Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomedical technology, and relates to a composite membrane comprising a decellularized amniotic membrane, a use of the composite membrane, and a method for preparing the composite membrane.

Abstract: A methane fermentation method having the steps of finely pulverizing an organic substance adjusted such that a moisture content of the organic substance is equal to or less than 10%, in a wet bead mill; supplying the organic substance which is finely pulverized in the pulverization step to a methane fermentation chamber and decomposing the organic substance with an anaerobic microorganism to cause methane fermentation so as to generate methane gas; separating, with a UF membrane, a digestive fluid after the methane fermentation in the methane fermentation step into a concentrated liquid and a permeation liquid; returning the concentrated liquid separated in the separation step to the methane fermentation chamber; and agitating the contents of the methane fermentation chamber with a water flow produced by the return of the concentrated liquid in the return step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing endotoxin from proteins. Also disclosed are products made by using the method. The method may be used, for example, to produce endotoxin-free lactoferrin. Bovine milk-derived lactoferrin may be produced in commercial quantities by the method, and endotoxin-free bovine lactoferrin may be used for a variety of therapeutic uses, including improving wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel stem cell compositions having significant therapeutic and practical advantages, as well as methods of preparing and using such compositions for the treatment and prevention of injury and disease in patients. The invention may be applied to stem cell populations isolated from a wide variety of animals, including humans, and tissues. In particular applications, the invention is used to prepare a stem cell composition from a collagen-based tissue, such as adipose tissue, isolated from a patient, and the stem cell composition is subsequently provided to a site of actual or potential injury in the patient. The invention further includes related kits comprising the stem cell compositions, which are remarkably stable and retain viability and efficacy during storage and shipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for reducing foam formation in slurry pits of swine rearing facilities with slatted floors.

Abstract: Devices and methods of altering protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid are disclosed. Devices include a support having at least one protease attached to the support. The device may further include a housing. Devices may be implantable for use in an in vivo active flow system or for use in an in vivo passive system. Devices may also be used in an ex vivo active flow system. Devices may also be used in a passive system to treat cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid that is withdrawn, or in a passive system that is implanted surgically. Methods include contacting cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid with a support including at least one protease attached to the support. Proteins contained in the cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid are cleaved by the protease resulting in the reduction of protein in cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid.

Abstract: Methods useful for preparing central nervous system (CNS) derived extracellular matrix (ECM) materials, including powders and gels are provided. Also provided are CNS ECM preparations prepared according to those methods, and methods of treating a patient or mammal with CNS injury.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The compositions of the present invention comprise amniotic membrane of the placenta. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises amniotic membrane powder or solubilized amniotic membrane (SAM). In some aspects, the composition is cell-free and rich in cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins, and other components that improve tissue regeneration. In one aspect, the composition is a hydrogel scaffold that comprises amniotic membrane. The present invention reduces contraction and improves blood vessel development in regenerating tissue.

Abstract: A respirable composition for treatment of a bacterial infection includes one or more active bacteriophages in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable respirable carrier. The composition includes a carbohydrate carrier, and is prepared as fine powder. In another aspect, bacteriophages are provided in a liquid carrier for administration by nebulization. In one aspect, the bacteriophages have anti-bacterial activity against one or more species or strains of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) bacteria. The invention further relates to the use of a BCC bacteriophage to treat a BCC infection, in particular in an individual suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for producing Class A biosolids. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method comprising digesting waste material by anaerobic digestion, and yielding Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material to produce Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material comprising a mixing chamber, a digester, a heating pit, and an effluent pit.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various economically important yield-related traits in plants. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for enhancing yield-related traits in plants by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a Yield Enhancing Protein (YEP). The YEP is selected from a Nucleosome Assembly Protein 1-like polypeptide (NAP1-like), a Like Sm polypeptide (Lsm protein), a truncated Cyclin H (CycHTr) polypeptide, a Remorin polypeptide, and a DREB protein. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding such a YEP, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to control plants. The invention also provides hitherto unknown YEP-encoding nucleic acids, and constructs comprising the same, useful in performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing endotoxin from proteins. Also disclosed are products made by using the method. The method may be used, for example, to produce endotoxin-free lactoferrin. Bovine milk-derived lactoferrin may be produced in commercial quantities by the method, and endotoxin-free bovine lactoferrin may be used for a variety of therapeutic uses, including improving wound healing.

Abstract: Separation media comprising a support and crosslinked whole cells fixed to the support. The separation media are useful in affinity columns for the separation of the antibodies from a solution, particularly for the separation of polyclonal antibodies that have been raised against the same type of whole cells. In an embodiment, the whole cells are whole bacterial cells.

Abstract: Thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which are the offensive odor components, are provided. Disclosed are thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which belong to Bacillus licheniformis.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to compositions and methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using nerve grafts and preparation of nerve grafts. The compositions and methods of the subject invention can be employed to restore the continuity of nerve interrupted by disease, traumatic events or surgical procedures. Compositions of the subject invention comprise one or more chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)-degrading enzymes that promote axonal penetration into damaged nerve tissue and nerve graft. The invention also concerns methods for promoting repair of damaged nerve tissue using the present compositions and nerve tissue treated according to such methods. The invention also includes storage solutions for nerve tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CL0911428 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CL0911428 and its progeny, and methods of making CL0911428.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading, cleaving, or removing polysaccharides, lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, chitin, polyhydroxybutyrate, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for producing Class A biosolids. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method comprising digesting waste material by anaerobic digestion, and yielding Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material to produce Class A biosolids. In still yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for anaerobic digestion of waste material comprising a mixing chamber, a digester, a heating pit, and an effluent pit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating biomass that reduces water-polluting substances, suppresses the production of malodorous gases and greenhouse gases, decreases the nitrogen content in the compost or livestock bedding thus prepared, and furthermore, easily treats nitrogen-containing biomass in a short time at high temperature. The present invention also provides compost and livestock bedding produced by the method and a biomass treating agent. The method of treating biomass includes blending, with nitrogen-containing biomass, a Geobacillus microorganism having denitrification capability and a fermentation promoter that promotes the fermentation of the nitrogen-containing biomass by the Geobacillus microorganism.

Abstract: A method of secretory expression of lysostaphin in Escherichia coli at high level, which comprises constructing a expression vector by cloning a sequence encoding a signal peptide which is suitable for secretory expression in Escherichia coli before part or whole gene sequence which encodes mature lysostaphin, and ligating the cloned sequence with a promoter; and transforming Escherichia coli with the expression vector, culturing and fermenting, and then isolating lysostaphin from the supernatant of the fermentation broth. The advantage of secretory expression is that the expression product can exist in the medium in an active form, and thus does not need the process for renaturation of the inclusion body; it is more easily to purify from the supernatant of the fermentation broth with high rate of recovery; and there is less contamination from the host's proteins.

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: Methods are provided herein for modifying antigenic carbohydrate epitopes within a xenographic bioprosthetic tissue by oxidation of vicinal diols to form aldehydes or acids and subsequence reductive amination of aldehydes to form stable secondary amines, or amidation or esterification of acids to form stable amides or esters. Advantageously, methods provided herein mitigate the antigenicity of the bioprosthetic tissue while leaving the overall tissue structure substantially undisturbed, and thereby enhance the durability, safety and performance of the bioprosthetic implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating the blood of slaughtered animals, the system comprising: a storage tank for collecting and storing the blood of animals slaughtered in a slaughter plant; a blood treatment tank in which the animal blood is received and stored from the blood storage tank and into which a liquid microbial agent for treating blood is introduced so that microorganisms of the liquid microbial agent are allowed to react at a temperature of 25˜35° C. for 8-12 hours, thereby separating the animal blood into an amino acid solution and a waste blood sludge; a blood-treating agent supply unit for supplying the liquid microbial agent to the blood treatment tank; a water supply unit for supplying water to the blood treatment tank; a filtering means for filtering the amino acid solution discharged from the blood treatment tank to remove impurities; a heater for maintaining the blood treatment tank at a temperature of 25˜35° C.

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 method of processing bone material using supercritical fluids is disclosed. The method comprises placing the bone material in a processing chamber, adding supercritical fluid to the processing chamber, pulsing the supercritical fluid in the processing chamber, and rinsing the bone material. A processing system for processing bone material using supercritical fluids in accordance with the present invention comprises a processing chamber for housing the bone material, a vat for storing a processing fluid, a pump, a heating element, a flow path, a tank, and a solvent port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing porcine cornea using an aqueous NaCl solution and an aqueous trypsin/EDTA solution to decellularize enucleated porcine cornea. The porcine cornea processed by the method causes neither inflammation nor immune rejection. The porcine corneal stroma decellularized by the method can be recellularized together with host keratocytes after transplantation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for decellularizing adipose tissue, comprising subjecting the adipose tissue to one or more incubations in an enzymatic digestion solution containing one or more enzymes, and one or more solvent extractions, wherein decellularized adipose tissue comprising an extracellular matrix with well-preserved three-dimensional structure is obtained. The invention also provides a decellularized adipose tissue comprising an extracellular matrix with well-preserved three-dimensional architecture, and bioscaffolds, microcarrier beads, and coatings comprising the decellularized adipose tissue.

Abstract: A method for preparing the decellularized matrix using the phospholipase includes the following steps: pretreating the standby tissue and organ; putting the standby tissue and organ into the solution containing the phospholipase; preparing the decellularized matrix in the control condition; washing the prepared decellularized matrix.

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: 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: A vascular implant derived from natural vascular tissue material, wherein the vascular implant is substantially free of non-fibrous tissue proteins, cells and cellular elements and lipids or lipid residues and comprises collagenous material displaying the original fibre architecture and molecular ultrastructure of the natural vascular tissue material from which it is derived.

Abstract: An organ preservation container includes a gas impermeable housing for containing an organ. At least two liquids having different densities and forming a liquid-liquid interface are also contained in the housing. A closure for hermetically sealing the housing is provided. A structure is provided within the housing for engaging the organ and for maintaining a portion of the organ at the liquid-liquid interface such that the organ will be maintained partially in both of the liquids. A method for preserving the organ is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating biomass that reduces water-polluting substances, suppresses the production of malodorous gases and greenhouse gases, decreases the nitrogen content in the compost or livestock bedding thus prepared, and furthermore, easily treats nitrogen-containing biomass in a short time at high temperature. The present invention also provides compost and livestock bedding produced by the method and a biomass treating agent. The method of treating biomass includes blending, with nitrogen-containing biomass, a Geobacillus microorganism having denitrification capability and a fermentation promoter that promotes the fermentation of the nitrogen-containing biomass by the Geobacillus microorganism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide having glycosidase activity. In addition methods of designing new glycosidases and method of use thereof are also provided. The glycosidases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and Temperature.

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: Provided are methods for preparing gelled, solubilized extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions useful as cell growth scaffolds. Also provided are compositions prepared according to the methods as well as uses for the compositions. In one embodiment a device, such as a prosthesis, is provided which comprises an inorganic matrix into which the gelled, solubilized ECM is dispersed to facilitate in-growth of cells into the ECM and thus adaptation and/or attachment of the device to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an apparatus and method for disinfecting biological samples, including semen and the like, and for removing a biological sample pellet from surrounding media while reducing the risk of recontamination of the pellet with said media. An insert receptacle includes a receiving cylinder having a drain in a floor which allows the fluids to decant slowly down the side of a tube. The insert receptacle further includes an aspiration channel which allows an aspiration device, such as a modified micro-pipette, to be utilized for extracting a sample pellet from the bottom of the tube. Utilizing the novel apparatus, a method for reducing pathogens in a biological sample includes decanting the biological sample through the receiving cylinder and into a tube where it passes through a multi-layer gradient including an enzyme suitable for removal of at least one pathogen from the biological sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for remediating sulfur-containing pollutants with a hydrocarbon that is used to stimulate the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The hydrocarbon is preferably an alkane such as butane. The sulfur-containing pollutant may comprise sulfate, sulfite, sulfide, disulfides, mercaptans, alkanesulfonates, dialkyl sulfides, thiosulfate, thiofurans, thiocyanates, isothiocyanates, thioureas, thiols, thiophenols, thioethers, thiophene, tetrathionate, dithionite, dialkyl disulfides, sulfones, sulfoxides, sulfolanes, sulfonic acid, dimethylsulfoniopropionate, sulfonic esters, hydrogen sulfide, sulfate esters, sulfur dioxide and any other sour gases, elemental sulfur and any other sulfur-containing material considered to be a contaminant or pollutant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for disinfection of biological samples, including semen and the like. In a first aspect of the present invention, a method for reducing pathogens in a biological sample includes passing the biological sample through a gradient including an enzyme suitable for removal of at least one pathogen from the sample. In an additional aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for removing pathogens from a biological sample includes a container including a gradient having at least one layer that is suitable for having the biological sample pass through the layer, the at least one layer including an enzyme suitable for removing at least one pathogen from the biological sample.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for purifying protozoan oocysts. In particular embodiments, the oocysts are Eimeria oocysts. The methods comprise contacting a composition comprising fecal material and protozoan oocysts with polysaccharidase under conditions sufficient to reduce the amount of fecal material in the composition.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making a nano-size semiconductor component within a wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate. A first thermal energy beam is directed onto a first portion of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate to change the structure of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate into a first element of the semiconductor component. A second thermal energy beam is directed onto a second portion of the wide-bandgap semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first portion to form a second element of the semiconductor component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for isolating living cells from an encapsulated organ or encapsulated organ tissue sample within a sealed environment. The apparatus and method utilize a sealed perfusion tank, a sealed perfusion box to create a sealed environment for the perfusion tank, and a filter cartridge containing one or more filters for separating the cells from the digested tissue sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing phosphorous from sialyloligosaccharides isolated from a dairy stream using phytase.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for processing tissue by inoculating the tissue with a solution having microorganisms, where the microorganisms are selected to produce compounds that process the tissue. The tissue is incubated with the inoculated microorganisms under conditions that are effective for processing the tissue by the chemicals produced by the microorganisms. The tissue maybe subsequently treated to substantially remove or inactivate the microorganisms.

Abstract: A Rhodobacter species and variants thereof are provided for odor remediation of anaerobic livestock waste lagoons. Also provided are vector systems and genetically reconstituted Rhodobacter PS9 cells, and related methods for biomass production in anaerobic livestock waste lagoons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of liquid or semi-liquid animal waste using porosive particulate matter to remove malodorous materials, and to an organic fertilizer composition comprising organic substances derived from animal waste, said organic substance being held in pores of porosive, nutritionally inert particulate matter.

Abstract: A process and composition for treating an animal waste in a waste holding facility to reduce sulfides and enhance efficient degradation of large amounts of organic matter with reduced odor. The process includes administering a probiotic material capable of promoting organic digestion to an animal and maintaining a sulfide gas concentration of less than 10 ppm from a waste produced by the animal. Maintaining a low sulfide gas concentration can be done by adding an innoculum of sulfide-utilizing bacteria to the waste produced by the animal.

Abstract: A process for producing water-insoluble substances derived from fishes and shellfishes, includes the treating of the waste of fishes and shellfishes containing the substances with proteolytic enzymes under stirring to obtain an oil-in-water (O/W) type emulsified composition. This composition contains water-soluble amino-acids, oligoproteins having a molecular weight of not greater than 30,000, water-soluble minerals, water-insoluble highly unsaturated fatty acids and proteins (solid matter) having a molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000, with 50% or more of all the proteins in said emulsified composition having a molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000. Thereafter the emulsified composition is separated into solid and liquid phases, and the obtained solid composition containing proteins with a molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000 and fats and oils is extracted with an organic solvent.

Abstract: Plant nitrogen metabolism in corn and tobacco has been altered by transformation with a highly active assimilatory glutamate dehydrogenase gene. Plants containing the gdhA gene are resistant to phosphinothricin herbicides (PPT) which can include glufosinate herbicides. Additionally, these transformed plants evidence higher levels of tolerance to PPT when combined with another PPT resistant gene. This invention also includes the method of improving plant growth in a field of crops encoding for GDH due to a gdhA transgene.