Abstract: Variants of B. licheniformis alpha-amylase advantageously exhibit improved enzymatic performance. Suitable variants include those with an altered charge distribution on the surface of the enzyme or with altered active site residues. Structural modeling can inform the choice of amino acid modifications so that modified amino acids correspond to residues found in more active alpha amylases, for example. Compositions comprising the variants are useful in methods of cleaning surfaces, laundering textiles, desizing, treating starch, e.g., liquefaction and saccharification, and hydrolyzing biofilms off various substrates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an anaerobic digestion of animal manures, energy crops and similar organic substrates. The process is capable of refining nutrients comprised in the digested biomass to fertilizers of commercial quality. The invention also provides a method for oprocessing animal carcasses or fractions thereof including meat and bone meal etc., with the objective of providing an alternative means for processing the organic waste material of animal origin while at the same time facilitating the production of fertilizers. The risk of spreading BSE prions or any other prions to animals or humans is thus substantially reduced if not eliminated. The biogas and slurry separation system according to the present invention is preferably integrated with the operations of animal husbandries into a total concept in which the internal and external performances of animal husbandries are optimised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and applications for treating wastewater, and more particularly to biological processes for removing pollutants from wastewater.

Abstract: Body care products, hair care products, shampoos, oral care, dental care and dental prosthesis care products, dental brace care products, cosmetics, therapeutics, washing agents, cleaning agents, brightening products, disinfectants, rinsing agents, hand washing products, dishwashing agents, machine dishwashing agents and agents for the bleaching and disinfecting treatment of filter media, textiles, furs, paper, skins or leather, and other products containing amadoriases are provided. Also, the use of amadoriases for decomposition products of the Amadori rearrangement is provided.

Abstract: A method of treating human and/or animal waste products comprising contacting the waste products with an effective amount of Fusarium culmorum and Muscodor albus, together with a buffering agent and starch. The treatment process covered by the present invention can be employed in connection with pit toilets, portal a toilets, disposable waste bags, or any other environment in which the treatment of human and/or animal wastes is desired. Both the Fusarium culmorum and the Muscodor albus can be stored on infested seed grains, including, but not limited to, barley, rye, rice, wheat, mustard and grass. A method or preparing Fusarium culmorum for use in the treatment of human and/or animal wastes. An isolated culture of Fusarium culmorum. A composition comprising the same four elements used in the treatment process. A method for controlling the pH of a mixture of human liquid and sold wastes.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an agent for treating fungi which is capable of controlling the production cost while using a microorganism with high safety, and also maintaining an adhesion state on a surface of a target for a predetermined period of time or longer during use, and a method for treating fungi. The agent for treating fungi is characterized by containing a microorganism-containing liquid obtained by adding water to powder prepared by mixing a Bacillus sphaericus microorganism, a Bacillus subtilis microorganism, or a Bacillus thuringiensis microorganism with livestock manure treated at a high temperature between 60° C. and 150° C., a surfactant, and a propellant. The agent for treating fungi is characterized in that, preferably, the surfactant is at least one type selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, and potassium fatty acid, and the propellant is LP gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyesterases having cutinase and/or suberinase activity obtainable from Coprinus and Trichoderma. The invention further relates to a method for producing the polyesterases, and to polynucleotides, vectors and host cells used therein. The enzymes are useful in hydrolysing cutin, suberin and other polyesters for example in treating agricultural or food raw materials, or wood raw materials, pulp and paper products and waste, and in modifying polyester fibers, or in laundry and dish applications.

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: A process for producing soap is provided, which includes effective microorganisms (EM) and EM-X ceramic powder, which are added to enhance the degree of saponification of fat, strengthen the cleaning power, and to provide a detergent that is capable of proliferating effective microorganisms in sewage water after washing and cleaning the sewage water, and which exhibits an effect as a water purification material after washing. Effective microorganisms (EM) including mainly facultative anaerobic lactic acid bacteria, yeast and photosynthetic bacteria and EM-X ceramic powder are added in the process of producing the soap, thereby, the treated material obtained according to the present invention exhibits an environmental purification effect as a substrate of benign microorganisms or a microorganism material.

Abstract: Bacteria that can use antibiotics as a carbon source are provided. Methods and bacteria useful for bioremediation are also provided.

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.

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.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions using the supernatant of lactic acid-producing bacteria are provided. Use of the compositions for disinfection/sanitization of surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrolases, polynucleotides encoding them, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides, e.g., enzymes, having a hydrolase activity, e.g., an esterase, acylase, lipase, phospholipase (e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity) or protease activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant hydrolase activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The hydrolase activities of the polypeptides and peptides of the invention include esterase activity, lipase activity (hydrolysis of lipids), acidolysis reactions (to replace an esterified fatty acid with a free fatty acid), transesterification reactions (exchange of fatty acids between triglycerides), ester synthesis, ester interchange reactions, phospholipase activity and protease activity (hydrolysis of peptide bonds).

Abstract: A process is provided to produce a concentrated aqueous peracid solution in situ using at least one enzyme having perhydrolase activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (at a concentration of at least 500 mM) under neutral to acidic reaction conditions from suitable carboxylic acid esters (including glycerides) and/or amides substrates. The concentrated peracid solution produced is sufficient for use in a variety of disinfection and/or bleaching applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aspects of drain cleaning compositions, methods, and systems involving multiple levels of attack to facilitate decomposition of clogs in pipe systems. Aspects of the invention relate to a multi-action drain cleaning composition including chemical and biological components capable of producing an exothermic reaction, an oxidation reaction, and an enzymatic reaction. Generally, the chemical components act immediately to clear a clog in a pipe system and the biological components act over a longer period of time to provide longer-term maintenance of the pipe system. Additional aspects of the invention relate to a composition for use as a component of a multi-action drain cleaner that includes bacteria selectively cultured to subsist in a peroxygen-rich environment, a high-heat environment, and/or a high-pH environment. A bio-film for reducing or preventing a buildup of organic material in a pipe system including a matrix and a selectively cultured bacteria is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyase variants exhibiting alterations relative to a parent enzyme exhibiting pectate lyase activity as its major enzymatic activity; to a method of producing such enzymes; and to methods for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries. Compared to the parent enzyme, the pectate lyase variants of the present invention exhibit improved stability in detergents.

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.

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.

Abstract: A foamable aqueous cleaning composition for treating surfaces to dissolve grease and organic waste materials thereon. The foamable aqueous cleaning composition comprises a) about 40 to about 60 percent by weight water; b) about 40 to about 60 percent by weight of a bioremediation agent capable of breaking down organic contaminating material and capable of producing a desired number of colony forming units of microbes; c) optionally, an insect growth regulator; and d) about 7 to about 15 percent by weight of a compatible propellant. The foamable composition is aerosolized to release the foam composition and contacted with the surfaces to be treated. The foamable composition can be used to treat drains, baseboards, cracks, crevices and other similar surfaces, especially in food preparation areas.

Abstract: A composition and method for the inhibition of microorganisms.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce a concentrated aqueous peracid solution in situ using at least one enzyme having perhydrolase activity in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (at a concentration of at least 500 mM) under neutral to acidic reaction conditions from suitable carboxylic acid esters (including glycerides) and/or amides substrates. The concentrated peracid solution produced is sufficient for use in a variety of disinfection and/or bleaching applications.

Abstract: A chilled ammonia based CO2 capture system and method is provided. A promoter is used to help accelerate certain capture reactions that occur substantially coincident to and/or as a result of contacting a chilled ammonia based ionic solution with a gas stream that contains CO2.

Abstract: A system and method for biological regeneration of ion exchange and absorptive media including a vessel configured to contain a bed of contaminated media particles. The vessel includes a first region configured to receive biological regenerating fluid for contacting media particles in the first region at a first volumetric flowrate sufficient to produce a shear force high enough to reduce bio-film thickness on the media particles; a second region configured to receive a portion of biological regenerating fluid from the first region, wherein the portion of biological regenerating fluid in said second region has a second volumetric flowrate lower than the first volumetric flowrate; and a third region configured to receive another portion of biological regenerating fluid from the first region, wherein the another portion of biological regenerating fluid in the third region has a third volumetric flowrate lower than the second volumetric flowrate.

Abstract: Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an isolated protease, and cleaning compositions containing the same. In some embodiments, the protease may comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the wild type Streptomyces 1AG3 protease. Isolated nucleic acid encoding the subject protease, recombinant nucleic acid containing the same and host cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid are also provided.

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 invention relates to a method for keeping vacuum piping, particularly the vacuum piping (2, 3, 4) of the waste systems of ships and similar, clean, or for assisting it. The device according to the invention is used to feed acid and bacteria are fed to the end of each vacuum pipe run (3). The feeding takes place mainly automatically by means of controllable hose pumps (102), provided a predefined vacuum prevails in the vacuum pipe run (3).

Abstract: Novel subtilases having an improved wash performance on egg stains are disclosed. These subtilases are useful exhibiting excellent or improved wash performance on egg stains when used in e.g. cleaning or detergent compositions, such as laundry detergent compositions and dish wash compositions, including automatic dish wash compositions.

Abstract: Procedure for the decontamination of a food liquid from one or more chemical and/or biological contaminants, based on the contact of said liquid with at least a biocompatible membrane, to which antibodies specific for said contaminants are covalently bound.

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: Method of modeling the biodegradation of hydrocarbons trapped in an oil reservoir or trap through the action of the bacterial population in an underlying aquifer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified pullulanases useful in the starch industry. The present invention provides methods for producing the modified pullulanase, enzymatic compositions comprising the modified pullulanase, and methods for the saccharification of starch comprising the use of the enzymatic compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods for disinfecting surfaces. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods for destroying prion molecules using a combination of ultrasonic energy and enzyme treatment that is effective to denature and degrade prion proteins.

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.

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: A method of treating a solid matrix containing organic contaminants is provided. The method comprises the steps of a) injecting ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the pulse duration; b) interrupting the injection of ozone into the solid matrix for a period of time known as the gap duration; and c) repeating step a) at least one additional time. Gap durations of from about 2 hours to about 48 hours are disclosed. Pulse durations of from about 0.25 hours to about 8 hours are also disclosed. Recalcitrant organic contaminants are treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for prion degradation, decontamination or disinfection. The composition comprises an oxidizing agent, one or more proteases and a surfactant such as an ionic surfactant/detergent. The method comprises contacting a prion contaminated entity with a prion-degrading composition comprising an effective amount of an oxidizing agent, an effective amount of at least one protease, and an effective amount of a surfactant. The components of the composition may be contacted with a prion-contaminated entity sequentially or simultaneously using an aqueous composition. Typically at least two different proteases are used for optimal efficacy. Preferably the oxidizing agent comprises peracetyl ions or a source thereof. The invention also relates to kits comprising the various reagents.

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.