Abstract: Method and apparatus for biologically oxidizing organic matter. Finely powdered organic matter is suplied into the top end of an upright, high reaction vessel (1). The vessel (1) has been filled up substantially completely by small balls, on the surfaces of which the matter to be oxidized is present in thin layers. By means of a conveyor (6) outside the vessel, the balls are transferred uppwards, whereby the balls in the reaction vessel (1) flow downwrds. Oxidizing air is blown uppwrds against the flow of balls, whereby in the upper section of the vessel, drying takes place in the first instance and then is formed an oxidizing zone automatically by microbial activity in a section, wherein the best oxidizing conditions are prevailing. Exhaust air is cleaned by means of ionic cleaners (14) and singlet oxygen generators (27) and oxidized matter is recovered from the bottom end of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating odors in wastewater treatment bodies. The pH of the body is preferably established above about 6 and most preferably above about 7, usually by adding a base to the body. The oxidation reduction potential of the body is established at about ?300 mV or higher and more preferably about ?200 mV or higher, usually by adding an oxidizing agent such as oxygen or nitrates. After these conditions are established, sulfur oxidizing bacteria are added to the body. These preferably include Paracoccus denitrificans (formerly called Thiosphaera pantotropha) ATTC number 35,512. The sulfur oxidizing bacterial population should be established at levels of at least about 1×104 cfu/mL and more preferably at levels of 1×105 to 1×106 cfu/mL or higher. The increased ORP and pH levels make sulfate reduction thermodynamically unfavorable. Additionally, the presence of an alternative electron acceptor such as oxygen or nitrate allows the sulfur oxidizing bacteria to oxidize organic acids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions provide site-specific bioremediation for petroleum contamination of soil and groundwater.

Abstract: An organic waste processing method and device makes a mass disposal and 24 hours continuous processing possible, and can largely cut down facility and processing costs. It uses a number of roughly cut-end inverted cone shaped processing tanks 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C aligned serially, a motor 17 installed on the bottom of each processing tank, a rotating shaft 19 that rotates by motor 17 drive set up passing through the top and bottom parts inside each processing tank, and stirring blades 21, attached on rotating shaft 19, that mix aerobic microorganism 1 and organic waste 2 to put in more than capacity amount of organic waste 2 into the upstream processing tank 3, have a part of organic waste 2 transport from outlet 14 at upper peripheral wall of processing tank 3 to inlet 9 at the top of processing tank 3A placed adjacently and downstream, by centrifugal force of stirring blades 21.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyases comprising the amino acid sequence Asn Leu Asn Ser Arg Val Pro (NLNSRVP) (amino acids 236–242 of SEQ ID NO: 2) belonging to Family 1 of polysaccharide lyases have good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biotechnology invention concerning human phosphatidic acid phosphatase. More particularly, this invention relates to three variants of human phosphatidic acid phosphatase namely PAP-?(1 and 2), PAP-? and PAP-? and uses thereof.

Abstract: A proteinaceous material has been found to show similar activity and treatment response to that of disease causing prions, such as CJD. A prion model which incorporates the proteinaceous material has a variety of applications. The model has an ability to be cultured either in vivo or in vitro, allowing rapid screening of potential drugs for treating animals or humans, or methods of treating food products or items which may come into contact with prions, such as medical or dental devices. Several treatment methods and materials have been developed using the model.

Abstract: A invention concerns a novel method for preparing a polypeptide soluble in an aqueous solvent in the absence of detergent, and polypeptides obtainable by said method. The invention also concerns the use of said polypeptides, in particular for preparing medicines or vaccines, for fighting against bacterial and viral infections or cancers.

Abstract: A process for the depletion or removal of endotoxins from preparations containing active ingredients designated for therapeutical use which are obtained from natural sources by genetic engineering and/or biotechnology by treatment with chromatographic material wherein said natural source are lysed, the fractions obtained are optionally centrifuged, filtrated or treated with affinity chromatographic methods; said fractions are preincubated with an aqueous salt solution and detergents, treated with anion exchange material and then washed with another salt solution, and the active ingredients are eluted from the anion exchanger, followed by further purification in a per se known manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated DNA molecule encoding Malathion Carboxylesterase capable of hydrolysing at least one organophosphate selected from the group consisting of carboxylester organophosphates and dimethyloxon organophosphates. The DNA molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and more preferably at least 95% homology with Lc?E 7, in which the protein encoded by the DNA molecule differs from E 3 at least in the substitution of Trip at position 251 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of Leu, Ser, Ala, Ile, Val, Thr, Cys, Met and Gly. The preferred substituents are Leu and Ser.

Abstract: A method and system for hydrogen production in which a feedstock of at least one biodegradable solid is introduced into a first stage anaerobic bioreactor and a liquid effluent formed. The liquid effluent is transferred into a second stage anaerobic bioreactor having a plurality of hollow semipermeable fibers having an outer surface coated with a biofilm formed by at least one hydrogenogenic bacteria, which forms hydrogen gas within the lumen of the hollow semipermeable fibers. The hydrogen thus produced is removed from the lumen of the hollow semipermeable fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a novel metalloproteases in gram positive microorganisms. The present invention provides the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for the metalloprotease. The present invention also provides host cells having a mutation or deletion of part or all of the gene encoding the metalloprotease. The present invention provides host cells which further comprises a nucleic acid encoding desired heterologous proteins such as enzymes. The present invention also provides cleaning compositions, animal feeds and compositions used to treat a textile that include the metalloprotease of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant strains of Pseudomonas putida and their use in the detoxification of industrial and/or toxic waste products.

Abstract: Unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed jojoba protein having high simmondsin concentration are provided. These jojoba proteins may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion containing a mixture of amino acids, peptides and/or protein fractions derived from the extraction and hydrolysis of naturally occurring jojoba protein, or dried into a powder.

Abstract: Agricultural biomass hydrolysate is detoxified by culturing in the presence of the fungus Coniochaeta ligniaria (teleomorph) or its Lecythophora (anamorph) state. This organism is capable of significantly depleting the toxicant levels of furans, particularly furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. A new strain of the fungus has been isolated and deposited in the Agricultural Research Culture Collection (NRRL) in Peoria, Ill., as Accession No. NRRL 30616. The detoxified agricultural biomass hydrolysate is useful as a substrate for industrial fermentation processes, especially in saccharification treatments for bioethanol production.

Abstract: A sterile method for preparing stable thrombin component from a single donor's plasma in which the thrombin component is harvested simultaneously from the clotting and adhesive proteins component from the same donor plasma in less than one hour. The combined components provide an improved biological hemostatic agent and tissue sealant by virtue of its freedom from the risk of contaminating viruses or bacteria from allogenic human or bovine blood sources. The thrombin provides polymerization of the clotting and adhesive proteins in less than five seconds, and is sufficiently stable to provide that fast clotting over a six hour period. Further, the clotting times can be predictably lengthened by diluting the thrombin with saline.

Abstract: It has been discovered that fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a biochemical agent, such as bacteria, fungi, and/or enzymes. The biochemical agent may directly attack the VES itself, or some other component in the fluid that produces a by-product that then causes viscosity reduction. The biochemical agent may disaggregate or otherwise attack the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. The biochemical agent may produce an enzyme that reduces viscosity by one of these mechanisms. A single biochemical agent may operate simultaneously by two different mechanisms, such as by degrading the VES directly, as well as another component, such as a glycol, the latter mechanism in turn producing a by-product (e.g. an alcohol) that causes viscosity reduction. Alternatively, two or more different biochemical agents may be used simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing bioremediation of ground water contaminated with nonaqueous halogenated solvents are disclosed. An illustrative method includes adding a composition to the ground water wherein the composition is an electron donor for microbe-mediated reductive dehalogenation of the halogenated solvents and enhances mass transfer of the halogenated solvents from residual source areas into the aqueous phase of the ground water. Illustrative compositions effective in these methods include surfactants such as C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, salts thereof, esters of C2–C4 carboxylic acids and hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Other illustrative compositions according to the present invention include oleyl lactylic acid and, optionally, oleic acid and lactic acid or salts thereof. Especially illustrative compositions for use in these methods include lactic acid, salts of lactic acid, such as sodium lactate, lactate esters, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of recovering base metal from a tailings dump which includes the steps of: aerating a surface layer of the dump; adjusting the pH and the moisture content of the surface layer to provide conditions favourable for bacterial oxidation of sulphide minerals; allowing bacterial oxidation to take place for a controlled period, after the controlled period removing the oxidized surface layer and adding water thereto for form a slurry; separating the slurry into solids and a solution; and recovering base metal from the solution.

Abstract: A method has been developed to maintain the health of an activated sludge environment in a wastewater process comprising monitoring the levels of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) produced as an indicator of bioreactor health and regulating the concentration of feed nutrients and nitrate to maintain bioreactor health. In general, levels of PHA in excess of about 15% to about 20% dry weight of the biomass is an indication that the biocatalytic efficiency of the wastewater treatment process is impaired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Vibrio metscnikovii variants, more particularly to a biochemical characteristics of protease which is obtained from Vibrio metscnikovii variant strains such as Vibrio metschnikovii KS1, Vibrio metschnikovii KS1 transformed with pDSBCm, Vibrio metschnikovii KS1 transformed with pSBCm and Vibrio metschnikovii RH530 N-4-8 strain, the mother strain of Vibrio metschnikovii and to a detergent composition including the protease.

Abstract: Unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed jojoba protein having high simmondsin concentration are provided. These jojoba proteins may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion containing a mixture of amino acids, peptides and/or protein fractions derived from the extraction and hydrolysis of naturally occurring jojoba protein, or dried into a powder.

Abstract: A preferred method by which microorganisms and nutritive media are sprayed, brushed, dripped, or otherwise applied, onto freshly cut rock, stone, freshly formed concrete, or other hard manmade surface, in order for the target surface to take on a weathered appearance in the least amount of time. The present inventive product and process by product creates a process by which surface materials may be scraped or gathered from a nearby location, mixed with water and/or a nutritive media, and either further treated to promote additional growth of necessary microorganisms, or the directly applied to the surface of the freshly cut rock or stone, or freshly formed concrete or other hard, manmade surface thereby providing a weathered appearance in the shortest period of time. Newly built structures of rock, stone, concrete, or other hard surface are thus provided with an appearance which fits into mature and established areas.

Abstract: A novel microbial protein is described which appears to have significant homology to plant expansin proteins and has the ability to weaken filter paper and swell cellulose. A DNA is described which encodes the novel protein.

Abstract: A method of testing water to detect the presence of a chemical or biological warfare agent is disclosed. The method is carried out by establishing control data by providing control water containing indigenous organisms but substantially free of a chemical and a biological warfare agent. Then measuring photosynthetic activity of the control water with a fluorometer to obtain control data to compare with test data to detect the presence of the chemical or agent. The test data is gathered by providing test water comprising the same indigenous organisms as contained in the control water. Further, the test water is suspected of containing the chemical or agent to be tested for. Photosynthetic activity is also measured by fluorescence induction in the test water using a fluorometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel agropolymers, which comprise a carbohydrate and/or silica matrix substantially devoid of proteins, tannins and polyphenols and which comprise metal binding reactive sites. A method of producing the agropolymers is also disclosed wherein the agropolymers are derived from plant materials such as seed coats, seed covers, husks, or hulls of various agricultural crops. The agricultural crops typically used to produce the agropolymers include Oryza sativa, Panicum miliaceum, Setaria italica, Cajanus cajan, Vigna mungo, Vigna radiata, Triticum sp., Ricinus communis, Helianthus annus, Gossypium sp., and Arachis sp. The agropolymers of the present invention are capable of purifying aqueous solutions polluted or contaminated with metals and/or ions. Thus, the present invention also discloses a method whereby agropolymers are used in the purification of contaminated water and other aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed jojoba protein having high simmondsin concentration are provided. These jojoba proteins may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion containing a mixture of amino acids, peptides and/or protein fractions derived from the extraction and hydrolysis of naturally occurring jojoba protein, or dried into a powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of solubilizing and recycling polymers using irradiation, wherein the polymers comprise photoreactive moieties. These polymers have many applications including use in disposable consumer products such as beverage bottles, eating utensils and diapers.

Abstract: A method of rapid biochemical cycling of aquariums using naturally preserved granular marine substrate material, such as sand or aragonite, to rapidly denitrify the aquatic environment and to establish biochemical conditions that are favorable to the survival and viability of fish, crustaceans, invertebrates, and other marine aquatic life. The method includes the steps of harvesting and packaging marine sand such that marine microorganisms, in the form of biofilm attached to the sand, are preserved with an optimal amount of water and air in retail packaging specifically dimensioned and configured for maintaining ammonia oxidizing bacteria in a state wherein the bacteria are capable of metabolic and physiologic activity after prolonged periods at room temperature. Harvesting and packaging marine microorganisms according to the disclosed method allows for widespread distribution to consumers through conventional retail sales channels.

Abstract: A process for the microbial activation of layer silicates.

Abstract: Processes for treating compositions comprising one or more alkanes (for example crude oils) to enhance volume of the compositions are disclosed. The processes comprise introducing into the composition one or more aerobic microorganisms, thereby forming an intermediate composition, and then introducing one or more anaerobic microorganisms into the intermediate composition to form a second composition, and repeating these steps at least once.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an organic waste processing method and apparatus capable of making a formalin nontoxic and decreasing an amount and/or a volume of a formalin-fixed organic waste easily in a shorter time without retaining an original form. A formalin-fixed organic waste processing method comprising the steps of formalin neutralizing a formalin-fixed organic waste, decomposing the waste using an enzyme, and subsequently, carrying out a drying process, and an organic waste processing apparatus comprising a processing chamber 2 for processing the waste, a stirring paddle provided in the processing chamber 2, a driving motor of the paddle, a heater 5 for the processing chamber 2, air supply means 6, exhaust means 14, and control means 7 for controlling the operations of the driving motor, the heater 5, the air supply means 6 and the exhaust means 14.

Abstract: A sample solution treating instrument is provided for facilitating rapid and simplified adjustment of the condition of a sample solution proper for analysis with a biosensor before supplying the solution to the biosensor. The sample solution treating instrument includes, for example, a catalyst or an adsorbent which can remove any interfering substance in order to adjust the sample solution for measurement with a biosensor.

Abstract: An appliance for accelerating the degradation of feces and other organic wastes is disclosed. The appliance comprises a container containing an accelerator to accelerate the breakdown of fecal wastes, and a transport mechanism for ejecting the accelerator from the container. The accelerator comprises a mixture of microorganism and free enzymes which are environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a target microorganism characterized in that an extrinsic environmental factor is added to a culture system where said target microorganism and other microbes coexist, said extrinsic environmental factor providing a desirable growth condition for the other microorganisms but an undesirable growth condition for the target microorganism, and said extrinsic environmental factor is typically an organic substance that is assimilable by the above other microorganisms but not by the target microorganism, and includes a sugar, an amino acid, an alkanol amine, an organic acid, and the like. In particular, the target microorganism is N16-1 strain of Burkholderia (FERM BP-5504) and the substance is D-serine.

Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material to remove an undesired compound 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: The present invention relates to a novel methods and compositions for producing hyper and hypo allergenic compositions. Specifically, the present invention comprises neutralizing or reducing the ability of T-cells to recognize epitopes and thus prevent sensitization of an individual to the protein. Alternatively, T-cell epitopes are mutated to produce increased immunogenic reactions. Moreover, naturally occuring proteins are provided.

Abstract: A composting box includes a main unit and one or two detachable side panels. In a preferred embodiment, the main unit includes two spaced apart main walls attached at diagonally opposite corners with connecting and spacing members. Each of the detachable side panels is adapted to attach to a side of the main unit. After detaching the side panels, the main unit can be separated from a compost pile. The compost pile is then easily re-transferred back into the main unit, and the side panel(s) reattached. This method provides an inexpensive, labor-saving way to maintain and periodically aerate compost piles.

Abstract: Water-soluble ethers used as octane number enhancers in gasoline are disturbing components in soils and groundwater even in small amounts due to their strong taste and odour. This invention relates to biological purification of gasoline-contaminated soils and groundwater, more specifically to Variovorax strains being able to degrade ethers and their degradation products and to a mixed bacterial population comprising said bacteria. Further this invention relates to a process for bacterial degradation of ethers and their degradation products and to the use of one or more Variovorax strains of the invention in purifying contaminated soil or water.

Abstract: The invention features methods and compositions for rapidly and effectively hydrolyzing lactose using recombinant lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract: A method for purifying matter contaminated with a halogenated organic compound is disclosed. The method includes the step of adding a reducing agent and a nutritional source for a heterotrophic anaerobic microorganism to the contaminated matter. The reducing agent is reduced iron, cast iron, iron-silicon alloy and so on, or a water soluble compound. A combination of chemical reactions with microorganisms allows to decompose the halogenated organic compound. The nutritional source including an organic carbon and 20 to 50 percent by weight of an oxidized form of nitrogen is added, thereby preventing by products of the decomposition such as generation of noxious gases and decoloration of soil. A method includes the steps of mixing a reducing agent and a nutritional liquid with the contaminated matter, wherein the mixing step including a step of adjusting the contaminated matter at pH ranging from 4.5 to 9.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of purification of Hepatitis A Virus from the supernatant of an infected cell culture and production of a preparation of purified HAV antigen. The present invention is also directed to an HAV vaccine composition comprising a preparation consisting of purified mature HAV particles in an amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response in a mammal.

Abstract: A method of heap leaching wherein a gaseous suspension which contains a microbial inoculum or nutrients is introduced into the heap.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, hollow fibres, for example, made from dense wall Poly methylpentene (PMP) used in tows or formed into a fabric. In one module, one or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibres. Various reactors and processes, for example to treat wastewater, using such modules are described. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods are used to control the thickness of the biofilm.

Abstract: A process for the remediation and conditioning of soil containing a contaminant. The process comprises (a) mixing the soil with solid material comprising a source of microbial nourishment, (b) inoculating the mixed soil with a diverse microbe population capable of digesting the contaminant, and (c) maintaining the moisture content of the inoculated soil at a level sufficient to support microbial growth. The process can include the additional steps of applying a suspension fertilizer to the mixed soil and/or applying an oxygen-releasing compound to the mixed soil. Step (b) can be repeated to sufficiently reduce the level of contamination.

Abstract: There is described a process for labeling an article and/or document for authentication purposes. The article or document (such as BOPP and/or cellulose film) incorporates therein particles having a taggant bound to the surface thereof. The preferred taggant is a DNA strand of at least eight (preferably 25) base pairs long attached to inorganic particles by the addition reaction between an acrylate group and a polar group such as amino or hydroxy. Alternatively silica particles can be modified by reacting first with aminopropyltriethoxy silane and then a reagent selected from: a diacid with a polyethylene glycol spacer group (e.g. polyethylene glycol dicarboxymethyl) succinic anhydride; and/or a diisothiocyanate (e.g. 1,4-phenylene diisothiocyanate (PDITC)) to form functional silica particles capable of reacting directly with a terminal amide and/or hydroxy group of an oligonucleotide such as DNA.

Abstract: This invention relates to new use of marine cyanobacteria lyngbya, Oscillatoria, Sprulina, Anabaena and Synechocystis deposited with ATCC having accession numbers ATCC PTA-4602 and 4603 for the removal of calcium ions from sea-brine and sub-soil brine having a density range 10 to 25.5° Be′, by culturing the cyanobacteria, inoculating the cyanobacteria culture to raw brine of 10 to 25.5° Be′, filtering the resultant mixture to obtain a brine having less calcium, and to separate the cyanobacteria which can be reused if desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bioprocess engineering solution for a product removal process for use in a biofermentation. The invention discloses a process for withdrawing an aliquot of broth from a biofermentation vessel during at least a portion of the biofermentation, removing biocatalyst and water, chromatographically separating biofermentation products from the withdrawn broth using water as an eluent, and returning the remaining components of the broth back to the biofermentation vessel. Process chromatography permits highly selective separation of the target molecule, preventing feedback inhibition of the biofermentation.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes fungal spore mass or hyphal fragments in landscaping cloths, fiber substrates, paper products, hydroseeders and agricultural equipment. The fungi may include saprophytic fungi, including gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, mycorrhizal fungi, entomopathogenic fungi, parasitic fungi and fungi imperfecti. The fungi function as keystone species, delivering benefits to both the microsphere and biosphere. Such fungal delivery systems are useful for purposes including ecological rehabilitation and restoration, preservation and improvement of habitats, filtration of silts and sediments and restoration of abandoned logging roads.

Abstract: A sinter metal part with a homogeneous distribution of non-homogeneously melting components, essentially comprising non-homogeneously melting non ferrous metal powder mixtures, produced in the following manner: continuous isostatic pressure sintering of the starting material to obtain densities which substantially correspond to the density of a high-temperature isostatically pressed solid having the same composition, using die in conditions avoiding the occurrence of a liquid phase in powder at temperatures of up to 70% of the metal melting point, preferably up to 60% of the metal melting point, forming a sinter profile substantially possessing a final contour.