Abstract: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.

Abstract: A semi-wet process for refining corn to make a feedstock for ethanol production. Corn is tempered at a moisture content from about 20-25% by weight for a very short time followed by grinding. The ground corn is not dried and cooled before further processing. It is graded and then ground and sifted to make an endosperm fraction and a high purity fraction of germ and bran. The fraction of germ and bran can be separated in a one or two stage dry separation process or in a wet separation process. In the wet separation process, the fraction of germ and bran is enzymatically steeped, dewatered and then separated in hydrocyclones to produce a germ fraction and a bran fraction.

Abstract: A digester with separate stages for hydrolysis and methanogenesis is disclosed. The digester includes a leachate bay reactor, which may be configured as modular, multi-bay units. Waste material is added to the leachate bay reactor. A leachate storage tank is fluidically connected to the leachate bay reactor, which facilitates hydrolysis. Leachate from the leachate storage tank is recirculated through the leachate bay reactor. A high rate methanogenic reactor is fluidically connected to the leachate storage tank to cycle the leachate in a fixed film environment for biogas production from solubilized organic matter. The reactor may be operated in an anaerobic digestion mode, or a dual aerobic-anaerobic digestion mode. The reactor may also include a struvite system having a crystallizer unit and a separation unit to reduce ammonium and phosphate accumulation during operation.

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 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: This invention relates to novel enzymes and novel methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic matter. The method comprises: feeding organic matter suitable for biogas production to a first tank reactor 41, and in the first tank reactor, contacting the organic matter with biogas producing microorganisms for digestion under anaerobic conditions; and digesting the organic matter in the first tank reactor 41 while producing biogas. The method further comprises: providing digested sludge from an anaerobic digestion process in a second tank reactor 31; 46, which differs from the first tank reactor 41, said digested sludge containing a desired composition of nutriments; and feeding said nutriments into said first tank reactor 41. The invention also relates to a biogas producing system.

Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment provides a method for extracting molecular material including providing a probe comprising a penetration portion having a nanoscale surface for penetrating a biological compartment, a receptor present on the penetrating portion of the probe, wherein the receptor has an affinity for a target molecular material from the biological compartment; inserting the probe into the biological compartment, the receptor present on the penetrating portion of the probe engages the target molecular material; and extracting the probe and the target molecular material engaged to the inserting portion of the probe from the biological compartment.

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 a continuous process for saccharification of cellulose by enzymatic degration without any loss of enzymes and also discloses a bioreactor for performing said process.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting bacterial infection and abnormal cell growth, as well as for selection cloning of nucleic acid inserts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-glucuronidase 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 invention provides the invention provides compositions and methods for the enzymatic treatment (“bleaching” or “de-colorizing”) of chlorophyll-comprising compositions, e.g., algae preparations, chlorophyll-containing or chlorophyll-contaminated feeds, foods or oils, for example, vegetable oils, including oils processed from oilseeds, such as canola (rapeseed) oil or soybean oil, or oil fruits, such as palm oil. In one aspect, the invention provides methods using a chlorophyllase enzyme for the enzymatic hydrolysis of chlorophyll in an algae, an animal (e.g., a fish) or plant preparation, a food or an oil. In one aspect, the chlorophyllase is immobilized onto a silica. The invention also provides compositions of manufacture and detergents.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil degumming method that is free of emulsification. This method includes the steps of treating crude oil first with immobilized phospholipase and then extracting the phospholipase-treated crude oil with pure water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of organic waste streams is disclosed, in which the organic waste stream is treated in order to reduce the average particle size prior to entry into a biological reactor. The use of a mechanical device to reduce this average particle size while simultaneously mixing the organic waste stream increases the efficiency of the biological reactor. The mechanical device is preferably one which causes attrition and reduction in the average particle size of the organic waste stream. This results in a lower viscosity feed to the biological reactor, and therefore a far more efficient process, which can therefore handle a feed stream of greater concentration than was previously thought to be possible.

Abstract: A thermophilic mannanohydrolase enzyme may be used as an enzyme breaker for fracturing fluids containing hydratable polymers of guar and underivatized guar. The enzyme is effective in downhole temperatures exceeding 160° F.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing biomass particles for thermolytic or enzymatic conversion whereby the biomass particles baying a moisture content of at least 20% are subjected to flash heating. The flash heating may be preceded by one or more adsorption/desorption cycles with water or steam. A swelling aid may be added during the adsorption part of an adsorption/desorption cycle.

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: Described herein are variants of H. jecorina CBH I, a Cel7 enzyme. The present invention provides novel cellobiohydrolases that have improved thermostability and reversibility.

Abstract: The invention refers to a specific isoform of MnSOD (Mn-superoxide dismutase) and its uses for protecting and curing subjects exposed to radiations, specifically space radiations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue to a satisfactory level within a short period. Also disclosed is a bacterium for use in the method. Further disclosed is a material for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue, which contains the bacterium. A bacterium is found which is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue under natural conditions satisfactorily and stably. The bacterium can be used for decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue. A material containing cells of Bacillus pumilus KS-C4 strain (FERM BP-10842) that is capable of decomposing a plant residue and reducing a volume of the plant residue or a culture of the cell is added to a plant residue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase 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 for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: In general, the disclosed method can be used to remove contaminating microbes and nucleic acids from microorganisms-derived reagents, apparatus and processes (materials and apparatus) related to PCR (and RT-PCR), including sample prep reagents and materials that are used to isolate, purify and detect nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to obtaining a recombinant DNA and RNA cleaving nuclease. This involves the over-expression of a fusion protein between maltose-binding protein and a truncated nuclease in a soluble form in the cytoplasm of a host cell from which it can be readily extracted.

Abstract: Waste material is screened to produce unders and overs, the overs are treated to produce a partially hydrolyzed biomass, and the partially hydrolyzed biomass and the unders are anaerobically digested. Treating the overs includes fermenting and mixing the overs with an aerotolerant anaerobic bacteria in a controlled environment, such as a rotating drum, while air is passed through the controlled environment. The moisture content, pH, and biological content of the overs can be adjusted before the overs are treated. Volatile fatty acids from the air passed through the controlled environment can be collected for anaerobic digestion or can be recirculated back into the controlled environment. The cleansed air can also be recycled back into the controlled environment.

Abstract: A method to improve wastewater biosolids processing may include placing dried biosolids that have a moisture content lower than a moisture content needed for composting in a bioreactor. The method may also include processing the dried biosolids by controlling their temperature within the bioreactor while also reducing the moisture content of the dried biosolids. The method may further include removing the processed biosolids that have a moisture content lower than a moisture content needed for composting from the bioreactor.

Abstract: Composition comprising an anti-inflammatory plant extract from rosehips together with a cartilage-protective substance, and a method of producing the rosehip extract.

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: Nucleic acids encoding secretion signals, expression vectors containing the nucleic acids, and host cells containing the expression vectors are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptides that contain the secretion signals and methods of producing polypeptides, including methods of directing the extracellular secretion of the polypeptides. Exemplary embodiments include cellulase proteins fused to secretion signals, methods to produce and isolate these polypeptides, and methods to degrade lignocelluiosic biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to polypeptides having glucanase, e.g., endoglucanase, mannanase, xylanase activity or a combination of these activities, and polynucleotides encoding them. In one aspect, the glucanase activity is an endoglucanase activity (e.g., endo-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucano hydrolase activity) and comprises hydrolysis of 1,4-beta-D-glycosidic linkages in cellulose, cellulose derivatives (e.g., carboxy methyl cellulose and hydroxy ethyl cellulose) lichenin, beta-1,4 bonds in mixed beta-1,3 glucans, such as cereal beta-D-glucans or xyloglucans and other plant material containing cellulosic parts. In addition, methods of designing new enzymes and methods of use thereof are also provided. In alternative aspects, the new glucanases e.g., endoglucanases, mannanases, xylanases have increased activity and stability, including thermotolerance or thermostability, at increased or decreased pHs and temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing an extract from ivy leaves which includes the active ingredient hederacoside C and ?-hederin, and to extracts prepared by this process. According to this there is initially provision of a first, ?-hederin-rich extract and subsequently provision of a second, hederacoside C-rich extract. In a last step, the two extracts are blended to give an extract which has an adjusted hederacoside C content and an adjusted ?-hederin content.

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: A process for producing a purified extract comprising between about 40% and about 90% theaflavins is provided. Purified theaflavin extract produced by the disclosed process is provided which comprises less than about 5% TF1, between about 10% and about 60% TF2a, between about 5% and about 35% TF2b, and between about 10% and about 65% TF3. Individual dosage compositions are provided for the control of a physiological disorder comprising about 5% to about 95% theaflavins in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or a dietary supplement vehicle. Further individual dosage compositions are provided which comprise an effective amount of substantially only one theaflavin species selected from the group consisting of TF1, TF2a, TF2b, and TF3. Individual dosage compositions are provided which comprise an effective amount of substantially only two theaflavin species selected from the group consisting of TF1 and TF2a, TF1 and TF2b, TF1 and TF3, TF2a and TF2b, TF2a and TF3, TF2b and TF3.

Abstract: A method of producing fuel from biodegradable carbonaceous material using a stacked particle bioreactor is provided. A stacked particle bioreactor is formed from particles including biodegradable carbonaceous material. The biodegradable carbonaceous material in the stacked particle bioreactor is aerobically and/or anaerobically bioconverted into one or more synfuels, which are collected from the reactor. The synfuels produced by the method may include synthetic petroleum, alcohol, and/or a gaseous fuel containing methane. Preferably the method includes an aerobic biotreatment phase followed by an anaerobic bioconversion phase. A stacked particle bioreactor for carrying out the anaerobic, and preferably aerobic, degradation is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides formulations and methods for controlling or suppressing bacterial or fungal plant pathogens, including Erwina amylovora the bacteria that causes fire blight. A formulation for controlling of suppressing a plant pathogen may include at least one beneficial species of bacteria, at least one beneficial species of fungi, a nutrient, at least one compound that extends the length of time that the formulation remains effective. Typically the formulation is applied to the above ground structures of the plant including its leaves, flowers, stems, trunk, blossoms and fruit.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to granular starch hydrolysis. Exemplary used for the compositions and methods are for ethanol production.

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 polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides preferably derived from a strain of Peniphora rufomarginata. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. The invention also relates to the composition comprising a glucoamylase of the invention as well as the use such compositions for starch conversion processes, brewing, including processes for producing fermentation products or syrups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-glucuronidase 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: 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: Apparatus, methods and systems for processing waste are provided. For example, a system for processing waste, wherein the waste comprises hard particulates embedded therein, can be provided. The system can comprise a waste disruptor, wherein the waste disruptor disrupts the waste and releases at least one of the embedded hard particulates from the disrupted waste; a segregator, wherein the segregator segregates at least one of the released hard particulates from the waste; and a dilution unit, wherein the dilution unit dilutes the waste. In some embodiments, the system can include a waste loader that provides waste continuously to the waste disruptor, which is configured to disrupt at least a portion of the continuously provided waste.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for using the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, especially thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD), to destroy biohazard materials including prion-containing specified risk materials (SRM), viral, and/or bacterial pathogens, etc. The added advantage of the invention also includes using feedstocks that may contain such biohazard materials to achieve enhanced biogas production, in the form of improved biogas quality and quantity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel grape extract, and processes for making such, that is useful for, inter alia, treating pre-hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and/or the conditions that comprise Metabolic Syndrome. The processes of the present invention produce a highly concentrated polyphenol product by maximizing extraction of monomeric and oligomeric procyanidins and minimizing extraction of polymeric procyanidins. The grape extract of the present invention comprises between about 5-15% monomers, about 5-20% dimers, about 3-10% trimers, about 2-10% tetramers, and about 2-10% pentamers by weight. The grape extract of the present invention can be formulated into dietary supplements, including capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, gels, suspensions, creams, gels, and the like. These dietary supplements in, for instance, powder or solution form, may be added to nutraceuticals, foods and/or beverages to form functional nutraceutical, food, and/or beverage products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder.

Abstract: A method of treating skin sores is described, using medical compositions derived from pomegranate fruit. Methods for preparing such medical compositions are also described, including pomegranate seed oil extract, pomegranate inflorescence and peel extracts, and pomegranate peel powder.

Abstract: A soil cleaning method (phytoremediation) of absorbing a contaminating substance contained in a contaminated soil by a plant to clean the soil. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of cleaning a contaminated soil which performs cleaning of a soil containing heavy metals in a shorter term than before and, at the same time, utilizes phytoremediation having little influence on the environment. The object is attained by absorbing heavy metals by a plant of Polygonaceae family, Fagopyrum genus, and, at the same time, adding a biodegradable chelating agent to a contaminated soil in order to assist the absorption. And, a biodegradable chelating agent having the high heavy metal dissolving out ability not only enhances the cleaning efficacy but also reduces secondary influence on the environment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing at least one of: (i) binding affinity of a target protein for a maltodextrin substrate and/or (ii) solubility of a target protein. The methods and compositions relate to a modified maltose-binding protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-glucuronidase 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 polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase I 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 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.