity in enzymes or microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes. The invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing activity in microorganisms. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods for inducing and stabilizing nitrile hydratase activity, amidase activity, and asparaginase I activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising enzymes or microorganisms having induced and/or stabilized activity.

Abstract: The subject the present invention is a method of producing a pharmacologically stable form of purified and lyophilised bacteriophage preparations of increased stability and antibacterial activity, characterized in that phages produced from a bacterial lysate, for example by ultrafiltration on ultrafiltration membranes, containing a high molecular weight preparation of purified phages is stabilised most preferably with a probiotic extract in the presence or absence of neutral salts and/or organic solvents, lyophilised, characterised via HPLC chromatography, by SDS-PAGE, and bacterial lysis biological assays, and then stored under a vacuum, where the active lyophilisate is destined for phage therapy of infections and tumors.

Abstract: The present application describes a novel, advantageous purification method which guarantees the embryonation capability and the viability of a worm egg suspension. The T. suis worm eggs are first treated in a non-embryonated condition in a sulfuric acid solution at about =ph 2. Bacteria and viruses are thereby killed successfully. The germination number of yeasts and fungi is reduced. In a second step, the pH-value is increased and an orally tolerated preservative is added. Yeasts and fungi are thereby killed successfully. The suspension medium used in the second purification step can then be used as a culture medium for additional production (embryonation) and storage.

Abstract: A method is described for distinguishing between cancerous and normal human cells. The method includes collecting cells; preparing cells for scanning; scanning of the prepared cells by means of atomic force microscopy; processing of the obtained images through specific algorithms; wherein the algorithms allowing one to identify whether the cell is cancerous or normal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use, in the manufacture of a medicament or a therapeutic nutritional composition for preventing or reducing inflammation in a mammal, of bifidobacterium longum ATCC BAA-999.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated dehydrated microorganisms comprising a dehydrated microorganism surrounded by at least one coating, said coating comprising by dry weight at least 25% of hygroscopic salt(s) and wherein the pH of the coating is compatible with viability of the coated dehydrated microorganism. The coating can be partially crystalline, the salt(s) in the coating having preferably a crystallinity degree of up to 60% once applied onto the dehydrated microorganism. The present invention also relates to liquid coating compositions, methods for coating and protecting a dehydrated microorganism. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for the preparation of food products, feed products, consumer healthcare products or agri-products as well as to a food product, feed product, a consumer healthcare product or an agri-product containing such coated dehydrated microorganisms.

Abstract: Probiotic microorganisms are micro encapsulated by dispersing the probiotic microorganism in an aqueous suspension of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate; in an oil in water emulsion of a film forming protein and a carbohydrate and a fat; or in an oil which is subsequently dispersed in a film forming protein and a carbohydrate. The emulsion or suspension may be dried to form a powder. The probiotic may be dispersed in oil and then emulsified with the aqueous suspension and then dried to produce an encapsulated oil be dried to produce a powder. Oil suspended probiotics may be preferred where the probiotic is water sensitive. The preferred protein is casein or whey protein and the carbohydrate may be a resistant starch or a saccharide with a reducing sugar group. Where the probiotic is oxygen sensitive the protein carbohydrate is heated to create Maillard reaction products in the encapsulating film.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions are described. The compositions provide protection against loss of recombinant AAV vector genomes and transduceability under conditions such as exposure to cycles of freezing and thawing and storage in glass or polypropylene vials. The compositions comprise recombinant AAV virions in combination with one or more dihydric or polyhydric alcohols, and, optionally, a detergent, such as a sorbitan ester. Also described are methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving and/or storing microorganisms which exhibit at least one nitrile hydratase or nitrilase enzyme activity, with the preservation and/or storage being effected in an aqueous medium which comprises at least one aldehyde, with the total aldehyde concentration being in a range from 0.1 to 100 mM/l.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for the production of attenuated aseptic parasites in haematophagous insects generally, and production of Plasmodium species sporozoites in Anopheles species mosquitoes specifically; apparatuses and methods for the production of strains of haematophagous insects with desired properties such as hypoallergenicity or hyperinfectivity; methods of producing a parasite strain that is capable of withstanding cyropreservation at temperatures close to freezing; apparatuses and methods for the injection of an attenuated parasite vaccine; production of parasites and haematophagous insects that are free from contamination by unwanted biological agents; apparatuses for the reconstruction of complex parasitic life cycles aseptically to avoid the contamination of the parasite or the insect vector host with unwanted biological agents.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing living microorganisms includes a step (1) of disposing a solution containing microorganisms as an electrolyte on the surface of a substrate at least one portion of which is an electrode, and applying a constant potential to the electrode to cause at least a portion of the microorganisms to attach to the surface of the substrate. The constant potential in step (1) is greater than ?0.5 V but not greater than ?0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) or greater than +0.2 V but not greater than +0.4 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The electrolyte in step (1) does not contain a source of nutrition for the microorganisms.

Abstract: A process for the production of granules or pellets containing filamentous fungi is described comprising the steps of selecting and growing filamentous fungi in a suitable culture medium for a predetermined amount of time, adding a gelling agent and at least one carrier to said culture medium, so as to obtain a mixture, subjecting said mixture to gelling through contact, drop by drop, with a solution containing a calcium salt thus obtaining gelled pellets or granules containing said filamentous fungi and drying said gelled pellets or granules to a moisture content of 13-18%.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bacteriology. In particular, the invention relates to compositions of probiotic microbes and methods for making and using such compositions, e.g. in the treatment and prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing biodiesel and other oil-based compounds using glycerol and combinations of glycerol and other feedstocks as an energy source in fermentation of oil-bearing microorganisms. Methods disclosed herein include processes for manufacturing high nutrition edible oils from non-food feedstock materials such as waste products from industrial waste transesterification processes. Also included are methods of increasing oil yields by temporally separating glycerol and other feedstocks during cultivation processes. Also provided herein are oil-bearing microbes containing exogenous oil production genes and methods of cultivating such microbes on glycerol and other feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving viability and/or stress tolerance of viable biological material and using the said material comprising applying hydrostatic pressure to said biological material; keeping the said viable biological material at the hydrostatic pressure for a predetermined time period; releasing the hydrostatic pressure; and using the said material for any desired purpose in accordance with any useful protocol. The usage of the said biological material incorporates any techniques, protocols that are applicable in the field of assisted reproductive techniques, biotechnical and/or biotechnological manipulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for sustaining a microbial culture during periods of limited substrate supply. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a microbial culture comprising carboxydotrophic bacteria can be sustained during periods of limited substrate supply by maintaining the temperature of the microbial culture at a temperature below an optimum operating temperature. Examples of periods of limited substrate supply include when the microbial culture is transported to a remote location or during time when it is stored.

Abstract: Process for preserving insulin secreting cells intended to be transplanted, including the following steps: introducing an initial volume of culture medium and insulin-secreting cells into a culture container, providing a culture medium source, and replacing, at time intervals below 8 hours, the culture medium in the culture container with culture medium from the source so as to renew the culture medium contained in the container.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multi-layer cell freezing vial and method of ohtention thereof. The method of obtention is a cell freezing and thawing process that avoids the need of incorporating new fresh medium to the thawed cells for the dilution of the cryoprotective agent. This is achieved by the previous freezing of an extra layer of culture medium in addition to the frozen ceil solution containing said cryoprotective agent. At the time of thawing, the culture medium and the cell solution mix themselves, turning the concentration of said cryoprotective agent to a non-toxic dilution and achieving the effective exclusion of said cryoprotective agent from the living cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frozen and freeze dried starter culture compositions comprising microorganisms. The invention also relates to methods of producing the frozen and freeze dried starter culture compositions and methods of using them.

Abstract: A method for preservation of a microorganism capable of microbial production of a polyunsaturated fatty acid or a compound comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid as a constituent fatty acid, which method comprises: (a) forming spores in a spore-forming medium at pH 4-7 containing a nutrient source comprising an inorganic salt and a saccharide; (b) suspending the spores obtained in (a) in sterilized water, or sterilized water containing a surfactant and/or an inorganic salt to prepare a spore suspension, and adding a cryoprotectant at 5-15% to prepare a cryopreserving spore suspension; and (c) preserving the cryopreserving spore suspension obtained in (b) at between ?100° C. and ?20° C.

Abstract: A method for encapsulation of microparticles (e.g., fungal conidia), involving (i) suspending microparticles in an aqueous solution containing at least one sugar to form an aqueous suspension wherein the concentration of said sugar is about 0.1 to 10% w/v, and (ii) spray drying said aqueous suspension with a spray dryer, wherein the inlet temperature of said spray dryer is about 40° C. to about 140° C. and the outlet temperature of said spray dryer is about 20° C. to about 80° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are drying methods for preserving cultures of methanogens and dried cultures obtained by the disclosed drying methods. The dried cultures of methanogens may be reconstituted and utilized to bioaugment anaerobic digester systems.

Abstract: Conditioning and concentration of microalgae are accomplished by the process steps of grinding a dilute aqueous dispersion of microalgae in the presence of grinding media and then applying adsorptive bubble separation. This process is amenable to the use of dilute feed microalgal dispersions such as are encountered in the production of algal biomass for biofuel applications.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogelator that is capable of forming a hydrogel with an extremely small amount thereof over a liquid property range from acidic to alkaline, and a hydrogel having high environmental suitability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. A hydrogelator comprising a lipid peptide represented by Formula (1): (where R1 represents an aliphatic group having 9 to 21 carbon atoms; R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s) which may have a branched chain having 1 or 2 carbon atom(s), a phenylmethyl group or a —(CH2)n—X group, and at least one of R2, R3 and R4 represents a —(CH2)n—X group; n represents the number of 1 to 4; X represents an amino group, a guanidino group, a —CONH2 group or a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a fused heterocyclic ring composed of a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring which may have 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s)) or a salt thereof, and a hydrogel comprising the hydrogelator.

Abstract: Provided are a method for removing and/or absorbing greenhouse gases using aquatic plant and/or algae having a greenhouse gas absorbing performance and resistance to toxic substances, a method for producing bioenergy using predators with high fatty acids, and a method for producing bioenergy including cultivating aquatic plant and/or algae having a greenhouse gas absorbing performance and resistance to toxic substances, while supplying a waste gas mixture to the aquatic plant and/or algae, (S2) cultivating predators having a capability to prey on the aquatic plant and/or algae while supplying the aquatic plant and/or algae to the predators, (S3) harvesting the predators, and (S4) converting the harvested predators into bioenergy.

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: The present invention relates to a method of drying biological and other labile samples so that they can be preserved as a highly viscous liquid. The method involves the steps of preparing a preservation sample by dissolving/suspending an active agent in a solution of a stabilizing agent, subjecting the preservation sample to such temperature and pressure conditions that the preservation sample loses solvent by evaporation without freezing or bubbling to form a foam and removing solvent until the preservation sample dries to form a highly viscous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid products, for example diary products, comprising micro-organisms, especially probiotics. The micro-organisms are able to survive for several months at room temperature basically due to their inability to metabolise nutrients contained in the liquid product. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the liquid product according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for preserving biological material. The process comprises subjecting the biological material to a fixation process and then packaging the biological material in a container under a controlled atmosphere of noble gas. In the process, the controlled atmosphere of noble gas utilized comprises one or more noble gases selected from argon, xenon, helium, neon, krypton and radon. The process optionally also utilizes one or more additional gases selected from nitric oxide, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen. This process allows for the long term storage of the biological material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stabilizing a biological sample, having the steps of preparation of a biological sample, and of contacting the biological sample with a composition, having a substance according to the following structural formula: in which R1 is a hydrogen residue or a methyl residue, R2 and R3 are identical or different hydrocarbon residues with a length of the carbon chain of 1-20, and R4 is an oxygen, sulfur or selenium residue (FIG. 1).

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a triple vital bacteria composition, including: powder of Bifidobacterium longum, powder of Lactobacillus acidophilus, and powder of Streptococcus faecalis. The present invention further provides a method for preparing the above triple vital bacteria composition, as well as the protection agents, fermenting culture medium and seed culture medium used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of obtaining Z. mobilis mutant strains that are more tolerant to one or more inhibitors or more capable of efficiently fermenting one or more carbohydrates. Such inhibitors include ethanol, aliphatic acids, such as acetic acid, formic acid; furan derivatives, such as 2-furaldehyde, 2-furoic acid; and phenolic compounds, such as vanillin and hydroxybenzoic acid. Such carbohydrates may include xylose, arabinose, mannose and mixtures thereof. These mutant strains may be employed to, for example, effectively and efficiently prepare ethanol from biomass.

Abstract: A large amount of entrapping immobilization pellets with highly stable quality are produced inexpensively by high-speed treatment. There is provided a process for producing entrapping immobilization pellets in which microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an immobilizing agent, the process comprising polymerizing a mixture containing the microorganisms and a solution of the immobilizing agent in a forming frame into a gel to prepare a pellet block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated dehydrated microorganisms comprising a dehydrated microorganism surrounded by at least one coating, said coating comprising by dry weight at least 25% of hygroscopic salt(s) and wherein the pH of the coating is compatible with viability of the coated dehydrated microorganism. The coating can be partially crystalline, the salt(s) in the coating having preferably a crystallinity degree of up to 60% once applied onto the dehydrated microorganism. The present invention also relates to liquid coating compositions, methods for coating and protecting a dehydrated microorganism. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for the preparation of food products, feed products, consumer healthcare products or agri-products as well as to a food product, feed product, a consumer healthcare product or an agri-product containing such coated dehydrated microorgansims.

Abstract: Stable pharmaceutical compositions comprising recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions are described. The compositions provide protection against loss of recombinant AAV vector genomes and transduceability under conditions such as exposure to cycles of freezing and thawing and storage in glass or polypropylene vials. The compositions comprise recombinant AAV virions in combination with one or more dihydric or polyhydric alcohols, and, optionally, a detergent, such as a sorbitan ester. Also described are methods of using the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to embedding live or dead microorganisms and/or bioactive materials in a protective dry formulation matrix, wherein the formulation includes the bioactive microorganism or material, a formulation stabilizer agent, and a protective agent. The formulation is prepared by dispersing all the solid components in a solution, with or without a vacuum, and cooling the solution to a temperature above its freezing temperature. The methods include a primary drying step of the formulation at a desired temperature and time period, and an accelerated secondary drying step under maximum vacuum and elevated temperature, to achieve a final desirable water activity of the dry material.

Abstract: A microorganism which is Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain NCIMB 41164 or a mutant thereof. A method of culturing the microorganism in a culture medium comprising urea or urea derivative is claimed. A nitrile hydratase obtainable from the microorganism is claimed. Also claimed is a process of preparing an amide from the corresponding nitrile wherein the nitrile is subjected to a hydration reaction in an aqueous medium in the presence of a biocatalyst selected from the group consisting of a microorganism which is a Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain NCIMB 41164, a mutant thereof and a nitrile hydratase obtainable from Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain NCIMB 41164 or a mutant thereof. Also claimed is a method of storing the Rhodococcus rhodochrous NCIMB 41164.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating abscisic acid (ABA) perception and signal transduction in developing seed are provided. The methods and compositions find use in increasing yield in plants, particularly under abiotic stress. Compositions comprise genetic constructs known to affect ABA sensitivity, particularly ABA biosynthetic mutants and fragments and variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer article having the shape of a curved polyhedron comprising only concave curvature faces and convex curvature edges or by also having concave curvature faces, in which a part of the concave curvature face has been replaced by a flat face, and convex curvature edges optionally comprising imbedded material.

Abstract: Live water solutions containing natural fresh water or saltwater microorganisms, is used in the bio-cycling of aquariums and to provide a healthy aquatic environment. Live water obtained from natural bodies of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, river, or stream is filtered through filter media having a pore size between 5 and 20 microns to remove contaminants and debris while allowing microorganisms to remain in suspension. The live water is packaged in containers for retail sale thereby providing consumers with a source of live aquarium water for use in an aquarium during initial set-up, to replace water lost to evaporation, and for effecting quick water changes. An enrichment solution is disclosed to aid in maintaining the microorganisms metabolically and physiologically viable for extended periods. In an alternate embodiment, the live water is concentrated to a salinity level not less than 0.8 aw thereby reducing volume while maintaining microorganism viability.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions to preserve bioactive materials in a dried foam matrix. Methods provide non-boiling foam generation and penetration of preservative agents at temperatures near the phase transition temperature of the membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed are drying methods for preserving cultures of methanogens and dried cultures obtained by the disclosed drying methods. The dried cultures of methanogens may be reconstituted and utilized to bioaugment anaerobic digester systems.

Abstract: A large amount of entrapping immobilization pellets with highly stable quality are produced inexpensively by high-speed treatment. There is provided a process for producing entrapping immobilization pellets in which microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an immobilizing agent, the process comprising polymerizing a mixture containing the microorganisms and a solution of the immobilizing agent in a forming frame into a gel to prepare a pellet block.

Abstract: An apparatus for vitrifying a biological specimen includes a cap member, a tubular plunger, and a specimen chamber. The cap member includes a stem portion integrally formed with a receiving portion. The receiving portion has a disc-like shape and includes an outer surface. The outer surface includes a first skirt member comprised of a heat-sealable material. The first skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface. The specimen chamber has an open first end portion, a closed second end portion, and a cavity extending between the first and second end portions. The cavity is defined by oppositely disposed inner and outer surfaces. The specimen chamber further includes a second skirt member comprised of heat-sealable material. The second skirt member is attached along a circumferential portion of the outer surface.

Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, systems, and methods for preserving and/or stabilizing a cell (e.g., a whole cell). A cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition may include a chelator, a chelator enhancing component, and optionally a base (e.g., a purine base or a pyrimidine base). A cell stabilizing method may include contacting a cell with a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell stabilizing system may include a container suitable for receiving a sample containing a cell and a cell and/or macromolecule stabilizing composition. A cell may be preserved and/or stabilized under ambient conditions (e.g., without refrigeration). A cell may include a protein, a nucleic acid, and/or another biomolecule marker of cell preservation and/or stabilization. A composition may be configured to preserve and/or stabilize one or more cells for analysis by flow cytometry and simultaneously preserve and/or stabilize one or more intracellular nucleic acids for molecular analysis.