Abstract: A waste capture media formulation comprising a bacteria package. The bacteria package does not include a bacteria that produces a urease enzyme. The formulation further comprises an absorbent media, an odor suppressant, a binding agent, a mineral source, a masking agent, and an aqueous surfactant.

Abstract: A system and methods for removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from an environment, where the system includes an inert and organic biofilm substrata as biofilm media for dual use: 1) inoculation of microorganisms to degrade POPs and 2) accumulation of POPs on the substrata, effective in maintaining bioavailable concentrations for sustaining microbial activity. Microorganisms capable of degrading or transforming POPs are actively associated with the substrata as a biofilm. Application of this delivery vehicle will enhance the microbial degradation of POPs, while simultaneously adsorbing hydrophobic POPs from the environment making them bioavailable for the microorganisms located in the formed biofilms and additionally lowering the aqueous concentration of POPs that have detrimental effects towards fish and mammals as they bioaccumulate through the food chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to constructs comprising a transmembrane protein pore subunit and a nucleic acid handling enzyme. The pore subunit is covalently attached to the enzyme such that both the subunit and enzyme retain their activity. The constructs can be used to generate transmembrane protein pores having a nucleic acid handling enzyme attached thereto. Such pores are particularly useful for sequencing nucleic acids. The enzyme handles the nucleic acid in such a way that the pore can detect its component nucleotides by stochastic sensing.

Abstract: A lipoaspirate collection device to aid in the collection and processing of human tissue and fluid obtained during liposuction for use in point-of-care cell therapy. The collection device includes a collection body and a collection cap. The collection cap may have a fluid port, a lipoaspirate port, a vacuum port, and a relief valve. Within the central cavity of the collection device, a cone shaped may be positioned such that the apex of the cone is positioned underneath the lipoaspirate inlet through which the lipoaspirate fluid and tissue are introduced.

Abstract: Temporary active coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles, an oxidoreductase, and a cofactor for the oxidoreductase and a method for its preparation. The invention is useful for converting certain classes of VOCs to non-VOCs.

Abstract: A waste disposal apparatus, for disposing of waste materials using aerobic decomposition, includes a decomposition chamber (14) including a waste inlet (34) for receiving waste materials, a waste outlet (70) for discharging waste materials from the chamber after aerobic decomposition thereof, and a sieve element (16) located within the decomposition chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A load sensor (90) is provided for sensing the quantity of waste material within the decomposition chamber, the load sensor configured to sense the load supported by the sieve element (16).

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for processing organic matter that is produced in a poultry farm. The organic matter produced by the plurality of birds is removed from one or more containers that house the plurality of birds. The method further includes treating a first amount of organic matter of the organic matter in a thermal processor to produce inorganic matter. Thereafter, the inorganic matter and a second amount of organic matter of the organic matter are consumed in one or more photo bioreactors for growing one or more photosynthesis organisms.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are modified carbonic anhydrase enzymes, and a process of using same for the extraction, production and purification of carbon dioxide gas. More particularly, modified carbonic anhydrase enzymes are used for the production, purification of carbon dioxide and the products of the hydration reaction, hydrogen and bicarbonate ions Also, this technology is used to enhance the production of carbon dioxide in blood or in reverse osmosis desalination to remove carbon dioxide. Specifically, the invention relates to a modified carbonic anhydrase enzyme possessing improved activity and a process whereby immobilized modified carbonic anhydrase contained within a reactor device catalyzes the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A fungal strain Beauveria species bearing accession number MTCC 5184 is disclosed. The process for the preparation of an enzyme mix including at least one enzyme selected from, but not limited to protease, carbohydrase, and lipase from the disclosed Beauveria species and uses of the enzyme mix in various areas also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing an iron (III) ion from the acidic solution containing an iodide ion and an iron (II) ion efficiently and stably is provided. The method including performing the following steps (a)-(b), repeatedly and continuously: (a) a step wherein the iron (II) ion in the acidic solution containing the iodide ion and the iron (II) ion is oxidized into iron (III) ion in a reactor using a microbes immobilizing carrier to which iron oxidizing microbes attached; (b) a step wherein sedimentation of the solution obtained in the step (a) is performed in a sedimentation tank to obtain the solution containing the iron (III) ion and concurrently the sediment of the microbes immobilizing carrier to which the iron oxidizing microbes have attached is recovered and then reintroduced into the reactor in the step (a).

Abstract: Disposable items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin; and a plasticizer; wherein the resin and plasticizer are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic that is formed to provide the device. A disposable device includes a multidose syringe, a specimen tube, a scalpel, a lancet, a sharps container, or a suction canister. A method of disposing of an item includes providing an item made from a biodegradable resin and a plasticizer that are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; sterilizing the item utilizing radiation or ethylene oxide gas; shredding the item; and composting the item into a compost end product, thereby disposing of the item.

Abstract: A process for capturing CO2 includes contacting a CO2-containing gas with an absorption mixture optionally within a packed reactor is provided. The absorption mixture includes a liquid solution and micro-particles. The micro-particles include a support material and biocatalyst supported by the support material and are sized and provided in a concentration such that the absorption mixture flows through the packed reactor and that the micro-particles are carried with the liquid solution to promote dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The absorption mixture and micro-particles may be provided in an absorption reactor so as to be pumpable. Furthermore, a process for desorbing CO2 gas from an ion-rich aqueous mixture includes providing biocatalytic micro-particles and feeding the mixture to a desorption reactor, to promote transformation of the bicarbonate and hydrogen ions into CO2 gas and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) belonging to a new family of CBM's. A CBM of the invention was found attached to a glycosyl hydrolase family 61 (GH61) polypeptide and was shown to have little homology with known CBM's indicating that it is the first known member of a new family of CBM's. The present invention further relates to CBM's preferably exhibiting binding affinity for cellulose; to a method of producing such CBM's; and to methods for using such CBM's in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries, for purification of polypeptides, immobilization of active enzymes, baking, manufacturing of biofuel, modification of plant cell walls.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for pre-treating non-wood lignocellulosic material containing less than 5 % (w/w) starch or sugar in a process for production of ethanol from lignocellulose, comprising the steps of: adding organic acid or organic acid-producing bacteria to the lignocellulosic material; storing the lignocellulosic material in the presence of the organic acid for a period of at least two weeks in an atmosphere of less than 5% oxygen to obtain organic acid-impregnated material; and heating the organic acid-impregnated material at a temperature of at least 160° C. to obtain pre-treated lignocellulosic material, wherein no, or substantially no, inorganic acid or base, including SO2, is added in the method.

Abstract: In general, the disclosed method can be used to remove contaminating microbes and nucleic acids from microorganisms-derived reagents, apparatus and processes (materials and apparatus) related to PCR (and RT-PCR), including sample prep reagents and materials that are used to isolate, purify and detect nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a method for concentrating pathogenic germs potentially present in blood products or derivatives and for detecting said germs comprising the following steps: (a) subjecting a sample of said blood product to a blood cell aggregating treatment, (b) eliminating the aggregates formed at step (a) by passing the treated sample over a first filter allowing through the contaminating germs but not the cell aggregates, (c) selectively lyzing the residual cells of the filtrate obtained at step (b), (d) recuperating the contaminating germs by passing the lysate of step (c) over a second filter to detect the contaminating germs possibly trapped.

Abstract: A method for treating waste material includes screening the material to produce “unders” that pass a screen and “overs” that do not. The overs are hydrothermally treated to produce a partially hydrolyzed biomass. The unders from the waste material, and the partially hydrolyzed biomass, are anaerobically digested. The method can also include recovering, and anaerobically digesting, volatile organic compounds from the hydrothermal treatment. A system for treating waste material comprises a screening device, an autoclave, and an anaerobic digester. The screening device separates the waste material into unders and overs, the autoclave receives the overs from the screening device and processes the overs with steam to produce a partially hydrolyzed biomass, and the digester receives and anaerobically digests the unders of the waste material and the partially hydrolyzed biomass. The system can also include an eductor coupled to the autoclave and configured to discharge to the digester.

Abstract: A process for separation of a mixture comprising at least a microbial oil and a microbial substance into at least a first phase comprising at least part of the microbial oil and a second phase comprising at least part of the microbial substance, wherein the separation is carried out by a cyclone type separation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a protein responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV). The present invention extends to the use of the isolated protein in the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV) and further extends to a process for the bioremediation, or at least partial remediation, of a site contaminated with a source of U (VI). According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides an isolated polypeptide derived from Thermus scotoductus strain SA-01 that is responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI), in a source of uranium (VI), to uranium (IV), wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus, and materials are disclosed for generating multi-purpose liquid fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a liquid fuel includes forming a gaseous fuel (e.g., by dissociating biomass waste using waste heat recovered from an external heat source). Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process can be harvested and reacted with the gaseous fuel to generate the liquid fuel. A hazardous contaminant can be dissolved in the liquid fuel, with the liquid fuel operating as a solvent or continuous phase for a solution or colloid that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant can include at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing endotoxin from proteins. Also disclosed are products made by using the method. The method may be used, for example, to produce endotoxin-free lactoferrin. Bovine milk-derived lactoferrin may be produced in commercial quantities by the method, and endotoxin-free bovine lactoferrin may be used for a variety of therapeutic uses, including improving wound healing.

Abstract: A three stage, multiple phase anaerobic digestion system and method designed to separate the biological phases, optimize microbial activity in each phase, and significantly increase system reliability and energy production. The system physically separates the biological phases of anaerobic digestion based on particle size, particle density, and solubility of metabolic products. The system allows a complex multi-phased biological system to develop without the need for excessive control or operator intervention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-containing waste, such as drill mud and drill cuttings from oil and gas wellbores, drill waste deposit sites, oil spills, oil and gas production waste, and contaminated surfaces, using wood chips comprising microorganisms of mountain pine beetle.

Abstract: Method of evaluating the biodegradation, through the action of a bacterial population, of hydrocarbons trapped in a geologic structure. The mass of hydrocarbons present in said structure is determined without taking account of the biodegradation, from data relative to the physical and geometrical characteristics of the structure studied. Then the mass of hydrocarbons consumed by biodegradation is calculated after evaluating the number of bacteria, their hydrocarbon consumption and the structure filling time. The mass percentage of oil disappeared through the bacterial action is deduced from these two masses. Application: determination of the composition of oils in a reservoir and notably location of heavy oils. The method can notably be applied to the evaluation of the economic risk linked with the presence of biodegraded petroleum reservoirs.

Abstract: A method or process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in biomass. The process entails feeding an organic carbon containing substrate to biomass enriched in PHA accumulating bacteria. Particularly the process entails intermittently supplying the substrate to the biomass at least three separate times over a selected period. The object of the process is to produce PHA having a relatively high molecular weight, at least 400,000 g/mole. By controlling the frequency at which the substrate is supplied to the biomass and by feeding a sufficient amount of the substrate to the biomass, the method or process produces the PHA having the relatively high molecular weight.

Abstract: Thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which are the offensive odor components, are provided. Disclosed are thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which belong to Bacillus licheniformis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removal and recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes with enhanced removal of phosphorus from biosolids.

Abstract: The invention discloses an additive for bioleaching that makes it possible to increase the recovery of copper from sulfide ores. In which this additive is substantially made up of the Licanantase lipoprotein and a solution of sulfuric acid with a pH of 0.8 to 3. The Licanantase lipoprotein that has an amino acid sequence with at least 50% homology regarding the sequence defined in SEQ ID No. 1 or is the product of translation of a nucleotide sequence with at least 50% homology regarding the sequence defined in SEQ ID No. 2. It also protects the improved bioleaching process that includes adding the additive during the ore bioleaching process as defined in the present invention; and continuing with the habitual process, obtaining copper recoveries increased 5 to 20%.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an atmospheric bioremediation system focused to reduce the Carbon Dioxide content in the Earth's atmosphere. The disclosed system includes an apparatus to distribute iron in low oxidation states such as zero or plus two trough out the photic region of high nutrients low clorophylls (HNLC) oceans over a period of time. This special apparatus is needed to provide a slow and continuous release of the iron to prevent premature precipitation. It has been shown that microalgae growth is usually initiated by the addition of iron and its sustained feed in water whose only limiting nutrient to prevent algal growth is iron itself. It has also been shown that southern oceans are a possible large batch area where iron is the limiting nutrient.

Abstract: A leach process (70) comprising the following steps: i) Passing a metal containing waste material (72) from a mineral processing operation (96) to a biological leach step (74) in which a proportion of the metal is extracted into a pregnant leach solution (76); and ii) Passing the pregnant leach solution (76) from step i) to downstream metal recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bilirubin oxidase from Magnaporthe oryzae, to the method of preparation thereof as well as use thereof notably for assay of bilirubin and for the application of enzymatic biofuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of heat-stable carbonic anhydrase in CO2 extraction, e.g., from flue gas, natural gas or biogas. Furthermore, the invention relates to isolated polypeptides having carbonic anhydrase activity at elevated temperatures and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides.

Abstract: A process for producing biofuels from biomass is provided by removing sulfur compounds and nitrogen compounds from the biomass by contacting the biomass with a digestive solvent to form a pretreated biomass containing soluble carbohydrates and having less than 35% of the sulfur content and less than 35% of the nitrogen content, based on untreated biomass on a dry mass basis, prior to carrying out aqueous phase reforming and further processing to form a liquid fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a protein responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV). The present invention extends to the use of the isolated protein in the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV) and further extends to a process for the bioremediation, or at least partial remediation, of a site contaminated with a source of U (VI). According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides an isolated polypeptide derived from Thermus scotoductus strain SA-01 that is responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI), in a source of uranium (VI), to uranium (IV), wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or controlling VOC emissions from a low-pressure storage tank for a VOC-containing substance stored or transported as a liquid in the storage tank are provided. The apparatus and method include a filter media operatively positioned between a headspace in the storage tank and the atmosphere, wherein: (i) a gaseous substance from a headspace in the storage tank passes through the filter media to be vented to the atmosphere; (ii) the filter media comprises a permeable substrate and a liquid stripper for a VOC, wherein the liquid stripper coats the permeable substrate; (iii) the filter media provides a gaseous back pressure across the filter media to the atmosphere of less than 1 psig; and (iv) a liquid condensate from the filter media can drip or flow under gravity back into the storage tank.

Abstract: A particle is disclosed. The particle comprising: (i) at least one inner core which comprises a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; (ii) an inner membrane being fabricated from a water-soluble polymer, the inner membrane surrounding the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and (iii) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane, the outer porous membrane being insoluble in water. Methods of generating same, propagating microorganisms within and uses of same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing a level of one or more antibiotics from an antibiotic-contaminated substance. An organism that can utilize the one or more antibiotics as a carbon source is cultured in the presence of the antibiotic-contaminated substance for a sufficient amount of time to reduce the level of one or more antibiotics from the antibiotic-contaminated substance.

Abstract: A process for the destruction of organics in a Bayer process stream, the process comprising the steps of: a) Passing a volume of a Bayer process stream to a reactor vessel in which is provided a population of a mixed bacterial culture; and b) Retaining that volume of the Bayer process stream in the reactor vessel for a period of time during which at least 10% by mass as carbon of the organic compounds destroyed originate from non-oxalate organic compounds, wherein the mixed bacterial culture comprises a mix of bacterial species capable of destroying organics and which has previously been adapted to the Bayer process stream, or a stream of substantially similar composition, prior to introduction to the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A system for removing selenium from a solid feed stream includes a selenium dissolver configured to selectively dissolve elemental selenium from the solid feed stream and to produce a selenium rich solution and a crystallizer coupled to the selenium dissolver and configured to receive the selenium rich solution from the dissolver, to add an acid to the selenium rich solution, to remove purified selenium from the selenium rich solution, and to remove sulfur dioxide from the selenium rich solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling multi-phase chemical reactions using the architecture of surfactant foams to control mass transport of chemical reactants, catalysts, and products and the kinetics with which they react. More specifically, the invention relates to transformations that require both gaseous and liquid components with dissolved or suspended catalysts that are unstable when sheared.

Abstract: A Capture Carbon Storage (CCS) Process for the economical capture of carbon dioxide from coal fuel gas, and the storage of the carbon dioxide as lipid oil or the use of the environmentally begin oil for transportation. The lipid oil may be refined into gasoline, biodiesel fuel, jet fuel, ethanol, and methane which provide a renewable energy resource for the United State's future energy needs. It is a new fuel form which has been both chemically and physically altered to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. It is a coal cleaning/upgrading process which produces a refined fuel, Hydrogen, that may be used to produce electricity and an environmentally begin biofuel for transportation. The renewable fuel will produce no carbon foot print at the internal combustion engine's exhaust pipe. The CCS Process will produce a 100% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere and thereby, stop the Global Warming.

Abstract: A process of selectively degrading fatty acids in fat-containing waste materials without significant degradation of triglycerides, thereby converting otherwise economically burdensome waste materials into valuable products, involves contacting a fat-containing waste comprising triglycerides and fatty acids with a bacterial culture comprising Pseudomonas bacteria capable of degrading fatty acids into water and carbon dioxide, and wherein the bacterial culture is substantially free of microorganisms capable of producing extra-cellular lipase in an amount that would cause significant degradation of the triglycerides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endo-?-N-acetylglucosaminidase enzyme isolatable from the fungus Trichoderma virde and to methods of producing the enzyme and uses of said enzyme.

Abstract: At least at least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for using a high pressure-resistant enzyme in a high pressure condition; a method for promoting the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme by means of a high pressure treatment; a composition, which contains the high pressure-resistant enzyme, for decomposing proteins under a high pressure condition; a composition, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins, for preparing natural flavoring substances; a container for high pressure treatment, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins; and a method for measuring the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme, which comprises a step of decomposing an azocasein solution serving as a substrate by using the high pressure-resistant enzyme treated under a high pressure condition.

Abstract: A copper bioleaching process which makes use of a consortium which contains Leptospirillum ferriphilum and a sulphur oxidising microorganism which is halophilic or halotolerant.

Abstract: Novel fungal endoglucanases Ce15 and Ce112 are disclosed. The endoglucanases are conveniently produced by recombinant technology, and means for their production are described. The endoglucanases are used for treating cellulosic material, especially in textile industry, e.g. in biofinishing or biostoning. They may also be used in detergents, in animal feed and/or in pulp and paper industry, or in hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material for, e.g. bioethanol production.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.