Abstract: A method of testing a substance for its ability to promote, maintain, increase or arrest hair growth, or influence hair pigmentation comprise the steps of:i. isolating a viable hair follicle from skin, without damaging the hair bulb;ii. maintaining the isolated, viable hair follicle in a nutrient medium;iii. contacting the isolated hair follicle in said medium with a test substance, andiv. assessing the response of the hair follicle to said test substance.

Abstract: Supported lactic acid bacteria are produced by culturing lactic acid bacteria in a medium containing an aqueous dispersion of an expanded, pre-gelatinized, starch containing cereal adsorbent obtained by extrusion of a cereal product under a pressure of less than 50 bar at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. The dispersion has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of from 30 to 60 mPas when measured as a 10% aqueous dispersion. After culturing, the supported bacteria are separated from the medium and the medium may be recovered as flavor or aroma material for use in baking. In another embodiment, the supported lactic acid bacteria are cultured in a medium to produce a flavor or aroma material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of continually propagating Ehrlichia canis in a microphage-monocyte cell line referred to as DH82.

Abstract: A method for drying mammalian cells, such as erythrocytes, lymphocytes, leukocytes and platelets onto a solid-phase support for use in solid-phase immunoassays through use of a drying solution and an article for use in immunoassays prepared by such method. The method comprises immobilizing a monolayer of cells onto the solid-phase support by non-covalent binding. This is accomplished by staining the solid-phase support with an organic dye having a net positive charge which permits non-covalent binding of the cells which carry a net negative charge to the solid-phase support. These cells are dried or fixed to the solid-phase support by addition of a drying solution which comprises an aqueous solution of a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide or cyclitol and a salt. The preferred monosaccharide is D-(-)glucose and the preferred salt is sodium chloride. The preferred drying solution comprises a 1.0 M solution of dextrose and a 154 mM solution of sodium chloride.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system for in situ bioremediation of soil wherein nutrients are delivered in the vapor phase to the affected area of the soil for utilization by microorganisms to promote the metabolism of organic contaminants by the microorganisms.

Abstract: A toxic substance-detecting device detects toxic substances in water by use of a microorganism sensor to ascertain the safety of affluents flowing into sewage-treating processes, environmental waters such as rivers, and waters flowing into water purification plants and a water quality-monitoring system employing a detecting device. The device includes a fixed micro-organism membrane and apparatus for circulating a buffer solution of micro-organism substrate and nutrient to one side of the membranne and solutions of water to be examined, standard and cleaning water to the other side.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for preserving, transporting, storing, re-hydrating and delivering viable micro-organisms. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a kit and method for preserving and storing dried, microbiological organisms and for re-hydrating and delivering specific and reproducible numbers of viable organisms therefrom. The kit and method of the present invention provides the capability to deliver a known quantity of rehydrated micro-organisms as a single, total dose of cells without the inaccuracies and safety hazards associated with standard needle, syringe or pipette transfer systems. The kit includes first and second vial and cap combinations, the first carrying the dried organisms in a dry, biologically inert atmosphere, the second carrying a pre-measured quantity of re-hydrating fluid. A quantitative number of selected microbiological organisms are dried under mild conditions, i.e.

Abstract: A method of preserving live viruses comprises subjecting an aqueous system containing the virus to drying either in the frozen state or at ambient temperature, in the presence of trehalose.

Abstract: Acetate esters of diols and polyols can be prepared in aqueous systems using a biocatalyst derived from Corynebacterium oxydans. The method involves the step of reacting a diol or polyol with an acetate ester in a substantially aqueous environment in the presence of said biocatalyst.

Abstract: A food-grade oxygen scavenger for removing oxygen from foods and beverages in containers is prepared by immobilizing dried yeast containing at least 92% dry matter in a solid material such as wax or paraffin. The solid material allows for very slow penetration of water and permits the yeast to contact only water that penetrates therethrough. The immobilized yeast is coated on an inside surface of a container or on a surface of a closure such as a stopper that is on the inside of the container when closed. After adding a food or beverage and closing the container, the immobilized yeast removes oxygen from the container. The closed container and its contents can be pasteurized and the yeast retain sufficient viability to remove oxygen.

Abstract: A method of lyophilizing mammalian cells to produce preserved human cells, hybridoma cell lines, tissue cells, and control cells for immunoassays and other hematological measurements. Prior to freezing and lyophilizing, the prepared mammalian cell pellet is suspended in a solution of trehalose in an isotonic fluid prepared at a specified optimal concentration and incubated at room temperature for a designated time period. The lyophilized cells when rehydrated, retain their optimal physiological characteristics suitable for use as an analytical control and retain said characteristics after storage at 2.degree.-8.degree. C. for a period in excess of five (5) months.

Abstract: A method for drying mammalian cells, such as erythrocytes, lymphocytes, leukocytes and platelets onto a solid-phase support for use in solid-phase immunoassays through use of a drying solution and an article for use in immunoassays prepared by such method. The method comprises immobilizing a monolayer of cells onto the solid-phase support by non-covalent binding. This is accomplished by staining the solid-phase support with an organic dye having a net positive charge which permits non-covalent binding of the cells which carry a net negative charge to the solid-phase support. These cells are dried or fixed to the solid-phase support by addition of a drying solution which comprises an aqueous solution of a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide or cyclitol and a salt. The preferred monosaccharide is D-(31 )glucose and the preferred salt is sodium chloride. The preferred drying solution comprises a 1.0M solution of dextrose and a 154 mM solution of sodium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the in vitro testing of potential nematicidal and nematistatic agents, comprising treatment of nematodes with test substances, followed by assessment of the ability of the treated nematodes to move through a chemattractant gradient set up on a coated solid support, said coating comprising a gellable polymeric substrate incorporating a stabilizing agent.

Abstract: Microorganisms are stored for long periods of time in storage mediums which preferably contain a sufficiently high concentration of nutrients and growth inhibiting substances to maintain microorganisms, such as bacteria, in the stationary or death phase of their growth cycle. Upon dilution of the growth medium, the concentration of the inhibiting substances is lowered below that inhibiting the growth of the microorganisms, while sufficient nutrients remain to allow for the number of microorganisms to rapidly increase. In a preferred embodiment, the growth medium contains between 10% and 30% solids which are the waste products of a food or fermentation process, and the microorganisms are lactobacillus plantarum or bacillus subtilis.

Abstract: Dried viable bacteria are admixed in a particulate carrier composed primarily of an inorganic salt of low moisture absorbing capacity together with a minor proportion of a silica gel absorbent. The inorganic salts may be sodium or calcium carbonates, bicarbonates, sulfates, or phosphates. The admixtures are storable without refrigeration.

Abstract: A process of an interesterification reaction of fats, wherein a fatty acid moiety of a glyceride is substituted by other fatty acid moiety, and the reaction is accelerated by a catalyst and is continued constantly at a high rate for a long time. The process uses a dry cell for a catalyst. The dry cell is prepared from a lipase-containing microorganism by cultivating it to increase a lipase content and drying it to control water content.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming stabilized admixtures of dried viable harmless lactic acid producing bacteria. A blend is prepared from a non-toxic particulate carrier and a hydrophilic molecular sieve adsorbent. Preferably the blend contains at least 95% by weight of a carrier which has a very low water absorbing capacity, and the molecular sieve adsorbent is blended in about 0.1 to 2 parts by weight for each 98 to 99.9 parts of the carrier. The resulting admixtures are storable without refrigeration.

Abstract: A method and 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 a refrigeration means, and mixing and recirculation means to ensure temperature and concentration homogeneity of the bacterial suspension. The vessel and contents are gravimetrically monitored to ensure accuracy of bacterial concentration.

Abstract: Mutant microorganisms comprising Lactobacillus ferementum Lex.sup.+ which are obtained from Lactobacillus fermentum produce lysine in a significantly greater quantity than the wildtype microorganism. The microorganism is added to a sourdough starter to produce bread of increased nutritive content, such as flat bread. Freeze-dried cultures of the microorganism may be added to cereal grains such as wheat in bulk to increase the basic nutritive protein quality of the wheat, whereby foodstuffs produced from the cereal grains have increased protein values.

Abstract: A grandular product is prepared by fluidizing core material such as saccharide in a granulating chamber, spraying melted binding material such as fat to the fluidized core material and concurrently feeding dried viable microorganism cells such as bifidobacterium towards the fluidized core material to form a granular product having stratified structure by adhering microorganism cells on the periphery of the core material. Since the product is prevented from permeation of atmospheric oxygen and environmental moisture, the cell survival rate of the product is higher than that of the conventional product during prolonged storage periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the deodorization of foul-smelling substances by the use of a single strain or a few strains of autotrophic bacteria.

Abstract: A method of preparing inocula of low water activity is disclosed. The inocula are prepared by admixing microorganisms with a polymer gel and lowering and maintaining the water activity below 0.3, preferably below 0.1. These inocula are useful in the treatment of plant disease, particularly crown gall and Dutch elm diseases, as well as in the biological control of insects.

Abstract: A preparation of freeze-dried microorganisms and a method for preparing a freezed-dried suspension of microorganisms and culture medium, in which the freeze-dried microorganisms can be directly cultured via addition of setrile, distilled water. The freeze-dried preparation contains a sufficient amount of a colloidal component, such as gelatin, to form the microorganisms into a microbial plug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the deodorization of foul-smelling substances by the use of a single strain or a few strains of autotropic bacteria.

Abstract: A method for making an agriculturally useful inoculant of dried, dormant bacteria is described. To make the inoculant, a suspension of Rhizobium or other bacteria is maintained, substantially separated from its culture medium, at a temperature in the range of about 0.degree.-30.degree. C. for varying periods of time under aseptic conditions. The bacterial suspension is then mixed with a porous chemically inert granular carrier such that the weight ratio of carrier to bacteria is in the range of about 0.5 to 1.0. Finally, the bacteria-carrier mixture is air dried for a period of about 2 to 10 days under aseptic conditions.

Abstract: Material which contains water, or is accompanied by an aqueous phase, notably biological cells, cell components or cell aggregates, or differentiated biological tissue is preserved by dispersion in an oil medium and under-cooling the dispersion, preferably to a temperature in the range -20.degree. C. to -40.degree. C. The oil medium is characterized by the absence of surfactant which can catalyze ice formation and is an immobile gel at the storage temperature. The preferred oil 10 medium is paraffin oil, or oil plus paraffin wax.

Abstract: A method of producing Trichoderma conidia in submerged culture comprises first preparing an inoculant of a desired strain of Trichoderma. Then, the inoculum is placed in a sufficient volume of a suitable liquid medium. The medium is maintained under substantially constant illumination, agitation and aeration at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 30.degree. C., and a pH from about 5.8 to about 7.0. The culture is grown from a sufficient period of time until the density of conidia is about 5.0.times.10.sup.8 per ml, and then the conidia so produced are harvested. A similar method is provided for the production of Trichoderma chlamydospores.

Abstract: In the preparation of food with the aid of microorganisms, the latter are directly protected against viral or phage attack by the addition of formic acid or esters of formic acid or salts of formic acid and/or tetrahydrofolic acid. Furthermore, an indirect protection by inactivating the bacterial viruses in the environment is described.

Abstract: The process for preparing concentrated amounts of lyophilized micro-organisms employs an ultrafiltration with a supply of nutritive substrates and the supply of a neutralizing agent in the fermenter, and further comprises the following steps:(a) ceasing to supply substrates while cooling;(b) continuing the ultrafiltration until the obtainment of a primary concentrate (40-80 kg dry weight of bacteria/cu. m) and cooling to 15.degree.-20.degree. C.;(c) washing the primary concentrate with mineral salts and amino acids, oligo-elements and vitamins;(d) concentrating by ultrafiltration to 90-220 kg dry weight of bacteria/cu. m;(e) cooling to 5.degree. C. and adding a protector;(f) deep freezing and lyophilizing.The process particularly applies to the preparation of lactic bacteria.

Abstract: Microbiol compositions for uniform application to dry soil to provide a cover crop and to improve soil aggregation are disclosed. The compositions comprise flocculant-producing photosynthetic microorganisms, especially algae, in a dormant or resting stage mixed with a dry, particulate, water dispersible carrier. Methods for the production and use of the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting protein aging. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of inhibiting the formation of advanced glycosylation end products of target proteins by reacting with the carbonyl moiety of the early glycosylation product of such target proteins formed by their initial glycosylation. Suitable agents may contain an active nitrogen-containing group, such as a hydrazine group, and may further be at least partially derived from amino acids. Particular agents comprise aminoguanidine, .alpha.-hydrazinohistidine and lysine. The method comprises contacting the target protein with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: Inocula having a long storage life and improved resistance to temperature and rehydration and a method of preparing them are disclosed. The method of the invention comprises admixing a culture medium containing microorganisms of the genus Rhizobium and at least one carbohydrate source in a polymer gel and then lowering the water activity of the resulting inoculum and maintaining the water activity at less than 0.1.

Abstract: A method for purifying water or a water-containing material which comprises using a single or a few bacterial strains whose growth(s) is or are enabled or promoted by the addition of one or more of S-, N- and C- compounds under a low nutritional condition. A living bacterial preparation, useful for the purification of water or water-containing material, comprising a single or a few bacterial strains whose growth(s) is or are enabled or promoted by addition of one or more of S-, N- and C- compounds under a low nutritional condition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a method to stabilize or preserve acid-producing bacteria in a buffered solution. A carrier may be added that is not a specific substrate for the bacteria in order to give texture, most preferably the carrier being polyethylene glycol or sodium alginate. Optionally, other ingredients such as anti-oxidants, mold inhibitors, and/or salts may be added. These compositions may be stored at temperatures above freezing for a time from a few days up to about 2 months or longer.

Abstract: A process for preserving active dry yeast comprising applying polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight in the range of about 3350 to about 4600 to the surface of said yeast in a preserving amount.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for recovery of a microorganism having ice nucleating activity from a fermentation medium which comprises the steps of (a) bringing the temperature of the medium to a temperature of about 15.degree. C. or less, (b) forming a concentrate of the medium while maintaining the temperature of about 15.degree. C. or less, (c) running the concentrate into a cryogenic fluid to form frozen pellets of the concentrate and (d) freeze drying said pellets at a temperature below 25.degree. C.

Abstract: Aging of cheese is accelerated by adding during cheesemaking a composition containing preserved, partially disrupted L. casei and/or L. lactis, and a dried lipase similar to kid or calf pre-gastric lipase. The L. casei or L. lactis has been preserved by freezing, freeze drying, spray drying or fluidized bed drying. Preferably, the L. casei is ATCC 39539 and the L. lactis is ATCC 39538. The composition may optionally contain a similarly preserved and partially disrupted L. plantarum, and/or a microbial neutral protease. The composition may be added to cheese milk before adding coagulant to coagulate the milk or to curd with salt before pressing.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is an improved microbial bioconversion to produce 1,2-dehydro steroids from their corresponding 1,2-saturated derivatives.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preparing and using pesticides, where the pesticides are encapsulated in non-proliferating cells. The methods involve introducing a heterologous gene into a cellular host, where expression of the heterologous gene results, directly or indirectly, in production of the pesticide. These cells are then killed under conditions which prolong the pesticidal activity when said cells are applied to the environment of a target pest. The killed cells can be used directly or after formulation for treatment of an agricultural host or environment of the host with the pesticide.

Abstract: A system to maximize the probability of preserving living tissue separated from its host organism. The system includes a bag or other container to receive a liquid solution plus a biscuit that supplies both nutrients and other materials ordinarily supplied to the tissue by the host, as well as additional material helpful to the tissue during the sub-acute postraumatic period. The nutrients and other materials are introduced to the solution by a biscuit that is formed of the various necessary ingredients. The biscuit introduced to the solution containing the living tissue slowly dissolves therein. An outer housing receives the bag or other container with its contents. The outer housing, by use of ice or other heating/cooling measures, serves to maintain the tissue and its supporting mechanism at between about 2.degree. C. and 20.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing an integral Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell culture containing the cell bodies and all the products which form during the cell multiplication process, and for stabilizing the resultant product in order to maintain the cell integrity and biological activity unaltered for a long period.The product obtained is useful in human and animal feeding as a growth factor and regulator of bacterial and enzymatic imbalance of the intestine, and as a protein additive in the cosmetics industry.

Abstract: The use of an inorganic azide compound as an inhibitor for a wastewater treatment bacterial additive composition. The inorganic azide compounds used in the invention serve to confer a useful life for the bacterial additive composition, yet a relatively short reactivation time which is of great advantage in wastewater treatment systems with short detention times. The inorganic azide compounds employed as an inhibitor in the bacterial composition additives of the invention include alkali metal azides, alkaline earth metal azides, lead azide and hydrazoic acid.

Abstract: A preparation of freeze-dried microorganisms and method for preparing a freeze-dried suspension of microorganisms and culture medium in which the freeze dried microorganisms can be directly cultured simply by adding sterile distilled water to the vessel in which the microorganisms are freeze-dried.

Abstract: A system is provided for receiving, maintaining and processing blood samples for the subsequent separation and testing thereof. A pre-packaged blood sample receiving vessel is provided containing appropriate additives and a quantity of beads or other physical bodies for subsequent lysis, centrifugation, and separation of the sample. An additional pre-packaged arrangement is provided at the lab for the handling and removal of the lysed, centrifuged and separated sample in order to obtain the desired portion of the sample for appropriate laboratory testing procedures.

Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for in vitro use in tissue culture media (preferred), perfusion media, and incubation media. Thus, balanced salt solutions are provided wherein the milliequivalent ratio of sodium cations to chloride anions is normalized and wherein optionally at least one near-equilibrium couple is incorporated (bicarbonate.sup.- /carbon dioxide, L-lactate.sup.- /pyruvate.sup.-, and d-betahydroxybutyrate.sup.- /acetoacetate.sup.-. Regulation of intracellular and extracellular pH, and normalization of intracellular redox state and phosphorylation state is achievable.

Abstract: This invention relates to the incorporation of C.sub.16 to C.sub.20 unsaturated fatty acids into in vitro growth media of milky disease bacilli, e.g. Bacillus popilliae, to extend culture viability and/or promote sporulation.

Abstract: Wine having a reduced malic acid content is produced by inoculating wine or must with an activated bacterial culture that converts malic acid to lactic acid. The activated bacterial culture is produced by inoculating a concentrate of the bacteria into fruit juice to provide a high number of bacterial cells in the juice and holding the inoculated juice for a period without significant increase in cell population of the bacteria. The bacteria concentrate is a lyophilized or frozen culture concentrate of the bacteria that has been grown on a medium containing malic acid. When producing the frozen concentrate, a freeze stabilizing agent may be mixed with the bacteria.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is an improved transport medium for microorganisms, the improvement residing in the inclusion of Mg.sup.++ in a concentration of 0.6 to 1.2 g per liter of medium, preferably about 1.0 g/l. Further improvement resides in the timing of inclusion of the reducing agent, sodium thioglycollate, i.e. just before use. It has also been found that the detoxification agent, activated charcoal, may be included in concentrations of 5-10 g/l of medium.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is an improved microbial bioconversion to produce 1,2-dehydro steroids from their corresponding 1,2-saturated derivatives.

Abstract: Stabilized liquid suspensions of probiotic Lactobacilli are provided as a dispersion of the viable cells in sunflower seed oil for administration to animals. The viable cells prior to combining with the oil have been dried at a favorable pH and in the presence of stabilizing additives. The dried cells are further characterized by having a low water activity. The invention has particular utility in administering Lactobacillus acidophilus cells as a drench to domestic animals.