Abstract: The present invention relates to protease variants, in particular to the use of the protease variants in hard surface cleaning. The present invention also relates to detergent compositions, such as dish wash compositions, comprising the protease variants, and the use of such compositions for removal of proteinaceous stains, especially boiled egg stains. Finally, the invention provides methods for removal proteinceous stains using the variant enzymes or laundry and detergent compositions composition comprising the variants enzymes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. In one aspect, the invention provides delayed release compositions comprising a desired ingredient coated by a latex polymer coating.

Abstract: Phosphonate-containing liquid washing or cleaning agent exhibiting advantageous proteolytic activity and improved storage stability comprising a protease having an amino acid sequence which is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence stated in SEQ ID NO. 1 and which comprises in position 99 in the numbering according to SEQ ID NO. 1 the amino acid glutamic acid (E) or aspartic acid (D) or the amino acid asparagine (N) or glutamine (Q) or the amino acid alanine (A) or glycine (G) or serine (S).

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising; a subtilisin variant having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO 1, and at least one additional ingredient selected from; i) bleaches selected from percarbonates, persulphates and organic peracids, ii) aminocarboxylates, or iii) sulphonated polymers, or iv) organophosphoric acids or salts thereof and mixtures thereof is provided. Also provided is a detergent composition comprising a subtilisin variant having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO 1, wherein, the detergent composition is at least partially enveloped in a water soluble or water dispersible package. The compositions exhibit good performance on proteinaceous stains, even when formulated at alkaline pHs. A method of removing proteinaceous stains from surfaces comprising such stains is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions comprising enzymes and enzyme stabilizing agents. This is achieved by using an enzyme-stabilizing component which comprises a calcium compound with a bidentate ligand and a phenylboronic acid derivative. Enzyme-containing compositions comprising such an enzyme-stabilizing component are advantageously stable in storage.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to an alpha-amylase enzyme obtained from Halomonas variabilis WDG195 are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to reduce growth of microbial colonies, including infections, and includes therapeutic compositions, methods for treatment of infections, and methods for identifying additional such compositions.

Abstract: By combination of hydrophobic chromatography and strongly basic anion-exchange chromatography, a novel, highly hydrophobic ?-glucosidase was successfully identified from Acremonium cellulolyticus. Further, a gene corresponding to the identified ?-glucosidase was isolated. When multiple modifications were introduced into the base sequence of the gene, the gene was successfully expressed in Trichoderma viride at a high level, and the expression product successfully exhibited a high ?-glucosidase activity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising an alpha-amylase enzyme obtained from Bacillus sp. no. 195, and methods of using the enzyme to clean surfaces and textiles. Also disclosed are variants of the enzyme with different signal sequences.

Abstract: A method and composition for bioremediation of environmental material. In one embodiment, material to be bioremediated is debris is obtained from a metropolitan street cleaning operation. An environmentally safe all natural non-pathogenic microbial composition is used under conditions sufficient to bioremediate the material.

Abstract: For extracting phosphorous from algae-in a body of water, the algae are deposited into a sealable tank (200) that is then evacuated, thereby rupturing the algal cell walls. The ruptured algae are then moved to a second tank (260), mixed with water and bacterial cultures, and allowed to settle until the lipids rise to the top and the oil-less debris settles to the bottom. The second tank also contains sacrificial (295) and rusted electrodes (320). The phosphorous from the algae combines with the rust. The lipids and debris are then removed. Next, an electrical source (315) causes the rust to be removed from the rusted electrodes and settle. In addition, a phosphorous-rich scum floats to the top. These components are placed in storage containers for later use and the water is returned, thereby reducing its phosphorous content.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP)) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials including a polymeric materials such as a coating, a plastic, a laminate, a composite, an elastomer, an adhesive, or a sealant; a surface treatment such as a coating, a textile finish or a wax; a filler for such a polymeric material or a surface treatment, which includes an enzyme such as an esterase (e.g., a lipolytic enzyme, an organophosphorus compound degradation enzyme), wherein the enzyme decontaminates a chemical from the surface of the material. Also disclosed herein are methods of cleaning a surface of a material that comprises an enzyme.

Abstract: A method for processing environmental or industrial samples to remove, reclaim or otherwise reduce the level of chemical species present in the sample that act as redox active species. The redox active species is kept in a waste chamber and is separated from an aqueous bacterial culture that is held in a culture chamber. The waste chamber and the culture chamber are separated by a porous membrane through which electron transfer can occur but through which the aqueous bacterial culture cannot pass. The redox active species substantially remains in the waste chamber and is in non-contact with the aqueous bacterial culture during the process of removal, reduction or reclamation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the compositions can also be used for delivering liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods that involve using bleaching enzymes in dish detergents. In some preferred embodiments, the bleaching enzyme comprises at least one laccase, while in some alternative preferred embodiments, the bleaching enzyme comprises at least one glucose oxidase suitable for use in dish detergents. In some additional preferred embodiments, the dish detergents are machine dish detergents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to lipase/acyltransferase enzymes identified in prokaryotes and eukaryotes are described. These enzymes can be used in such applications as lipid stain removal from fabrics and hard surfaces and chemical synthesis reactions.

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

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to variant alpha-amylases having altered biochemical properties and advantageous performance characteristics as compared to a reference alpha-amylase. The variants are suitable for use in various industrial applications such as starch conversion, ethanol production, laundry, dishwashing, pulp and paper production, textile desizing, and/or sweetener production.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods involving a Bacillus alpha-amylase and a protease. The compositions and methods are especially effective for cold water cleaning applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one neutral metalloprotease enzyme that has improved storage stability. In some embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease finds use in cleaning and other applications. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising neutral metalloprotease(s) obtained from Bacillus sp. In some more particularly preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens. In still further preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a variant of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. In yet additional embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a homolog of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. The present invention finds particular use in applications including, but not limited to cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.

Abstract: A transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agent is inactivated by exposing the TSE agent to a thermostable proteolytic enzyme at elevated temperature and at acid or alkaline pH. Following this step, or separately, presence of TSE infectivity is detected by detection of dimers of prion protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for dry cleaning garments. The present invention provides a petroleum based processed detergent for dry cleaning and methods of use. The present invention provides methods of using the petroleum based processed detergent for dry cleaning wherein use of the detergent decreases the proliferation of bacteria and microbes in the detergent, and reduces the opposite pollution ratio of the detergent following a dry cleaning cycle. Additionally, the petroleum based processed detergent maintains a stable conductivity during use.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to a fungal cutinase cloned from Magnaporthe grisea, polynucleotides encoding the cutinase, and methods of use thereof. The compositions and methods have particular application in detergent cleaning compositions and synthesis reactions.

Abstract: Provided in part herein are compositions that include isolated microbial enzymes, such as amylases, lipases, and proteases that are useful as detergent additives. Also provided are methods of isolating amylases, lipases, and proteases from microbes, as well as methods of using these enzymes as detergent additives, and for stain removal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one thermolysin-like neutral protease enzyme with improved storage stability and/or catalytic activity. In some embodiments, the thermolysin finds use in cleaning and other applications comprising detergent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising thermolysin formulated and/or engineered to resist detergent-induced inactivation.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel endophytic fungus, Muscodor, that produces a mixture of volatile antibiotics with activity on specific plant pathogens, bacteria, nematodes and insects. Also provided is a method for treating or protecting plants, soil and seeds from microbial infections comprising applying an effective amount of a volatile antibiotic producing Muscodor sp. The invention also relates to fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal and nematicidal compositions comprising this novel Muscodor strain and the antibiotics and metabolites produced by this strain either alone, or in combination with other chemical and biological pesticides. Also provided is a method for identifying and isolating related gas producing fungi.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered protease variants. In particular, the protease variants comprise combinable mutations at selected surface positions that affect the charge and/or hydrophobicity of the enzyme to enhance at least one desired property of the resulting variant enzyme in a chosen application. Compositions comprising the protease variants, and methods for using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A substrate or coating is provided that includes a protease with enzymatic activity toward a component of a biological stain. Also provided is a process for facilitating the removal of a biological stain is provided wherein an inventive substrate or coating including a protease is capable of enzymatically degrading of one or more components of the biological stain to facilitate biological stain removal from the substrate or said coating.

Abstract: A substrate or coating is provided that includes a lipase with enzymatic activity toward a component of a fingerprint. Also provided is a process for facilitating the removal of fingerprints is provided wherein an inventive substrate or coating including a lipase is capable of enzymatically degrading of one or more components of the fingerprint to facilitate fingerprint removal from the substrate or said coating. Applying heat to the substrate or coating increases the rate of fingerprint removal.

Abstract: A granule with an allergenic component has reduced dust by including antifoam added during the production of the granule. The antifoam may be dispersed throughout the granule or added to one of the components of the granule. The granule with antifoam produces at least 30% less dust than a comparable granule produced according to a process in which no antifoam is added.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant proteases, compositions comprising such variant proteases, and methods of cleaning comprising such variant proteases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Bacillus sp. subtilisin variant. In addition, the present invention provides compositions comprising this serine protease variant. In some embodiments, the present invention provides laundry and other non-automatic (i.e., hand) dishwashing cleaning compositions comprising this serine protease variant.

Abstract: Provided are hydrolases, including lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases, and polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Further provided are polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., lipases, saturases, palmitases and/or stearatases and methods for preparing low saturate or low trans fat oils, such as low saturate or low trans fat animal or vegetable oils, e.g., soy or canola oils.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising variants of alpha-amylase that have alpha-amylase activity and that exhibit altered properties relative to a parent AmyS-like alpha-amylase from which they are derived. The compositions generally comprise at least one of an additional enzyme, a detergent,.a surfactant, a chelator, an oxidizing agent, an acidulant, an alkalizing agent, a source of peroxide, a source of hardness, a salt, a detergent complexing agent, a polymer, a stabilizing agent, or a fabric conditioner. Also disclosed are detergent formulations comprising the variants. Methods of using the compositions for desizing woven material and washing or cleaning items, such as dishes or laundry, are disclosed. Kits related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides fungal polypeptides from Trichoderma reesei that possess anti-microbial activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, compositions comprising the polypeptides and polynucleotides, and methods of use, thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides protease variants, compositions comprising protease variants, and methods of using such protease variants and compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides variant subtilisins and compositions comprising at least one variant subtilisin set forth herein, as well as methods for using these variants and compositions. In some embodiments, the present invention provides variant subtilisins suitable for laundry cleaning applications.

Abstract: The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that phytic acid tenaciously precipitates with soluble metals in food or fuel ethanol-processing fluid, producing insoluble organometallic salt deposit or scale on the processing equipment that must be removed in order to facilitate further ethanol processing. The present invention relates to converting phytic acid salts or phytates to inorganic phosphates to improve metal solubility and reduce deposition within processing equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for protein engineering. Specifically, the invention provides methods utilizing site evaluation libraries to design libraries that optimize two or more properties of a protein. The present invention also provides variant subtilisins suitable for various uses.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides cleaning compositions comprising at least one carrageenase enzyme, methods for producing carrageenase enzymes in host cells, host cells comprising recombinant polynucleotides encoding at least one carrageenase, and recombinant polynucleotides encoding carrageenase.

Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. In one aspect, the invention provides delayed release compositions comprising an desired ingredient coated by a latex polymer coating.

Abstract: Washing and cleaning agents containing benzophenone or benzole anilide derivatives containing carboxyl groups, which function as protease inhibitors and are suitable as enzyme stabilizers. Additional subjects are the use of such compounds as reversible inhibitors of a protease and consequently for a washing or cleaning agent formulation, and additional methods and uses relating thereto.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in grease trap assemblies for grease traps to be positioned on the roof of commercial buildings such as restaurants. The improvement comprises a system for degreasing that uses, in combination, a grease absorbent material that is porous rock, preferably lava, and a grease digestible microbe capable of digesting fatty acids from cooking fats and oils. Each can as well be used alone, but best results are achieved with the combination.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of selecting wide host range bacteriophage capable of growing in a plurality of bacteria including pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and bacteriophage selected by the methods. Also disclosed are methods of treating a subject infected with a pathogenic bacterium using bacteriophage and methods of decontaminating objects using bacteriophage. Also disclosed are methods of producing vaccines. In another aspect, methods of determining bacterial viability and methods of improving the sensitivity of a biosensor using wide host range bacteriophages are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing, removing, reducing, or disrupting biofilm present on a surface, comprising contacting the surface with an alpha-amylase derived from a bacterium.