Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions containing a cleaning effective amount of a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants and from about 0.01 to about 5 weight percent of substantially pure EG III cellulase. Preferably, the detergent composition contains no more than about 5 weight percent of CBH I type components based on the total weight of cellulase proteins. When employed in aqueous wash media, the detergent compositions impart color retention/restoration properties as well as improved softening and feel properties to cotton-containing fabrics.

Abstract: An enzyme composition and a means of reducing the stickiness of honeydew contaminated cotton is disclosed. The composition includes, and the method uses, enzymes such as transglucosidases and pectinases which are capable of hydrolyzing sugars that make-up honeydew.

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 .mu.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 reactor is inoculated with a microorganism capable of degrading the undesired compound in the solid material, and the solid material is then biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying hydrogen peroxide, for example, contact lens disinfecting amounts of hydrogen peroxide, are disclosed. The present invention utilizes non-mammalian-derived catalase, for example, catalase obtained as a result of the action of one or more microorganisms such as Micrococcus luteus, Aspergillus niger and mixtures thereof, to promote the destruction of hydrogen peroxide. Such non-mammalian-derived catalase has substantial advantages, e.g., enhanced stability, relative to bovine catalase, which is conventionally used in such contact lens-related applications.

Abstract: The present invention is for bioremediation method and compositions for promoting activity in indigenous micro-organisms, causing the micro-organisms to degrade organic contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for bio-oxidating insoluble mineral compounds from ores comprising the steps of:a) conditioning the ore with an acidic solution;b) adding a microbial inoculum to the conditioned ore;c) drying the ore until soluble bio-oxidized products in solid state are obtained, the solid products containing microbial colonies;d) maintaining the ore into an adequate range of temperature for the employed microorganism, until the bio-oxidation is completed; ande) separating out the soluble bio-oxidized products in solid state by washing or by another suitable method.

Abstract: A method and case for disinfection of contact lenses wherein the contact lenses are placed in a double chamber filled with cleaning fluid, for example, hydrogen peroxide, with the case comprising a third chamber or position connected with the double chamber. The third chamber is adapted to take up and hold a tablet containing a neutralization agent such as catalase, so that the hydrogen peroxide in the double chamber is neutralized suitably slowly by admission of the cleaning fluid to dissolve the tablet. By the dissolution of the tablet, oxygen is generated, and an oxygen bubble is formed around the tablet so that the hydrogen peroxide is alternately kept from the tablet and ultimately is admitted access to the tablet. Rather than provide a double chamber, a holder member may be provided for holding the respective contact lenses, with the tablet being accommodated at a lower end of the holder and being exposed to the cleaning fluid when the holder is inserted into the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: The strains of Actinetobacter species (bicoccus) B-6445, Arthrobacter species S-1212, and Rhodococcus species S-1213 were deposited on Jan. 1, 1993 in the All-Union Collection at the All-Union research institute for genetics and selection of microorganisms. A method for biological purification from oil pollutions and spills incorporates introduction of a bacterial culture into the pollution or spill, used as the bacterial culture being made of the strains mentioned before, taken either individually or in any combination with one another, the weight ratio between the bacterial culture and the oil pollution being 1:10-10.sup.5, respectively.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously treating an organic compound contaminated soil heap with an ozone containing gas using a closed loop gas recycle system.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses include a liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide and a defined ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer. An advantageously reduced amount of foaming occurs when the hydrogen peroxide is destroyed, particularly by the action of catalase.

Abstract: Thermus aquaticus biovar. Nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) is an absolute aerobic bacteria. It grows at temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, but its best growth is achieved at 72.degree.-76.degree. C. It produces protein decomposing enzymes functional at a temperature of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid groups. A method for improving the quality of soil comprising applying to the soil a biologically pure culture of an absolute aerobic bacterium Thermus aquaticus biovar. nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) having a growth temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, a growth optimum temperature of 72.degree.-76.degree. C., and producing protein decomposing enzymes functional at temperature range of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and being active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for caring for a contact lens include an inositol phosphate component in an amount effective to at least facilitate the beneficial treatment of the lens.

Abstract: Compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable, modified enzyme exhibiting a low pI and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent, are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable oil pan used for the collection and disposal of used motor oil drained from an automobile's crankcase. The preferred oil pan is formed from a cut-out of lightweight corrugated paperboard and contains an absorbent filler material inside. Such absorbent filler material contains petrophilic micro-organisms which enable it to absorb the oil drained from the crankcase of a car and prevent it from leaching back out into the environment. When the oil comes in contact with the petrophilic micro-organisms in the filler material, those petrophilic micro-organisms act upon the oil and begin a bio-remediation process whereby the danger represented by the hydrocarbons in the oil is reduced to a level which is considered acceptable by most general waste facilities. Accordingly, the entire oil pan, with filler material and used oil contained inside, may be simply disposed of along with one's general supply of trash.

Abstract: The transfer of a textile dye from a dyed fabric to another fabric during washing or rinsing is inhibited by adding an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity or an enzyme exhibiting a suitable oxidase activity to the wash liquor in which said fabrics are washed and/or rinsed. Peroxidase is produced extracellularly by some strains of Bacillus pumilus. The novel peroxidase preparation from B. pumilus is a microperoxidase, i.e. it contains hemopeptide as an active component. The preparation has improved stability at high temperature, at high pH and at high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. It can be produced without undesired catalase activity.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a surface such as pavement using a portable closed-loop system which is transported to the location to be cleaned by a vehicle. The method includes storing a volume of fluid in a clean tank, pumping the fluid to a cleaning head, blasting the surface to be cleaned with the fluid, suctioning the contaminants from the surface, removing suspended and colloidal contaminants, removing hydrocarbons, and returning this fluid to the clean fluid tank for recirculation through the system.

Abstract: A novel bacterium that can produce an enzyme having a wide specificity and being capable of decomposing slimes originating in various molds, yeasts and the like, more particularly, a novel bacterium of the genus Cellulomonas. The enzyme solution prepared by using the above bacterium is excellent in the effects of decomposition and prevention of formation of mold slime and can be applied for controlling slimes in industrial water, such as white water in the papermaking industry or cooling water, removing slime from separative membranes, preventing sludge bulking, washing garbage cages in a kitchen sink, and preserving wood.

Abstract: A method is directed to a measurement of the biodegradation of a product organic carbon source by the measurement of the change in conductivity of a solution that has absorbed carbon dioxide evolved from the biodegradation of a product organic carbon source. The carbon dioxide that is absorbed is a direct measure of the biodegradability of the organic carbon source.

Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions containing a combination of exo-cellobiohydrolase I type cellulase components and endoglucanase type components wherein the exo-cellobiohydrolase I type cellulase components are enriched relative to the endoglucanase type components. The detergent compositions of this invention provide cleaning and softening of cotton garments while also providing substantially reduced degradation of the cotton fabric in the garment.

Abstract: A bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species is provided. The bacterial culture is capable of oxidizing a sulfide compound in a fluid such as, for example, a produced brine. Also provided is a process for substantially reducing sulfide content in a fluid wherein the process comprises contacting the fluid with a bacterial culture which comprises a Campylobacter-like species.

Abstract: A detergent composition and additive comprising a protease and a reversible protease inhibitor of the peptide or protein type, wherein the ratio of the dissociation constant to the protease concentration in the range from 0.006 to 6. When the protease is subtilisin, the protease inhibitor is preferably a modified subtilisin inhibitor of Family VI.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin, such as a poly(tetramethylene carbonate) resin, is enzymatically decomposed by contacting the polycarbonate resin with at least one enzyme selected from porcine pancreas lipase, Pseudomonas sp. lipase and Pseudomonas sp. lipoprotein lipase in the presence of water.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods for treating cotton-containing fabrics as well as the fabrics produced from these methods. In particular, the disclosed methods are directed to contacting cotton-containing fabrics with an aqueous solution containing a fungal cellulase composition which comprises CBH I type components and one or more EG type components wherein said cellulase composition has a protein weight ratio of CBH I type components to all EG type components of greater than 10:1. Cotton-containing fabrics so treated possess decreased strength loss as compared to fabrics treated with a complete cellulase composition.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method for treating and conditioning poultry manure to form an organic product that is capable of biologically removing hydrocarbon based molecules from soils and other surfaces. Poultry manure is composted by mixing and agitating the poultry manure contained in a mixing station. During this process, specific and selected microorganisms are added to the poultry manure. These microorganisms are specific in that they have a special affinity for consuming and reducing hydrocarbons. The added microorganisms are caused to multiply and proliferate by continuously agitating and aerating the poultry manure. Finally, a treated and conditioned poultry manure product is formed and thereafter, the formed poultry product is screened and bagged and in select cases can be pelletized.

Abstract: A method is presented for releasing petroleum and hydrocarbon products sorbed onto or entrained by organic natural fibers in an aqueous medium through the use of enzymes to degrade the organic natural fiber sorbents utilized for oil spill cleanup, the method provides an opportunity for achieving responsible separation of oil from oil spill sorbent materials. Natural organic fibers which have been utilized to adsorb petroleum and hydrocarbon products are separated from these petroleum and hydrocarbon products by reducing the natural organic fiber links to the point that the adsorbed or entrained oil no longer has sufficient binding surface or fiber link to remain held by the fibers, thus floats to the surface of the aqueous medium. Aqueous medium enzyme compositions are provided which are suitable for degrading organic natural fibers inclusive of cellulose-based and protein-based fibers resulting in release of adsorbed, absorbed and/or entrained petroleum products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a decontamination process for a porous medium polluted by hydrocarbons according to a composition containing a surface active agent as glycolipids in their crude or modified form is introduced, for example by at least one input well, in the optional presence of hydrocarbon-destroying bacteria and at least one part of the composition containing at least one part of the hydrocarbons is collected, for example by a production well.

Abstract: Clostridium thermocellum biovar. nov. SK522 (FERM BP-345 g) is a thermophilic cellulose decomposing bacteria, capable of solubilizing lignin and fermenting cellulose excellently. Although its temperature limit for growth is 40.degree.-80.degree. C., it grows best at 65.degree.-72.degree. C.Thermus aquaticus biovar. nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) is an absolute aerobic bacteria. It grows at temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, but its best growth is achieved at 72.degree.-76.degree. C. It produces protein decomposing enzymes functional at a temperature of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid groups.Both strains can be mix-cultured. Depending on various purposes, as the mix culture is able to decompose organic materials containing cellulose and/or lignin, it can be used for soil improvement.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for disinfecting contact lenses are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present compositions include a liquid medium containing chlorine dioxide precursor in an amount effective to form, when activated, a chlorine dioxide-containing composition including a contact lens disinfecting amount of chlorine dioxide. A polyanionic component, preferably a water soluble polyanionic component, is included in the composition in an amount effective to inhibit the formation of proteinaceous deposit material on a contact lens immersed in the chlorine dioxide-containing composition. Thus, effective contact lens disinfection is achieved while, at the same time, reducing the risk of forming proteinaceous deposit material on the contact lens during the disinfecting processing.

Abstract: The transfer of a textile dye from a dyed fabric to another fabric during washing or rinsing is inhibited by adding an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity or an enzyme exhibiting a suitable oxidase activity to the wash liquor in which said fabrics are washed and/or rinsed. Peroxidase is produced extracellularly by some strains of Bacillus pumilus. The novel peroxidase preparation from B. pumilus is a microperoxidase, i.e. it contains hemopeptide as an active component. The preparation has improved stability at high temperature, at high pH and at high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. It can be produced without undesired catalase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for bleaching aqueous surfactant solutions using hydrogen peroxide, specific decomposition of the unreacted hydrogen peroxide and/or oxidizing secondary products formed therefrom being performed using enzymes. The reaction proceeds under very mild conditions and leads to extremely pale, low-odor products.

Abstract: This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermostable protease from Thermococcus celer, Thermococcus stetteri or Thermococcus litoralis, to a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and to detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. The enzyme has a temperature optimum in the range of from 75.degree. to 100.degree. C. and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.0-10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, the microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55641, 55642, 55643, 55644, 55645, 55646, 55647, 55648 and 55649. More particularly, the present invention relates to the aerobic degradation of organic compounds in fluid or solid phase such that the compounds are bioremediated to products containing CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for biological cleaning of a gas flow containing at least one contaminant by: i) placing the gas flow containing contamination in contact with liquid, wherein the contamination is absorbed by the liquid and is degraded by micro-organisms in contact with the liquid; and ii) controlling a control salt concentration in the liquid such that the fractional inhibition of the growth rate of the micro-organisms is greater than the fractional decrease in the degradation rate of the contamination, and to the use of a control salt in biological cleaning of such a gas flow.

Abstract: A lens storage container having an interior coated with an enzymatic cleaning composition useful for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the aerobic reaction of compounds such as aromatic, nitro-aromatic, halo-aromatic, aliphatic and halo-aliphatic compounds with a microorganism, the microorganism being a member of the group consisting of microorganisms having ATCC Accession No. 55641, 55642, 55643, 55644, 55645, 55646, 55647, 55648 and 55649. More particularly, the present invention relates to the aerobic degradation of organic compounds in fluid or solid phase such that the compounds are bioremediated to products containing CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: The biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminated water is enhanced by the adding to the contaminated water a hydrocarbon solution of (a) a mixture of a sorbitan ester of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.22 monocarboxylic acid and a polyoxyalkelene adduct of a sorbitan ester of a C.sub.7 to C.sub.22 monocarboxylic acid, the adduct having from 4 to 50 polyoxyalkelene units, (b) an alkyl glycoside wherein the alkyl group has from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and the gylcoside is a mono or diglycoside, or a mixture thereof, in amounts sufficient to promote the growth of indigenous microorganisms.In another embodiment of the invention a source of microbial assimilable nitrogen and phosphorous also is supplied to the contaminated water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing metals from a fossil fuel comprising the steps of contacting the fossil fuel with an oxygenase which degrades porphyrin molecules under conditions suitable for the removal of the metals from the fossil fuel; and separating the metals from the fossil fuel. Preferred embodiments of the oxygenase include heme oxygenase and cytochrome C reductase, such as cytochrome C reductase from Bacillus megaterium, Catharanthus roseuse, Escherichia coli, animal cells, plant cells or yeast cells. The cytochrome C reductase can be contacted with the fossil fuel in an aqueous medium as a substantially cell-free preparation or cell preparation. In one embodiment of the invention, the metals are recovered from the resulting metal containing stream.

Abstract: A composition comprises an azo dye having a lignin-like substitution pattern and an environmentally common microbe, such as Streptomyces or Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The composition may also comprise an azo dye having a lignin-like substitution pattern, an amount of lignin peroxidase effective to degrade the dye, and an amount of veratryl alcohol effective to recycle lignin peroxidase II to lignin peroxidase. The lignin peroxidase may be provided by an environmentally common microbe. Azo dyes substituted with lignin-like groups are completely mineralized by the environmentally common microbe. The biodegradable azo dye preferably includes a first aromatic ring having a first substituent R1 selected from hydroxy or lower alkoxy, a second substituent R2 selected from lower alkyl or lower alkoxy, and a third substituent R3 selected from lower alkoxy or halogen. In especially preferred embodiments the first substituent R.sub.1 is hydroxy and is para to the azo group, and both R.sub.2 and R.sub.

Abstract: Contaminating trace amounts of byproduct dihalocarboxylic acids or salts thereof are removed from aqueous solutions which comprise less than 1,000 ppm of same and at least 20% by weight of amino acids or amino acid derivatives, to render such aqueous solutions nonirritating to biological membranes and suitable for cosmeticology applications, by directly contacting the original aqueous solutions with either (a) about 1 to 100 ppm of a microorganism producing an enzyme specific for the decomposition of said dihalocarboxylic acids or salts thereof, or (b) about 0.1 to 10 ppm of such enzyme, per se.

Abstract: Chelants represented by Formula 1b: ##STR1## are determined to be biodegradable when Distance A is from about 3.8.times.10.sup.-10 to about 4.6.times.10.sup.-10 m, Distance B is from about 5.1.times.10.sup.-10 to about 5.9.times.10.sup.-10 m, and Distance C is from about 4.3 to about 6.7.times.10.sup.-10 m). Compounds meeting these criteria are referred to as compounds of Formula 2.

Abstract: A process for remediating contaminated soil or groundwater using a strain of Pseudomonas paucimobilis designated NRRL B-18512 is disclosed. Further, the process is a two stage sequential process wherein in the first stage bacteria which degrade low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic organic compounds and phenolics are used in a pretreatment step. However, the remaining high molecular weight compounds are treated in a second step of the process with the Pseudomonas paucimobilis strain since the strain is not inhibited by low molecular weight compounds because these are removed in the first pretreatment step. Therefore, repeated inoculation of the strain is not necessary and the overall process disclosed eliminates the inhibitory effects of the low molecular weight compounds.

Abstract: A dispersant solution includes a hydrocarbon dispersing solution derived from a bacterium from ATCC 75527, ATCC 75529, or ATCC 55638.

Abstract: A process for improved remediation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon and/or polychlorinated hydrocarbon contaminated solid materials by integrated chemical/biological treatment comprising contacting the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon and/or polychlorinated hydrocarbon for chemical treatment with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of ferrous ion in liquid solution at a temperature of about 10.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C., oxidizing the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon materials and/or polychlorinated hydrocarbon materials and producing more readily biodegradable hydrocarbon product materials, and then biodigesting the product materials by aerobic and/or anaerobic biodigestion. A lower alcohol added to the chemical treatment in accordance with one embodiment further enhances oxidation of 4- to 6-ring aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants.

Abstract: Bacteria capable of reducing the concentration of sulphur black dye in a substrate when contacted with the substrate are provided. The subject bacteria may be either aerobic or anaerobic and reduce the concentration of sulphur black dye in the substrate through either bioadsorption or biodegradation of sulphur black dye.

Abstract: The transfer of a textile dye from a dyed fabric to another fabric during washing or rinsing is inhibited by adding an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity or an enzyme exhibiting a suitable oxidase activity to the wash liquor in which said fabrics are washed and/or rinsed. Peroxidase is produced extracellularly by some strains of Bacillus pumilus. The novel peroxidase preparation from B. pumilus is a microperoxidase, i.e. it contains hemopeptide as an active component. The preparation has improved stability at high temperature, at high pH and at high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. It can be produced without undesired catalase activity.

Abstract: The method for cleaning of heat exchangers after passage of fluid, pulpy material through the heat exchangers is characterized by the fact that the heat exchangers are exposed to a cip (cleaning in place) treatment with a solution of an enzyme preparation, which contains pectolytic, cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic activities. This method for cleaning of heat exchangers is less time and energy consuming and more environmental-friendly than the hitherto used methods of this kind.

Abstract: A method is presented for releasing petroleum and hydrocarbon products sorbed onto or entrained by natural fibers in an aqueous medium through the use of enzymes to degrade the natural fiber sorbents utilized for oil spill cleanup, the method provides an opportunity for achieving responsible separation of oil from oil spill sorbent materials. Natural fibers which have been utilized to adsorb petroleum and hydrocarbon products are separated from these petroleum and hydrocarbon products by reducing the natural fiber links to the point that the adsorbed or entrained oil no longer has sufficient binding surface or fiber link to remain held by the fibers, thus float to the surface of the aqueous medium. Aqueous medium enzyme compositions are provided which are suitable for degrading natural fibers inclusive of cellulose-based and protein-based fibers resulting in release of adsorbed, absorbed and/or entrained radioactive contaminants.

Abstract: An alkaline protease has been isolated from Bacillus sp. PD 498 which has a mass of 34 kD by SDS-PAGE, a pH optimum of 9-11, a pI of 9.3, and a temperature optimum of 40.degree.-55.degree. C. The protease has been formulated into detergent additives and detergents and is suitable for washing processes.

Abstract: A method for using a composition including a neutralizing system and a sequestering agent which prevents the accumulation of inorganic deposits on contact lenses, particularly when used regularly in a conventional hydrogen peroxide disinfection regimen. The neutralizing system includes at least one reducing agent, a reductase, or both. The sequestering agent preferably is gluconic acid, a polymetaphosphate or their salts. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most preferred sequestering agent; catalase is the most preferred agent for use as the neutralizing system.

Abstract: A biochemical procedure for identification and characterization of cells in a biopsy or sample of a body fluid. The method can be used to determine cell type, i.e. epidermal, neuronal; tissue of origin, i.e. breast tissue, liver tissue; and degree of abnormality. The procedure can also be used to make antibodies and hybridization probes to detect cell or tissue specific antigens and nuclear matrix associated nucleic acids in cellular material and body fluids.The procedure is based on the isolation and analysis of the components of a specific subcellular protein fraction referred to here as the "nuclear matrix". The nuclear matrix includes proteins and nuclear matrix associated DNA specific to different cell types. These proteins and nucleic acids are altered or new ones expressed as a result of viral infection, genetic defects or malignancy.