Abstract: This invention relates to methods, apparatus and solutions for cryopreserving microscopic biological materials for biologically extended periods of time. The method comprises treating a suspension of biological material, in an appropriate buffer, with a cryoprotectant or combination of cryoprotectants which raises the glass transition temperature range of the sample. One or more dry protectants may be added to the cryosolution. The cryosolution is then nebulized and rapidly cooled with novel apparatus, dried by molecular distillation, stored and then rehydrated in a buffer prior to its use. The solutions comprise novel mixtures of cryoprotectants.

Abstract: A dry, powdered culture medium for use in repair of microbial cells is described. The method involves combining fatty acids, an emulsifier and a carbon source to form a powder which is then mixed with a nutrient medium, yeast extract, an antioxidant and a buffering salt as a dry powder. Preferably the ingredients are milled together.

Abstract: An incubation limit marker for revealing the growth of contaminants present in a sample includes at least one strain or category of classically contaminant bacteria in dehydrated form which, once regenerated, will be present at a maximum concentration of 10.sup.3 CFU/ml. The incubation limit marker also includes a medium used for the dehydration of the contaminant bacterium or bacteria which includes a substrate capable of being degraded by the bacterium or bacteria. The incubation limit marker further includes an indicator of the growth of the bacterium or bacteria, for example, constituted by a colored indicator of changes in pH. A process for the "in vitro" detection of the susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to various antibiotics present in MIC (i.e., Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) in culture or antibiogram media is carried out directly from the sample of the infected medium, in the presence of the above marker, used as a signal which limits the reading time of the antibiogram.

Abstract: A method is provided for qualitatively detecting in vitro the presence or absence of selected circulating antibody types using a diagnostic kit comprising reconstituted, after lyophilization or evaporative drying, red blood cell samples or other cell or cell-like material which have antigens which are recognized and bound by the selected antibody-type to be screened. Diagnostic kits containing the lyophilized blood samples according to the present invention have improved shelf life, and may comprise lyophilized samples packaged in a variety of forms convenient for manual single-test uses or automated multiple-test uses.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide present in an aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrite and nitrate and/or molybdate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide and the nitrite along with the denitrifying microorganisms remove hydrogen sulfide already present in the system. The system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms and which is essentially free of hydrogen sulfide can enhance oil recovery by means of a microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: Stabilized bacteria and bacterial formulations which can survive long term storage at high temperature are described. Bacteria are dried until they reach a dormant state. Oxygen is then removed from the environment surrounding the bacteria to prevent oxidative damage to the dormant cells. The bacteria is packaged and stored in material impermeable to gas and water vapor until such time as it is ready for use. Bacteria stored under these conditions will remain stable and efficacious for at least a year.

Abstract: A termiticide comprising an entomogenous fungus, such as Beauveria brongniartii, and/or a culture thereof; and a method for termite control using the termiticide.

Abstract: A process for the production of an extracellular peroxidase using confectionery waste is disclosed. The first step of the process requires culturing a piece of plant tissue containing extracellular peroxidase-producing cells from a plant of the genus Acer, more specifically Acer pseudoplantanus. The culture medium is a solid culture medium and the culturing step is carried out until a callus forms on the solid culture medium. Further, the plant cells produced in the callus are dispersed into a liquid culture medium to form a suspension of plant cell culture. The suspension culture medium contains confectionery waste products which provide 1 to 15% by weight of sugars (i.e. fructose, glucose and sucrose). The culturing of the plant cells in suspension in the liquid culture medium with the concomitant accumulation of the extracellular peroxidase in the liquid culture medium and separating the enzyme therefrom.

Abstract: The viability of bacterial cells after drying is improved by aging the culture in the stationary phase for periods of around six hours prior to drying. Further improvement may be obtained by culturing in a nitrogen deficient medium. The bacterial cells accumulate trehalose to protect the cells against drying out and other cell damage and the medium is further defined as having a higher than normal osmotic potential.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing several different bacteria including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria is disclosed. The bacteria are present in the composition at a total concentration of 1.times.10.sup.11 to 1.times.10.sup.13 per gram. Further, methods of using the pharmaceutical are disclosed which include treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder and hypercholesteremia. Also a method for modulating a host's immune response is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a growth-coupled fed-batch fermentation of oxygen-dependent microorganisms. It has been found that oxygen-dependent microorganisms can be advantageously fermented if the carbon supply is carried out as a function of the oxygen uptake rate.

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus do not exhibit deconjugation of bile acids and inhibition of nutrient absorption, and exhibit lowering of cholesterol in blood and liver. The particular species of the genus Lactobacillus exhibiting these characteristics is Lactobacillus acidophilus. Furthermore, the strain Lactobacillus acidophilus CL-0062 has been internationally deposited under accession number FERM BP-4980.

Abstract: Cells having enzyme activity, and the enzyme activity thereof, are preserved for a prolonged period of time, as a suspension of microbial cells or as a suspension of immobilized cells in particles, in an aqueous medium that is a neutral or weakly basic aqueous solution of inorganic salts, having a molarity ranging from 100 mM to the saturation concentration of the inorganic salts. Preferably, the microbial cells are cells containing the enzyme, nitrile hydratase or nitrilase, such as Gordona terrae or Rhodococcus rhodochrous, and the inorganic salts are phosphates, borates, sulfates, sulfites or hydrochlorides. The present invention provides an industrially useful method for preserving a large quantity of cells or immobilized cells in particles having nitrile hydratase or nitrilase enzyme activity for a prolonged period of time (e.g., 300 days) without cell lysis or enzyme deterioration even at room temperature.

Abstract: A biomass which can be used directly as panification ferment without previous separation of the culture medium and the biomass and without addition of industrial yeast is prepared by cultivating at least one strain of yeast in a culture medium specified in the description. Preferably, the said ferment comprises as yeast the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae steineri DSM 9211.

Abstract: A microbial transport medium for the collection, transport and storage of samples suspected of having Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma or viral pathogens comprises a balanced salt solution, a proteinaceous stabilizer, and carbohydrate and amino acid nutrient sources. The medium is buffered to maintain physiological pH and includes a pH indicator in order to indicate variation of pH outside the physiological pH range. The medium further comprises antimicrobial and antifungal agents and can include gelatin. Samples can be stored in the medium at temperatures ranging from room temperature to minus 70.degree. C. Additionally, the transport medium can be used in standardized commercial ELISA and PCR assays.

Abstract: A biomass constituted of yeast and of lactic acid bacteria, which can be used directly as panification ferment without previous separation of the culture medium and the biomass, is prepared by cocultivating at least one strain of yeast and at least one strain of lactic acid bacteria in a mixed and/or sequential culture, in a culture medium specified in the description. Preferably, the said ferment comprises as yeast the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae steineri DSM 9211 and as lactic acid bacteria one or several strains of Lactobacillus brevis DSM 9209, Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 9208, Leuconostoc mesenteroides DSM 9207 and/or Pediococcus pentosaceus DSM 9210.

Abstract: A method, a solution and a chamber for the preparation and storage of pancreatic islets. The method includes contacting a pancreas with a warm collagenase solution, digesting the pancreas in the warm collagenase solution to form warm digest, adding cold preservative solution to the warm digest, agitating the warm digest/cold preservative solution at a temperature between about 0.degree. and 15.degree. C., to thereby further digest the partially digested pancreas included in the warm digest, to form cold digest and collecting liquid from the cold digest to form isolated islets. The cold preservative solution and a pancreatic islet preservative solution of the present invention include D-mannitol, K-lactobionate and a buffer.

Abstract: Coronaviruses can be a significant factor in bovine shipping fever. A new human rectal tumor cell line, HRT-18G, is suitable as a host cell line for the propagation of these bovine respiratory coronavirus-shipping fever viruses, and also is well suited for the propagation of other bovine coronaviruses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing freeze-dried blood cells, stem cells and platelets comprising the steps of: pre-treating a liquid selected from the group consisting of blood including blood cells, bone marrow fluid (hemopoietic stem cells), and platelets in blood plasma, with a solution containing at least one substance selected from the group consisting of saccharide, biopolymer, acid and acid salt; conducting granulation of the aforementioned pre-treated liquid into a granules of a predetermined size; performing rapid cooling of the granules; and drying the resultant frozen material by sublimation of the water content contained therein.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing lyophilized and frozen cells as cytometry standards.

Abstract: Cultures of microorganisms, particularly in freeze dried form, include an ascorbic acid antioxidant and a monocarboxylic .alpha.-amino acid each of which are present at a mass fraction of 0.05 to 0.3. The acid acts as a potentiator for the antioxidant. The cultures are more stable for extended storage, particularly at relatively high temperatures, than unstabilized cultures. Further, additional components include a carbohydrate in an amount of 25 to 45 weight percent, particularly inositol or sucrose, a viscosity inducer and a cryoprotectant. The latter two need not be different materials to the carbohydrate. The invention is suitable for stabilizing cultures of microorganisms such as lactic acid producing strains of Lactobacillus or Streptococcus; and the cultures are useful as additives and forage, especially silage.

Abstract: A polysaccharide gel enclosing microorganisms is soaked in a solution of a high concentration such as at least 500 g/l of hydrophilic substance and the gel is at least partially dehydrated to provide improved viability of the microorganisms after storage and rehydration of the gel. The dehydration may be carried out in a fluidized bed or by lyophilization. The gel may be in the form of beads or fibers having a double layer structure formed by an internal layer or core of gel containing the microorganisms and an external layer or envelope of gel essentially devoid of the microorganisms. The hydrophilic substance can be a low molecular weight polyol such as glycerol or a sugar such as sucrose, glucose or frutose. The microorganisms in the gel are preferably yeasts and after rehydration the yeast-containing gel is used in the secondary fermentation of wine to produce sparkling wine or champagne.

Abstract: A polysaccharide gel enclosing microorganisms is soaked in a solution of a high concentration such as at least 500 g/l of hydrophilic substance and the gel is at least partially dehydrated to provide improved viability of the microorganisms after storage and rehydration of the gel. The dehydration may be carried out in a fluidized bed or by lyophilization. The gel may be in the form of beads or fibers having a double layer structure formed by an internal layer or core of gel containing the microorganisms and an external layer or envelope of gel essentially devoid of the microorganisms. The hydrophilic substance can be a low molecular weight polyol such as glycerol or a sugar such as sucrose, glucose or fructose. The microorganisms in the gel are preferably yeasts and after rehydration the yeast-containing gel is used in the secondary fermentation of wine to produce sparkling wine or champagne.

Abstract: A nutritional medium for enabling the growth, maintenance and transport of cells in a container of virtually any size or shape, including a substantially flat, multi-well plastic plate. The nutritional medium is capable of assuming a substantially liquid state above a first temperature and a substantially solid state below a second temperature. Both the first and second temperatures are generally compatible with the survival of the cells in the container. The cells are covered with the medium while the medium is in a substantially liquid state, and the temperature of the medium is then reduced to a temperature at which the medium assumes a substantially solid state. The medium is maintained in a substantially solid state while the cells are transported. Upon arrival at the end user, the temperature of the medium is increased to a temperature at which the medium assumes a substantially liquid state. Following a change to fresh maintenance medium, the cells in the container are ready for immediate use.

Abstract: Coronaviruses can be a significant factor in bovine shipping fever. A new human rectal tumor cell line, HRT-18G, is suitable as a host cell line for the propagation of these bovine respiratory coronavirus-shipping fever viruses, and also is well suited for the propagation of other bovine coronaviruses.

Abstract: A broad spectrum biological herbicide comprises a mammal-sparing bioherbicide fungal mutant, e.g., a S. sclerotiorum mutant, of limited survival time and geographical dissemination characteristics under standard agricultural conditions. The invention also relates to a method of obtaining herbicides of the invention comprising obtaining viable wild type bioherbicide fungal spores, subjecting these to UV light to reduce the number of viable fungi to less than 5% the initial number of spores, selecting mutants which differ from the wild type in at least one characteristic such as altered phenotype or morphology, and further selecting a mammal-sparing bioherbicide fungal mutant of reduced survival time and geographical dissemination characteristics under agricultural conditions when compared with the wild type. The invention also relates to a method of using the broad spectrum biological herbicide to reduce the number of weeds in an area.

Abstract: A method for long term storage of a stable monodispersed aqueous suspension of conidia has been developed. This is based on the use of surfactants in a concentration range significantly higher than expected that is completely compatible with conidia, generally in the range of between 1 and 2% (w/v) in an aqueous suspension of between 0.01 and 50% (w/v) conidia. Fungal propagules (conidia) of entomopathogenic fungi such as M. anisopliae and B. bassiana can be successfully combined with higher than expected concentrations of commercially available anionic surfactants and wetting agents such as dioctyl sulfosuccinates (DSS) salts and derivatives thereof with no apparent negative impact upon either viability or insecticidal activity of the conidia. Other surfactants, dispersants and non-fungicidal materials can be added to the stabilized conidial suspensions without loss of viability, dispersibility, or shelf-life.

Abstract: A method for increasing the quantitation of microorganisms in cell-containing or cell-free blood samples, included those intended for blood product transfusion purposes, is provided which employs a sustained level of sodium polyanethol sulfonate throughout microbial replication on solid media. In another embodiment, purified saponin is combined with sodium polyanethol sulfonate to provide increased quantitation of microorganisms.

Abstract: A unique method of obtaining a recycling of air and/or plasmas, to allow a controlled system for creating and regulating temperature in a container facilitating transport and long-term storage of biological matter. This method allows a sterile packaging of donor biological matter, in protective solutions of extracellular agents, in a controlled temperature system which is regulated by air and/or inert gas refrigerants, passing over a micro-motor, the RPM's of which will set the speed of the refrigerants that regulate the temperature of the contained biological matter. It is comprised of an inert plastic or latex top member which holds the mechanical system, which is placed into the molded plastic based member, which holds a sealed well for placing the donor collected biological matter.

Abstract: A method of revitalizing cells or tissues that are to be cryopreserved for storage at ultracold temperatures, e.g. -196.degree. C. is disclosed which comprises preincubation of the cells or tissue from about 5 minutes to about 24 hours. The preincubation may be conducted at a temperature ranging from about 27.degree. C. to about 42.degree. C., after which the tissue or cells are cryopreserved.

Abstract: A new isolate of Ehrlichia species has been obtained from a patient suffering from ehrlichiosis. The new isolate has been found to be similar, but distinctly different from E. canis. The new isolate is E. chaffeensis and is contained in a cell line of canine macrophage cells on deposit with the American Type Culture Collection under accession number CRL 10679. The new isolate must be contained in a cell line in order to remain viable but may be isolated from the cell line. However, the isolate will not remain viable outside of the cell line. A diagnostic kit and methods for diagnosing ehrlichiosis in humans and for screening drugs toxic to the new isolate have also been desclosed.

Abstract: A signal receiving device is kept tuned by a tuning signal, which supplied to a tuning input of a tunable circuit in the signal receiving device. The tuning signal is supplied from a memory. The signal receiving device has an operating state and a calibrating state. The calibrating state serves to determine the tuning signal and to store it in the memory. In the calibrating state, a broadband signal source supplies a broadband signal to a band-pass filter. The band-pass filter is tuned to and passes a reference signal to the tunable circuit which provides the signal receiving device with selectivity in the operating state. The response of the tunable circuit to the reference signal is monitored and a tuning signal is selected for which it is measured that the tunable circuit is tuned to the reference signal which is passed by the band-pass filter.

Abstract: In order to investigate an object, such as a culture of micro-organisms, the object is repeatedly captured at two different magnifications by a suitable image pick-up device. The images at the two different magnifications are then analysed by a suitable picture image recognition device and the results of the repeated analysis are compared, thereby to derive a measurement of the change in the object with time. Thus, for a culture of micro-organisms, the number of cells can be determined at one magnification and the number of microscopic spherical bodies can be determined at another magnification, to obtain a measure of the activity of the culture. Preferably, one or more conditions of the object are then controlled on the basis of the measurement of change.

Abstract: Methods for maintaining and for preparing at a livestock feedlot a concentrated suspension of bacteria at a known, accurate concentration and for storing the prepared suspension for prolonged periods at the feedlot in a ready-to-use condition without significant loss of viability, allowing feedlot operators to conveniently administer such bacterial supplements to large numbers of livestock as a probiotic on a regular basis in accurate dosages. The method of administering the bacterial supplements includes, an insulated liquid-holding vessel cooled by refrigeration appliance, and mixing and recirculating appliances to ensure temperature and concentration homogeneity of the bacterial suspension. The vessel and contents are gravimetrically monitored to ensure accuracy of bacterial concentration.

Abstract: This invention provides a purified immortalized human endothelial cell infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis or Ehrlichia canis. Also provided is a method of simultaneously screening a sample from a human subject for the presence of E. chaffeensis and Rickettsia rickettsii comprising contacting the sample with immortalized human endothelial cells under conditions which allow infection of the cells and detecting the presence of infection, the presence of infection indicating the presence of E. chaffeensis and/or R. rickettsii. The invention also provides a method of screening a sample from a human subject for the presence of E. chaffeensis comprising contacting the sample with endothelial cells under conditions which allow infection of the cells by E. chaffeensis and detecting the presence of infection by E. chaffeensis the presence of infection by E. chaffeensis indicating the presence of E. chaffeensis in the sample. Finally, the invention provides a method of culturing E. chaffeensis or E.

Abstract: A polysaccharide gel enclosing microorganisms is soaked in a high concentration of hydrophilic substance and the gel is at least partially dehydrated to provide improved viability of the microorganisms after storage and rehydration of the gel. Dehydration may be carried out in a fluidized bed or by lyophilization. The gel may be in the form of beads or fibers having a double layer structure formed by an internal layer or core of gel containing the microorganisms and an external layer or envelope of gel essentially devoid of the microorganisms. The hydrophilic substance can be a low molecular weight polyol such as glycerol or a sugar such as sucrose, and is preferably sucrose in a concentration of at least 500 g/l, more preferably about 1000 g/l. The microorganisms in the gel are preferably yeast and after rehydration the yeast-containing gel is used in the secondary fermentation of wine to produce sparkling wine or champagne.

Abstract: A blood bag comprises a plastic polyvinyl chloride formulation in which the polyvinyl chloride formulation contains from 5 to 30 percent by weight of a first plasticizer material which is essentially nonextractable by blood plasma stored in the bag up to 35 days at about 4.degree. C.; and from 10 to 25 percent by weight of a second plasticizer which is significantly extracted by blood plasma stored in the bag up to 35 days at about 4.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing at a livestock feedlot a concentrated suspension of anaerobic bacteria at a known, accurate concentration and for storing the prepared suspension for prolonged periods at the feedlot in a ready-to-use condition without significant loss of viability, allowing feedlot operators to conveniently administer such bacterial supplements to large numbers of livestock as a probiotic on a regular basis in accurate dosages. The apparatus comprises an insulated liquid-holding vessel cooled by refrigeration appliance, and mixing and recirculation appliances to ensure temperature and concentration homogeneity of the bacterial suspension. The vessel and contents are gravimetrically monitored to ensure accuracy of bacterial concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, apparatus and solutions for cryopreserving microscopic biological materials for biologically extended periods of time. The method comprises treating a suspension of biological material, in an appropriate buffer, with a cryoprotectant or combination of cryoprotectants which raises the glass transition temperature range of the sample. One or more dry protectants may be added to the cryosolution. The cryosolution is then nebulized and rapidly cooled with novel apparatus, dried by molecular distillation, stored and then rehydrated in a buffer prior to its use. The solutions comprise novel mixtures of cryoprotectants.

Abstract: Biocidal formulations prepared by: (a) blending predetermined amounts of pre-gelatinized starch, natural starch, biocide such as Bacillus thuringiensis and water to form a mass; (b) drying said mass by heating prepared by with a hot roller at temperatures between 50.degree. and 100.degree. C., preferably between 60.degree. and 90.degree. C., to form a dried mass; and (c) crushing the dried mass to form the final product having the shape of flakes with a diameter preferably less than about 900.mu.. With the method disclosed in the present invention, the process time can be reduced from 24 hours in the prior art to no more than 30 minutes, preferably about 3 to 15 minutes. The present invention represents substantial economic benefits as well as reductions of potential health risks as a result of the reduced contact by operators with biocides during the preparation process.

Abstract: Cold-and cryo-preservation solutions for tissue slices include a limited amount of glucose. The solutions provide extended cold storage of the slices without a loss of viability. The solutions also allow cryopreservation of the slices, so that the slices may be stored until needed and then thawed, cultured, packaged and distributed.

Abstract: A method is provided for immobilizing and preserving an immunologically reactive antigen substance such as antigenic cells or non-cell bound antigens for use in solid-phase immunoassay. The antigen substance is adsorbed and crosslinked on a support and contacted with a protecting solution and containing sugar and an antiseptic substance such as NaN.sub.3. The antigen substance is preferably centrifugally contacted with the support to shorten the time for adsorption. Crosslinking is with a solution of 1.0 to 5.0% formaldehyde or 0.003 to 0.06% glutaraldehyde. The antigenic cells can be a blood component such as platelets.

Abstract: A cell treatment composition based on a non-selective complete nutrient medium and also including a yeast derivative, one or more antioxidants, an oxygen tension reducing agent and one or more fatty acids between 10 and 25 carbon atoms in length having from 0 up to 4 double bonds. Nutrient medium additives for treatment of injured, damaged or stressed cells containing a yeast derivative, one or more antioxidants, an oxygen tension reducing agent and one or more fatty acids between 10 and 25 carbon atoms in length having from 0 up to 4 double bonds. Methods for treating prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the steps of providing one or more injured, damaged or stressed cells and supplying the cells with an environment that includes a non-selective complete nutrient medium and also contains a yeast derivative, one or more intracellular antioxidants, oxygen tension reducing agent and one or more fatty acids between 10 and 25 carbon atoms in length having from 0 to 4 double bonds.

Abstract: A method for incubating eggs or larvae of fish, crustaceans, or related organisms. The eggs or larvae are located in depressions in the surface of a plate formed of an aqueous polymeric gel, and the surface is sealingly covered with a porous membrane capable of gas transport therethrough. The plate sealed with the membrane is placed in at least intermittent contact with water during the incubation period, and the eggs or larvae are separated from the plate and membrane after incubation is complete.

Abstract: Soluble, non-crosslinked polysaccharides are used to stabilize microorganisms for use as inoculants in agriculture. Preferably, the polysaccharide is alginate and plant seeds are inoculated. A solution of the polysaccharide and a suspension of the microorganism are mixed to form a composition containing about 0.005% to about 10% of the polysaccharide. The composition can be stored for one week or more before use and the composition may be dried.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to the use of osmoticants to provide desiccation tolerance to growth producing cells of microorganisms upon drying and reconstitution.This invention also relates in part to the discovery of liquid fermentation media permitting production of high levels of conidia of Trichoderma harzianum in liquid fermentation, and modifications to these media that produce conidia that are resistant to desiccation and that provide enhanced biocontrol efficacy.

Abstract: Aroma and/or flavor materials for use in baking such as in making sourdough bread are produced by culturing lactic acid bacteria in an aqueous dispersion of an expanded, pregelatinized, starch-containing cereal adsorbent. The cereal adsorbent is obtained by extrusion of a cereal product under a pressure of less than 50 bar at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. A 10 wt% dispersion of the cereal adsorbent has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of about 30 to about 60 mPas. After culturing, a concentrate substantially free from insoluble matter is separated. The concentrate is separated by centrifugation into a cell concentrate and a clarified broth containing the aroma and/or flavor materials. The lactic acid bacteria are adsorbed in situ onto the cereal adsorbent during culturing. Insoluble residue separated after culturing contains supported lactic acid bacteria that can be used in making sourdough bread. If necessary, the supported bacteria can be dried for storage before use.

Abstract: A stabilized spore-forming viable microorganism composition comprising in admixture at least a carbohydrate component from cereals or bulbs and spore-forming viable microorganisms belonging to genus Bacillus. Examples of cereals are maize, rice, wheat, barley, rye, oats and soybeans. Examples of bulbs are tuberous roots, tubers or corms. That component can also be a polysaccharide, e.g. starch. At least over 0.01 part by weight of the carbohydrate component is used per one part by weight of microorganisms. A process for production of the composition comprises drying a carbohydrate component from cereals or bulbs and spore-forming viable microorganisms belonging to genus Bacillus in admixture in a non-toxic aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for continuous in vitro propagation of spirochetal bacterial species. In particular, the invention relates to in vitro growth of Treponema species. The invention provides growth media, culture conditions and eukaryotic cells capable of supporting in vitro growth of Treponema species. The invention also provides homogeneous cultures of Treponema species.

Abstract: A method of selectively inhibiting pyruvic acid decomposition activity in microorganism cells containing tryptophanase or a treated product thereof, which comprises heat-treating said cells or the treated product thereof in the presence of an ammonium ion.