Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to recombinant Gram-positive Clostridia host cells for producing solvents, fuels and/or chemical intermediates, and preferably ethanol, from plant cell walls comprising: (a) at least one nucleic acid encoding a plant cell wall degrading enzyme, wherein the host cells produce and secrete the plant cell wall degrading enzyme, (b) at least one nucleic acid encoding an enzyme that converts pyruvate to acetaldehyde and at least one nucleic acid encoding an enzyme that converts acetaldehyde to ethanol wherein the host cell is capable of expressing said nucleic acid, and, (c) a mutation in at least one nucleic acid encoding for an enzyme in a metabolic pathway which produces a metabolite other than acetaldehyde from pyruvate or ethanol from acetaldehyde, such that the mutation results in a reduced production of the metabolite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a variant polypeptide or variant polynucleotide thereof, wherein the variant polypeptide has at least 96% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or the variant polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that has at least 96% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention features the full length coding sequence of the novel gene as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional polypeptide and functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to methods for using the polypeptide in industrial processes. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention suitable for producing these proteins.

Abstract: A waste digestion system including a primary digester and one or more first subsequent digesters for processing non-liquid organic waste material without the addition of external heat using thermophilic aerobic bacteria to produce a stable product, said digesters being configured to contain contents including the waste material, each of said digesters further including mixing means configured to mix the contents of that digester with feed air drawn through the contents during processing in such a way as to maintain essentially aerobic conditions within the digester; such that the waste material is first processed in the primary digester before a proportion of the contents of the primary digester are transferred to at least one first subsequent digester where further processing occurs; if the first subsequent digester completes the processing then it is a final subsequent digester.

Abstract: A method of extracting carotenoids from plant material generally includes acquiring plant material including carotenoids, treating the carotenoids with a first enzyme to create a first enzyme treated mixture, wherein the first enzyme includes cellulase, and separating the first enzyme extracted carotenoids from the first enzyme treated mixture. Natural carotenoid concentrate obtained from plant material are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent glycoside hydrolase, comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 21, 94, 157, 205, 206, 247, 337, 350, 373, 383, 438, 455, 467, and 486 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2, and optionally further comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 8, 22, 41, 49, 57, 113, 193, 196, 226, 227, 246, 251, 255, 259, 301, 356, 371, 411, and 462 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2 a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to positions 8, 22, 41, 49, 57, 113, 193, 196, 226, 227, 246, 251, 255, 259, 301, 356, 371, 411, and 462 of amino acids 1 to 513 of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the variants have glycoside hydrolase activity. The present invention also relates to nucleotide sequences encoding the variant glycoside hydrolases and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to bacteria having a function of reducing the content of heavy metals in plants, a method for reducing the content of heavy metals in plants with the use of such bacteria, and a composition comprising, as an active ingredient, such bacteria.

Abstract: To provide a salty taste enhancer which exerts a flavor enhancing effect comparable to sodium chloride without imparting any undesirable flavor such as harsh taste or odd smell, a method for producing the same, a kelp extract comprising the salty taste enhancer, and a food or drink having enhanced salty taste and flavor which comprises the salty taste enhancer or the kelp extract. A salty taste enhancer which comprises a volatile component with a molecular weight of less than 200 derived from a kelp.

Abstract: Concentrated sugar solutions obtained from polysaccharide enriched biomass by contacting biomass with water and at least one nucleophilic base to produce a polysaccharide enriched biomass comprising a solid fraction and a liquid fraction and then contacting enriched biomass with a dilute mineral acid selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, or a combination thereof, to produce an intermediate saccharification product, which is contacted with an enzyme consortium to produce a final saccharification product comprising fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the analysis of fat-soluble components, in particular dyes, from biological materials, in particular lipid rich foodstuffs, having an enrichment of the components and subsequent analysis. The method comprises a combination of extraction and separation steps and a subsequent analysis step. The invention further relates to an analytical kit and analytical equipment for carrying out the method. The method according to the invention is composed of a plurality of steps. The critical steps which are essential and characterize the invention are: 1. Pre-treatment of the sample to remove lipids. 2. Extracting the dyes into an extraction mixture by a specific solvent or solvent mixture. 3. Destruction of the oxidative sensible ingredients such as carotenoids prior to the final detection and quantification by eye or by optical enhancement.

Abstract: An anaerobic organic substrate treatment system is provided which comprises digester tubes wherein an inner bag of the digester tube is used to collect the solids content of the waste and an outer bag of the digester tube is used to collect the liquid and gas leachate from waste slurry input into the digester tubes. The inner bag is permeable to both gas and liquid while the outer bag is impermeable to both gas and liquid and allows for collection of gas and liquid leachate in the outer bag. Collected gas and liquid leachate may then be drained and collected using a drainage and collection system. Following treatment, the outer bag may opened to retrieve the inner bag for retrieval of the treated solids substrate. The substrate may then be used as needed. In one variant, the outer bag is re-sealable and may be reused in further treatment operations. The anaerobic waste treatment system may be used to carry out such treatment operations as storage/hydrolysis, methanization, and/or digestate treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.

Abstract: The invention relates to alpha amylases and to polynucleotides and polypeptides encoding the alpha amylases. In addition, methods of using the alpha amylases are also provided. The alpha amylases have increased activity and stability at acidic, neutral and alkaline pH and at increased temperatures.

Abstract: Provided is a method for degrading an organic material. Also provided is a useful low-molecular organic material. The method for degrading an organic material is characterized by comprising a step for preparing the organic material to be degraded, and a step for treating said organic material with mother cell lytic enzymes which are formed through cytolysis associated with the spore formation of a spore-forming aerobic bacterium.

Abstract: A unitary apparatus for isolating cells from adipose tissue including a lipid separation processor with a dispersing head equipped with a plurality of ports and a digestion chamber for dissociation of the constituent cells disposed in adipose tissue. The lipid separating apparatus is useful for the separation of lipids and adipocytes from a mixed cell population. A cell seeding chamber may be attached to the cell isolation apparatus. The components of the apparatus may be packaged in modular kit form.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating a tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme to produce a desired pliability of the tissue matrix.

Abstract: A family of insecticidal polypeptides expressed in the venom gland of spiders of the genera Atrax and Hadronyche have been described. Also included are polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding the polypeptides and insect viruses and cells expressing the polypeptides. Transgenic plants and insects expressing the insecticidal polypeptides are also described. The insecticidal polypeptides may be employed in methods and compositions for treating insects, insect larvae, and plants.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides having any cellulolytic activity, e.g., a cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanse, ?-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and/or oligomerase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts. The invention also provides compositions or products of manufacture comprising mixtures of enzymes comprising at least one enzyme of this invention.

Abstract: An in-situ dry anaerobic composter containing 40% to 75% by weight solids and located in a section of ground including a pit having side walls and a bottom, an essentially impervious liner located in the pit such that the liner abuts the pit side walls and bottom to form a lined pit, a compostable material located in the lined pit and a gas management system for extracting a gaseous anaerobic decomposition product from the compostable material as well as methods for operating the anaerobic composter.

Abstract: A method of treating waste comprises first separating the waste material into at least one first fraction, preferably with waste parts above a predetermined size of waste parts, and into a second organic-rich fraction, preferably with waste parts below the specified size of waste parts. Next the second fraction is separated into at least an organic-rich fine fraction and an organic-rich coarse fraction. The organic-rich coarse fraction is dry fermentation following which the digestate is treated together with the previously separated organic-rich fine fraction to obtain deposit and/or fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixed strain culture for the disposal of food waste, and more particularly, to a mixed strain culture for the disposal of food waste which has high degradation activity on cellulose, amylose, protein, and fat at a wide range of temperatures, pH levels, and salinities, and which can degrade food waste having a high moisture content and therefore can degrade food waste in an efficient manner. The present invention also relates to a food waste disposal method using the mixed strain culture.

Abstract: A bio-reactor made according to this invention uses low temperature aerobic composting to decompose bio-compostable material. The reactor includes mixing paddles with wiper blades which aerate and agitate a set of plastic resin biochips which house microorganisms and cause the chips to come into contact with bio-compostable material. A water pipe located toward the upper portion of the bio-reactor delivers fresh or recycled water (or some mix of the two) and the bio-reactor cycles between a water cycle and a non-water cycle. Agitation also cycles on and off. Perforated bottom screens limit the size of the composted material exiting the bio-reactor. The wiper blades, which may be brushes, continually wipe the bottom screens and work to prevent blockage and build-up of debris within the bio-reactor.

Abstract: A system for digesting biodigestible feed that preferably includes the steps of comminuting the feed, introducing feed, an oxygen-containing gas, an accelerant, and bacteria into a digestion zone, the bacteria being suitable for digesting the feed under aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic conditions. The contents of the digestion zone can be changed from aerobic operation to either anoxic or anaerobic operation, or vice versa, without changing the bacteria in the digestion zone.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to a process for the reduction of gas emissions, treatment of effluents and production of algal biomass, and to a system for the reduction of gas emissions, treatment of effluents and production of algal biomass.

Abstract: Modified DNase polypeptides and methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for production of an enzyme product having a plurality of enzyme activities obtained by fermentation of an Aspergillus strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzymatic composition for the digestion of chicken embryos intended to the preparation of cells which are used for the production of viruses. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a wild type, an attenuated and/or a recombinant virus comprising a step of preparation of cells from chicken embryos using an enzymatic composition of the invention. The present invention relates to a purified wild type, attenuated and/or recombinant virus obtained and to a pharmaceutical composition, preferably a vaccine, comprising said virus for the treatment and/or the prevention a cancer, an infectious disease and/or an autoimmune disorder, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Solid waste that includes a mixture of wet organic material and dry organic material can be are separated using mechanical separation to produce a wet organic stream enriched in wet organics and a dry organic stream enriched in dry organics. The separated wet organic stream and dry organic stream are separately converted to renewable or recyclable products using different conversion techniques particularly suited for the separated wet and dry organic streams.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for convenient composting. The system is comprised of a door within a building that opens to the outdoors. Additionally, the system comprises a chute proximal to the door, or affixed to a portion of the door wherein the chute can transport compostable materials to a compost bin. The method disclosed in the present invention comprises the steps of composting including using a door to transport material from indoors to outdoors, placing the material on a chute, wherein the material is transported from an indoor location to a compost bin.

Abstract: Unsaturated fatty acids, in particular highly unsaturated acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are typically provided in the form of ethyl esters. A major challenge in the concentration of EPA and particularly DHA by molecular distillation, is the accumulation of monoglycerides in the product. The present invention offers a solution to completely remove the monoglycerides from the ethyl ester products.

Abstract: This invention relates to new Rhodococcus wratislaviensis CNCM I-4088 bacteria or Rhodococcus aetherivorans CNCM I-4089 bacteria that can degrade multiple petroleum compounds in solution in aqueous effluents. The invention also relates to a process for treating aqueous effluents comprising a complex mixture of substances containing native hydrocarbons of gasolines and additives that are present in gasolines or diesel fuel, in which process said bacteria are grown under aerobic conditions in the presence of a growth substrate containing said mixture as a carbon source, and said mixture is at least partially degraded by the bacteria down to the final degradation products—carbon dioxide, water and biomass.

Abstract: A cartilage prosthesis is made according to a method that includes the steps of collecting animal material from a bovine, ovine or porcine source, the animal material being a cartilage, shaping the animal material to provide a desired shape for the cartilage implant, removing cells from the animal material, crosslinking the animal material, removing antigens from the animal material, subjecting the animal material to an alkaline treatment, coupling into the animal material active substances which are capable of adhering growth factor and stem cell, and packing the animal material in a container that contains a sterilization solution.

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: A nasal bridge implant is made according to a method that includes the steps of collecting animal material from a bovine or porcine source, the animal material being either a tendon or a ligament, removing cells from the animal material, shaping the animal material to provide a desired shape for the nasal bridge implant, crosslinking the animal material, removing antigens from the animal material, subjecting the animal material to an alkaline treatment, coupling into the animal material active substances which are capable of adhering growth factor and stem cell, and packing the animal material in a container that contains a sterilization solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a microbial composition for regulating the fermentation of such materials, in particular using compositions comprising specific combinations of microorganisms including at least three Lactobacillus species and a yeast species. The present invention further relates to a method for regulating fermentation of cocoa material, such as beans and/or pulp by using a microbial composition as defined herein, and to the fermented cocoa material thereby obtained. The invention also relates to the use of the obtained fermented cocoa material for the preparation of cocoa products and products derived therefrom, including chocolate. The present invention further relates to a method for downstream processing of cocoa beans that have been fermented with a microbial composition as defined herein, and to the downstream products thereby obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to applications of the cellulase Cel5H of Saccharophagus degradans and its homologues, functional fragments and/or variants and engineered forms thereof, in the context of recombinant, more particularly solventogenic microorganisms, more particularly C. acetobutylicum. The invention also characterizes a novel domain of the Cel5H cellulase with a putative cellulose-binding module function, and its uses in chimeric proteins for depolymerization of cellulose containing substrates.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and products for biomass digestion, which includes the production of biogas, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of processing a biomass, e.g., for producing lipid and non-lipid materials, by inducing autolysis of a biomass. The biomass may be generated using any species of microorganism and any available biodegradable substrate, including waste materials. The lipid and non-lipid materials are present in two separate layers of the autolysate, and they can be used to generate valuable products such as biofuels and nutritional supplements. The present invention further provides a processing apparatus useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of producing substantially pure lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, which comprises: pre-treating a lignocellulosic feedstock to produce a reactive lignin-carbohydrate mixture; biologically-reacting the carbohydrates in the mixture, separating remaining solids from the liquid fermentation products, and drying the resulting solids to yield a substantially pure lignin product. Optionally, the lignin product may be washed and subjected to a second hydrolysis step. Optionally, the lignin product may be further processed by hydrotreating and/or pyrolysis in order to yield desirable products such as fuel additives.

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 subject invention pertains to a novel purified polypeptide having laccase activity and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide. The disclosed polypeptide works at moderately high temperatures from below 20° C. to about 70° C., both acidic and alkaline pH conditions, high salt concentrations and in the presence of organo solvents. The high stability of the enzyme enables its wide applications under even extreme conditions. The invention also provides methods of producing the laccase enzyme.

Abstract: In a process for hydrolyzing plant material in aqueous solution or suspension with an enzyme, the enzyme is delivered in solid form (e.g., as a spray-dried powder) in closed containers (such as paper bags or cardboard boxes), which are added directly in the process (i.e. addition of whole boxes/bags). The invention is particularly amenable to the production of first or second-generation bioethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing 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: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing 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: According to one embodiment, a method for heat treatment of a biomass includes allowing biomass in a pretreatment reactor to undergo a pre-treatment reaction process. The pre-treatment reaction process yields pretreated biomass along with soluble components. A first liquid having a first temperature is transported into the pretreatment reactor and the pretreated biomass elevates the first temperature to a second temperature. At least a portion of the soluble components are captured in the first liquid, and the at least a portion of the soluble components in the first liquid and the first liquid are removed from the pretreatment reactor. A second liquid having a third temperature is transported into the pretreatment reactor and the pretreated biomass elevates the third temperature to a fourth temperature, the fourth temperature being less than second temperature.

Abstract: An alternating anaerobic and aerobic digestion system and method of forming same includes a subterranean enclosure configured to hold organic matter. The enclosure has a plurality of conduits in a bottom surface of the enclosure. The digestion system further includes an irrigation system configured to dispense a liquid from a top portion of the enclosure and to recover a percolated liquid from a bottom portion of the enclosure, a ventilation system configured to provide air flow to the bottom portion of the enclosure, and a gas-tight membrane cover configured to cover the enclosure.

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: The formation of acrylamide during heat treatment in the production of a food product is reduced by treating the raw material with an enzyme before the heat treatment. The enzyme is capable of reacting on asparagine or glutamine (optionally substituted) as a substrate or is a laccase or a peroxidase.

Abstract: A biogenic silica from a plant material such as rice hulls, rice straw and so forth containing a significant amount of silica for use as an anti-caking agent, excipient or flavor carrier. When the plant material is certified as organic, the silica may also be certified as organic. The plant material is ground and the silica may be concentrated by carbon reduction through enzymatic treatment or burning. In some instances an antimicrobial treatment of the silica may be beneficial.

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. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.

Abstract: Methods for producing a biofuel precursor are provided. Also provided are biocatalysts that convert a feedstock to a biofuel precursor.