Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides having a lignocellulolytic activity, e.g., a glycosyl hydrolase, a cellulase, an endoglucanase, a cellobiohydrolase, a beta-glucosidase, a xylanase, a mannanse, a xylosidase (e.g., a ?-xylosidase), an arabinofuranosidase, and/or a glucose oxidase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides polypeptides that can enzymatically process (hydrolyze) sugarcane bagasse, i.e., for sugarcane bagasse degradation, or for biomass processing, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one embodiment, the invention provides thermostable and thermotolerant forms of polypeptides of the invention.

Abstract: Summary The present invention relates to a method for isolating cells from a complex sample comprising the steps of: a) providing a complex sample, b) incubating said sample with: at least one chaotrope, a buffer and at least one detergent, c) isolating said cells from the resulting mixture by centrifugation or filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods useful for making lysates from cell wall-containing cellular samples, including plant tissue samples and cultures of yeast or bacteria. The invention further provides compositions (e.g., solutions) that can be used in the methods of the invention, and kits comprising solutions and/or other reagents useful for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for differential extraction of a target component from a sample which is predominantly composed of other types of non-target cells that can be lysed using methods that do not lyse the target cells, so that the target material can be purified away from the lysed non-target material. One exemplary method is directed to isolating sperm cells from an aqueous sample and kits for performing same.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytases, polynucleotides encoding them, uses of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. In particular, the invention provides polypeptides having phytase activity under high temperature conditions, and phytases that retain activity after exposure to high temperatures. The phytases of the invention can be thermotolerant and/or thermostable at low temperatures, in addition to higher temperatures. The phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be formulated as foods or feeds or supplements for either to, e.g., aid in the digestion of phytate. The foods or feeds of the invention can be in the form of pellets, liquids, powders and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing the activity of a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, comprising: adding a soluble activating divalent metal cation to a composition comprising the polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, wherein the presence of the soluble activating divalent metal cation and the polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity increases degradation or conversion of a cellulose-containing material by a cellulolytic enzyme composition compared to the polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity without the soluble activating divalent metal cation. The present invention also relates to compositions, methods for degrading or converting a cellulose-containing material, and methods for producing a fermentation product.

Abstract: A process controls enzymatic degumming characteristics which cause fouling of post-reactor equipment of industrial scale processing of edible oils. An anti-fouling agent including an organic or mineral acid is added after the reactor and before any post-reactor equipment such as heat exchangers and centrifuges. Typically the anti-fouling agent is added at greater than about 100 ppm of the oil, and typically the pH of the aqueous phase of the oil is between about 3.5 and 4.2.

Abstract: A combination enzyme product consisting of a glutamine specific endoprotease and a prolyl endopeptidase is provided. Both enzymes are active and stable in the stomach and can therefore be administered as lyophilized powders or simple capsules/tablets. A ratio of the two enzymes is used to maximize their synergy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the selective purification of bacterial cells and/or cell components, whereby the purification is performed by means of a solid support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering of oil from plant seeds characterized in that a) an aqueous solution containing one or more cellulolytic and/or lipolytic and/or pectinolytic and/or proteolytic enzyme(s) and/or phytase is sprayed onto the seed, b) the thus obtained seed is directly supplied to a one-stage or multistage pressing in a way known per se, optionally coupled to an extraction, and c) the oil is recovered in a way known per se and optionally further processed, and the use of the method, particularly in the production of edible oil or biodiesel.

Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide an extract powder of indigo plant, which has a relatively low hygroscopicity, satisfactory fluidability, and improved storage stability; a process thereof; and a composition incorporated with the extract powder. The objects are solved by a process for producing an extract powder of indigo plant, which comprises incorporating a partial starch hydrolyzate with a dextrose equivalent of 10.2 or lower into one part by weight, on a dry solid basis, of an indigo plant extract contained in a liquid extract of indigo plant in an amount of not lower than 0.25 part by weight but not higher than 5 parts by weight, on a dry solid basis, and drying the resulting mixture; an extract powder of indigo plant prepared thereby; and a composition incorporated with the extract powder.

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 a method of composting and treating food waste by using wood chips and an apparatus therefor. The method and apparatus for the composting and treatment of food waste in accordance with the present invention can recycle food waste as an organic compost by using wood chips in an eco-friendly manner and convert effluents generated from said food waste into an effluent satisfying water quality suitable for discharging by a combined biological and chemical process. Therefore, the present invention can be effectively used for recycling and treating food waste.

Abstract: Compositions derived from Rheum palmatum are provided. Also provided are methods of using said extracts to induce apoptosis in specific cells, especially in a human.

Abstract: The present invention is related to glucoamylases having at least 80% sequence identity to a Trichoderma glucoamylase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 and biologically functional fragments thereof. The invention is also related to DNA sequences coding for the glucoamylases, vectors and host cells incorporating the DNA sequences, enzyme compositions and methods of using the glucoamylases in various applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cellulase nucleic acid sequence, designated 029cel, and the corresponding 029cel amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding 029cel, recombinant 029cel proteins and methods for producing the same.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to fusion proteins including at least a swollenin and at least a plant cell-wall degrading enzyme, the swollenin, and plant cell-wall degrading enzyme, being recombinant proteins corresponding to native proteins in fungi, or mutated forms thereof. The invention also relates to the use of fusion proteins as defined above, for carrying out processes of plant cell-wall degradation in the frame of the preparation, from plants or vegetal by-products, of compounds of interest located in plant cell-wall, or in the frame of the bleaching of pulp and paper, or for biofuel production, or food industries.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing organic material, the method employing at least two reactors and including the steps of combining carbon dioxide or carbon-dioxide containing gas and ammonia or ammonia-containing material in a first reactor to form a buffer compound/buffer compounds, then feeding the buffer compound or buffer compounds formed in the first reactor into a second reactor, and performing bioconversion on organic material in the second reactor. In that case, the carbon dioxide of the mixed carbon dioxide gas reacts with the ammonia, forming a buffer compound, such as ammonium bicarbonate and/or ammonium carbonate.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of introducing microorganisms into a heap of material for bio-assisted heap leaching by preparing microorganisms substantially without exopolymers on their external cell walls; adding such microorganisms to the heap; and re-activating the production of exopolymers on the external cells walls of the microorganisms in the heap. The invention also extends to a method of enriching the environment of microorganisms' embedded in a heap for bio-assisted heap leaching.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process wherein organic material derived from plant and animal material is processed to recover nutritional elements. In particular, there is provided a process for releasing nutritional elements from plant and animal material comprising the steps of treating the material with one or more enzymes to digest said material under appropriate conditions and separating the resulting liquid hydrolysate from the undigested material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase 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: Disclosed is a hydrothermal treatment process for conversion of a carbon-based energy carrier material. The process comprises a step for sensitizing or activating the carbon based energy carrier material to increase its susceptibility to hydrothermal conversion. As a result of the sensitization step, the hydrothermal conversion step itself may be carried out under relatively mild conditions. The process comprises the steps of sensitizing the carbon-based energy carrier material to increase its susceptibility to hydrothermal conversion; and subjecting the sensitized carbon-based energy carrier material to hydrothermal conversion at a temperature of less than 300 degrees centigrade in a hydrothermal treatment reactor.

Abstract: There are provided novel plant-derived enzymes for hydrolysis of sugars and particularly an alkaline alpha-galactosidase which hydrolyzes a broad spectrum of galactosyl-saccharides such as melibiose, raffinose and stachyose and guar gum, at neutral to alkaline pH conditions.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides possessing (endo) xylanase activity are disclosed which can degrade cellulose in plant extracts and plant materials. The polypeptides can cleave ?-D-xylan polymers at internal (1-4) bonds between adjacent xylopyranosyl units. The amino acid sequence and encoding DNA sequence is given and the polypeptide was used to treat cellulose in the preparation of edible foodstuffs and animal feed. The polypeptides have both arabinoxylanase and xylosidase activity.

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: The invention relates to xylanases and to polynucleotides encoding the xylanases. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encodes various sucrose metabolizing enzymes, along with their encoded proteins. Specifically, sucrose synthase, sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose phosphatase enzymes and their encoding polynucleotides from coffee are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the sugar profile of coffee plants, to influence flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, 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: The present invention relates to a simple and economically attractive process for the pretreatment of vegetable oils which involves (a) enzymatic degumming with commercially available phospholipase A1 from the sources like Aspergillus oryzae microorganism, (b) bleaching of the enzymatically degummed oil using bleaching earth and activated carbon, and (c) dewaxing (in case of rice bran oil) of degummed and bleached oil at lower temperature to obtain oil with less than 5 ppm of residual phosphorus which is amenable for physical refining.

Abstract: A novel endoribonuclease activity exhibiting polypeptide; a nucleic acid coding for the polypeptide; a recombinant DNA comprising the nucleic acid; a transformant obtained by transformation using the recombinant DNA; a process for producing the polypeptide, characterized by including the steps of culturing the transformant and collecting the polypeptide from the culture; a process for producing single-strand RNA fragments, characterized by including the step of causing the polypeptide to act on a single-strand RNA; and a method of fragmenting a single-strand RNA.

Abstract: Heat-stabilized defatted rice bran (HDRB) is fermented with yeast to afford a food product having superior prebiotic for probiotic properties. Fermentation of HDRB with yeast yields a prebiotic composition that can promote the growth and/or activity of beneficial intestinal bacteria (probiotic) when consumed by an animal or human. The prebiotic and/or probiotic compositions can afford substances having desirable health effects when consumed. The yeast fermented, and the probiotic fermented extracts and residues will have several nutraceutical compounds including protein, phenolics, phytic acid, arabinose, bioactive isoflavones, dietary fibers and several others that will have health benefits. Inclusion of legumes during fermentation can synergistically enhance the bioactivities of HDRB. HDRB can be a source of growth medium for yeast/mold/microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention provides polypeptides having lyase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having ammonia lyase activity, e.g., phenylalanine ammonia lyase, tyrosine ammonia lyase and/or histidine ammonia lyase 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 and industrial contexts.

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: In one aspect, the invention provides a purified thermostable enzyme derived from the archael bacterium AEPII 1a. In one aspect, the enzyme has a molecular weight of about 60.9 kilodaltons and has a cellulase activity. The enzyme can be produced from native or recombinant host cells, and can be used to aid in the digestion of cellulose. The invention also provides polypeptides having endoglucanase activity having homology to SEQ ID NO:2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulolytic compositions for degrading or converting cellulose-containing material and methods of producing and using the compositions.

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: The invention provides a process for hydrolytically converting aloeresin A to aloesin by the following reaction: The amount of aloesin available for extraction from sap of aloe plants is thereby increased and the extraction and purification of the aloesin is also made easier and less costly. As aloesin is more commercially valuable than aloeresin A, the process also increases the commercial value of the sap or aloe bitters from the aloe plant. The process optionally also includes the step of separating the aloesin from the p-coumaric acid. Typical hydrolysis steps that are used in the process are acid hydrolysis, base hydrolysis and enzymatic hydrolysis. In the case of acid hydrolysis, the acid is any suitable organic or inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid or phosphoric acid. In the case of enzymatic hydrolysis, the hydrolytic enzyme is typically an esterase, a lipase or a protease.

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: The present invention is related to an isolated and purified enzyme with xylanolytic activity having more than 70% homology, preferably more than 80% homology with the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 11.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition enriched with 3-0-[O-?-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1?2)-[0-?-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-?4)]-?-L-arabinopyranosyl]hederagenin (Code No. SB 365) of which antitumor activity is very strong by enzyme-reacting and extracting Pulsatillac radix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a nucleic acid construct comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide operably linked to a second nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide, wherein the first nucleotide sequence is foreign to the second nucleotide sequence and the 3? end of the first nucleotide sequence is immediately upstream of the initiator codon of the second nucleotide sequence. The present invention also relates to the isolated signal peptide sequences and to constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising the signal peptide sequences operably linked to nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method to isolate, separate, enrich or amplify a targeted nucleotide polymer such as mRNA through selective reverse transcription of the targeted polymer into cDNA from a sample comprising of chemically identical or similar polynucleotide polymers such as rRNA. The enrichment of the targeted nucleic acid such as mRNA is accomplished by blocking the reverse transcription of undesired rRNA while allowing unrestricted reverse transcription of the targeted polymer. The invention also embodies that the cleavage of the non-targeted nucleic acid such as rRNA bound to an oligonucleotide through enzymatic activity (RNase H).

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides coding for new cellulases from rumen, particularly from rumen ecosystem. The invention also relates to functional fragments or functional derivatives thereof as well as to nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides of the invention, vectors and host cells containing said nucleic acids, a method for producing the polypeptides and the use of the polypeptides according to the present invention for various industrial purposes and medical treatments.

Abstract: Procedure for the obtaining of genin and sapogenins extracts by enzymatic hydrolysis of kernels derived of the family Sapotaceae, genus Calocarpum, Chrysophyllum and Lucuma. The enzymes that catalyzes the hydrolysis are exogenous ?-glucosidases, of vegetable or microbial origin. The process uses mainly diverse kernel (seeds removed of the endocarp) derived but can also use the cyanogenic glycoside, lucumin and the related similar glycosides directly. It is also object of protection the process for the obtaining of these glycosides, starting of those kernels derived and the usage of these in the obtaining of genin and sapogenins and its uses in cosmetic and dermatologic compositions. The genin and sapogenins extracts are the main products used with these basic similar aims. The obtained genin extract are used in topical compositions to promote the opening of the pore facilitating the epithelial penetration or it can be used as flavouring or scent agent in foods or in alternating similar uses like in perfumery.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a thermostable AMP deaminase originating in a microorganism. Namely, an AMP deaminase having the following characteristics. (1) Catalyzing the reaction: 5?-adenylic acid+H2O?5?-inosinic acid+NH3; (2) being stable at a temperature of 65° C. or below (in an acetate buffer (pH 5.6)); (3) having a molecular weight of 48,000±2,000 in gel filtration; and (4) having the optimum pH value at around 5.6 (in McIlvaine buffer).

Abstract: Systems and methods for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials are provided. A system for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials generally includes a reactor vessel configured to contain a mixture of lignocellulosic stock and enzymes. The reactor vessel includes a first agitator for mixing in the reactor vessel. The system further includes a recycle loop coupled to the reactor vessel for recycling the mixture from and returning to the reactor vessel and a second agitator for mixing in the recycle loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to recover, purify and isolate polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers from PHA-containing cell mass, which includes: (a) solubilizing the non-PHA cell mass in an acidic solution, leaving a suspension of partially crystallized PHA granules; (b) adjusting the pH of the suspension to 7-11 and separating the PHA solids from the dissolved non-PHA cellular mass; (c) re-suspending the PHA solids in a bleaching solution for decolorization; and (d) drying the resulting PHA solids. About 95% or greater of original PHA in cell mass is recovered, and the purity of PHA solids is about 97% or above. The weight average molecular mass of the purified biopolyesters is about 500 kDa or greater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fungus of Metarhizium genus and a method for controlling soil pests using the same, more particularly to a novel Metarhizium anisopliae HY-2 and a microbial insecticide comprising the same and a method for controlling soil pests using the same. The Metarhizium anisopliae HY-2 can effectively be used to control the soil pests such as Scarabaeidae.