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: This invention relates to a process for preparing polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals. The process comprises (a) charging a membrane separation apparatus with an aqueous composition comprising at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, and (b) separating the aqueous composition into a permeate and a retentate by passing the aqueous composition through the membrane of the membrane separation apparatus. The retentate comprises at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin having lower levels of residuals on an equal active component basis than the aqueous composition of (a). The permeate comprises residuals removed from the aqueous composition of (a) and less than 5% by weight of the active component of said at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin. The polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals can be used to make wet strength agents, dry strength agents, creping adhesives for paper products, curing agents for wood product adhesives, and other products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for controlling a remediation of a site polluted by contaminants, the method comprising the steps of determining a concentration gradient of gaseous emissions exhausting from the polluted site taking into account the measured indications measured at a plurality of spatially distinct positions, and controlling a remediation technique taking into account the concentration gradient. Automatic feedback for controlling the underlying remediation technique is thus enabled taking into account the concentration gradient.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enzymatic decontamination by inactivation of Hazardous agents are provided. Hazardous agents of microbial and chemical origin can be neutralized by H2O2. The methods described herein provide for enzymatic production of H2O2 in situ using oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor and their alcohol substrates. The enzymatically produced H2O2 and corresponding aldehydes have potent antimicrobial properties. The enzymatically produced H2O2 also can detoxify chemical agents in situ. The decontaminating power of the oxidoreductase enzymes that use oxygen as an acceptor may be amplified by addition of reagents, such as acetyl donors or base catalysts that, in the presence of H2O2, yield peroxy acid derivatives and hydroperoxy anions. Such derivatives can neutralize biological and chemical agents, thus providing a broadly applicable decontamination method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ?-amylase variants that are stabilized to solvent-exerted hydrolysis, in particular at elevated temperatures or high pH, by point mutagenesis of asparagine (N) or glutamine (Q) residues located on the surface of the molecule to give other amino acid residues. The invention further relates to methods of increasing the stability of an ?-amylase to solvent-exerted hydrolysis, in particular at elevated temperatures or high pH, whereby at least one asparagine (N) or glutamine (Q) residue on the surface of the molecule is replaced with a different amino acid residue. The ?-amylase variants obtained thereby exhibit better stability to influences of the solvent, increased processivity, and are suited for numerous industrial areas of use, in particular as active ingredients in detergents and cleansers.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil degumming method that is free of emulsification. This method includes the steps of treating crude oil first with immobilized phospholipase and then extracting the phospholipase-treated crude oil with pure water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method to degrade or digest sludge, such as from pulp and/or paper manufacturing, is described. Compositions to use in the method are further described.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing emissions of a volatile organic compound (“VOC”) from a source of the VOC. The method includes the steps of: (A) operatively positioning a VOC-absorbing material between the source of the VOC and the atmosphere, wherein the VOC from the source of the VOC must pass through the VOC-absorbing material before being vented to the atmosphere, and wherein the VOC-absorbing material comprises: (i) a permeable substrate; and (ii) a stripper for the VOC; and (B) exposing the stripper of the VOC-absorbing material to bacteria, wherein the bacteria is selected for being capable of converting the VOC to another compound. A method for pumping a fluid from a low-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid outlet and a method for storing or transporting a fluid are also provided, wherein the fluid comprises a VOC.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hydrolysis of mannan-containing poly- or oligo-saccharides by use of a polypeptide having endo-?-mannanase activity. In particular the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a bacterial endo-?-mannanase, polynucleotides encoding the endo-?-mannanase, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having amylolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Novel fungal endoglucanases Cel5 and Cel2 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: Novel fungal endoglucanases with substantial performance at low temperatures 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 bioethanol production.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for the gel-free fractionation of polynucleotide molecules. According to the present invention, fractionation is size-based or sequence-based.

Abstract: Strains of Gordonia sihwensis and uses thereof are described herein. G. sihwensis can sequester and/or biodegrade hydrocarbons. In particular, G. sihwensis may be used in remediation of drill cuttings coated with drilling fluid and soil or sludges contaminated with oil contaminants.

Abstract: A biomass dispersing system and method that breaks up biomass aggregates is disclosed. The system is designed to avoid cell damage and loss of cell viability while dispersing biomass aggregates for applications where biomass aggregates can cause operation problems. The dispersed biomass suspension obtained using the disclosed system will not plug the oil wells during biomass injection into underground wells.

Abstract: A method of biotreating and recovering metal values from metal-bearing refractrory sulfide ore using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method, the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 ?m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The solid material is biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: A method of leaching copper sulfide ore includes leaching copper from copper sulfide ore using a sulfuric acid solution comprising iodide ion and iron (III) ion surplus to the iodide ion as a leaching solution; reducing iodine in a solution obtained after the leaching step to less than 1 mg/L by an activated carbon treatment; and oxidizing iron (II) ion or newly added iron (II) ion in a solution obtained after the iodine reduction step by using iron oxidizing microbes to recover iron (III) ion.

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: The disclosure relates to a method for selecting, isolating and/or recovering a peptide or polypeptide from a library or a repertoire of peptides and polypeptides (e.g., a display system) that is resistant to degradation by a protease such as a protease found in the serum. Generally, the method comprises providing a library or repertoire of peptides or polypeptides, incubating the library or repertoire with a protease under conditions suitable for protease activity, and selecting, isolating and/or recovering a peptide or polypeptide that is resistant to degradation by the protease and has a desired biological activity. The selected peptides and polypeptides have utility as therapeutics, e.g., for treating disease in humans.

Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material including an organic compound is provided. According to the method, a nonstirred bioreactor having a void volume of greater than or equal to 25% with a mixture including a solid material to be biotreated and a plurality of coarse substrates having a particle size greater than or equal to about 0.6 cm is formed. The solid material to be biotreated includes an organic material. The mixture includes sufficient coarse substrates to provide the reactor with at least 100 square meters of surface area per cubic meter of reactor space. The solid material in the bioreactor is biotreated until the organic material within the bioreactor is reduced to a desired concentration.

Abstract: This invention corresponds to a bacteria or preferably a yeast, which in its natural state presents a reduced tolerance to heavy metals, but when genetically transformed following this invention, with a vegetal-origin gene, presents high tolerance to heavy metals. Specifically, the cell in the invention is transformed with a vector that allows the expression of the AtHMA-1 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana, which codifies for a ATPase that may function as a heavy metal pump with great affinity in the intracellular space of the yeast, which confers this transformed cell a high capacity to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions with high efficiency, so that this cell represents an improved alternative of great usefulness for biodepuration (bioremediation) of contaminated waters coming from industrial processes, and for the recovery of heavy metals intended for reutilization.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-step method for processing peroxygen solutions for reuse or disposal. The method uses an enzyme and a reducing agent.

Abstract: A method for preparing a target chemical derivable from cellulosic biomass, involving detoxification of spent hydrolysate is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing cellulosic biomass, subjecting the cellulosic biomass to aqueous pretreatment, aqueous hydrolysis, and fermentation under conditions in which at least a part of the fermentable sugars are fermented into a primary target chemical, separating the primary target chemical from the fermented hydrolysate to provide a spent hydrolysate comprising inhibitory substances and detoxifying the spent hydrolysate by decreasing the concentration of at least one of the inhibitory substances using a detoxification biocatalyst selected from the group consisting of wild type, mutant and recombinant filamentous fungi and recirculating at least a part of the detoxified spent hydrolysate, optionally after further purification.

Abstract: Biological plugs/conduits produce and distribute in situ a selected consortium of microorganisms appropriate to the treatment of a variety of soil and sediment contaminants. The bioplugs provide oxygen, air and/or other gases, nutrients, and a porous immobilization surface on which selected organisms are permitted to grow. Liquid such as water is used as a carrier to distribute the excess organisms into the environment surrounding the bioplug and deliver required nutrients. Biological plugs can be installed in a variety of locations including within a building slab, under buildings or active facilities, open fields, sludge ponds, river or creek beds, piles of excavated soils/sediments, and other related environments.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel microorganisms having an excellent ability to reduce selenium acid compounds, a selenium acid compound-reducing agent comprising such microorganism(s) as an active ingredient, a method for reducing and a method for removing a selenium acid compound with use of such microorganism(s), and a process for producing metallic selenium. The microorganisms of the present invention are Aeromonas sp. strain JPCC SEP JP-1, Klebsiella sp. strain JPCC SEP JP-2, and Sulfurospirillum sp. strain JPCCY SEP-3. Also disclosed are a method for reducing a selenium acid compound comprising the step of co-culturing these microorganisms under the presence of a selenium acid compound, and a process for producing metallic selenium comprising the steps of: co-culturing these microorganisms under the presence of a selenium acid compound; and separating the thus produced culture product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue to a satisfactory level within a short period. Also disclosed is a bacterium for use in the method. Further disclosed is a material for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue, which contains the bacterium. A bacterium is found which is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue under natural conditions satisfactorily and stably. The bacterium can be used for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue. A material containing cells of Bacillus pumilus KS-C4 strain (FERM BP-10842) that is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue or a culture of the cell is added to a plant residue.

Abstract: A renewable energy microgeneration system is disclosed.

Abstract: The methods and composition of the disclosure are directed to the reducing cellulase inhibition by xylooligomers through adding hemicellulase enzymes that break xylooligomers down to monomeric sugars with a corresponding increase in glucose release. What was heretofore unknown is that xylobiose and higher xylooligomers inhibit enzymatic hydrolysis of any lignocellulosic biomass (plant material) used as feed stocks for commercial ethanol production, including, but not limited to, corn stover, birch wood, switchgrass, poplar wood, Miscanthus, aspen, other grasses and woody plants, and many other types of agricultural and forestry residues, as well as municipal solid waste. In addition, the examples herein show that xylobiose and xylotriose have progressively greater effects on hydrolysis rates. In accordance with the disclosure, the addition of one or more hemicellulase enzymes, such as xylanase and ?-xylosidase, to a lignocellulosic biomass significantly improves hydrolysis performance.

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: A process for the removal of mercury from coal prior to combustion is disclosed. The process is based on use of microorganisms to oxidize iron, sulfur and other species binding mercury within the coal, followed by volatilization of mercury by the microorganisms. The microorganisms are from a class of iron and/or sulfur oxidizing bacteria. The process involves contacting coal with the bacteria in a batch or continuous manner. The mercury is first solubilized from the coal, followed by microbial reduction to elemental mercury, which is stripped off by sparging gas and captured by a mercury recovery unit, giving mercury-free coal. The mercury can be recovered in pure form from the sorbents via additional processing.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed relate to compositions, including therapeutic compositions, methods, devices, and systems that include modified microorganisms including at least one genetic element encoding at least one therapeutic agent or environmental treatment agent.

Abstract: Waste material is screened to produce unders and overs, the overs are treated to produce a partially hydrolyzed biomass, and the partially hydrolyzed biomass and the unders are anaerobically digested. Treating the overs includes fermenting and mixing the overs with an aerotolerant anaerobic bacteria in a controlled environment, such as a rotating drum, while air is passed through the controlled environment. The moisture content, pH, and biological content of the overs can be adjusted before the overs are treated. Volatile fatty acids from the air passed through the controlled environment can be collected for anaerobic digestion or can be recirculated back into the controlled environment. The cleansed air can also be recycled back into the controlled environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the amount of steryl glycoside in an oil or fat (e.g. a biofuel substrate) and/or a biofuel, the method comprising admixing one or more enzymes with an oil or fat comprising steryl glycoside; such that said one or more enzymes degrades the steryl glycoside. The one or more enzymes is preferably an enzyme which is capable of hydrolysing the glycosidic bond in a steryl glycoside. Suitably the enzyme may be a glycosidase enzyme and/or a ?-glucosidase and/or an amyloglucosidase.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cellulase fusion proteins, preparations of cellulase fusion proteins and compositions of cellulase fusion proteins. The present invention further provides cellulase expression vectors, host cells expressing cellulase and methods for preparing such vectors and cells. Uses of cellulases, cellulase preparations and cellulase compositions in the textile, detergent, pulp and paper industries are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems, apparatus and methods of operating a wet combustion engine and apparatus therefore, capable of biologically burning fuels within a wet combustion chamber within a bioproactor system, including but not limited to, organic carbon containing materials especially biological, hazardous or toxic waste contaminants, in an environmentally sensitive manner. An integrated computer control system that, proactively and pre-emptively, uses feedback from bio-sensors, to monitor, record and control applicable components of the bio-system, to optimize, replenish, and sustain exponential growth of selected life-forms, including but not limited to microbes such as bacteria. In the intake cycle, a suitably prepared fuel mixture is metered into the wet combustion diffusion separation membrane chamber located within the life-support chamber of the bioproactor. In the combustion cycle, diffusion and combustion rates are monitored and timed.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to the extraction of nucleic acid from solid materials. Provided are useful compositions, methods and kits for obtaining nucleic acids from a solid biological sample or an adhesive material having a biological material adherent or embedded within the adhesive substrate. The extracted nucleic acid can be used in downstream applications such as genotyping, detection, quantification, and identification of the source of the biological material.

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: A polycistronic expression cassette encoding proteins necessary for constructing a multi-enzyme complex was developed. Also disclosed herein is a host cell containing this polycistronic expression cassette and uses thereof in degrading biomass.

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 method of making a Bacillus alpha-amylase variant that increases alpha-amylase production and the alpha-amy-lases produced thereby. The recombinant alpha-amylases can be placed in compositions and used for purposes of laundry detergents, cleaning and dishwashing detergents, fabric desizing, starch liquefaction, cereal liquefaction, starch saccharification, biofilm removal, and starch hydrolysis in cane sugar processing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals. The process comprises (a) charging a membrane separation apparatus with an aqueous composition comprising at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, and (b) separating the aqueous composition into a permeate and a retentate by passing the aqueous composition through the membrane of the membrane separation apparatus. The retentate comprises at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin having lower levels of residuals on an equal active component basis than the aqueous composition of (a). The permeate comprises residuals removed from the aqueous composition of (a) and less than 5% by weight of the active component of said at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin. The polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals can be used to make wet strength agents, dry strength agents, creping adhesives for paper products, curing agents for wood product adhesives, and other products.

Abstract: A process for extracting a bioactive calcium ion, includes isolating calcium ion from fibrous membranes of natural shells which contain composition calcium with an extracting solution which has a temperature below 28° C. and subacidity, wherein the extracting solution comprises a protease, and utilizes water to be dispersant, such that the calcium ion chelates with dispersoid to form a colorless crystal bioactive calcium ion solution.

Abstract: The invention includes Rh(D) binding proteins, including antibodies, and DNA encoding such proteins. Methods of generating such proteins and DNAs are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a methods and compositions for treating a surface, suspension or solution contaminated with a PrPSc prion protein or a surrogate thereof. The methods and compositions employ a combination of one or more enzymes effective to cleave a prion protein to fragments having a non-infective molecular weight, and one or more agents selected to favour conformational unfolding of the PrPSc prion protein while not denaturing the one or more enzymes.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for the biofiltration of volatile organic compounds. The process involved recirculating contaminated effluent gas through a biofilter (1), the biofilter (1) having an inlet (20), outlet (15) and micro-organism laden filter media bed (3). The filter media bed additionally having moisture retaining properties. This process has been effective in removing high levels of VOCs from effluent gas streams and also in removing VOCs from an effluent gas stream where the VOC levels and/or volumes of effluent gas vary over time.

Abstract: The present invention is related to glucoamylases having at least 80% sequence identity to a Trichoderma glucoamylase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and biologically functional fragments thereof. The invention is also related to DNA sequences coding for the glucoamylases, vectors and host cells incorporating the DNA sequences, enzyme compositions and methods of using the glucoamylases in various applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microalgae having high efficiency and ability to remove carbon dioxide, and the use thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to Scenedesmus producto-capitatus microalgae having high carbon dioxide fixation rate and the use thereof. The microalgae of the invention have a high carbon dioxide fixation rate and excellent resistance even to high concentrations of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitric oxide (NOx) and are rich in biomass, and thus can be advantageously used in formulations for removing carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Protein-polymer composite materials are provided according to embodiments of the present invention that include an admixture of a polymer resin, a surfactant and a non-aqueous organic solvent. An aqueous solution containing bioactive proteins is mixed with the admixture. The emulsion is mixed with a crosslinker to produce a curable composition. The curable composition is cured, thereby producing the protein-polymer composite material that is useful for facilitating removal of bioorganic stains.