Process Of Utilizing An Enzyme Or Micro-organism To Destroy Hazardous Or Toxic Waste, Liberate, Separate, Or Purify A Preexisting Compound Or Composition Therefore; Cleaning Objects Or Textiles Patents (Class 435/262)
Destruction of hazardous or toxic waste (Class 435/262.5)
Textile treating (Class 435/263)
Cleaning using a micro-organism or enzyme (Class 435/264)
Depilating hides, bating, or hide treating using enzyme or micro-organism (Class 435/265)
Treating gas, emulsion, or foam (Class 435/266)
Treating animal or plant material or micro-organism (Class 435/267)
Resolution of optical isomers or purification of organic compounds or composition containing same (Class 435/280)
Petroleum oil or shale oil treating (Class 435/281)
  • ODOR CONTROL METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20100112676
    Abstract: This invention is directed generally to methods of controlling the odor of a biological material, and more particularly to methods comprising providing the biological material with an Fe(III)-reducing bacteria and a source of Fe(III). This invention also is directed generally to compositions and kits for controlling the odor of a biological material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: John D. Coates
  • MULTI-STAGED COMPOSTING
    Publication number: 20100112675
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the invention provides staged processes, or systems, for composting organic materials, such as waste plant and animal matter. In one aspect, the invention involves the staged passage of organic material through alternative composting ecologies, to optimize the diversity of decay organisms that may work on the organic materials. In some embodiments, a robust, well mixed thermophilic environment is created for primary stage aerobic composting. The primary compost produced by this stage may be transferred to an alternative stratified composting ecology, in which the secondary compost descends over time from a relatively stable layer of residual thermophilic aerobic composting to underlying layers that involve non-thermophilic aerobic degradation of the organic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ZInternational Composting Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan E. Imber
  • Air purifying method
    Patent number: 7708965
    Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for purifying air and gasses, consisting of an optimized air ventilation slab, with its air ventilation pipes, air ventilation pipettes and air diffusion plugs; optionally a complementary cellular material enabling the material to be supported providing biofiltration, purification or treatment of air, and optionally a device for diffusing liquids and/or bacteria and/or enzymes, allowing the biofilter to act as the equivalent of a gas scrubbing tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ACES Environnement
    Inventor: Phillippe J. Thurot
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING RESOURCES USING WASTES
    Publication number: 20100105127
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating resources using municipal solid waste are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving wastes. The wastes can be separated into different portions for different downstream processes. Further, the wastes can be treated in an anaerobic digestion process for producing biogas. A gasification process can be applied to the wastes for producing synthesis gas. Further, an algal growth system can be applied for sequestering system-produced carbon dioxide (CO2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: MarGin Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Martin A. Ginsburg
  • PROCESSES FOR THE DIGESTION OF COLANIC ACID
    Publication number: 20100075404
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to processes employing polypeptides having colanic acid-degrading activity. The processes generally involve contacting a biological material with a polypeptide capable of digesting colanic acid. Additional process steps, such as chromatographic separation steps, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GRADALIS, INC.
    Inventor: Nancy Smyth Templeton
  • Closed photobioreactor system for continued daily in situ production, separation, collection, and removal of ethanol from genetically enhanced photosynthetic organisms
    Patent number: 7682821
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Algenol Biofuels Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: R. Paul Woods, Edward Legere, Benjamin Moll, Carlos Unamunzaga, Eulalia Mantecon
  • METHOD FOR THE VOLUME AND BULK REDUCTION OF DOMESTIC WASTE
    Publication number: 20100068792
    Abstract: A method for the volume and bulk reduction of domestic waste is disclosed, comprising comminution of the domestic waste, separation of the organic fraction of the domestic waste, generation of biogas from the separated organic fraction by anaerobic fermentation along the principal of dry fermentation in a biogas plant, relocation of the organic fraction from the biogas plant into an aerobization container, aerobization and composting of the organic fraction by supplying air, and drying of the composted organic fraction by injection of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Bekon Energy Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter LUTZ
  • Newly Discovered Bacterium in the Family Acetobacteraceae
    Publication number: 20100055506
    Abstract: Provided is an isolated novel Gram-negative bacterium, wherein the bacterium is an aerobic, facultative methylotroph that produces colonies that are yellow pigmented, wherein the bacterium can use methanol as a sole carbon source and can oxidize glucose and ethanol into acid. Also provided are novel purified polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids from the bacterium. Further provided are methods of using the bacterium and the purified polypeptides to degrade organic material and for use in biofuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Steven M. Holland, Adrian Zelazny, Patrick Murray
  • Process for the purification of riboflavin
    Patent number: 7670800
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of riboflavin comprising the steps of (a) precipitating a first crystalline form of riboflavin, (b) isolating the first crystalline form of riboflavin, (c) transforming the first crystalline form of riboflavin into a second crystalline form of riboflavin under conditions that decompose diluted DNA, and (d) isolating the second crystalline form of riboflavin, provided that at ambient temperature the first crystalline form of riboflavin is thermodynamically less stable than the second crystalline form of riboflavin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventor: Arnold Gloor
  • Heat-Stable Carbonic Anhydrases and Their Use
    Publication number: 20100047866
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Martin Borchert, Paria Saunders
  • Enzymes having alpha amylase activity and methods of making and using them
    Patent number: 7666633
    Abstract: The invention relates to alpha amylases and to polynucleotides encoding the alpha amylases, and methods of making and using them. In addition methods of designing new alpha amylases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The alpha amylases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Walter Callen, Toby Richardson, Gerhard Frey, Carl Miller, Martin Kazaoka, Jay M. Short, Eric J. Mathur
  • NOVEL CHLORELLA SPECIES AND USES THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20100021968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to algal species and compositions, methods for identifying algae that produce high lipid content, possess tolerance to high CO2, and/or can grow in wastewater,, and methods for using such algae for lipid production, wastewater remediation, waste gas remediation, and/or biomass production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the state of Arizona acting for and on behalf of
    Inventors: Qiang Hu, Milton Sommerfeld
  • ENZYMATIC DECOMPOSITION OF RESIDUAL FORMAMIDE IN POLYMERS
    Publication number: 20100021992
    Abstract: Method for reducing the formamide content of preparations (P) prepared from N-vinylformamide monomers by polymerization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Dietmar Haering, Maximilian Angel, Hans-Joachim Haehnle, Thomas Friedrich, Bernhard Hauer, Volker Braig, Lysander Chrisstoffels, Martin Ruebenacker
  • NOVEL MICROORGANISM CAPABLE OF DEGRADING DIPHENYLARSINIC ACID
    Publication number: 20100015688
    Abstract: Disclosed are: a microorganism capable of degrading diphenylarsinic acid; a method for degrading diphenylarsinic acid by using the microorganism; a method for clean-up of a contaminated soil by using the microorganism; an agent for degrading diphenylarsinic acid, which comprises the microorganism; and a cleaning agent for a contaminated soil or groundwater, which comprises the microorganism. Specifically disclosed are: a microorganism belonging to the genus Sinorhizobium and capable of degrading diphenylarsinic acid; a microorganism belonging to the genus Ensifer and capable of degrading diphenylarsinic acid; a method for clean-up of a contaminated soil by using the microorganism; an agent for degrading diphenylarsinic acid, which comprises the microorganism; and a cleaning agent for a contaminated soil or groundwater, which comprises the microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: KOWA COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takagi, Naoki Harada
  • In situ biodegradation of subsurface contaminants by injection of phosphate nutrients and hydrogen
    Patent number: 7645606
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and gaseous composition for the in situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, including halogenated hydrocarbons. The gaseous composition, which readily permeates a subsurface region, comprises hydrogen (H2) and one or more volatile phosphates, such as triethylphosphate (TEP) and tributylphosphate (TBP). The volatile phosphates serve as nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of indigenous microbes that are capable of degrading the contaminants. The addition of hydrogen facilitates the direct reductive dehalogenation of highly halogenated contaminants. The gaseous composition may optionally contain one or more of a volatile alkane and nitrous oxide as additional supports for microbial growth, and carbon dioxide to lower the pH of remediation sites that are highly alkaline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: PHA Environmental Restoration
    Inventors: Lamar E. Priester, III, Brian Harmison, John Huff
  • Wood-rotting basidiomycetes for production of ligninolytic enzymes
    Publication number: 20090311751
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of ligninolytic enzymes, laccase and manganese peroxidase, from certain white-rot basidiomycetes fungi, using highly efficient fermentation techniques. The aim of this invention is to create a novel economically and time-effective overall procedure comprising use of specific mushroom strains, fermentation process and the isolation-purification techniques, for producing the aforesaid enzymes. In particular, a submerged fermentation of the specific strains on a variety of lignocellulosic substrates from organic wastes like waste of ethanol production from wheat grain, mandarin peels and bran is developed. Culturing conditions can be selected to modify the laccase/manganese peroxidase ratio in favour of the production of either laccase or manganese peroxidase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Vladimir Elisashvili, Mordechai Rebhun
  • METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR PROCESSING WASTE AND PRODUCING METHANE
    Publication number: 20090305390
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing waste and producing methane, in which a chamber is filled with waste, in which it undergoes anaerobic degradation. According to the method, a large chamber and a small chamber are filled respectively with slightly organic waste and highly organic waste, and a liquid fraction generated by the degradation of the waste in the large chamber is introduced into the small chamber. Also provided is an apparatus adapted to implement such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Veolia Proprete
    Inventors: Jesus CACHO, Olivier CAUDART, Thomas LAGIER, Pascal PESLERBE, Vassilia VIGNERON
  • METHOD AND AFFINITY COLUMN FOR PURIFYING PROTEINS
    Publication number: 20090286283
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of purifying target proteins from a sample using the specific affinity between a peptide tag and a protease inhibitor. Also disclosed herein is an affinity chromatography medium for purifying proteins in which a support has immobilized thereon a protease inhibitor, and an affinity chromatography column containing the affinity chromatography medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jaeil LEE, Youngsun LEE
  • Anaerobically Compostable Polymeric Compositions, Articles and Landfill Biodegradation
    Publication number: 20090275111
    Abstract: Compostable hydrocarbon polymers, composites, and articles anaerobically biodegrade in landfills in a relatively short time. Composite polymeric articles and sheets such as indoor or outdoor signs, billboards, banners, images, protective barriers, backdrops and wall coverings have very useful service durations and yet are landfill biodegradable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: BIOTech Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard F. Grossman
  • Detergent compositions comprising pectate lyases
    Patent number: 7611882
    Abstract: Detergent composition comprising a surfactant and a pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2) enzyme en-coded by a DNA sequence endogeneous to a strain of Bacillus subtilis or a stabilized variant thereof provides superior cleaning and stain removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Mads Eskelund Bjørnvad, Martin Schülein, Torben Henriksen, legal representative, Vibeke Skovgaard Nielsen, Johan Smets, Carsten Andersen, Thomas Thisted
  • Coral purification method and coral thus obtained
    Patent number: 7608283
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of extracting organic substances present in coral, which consists in treating the coral with a fluid or a mixture of fluids in the supercritical state without modifying the crystalline structure of said coral, at a temperature of less than 270° C. and at a pressure which is much higher than the critical pressure of said fluid or mixture of fluids, for example of the order of at least 3 times, and preferably at least 5 times said critical pressure. It also provides coral obtained by said method and bone substitutes fabricated from said coral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Biocoral Inc.
    Inventors: Yann Lepetitcorps, Jean-Christophe Fricain, Vincent Souillac, Alain Largeteau, Roland Schmitthaeusler
  • Ferritin fusion proteins for use in vaccines and other applications
    Patent number: 7608268
    Abstract: An isolated ferritin fusion protein is provided in which ferritin is fused with a protein or peptide capable of being fused to ferritin without interfering with the polymeric self-assembly of the resulting fusion protein, and the protein may be of the endocapsid form when fused at the C terminus or an exocapsid form when fused at the N terminus. These fusion proteins may self-assemble into a variety of useful higher polymeric forms, e.g., capsid or other polymeric aggregate, and they are advantageous in that they are useful in a variety of applications, including human and veterinary vaccines and therapeutics, blood substitutes, image contrast agents, metal chelating agents, gelling agents, protein purification platforms, and therapeutic receptor-binding proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: New Century Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Carter, Chester Q. Li
  • System and method for cleaning contaminated matter comprising dioxins and preparation for decomposing dioxins
    Patent number: 7598074
    Abstract: A reaction tank (5) holds crushed cells comprising a pellicle of Bacillus midousuji cultured in the presence of a chlorinated aromatic compound such as dioxins and holds wastewater comprising a contaminated matter such as fly ash which comprises dioxins and which is produced by washing of a facility such as an incinerator. Air is supplied by a blower (6) to a matter held in the reaction tank (5). Accordingly, dioxins having three or more chlorine atoms in the contaminated matter can be decomposed, and the contaminated matter can be easily cleaned at a site where dioxins generate such as a washing or dismantling site of an incineration facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignees: Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd., Engineering Advancement Association of Japan
    Inventors: Sadayori Hoshina, Atsushi Takahashi, Noboru Iiyama, Hitoshi Inaba
  • DRAIN TREATMENT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20090246858
    Abstract: A drain treatment system includes a puck containment basket having an open top, sides, a bottom attached to the sides, and a rim attached to the sides at the open top. The sides and bottom of the puck containment basket have openings to permit liquid flow while restricting passage of solid debris. The system includes a cover that is movable or attachable to the puck containment basket at the open top or at the rim. The cover has openings to permit liquid flow while restricting the passage of solid debris. The cover can be positioned over the open top formed in the rim of the puck containment basket to form an enclosure. A drain treatment puck is insertable in and removable from the enclosure. Selected micro-organisms in the drain treatment puck are dispersed by the liquid and reduce clogging in the drain by a digestive action of the micro-organisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: James E. Wray
  • METHOD OF TREATING BIOMASS, COMPOST, MULCHING MATERIAL FOR LIVESTOCK AND AGENT FOR TREATING BIOMASS
    Publication number: 20090241623
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating biomass that reduces water-polluting substances, suppresses the production of malodorous gases and greenhouse gases, decreases the nitrogen content in the compost or livestock bedding thus prepared, and furthermore, easily treats nitrogen-containing biomass in a short time at high temperature. The present invention also provides compost and livestock bedding produced by the method and a biomass treating agent. The method of treating biomass includes blending, with nitrogen-containing biomass, a Geobacillus microorganism having denitrification capability and a fermentation promoter that promotes the fermentation of the nitrogen-containing biomass by the Geobacillus microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicants: Menicon Co., Ltd, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Matano, Ikuko Sugiyama, Shiori Emoto, Chikako Nakamura, Ikuo Fukumura, Masashi Takahashi
  • DESTRUCTION OF MICROBIAL PRODUCTS BY ENZYMATIC DIGESTION
    Publication number: 20090239821
    Abstract: Methods of treating a dialysis component by providing a dialysis component and contacting the dialysis component with an enzyme are provided. The enzyme breaks down microbial contaminants in the dialysis component. The enzyme may be separated from the dialysis component to provide a purified dialysis component. The purified dialysis component may be substantially free of microbial contaminants that cause a cytokine response in humans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicants: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S. A.
    Inventors: Richard J. Johnson, Valerie Leesch, Clifford Holmes, Run Wang
  • INTEGRATED MEMBRANE SEPARATION - BIOREACTOR FOR SELECTIVE REMOVAL OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS AND BY-PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20090239288
    Abstract: A system for selective removal of metabolites from an aqueous broth including a bioreactor vessel containing at least one live culture producing at least one metabolite disposed within an aqueous broth, and a membrane module having a mixed matrix membrane suitable for selective removal of the at least one metabolite from the aqueous broth. The membrane is made of mixtures of hydrophobic zeolite and carbon on a porous substrate. In accordance with one particularly preferred embodiment of this invention, the membrane module is integral with the bioreactor vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shiguang Li, Qinbai Fan, William E. Liss, John J. Lewnard
  • Process for producing N-acetylneuraminic acid
    Patent number: 7579175
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Koizumi, Kazuhiko Tabata, Tetsuo Endo, Akio Ozaki
  • Catalase decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in surfactants
    Publication number: 20090209018
    Abstract: A process comprising the steps of continuously adding a catalase enzyme to a process stream, wherein the process stream comprises an amine oxide surfactant and hydrogen peroxide; and mixing the process stream and catalase enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Kristie Joyce Bethune, Terry Franklin Formyduval, Jared John Schaefer, Manuel Venegas
  • METHOD FOR THE EXTRACTION OF BIOMOLECULES FROM FIXED TISSUES
    Publication number: 20090202998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a fixed biological sample, comprising the steps of the method: i) provision of a fixed biological sample, ii) contacting the fixed biological sample with an aqueous solution comprising at least one nucleophilic reagent, and iii) heating the biological sample contacted with the aqueous solution. The invention also relates to the biological sample obtainable by this method, to the use of a nucleophilic reagent for the treatment of a fixed biological sample, to a kit for isolating a biomolecule from a fixed biological sample, to the use of this kit, and to a method for the treatment of a disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Qiagen GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Schlumpberger, Ralf Peist
  • Calcareous organism growth accelerator
    Patent number: 7565883
    Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide compositions useful for promoting the growth of calcareous organisms present in a closed system aquatic habitat. Particularly, to composition capable of efficiently delivering calcium and carbonate to the calcareous organisms. Most particularly, to a composition effective for enhanced delivery of aragonite to a closed system aquatic habitat where it dissociates into bioavailable supplements, such as, calcium, strontium, magnesium, and carbonate ions, whereby enhanced growth of the calcareous organisms is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Richard M. Greenfield, Betsey G. Moore
  • NANOLIPOPROTEIN PARTICLES COMPRISING HYDROGENASES AND RELATED PRODUCTS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20090186393
    Abstract: Provided herein are nanolipoprotein particles that comprise a membrane associated hydrogenase and related assemblies, devices, methods and systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Sarah E. Baker, Brett A. Chromy, Paul Henderson, Paul D. Hoeprich, JR.
  • POLYSACCHARIDE-PROTEIN BINDING MODEL AND NANO-FIBRIL FORMATION OF A STARCH BINDING DOMAIN
    Publication number: 20090186369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polysaccharide-protein binding model of SBD, and a fibril-forming 14-residue peptide consisting of X1NNNX2X3NYQX4X5X6X7X8, wherein the X1 and X8 mean a pair of opposite charged amino acid residues, and the X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, or X7 means an amino acid residue. The present invention also relates to a mixture for diminising a polysaccharide, comprising at least two starch binding domains (SBDs) and a polysaccharide in a helix form. The present invention further relates to a method of providing an oligosaccharide, and a method of producing an amyloid-like fibril and use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Margaret Dah-Tsyr Chang, Yuh-Ju Sun, Ping-Chiang Lyu, Shu-Chuan Lin, Wei-I Chou
  • Detoxification and decontamination using nanotechnology therapy
    Patent number: 7563613
    Abstract: A method of removing a toxic compound comprising contacting the toxic compound with a particle having two regions, the first region containing a detoxifying enzyme and the second region containing a material selected to partition the toxic compound into the second region. The particle may be a nanoparticle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Donn M. Dennis, Charles R. Martin, Timothy E. Morey, Richard E. Partch, Dinesh O Shah, Manoj Varshney
  • Composition for maintaining healthy kidney function
    Publication number: 20090180990
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising prebiotic and probiotic components and is used to reduce elevated levels of nitrogenous waste products and to promote a healthy bowel microenvironment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Natarajan Ranganathan
  • Method to enhance biodegradation of sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters by addition of a microbial consortium
    Patent number: 7560266
    Abstract: A microbial consortium for the biodegradation of sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters having greater than 60 mol percent aromatic acid content based on the total acid content of the co-polyester, created by applying selective pressure. Methods to biodegrade sulfonated aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters using microbial consortium SPDC-1 are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Michael Bramucci, Vasantha Nagarajan
  • Compositions and Methods for Enhancing Glycerol Utilization
    Publication number: 20090176285
    Abstract: A glycerol utilizing cell and a method for the production of glycerol-derived target compounds are provided. The glycerol utilizing cell may comprise a glycerol metabolizing system or a glycerol uptake protein and be used to produce a glycerol-derivable target compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Genrich Burd, Anamitra Bhattacharyya
  • Bioreactor system for biological degradation of oily sludge
    Patent number: 7537926
    Abstract: A 10,000 gallon sequencing batch reactor tank for the on-site bio-degradation of oily sludge. Bacteria already present in and adapted to oily sludge degrade the hydrocarbons found in oily sludge within two weeks from 20,000 ppm to less than 100 ppm. A degradation cycle requires 5 days. After five days a recirculation pump and aeration system are turned off and solids are allowed to settle to the bottom of the tank. An ultrafiltration unit connected to the tank requires approximately 16 hours to process the contents of the reactor tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gerardo F. Maga, Frederick E. Goetz
  • Method for cleavage of ether-linkages in polyethoxylates
    Patent number: 7527964
    Abstract: A method for cleavage of the ether-linkage of polyethoxylates is described. A novel pure microbial culture, Pseudomonas nitroreducens TX1 (Depository No.: BCRC910228), is used under aerobic condition to cleave the ether-linkage adjacent to the carboxylated terminus or ethoxyl terminus. This method is useful to cleave sequentially ether-linkage of polyethoxylates in an aqueous buffer solution with an initial concentration of the polyethoxylates between 0.05% and 20%. This method is also effective for the cleavage of the ether-linkages in short-chain polyethoxylates with one to three ethoxyl units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Shir-Ly Huang, Gia-Luen Guo
  • METHOD OF FEEDING MICROBIAL ACTIVITY CONTROLLING SUBSTANCE, APPARATUS THEREFOR, AND MAKING USE OF THE SAME, METHOD OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP AND BIOREACTOR
    Publication number: 20090111156
    Abstract: Without using any pumps and controlling devices, to control microorganism's activity by supplying an activity controlling substance which is necessitated for the microorganism activity is realized. A microbial activity controlling material 3 is filled into a vessel 4 having a sealed structure and at least a part of which is provided with a non-porous film 2, and then, the microbial activity controlling material 3 is supplied through the non-porous film 2 part of the vessel 4 to ambient places around the vessel 4 at the speed controlled by the molecular permeation performance of the non-porous film 2, and thereby the activities of microorganisms residing around the vessel is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Hiroaki Uemoto, Masahiko Morita, Atsushi Watanabe
  • Thermotolerant Actinomadura strain capable of degrading polyesters
    Publication number: 20090111163
    Abstract: A new thermotolerant Actinomadura sp., which is capable of degrading polyesters, is provided. Compositions comprising the strain for use in degrading polyesters are also provided. The invention also relates to methods for degrading polyesters by using the strain and the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kim-Chi Hoang, Shu-Feng Yang, Min Tseng, Gwo-Fang Yuan
  • METHOD FOR TREATING ORGANIC MATTER TO PROMOTE MOULDERING
    Publication number: 20090093044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating organic matter to promote mouldering wherein the organic material is subjected to a splitting process followed by a freeze drying process prior to being transferred for deposition for mouldering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: PROMESSA AB
    Inventor: Susanne Wiigh-Masak
  • Talaromyces xylanases
    Patent number: 7514110
    Abstract: Novel polypeptides possessing (endo) xylanase activity are disclosed which can degrade cellulose in plant extracts and plant materials. The polypeptides can cleave ?-D-xylan polymers at internal (1-4) bonds between adjacent xylopyranosyl units. The amino acid sequence and encoding DNA sequence is given and the polypeptide was used to treat cellulose in the preparation of edible foodstuffs and animal feed. The polypeptides have both arabinoxylanase and xylosidase activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johannes Petrus Theodorus Wilhelmus Van Den Hombergh, Jan-Metske Van Der Laan, Jean-Marc Georges Daran
  • Phytase
    Publication number: 20090081331
    Abstract: Described are DNA sequences encoding a polypeptide exhibiting phytase activity, the corresponding encoded phytase polypeptide, a process for preparing the polypeptide and the use thereof for various industrial applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Haefner, Oskar Zelder, Anja Knietsch, Edzard Scholten, Thomas Friedrich, Thomas Brugger
  • MTBE GENES
    Publication number: 20090075281
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating MTBE degradation. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds that modulate MTBE expression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Krassimira R. HRISTOVA, Radomir Schmidt, Anu Y. Chakicherla, Kate M. Scow, Staci R. Kane
  • HEAP LEACHING OF SULPHIDE ORES
    Publication number: 20090061503
    Abstract: A process for the heap leaching of multiple ores, the process characterized by the process steps of: (i) the agglomeration or wetting of an ore feed; (ii) exposing the agglomerated or wetted ore to an inoculum containing one or more bacterial species capable of biooxidizing sulphide minerals in that ore; (iii) forming one or more heaps from the ore of step (ii); (iv) dispersing further bacterial inoculum over at least a portion of the or each heap; and (v) recovering leach solution draining from the heap and passing a portion thereof to a means for metal recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BIOHEAP LIMITED
    Inventors: Colin John Hunter, Tamsin Lisa Williams
  • Process for reducing solid waste volume and landfill mass
    Patent number: 7498163
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for reducing solid waste volume and landfill mass. More particularly, the process of the present invention is directed to reducing organic waste with or without production and collection of a useful product. The process of the present invention involves supplying at least one oxidizing agent in the presence of an aqueous medium into organic materials. The oxidizing agent oxidizes and breaks down a portion of these materials. After addition of the oxidizing agent, at least one species of microorganism may be supplied into the channel and the microorganism consumes the oxidized organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: Annel K. Greene
  • Process for the pre-treatment of vegetable oils for physical refining
    Patent number: 7494676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and economically attractive process for the pretreatment of vegetable oils which involves (a) enzymatic degumming with commercially available phospholipase A1 from the sources like Aspergillus oryzae microorganism, (b) bleaching of the enzymatically degummed oil using bleaching earth and activated carbon, and (c) dewaxing (in case of rice bran oil) of degummed and bleached oil at lower temperature to obtain oil with less than 5 ppm of residual phosphorus which is amenable for physical refining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Pradosh Prasad Chakrabarti, Bhamidipati Venkata Surya Kopeswara Rao, Samir Kumar Roy, Lakshmi Anu Prabhavati Devi Bethala, Prasanna Rani Karna Narayana, Vandana Vemulapalli, Kalyani Chelimi, Gadam Karthika, Vijay Kale, Rachapudi Badari Narayana Prasad
  • Protease variants
    Publication number: 20090047387
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel 3D structure encoding a Nocardiopsis protease, as well as to variants of parent protease homologous to Nocardiopsis proteases, preferably of improved thermostability and/or with an amended temperature activity profile. The invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding such variants, their production in a recombinant host cell, as well as methods of using the variants, in particular within the field of animal feed and detergents. The invention furthermore relates to methods of generating and preparing protease variants of amended properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Leonardo De Maria, Carsten Andersen, Lars Lehmann Hylling Christensen, Soren Flensted Lassen, Peter Rahbek Ostergaard
  • Method for purifying proteins and/or biomolecule or protein complexes
    Publication number: 20090042216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or unifying proteins and/or biomolecule or protein complexes, as well as fusion proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and cells suitable for this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Bertrand Seraphin, Guillaume Rigaut