Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain for the production of ethanol, whereby a yeast strain is modified by introducing and expressing araA gene (L-arabinose isomerase), araB gene (L-ribulokinase D121-N) and araD gene (L-ribulose-5-P 4-epimerase) and carrying additional mutations in its genome or overexpressing a TAL1 (transaldolase) gene, enabling it to consume L-arabinose, to use it as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol, as well as a method for producing ethanol using such a modified strain.

Abstract: A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and encoding a polypeptide involved in at least partially degrading, cleaving, transporting, metabolizing, or removing polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups; and at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide involved in fermenting sugar molecules to a product. Additionally, enzymatic and/or proteinaceous extracts may be isolated from one or more genetically modified organisms. The extracts are utilized to convert biomass into a product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving productivity of an enzymatic method for producing esterified, transesterified or interesterified fats or oils. Specifically, a method that can greatly improve the productivity of enzymatic esterification, transesterification or interesterification by purifying the substrate oil to extend the useful life of the enzyme is disclosed.

Abstract: A coryneform bacterium transformant prepared by transferring an exogenous gene which encodes a protein having a sugar transporter function into a coryneform bacterium capable of utilizing D-xylose.

Abstract: A real-time method employing a portable peptide-containing potentiometric biosensor, can directly detect and/or quantify bacterial spores. Two peptides for specific recognition of B. subtilis and B. anthracis Sterne may be immobilized by a polysiloxane monolayer immobilization (PMI) technique. The sensors translate the biological recognition event into a potential change by detecting, for example, B. subtilis spores in a concentration range of 0.08-7.3×104 CFU/ml. The sensing method exhibited highly selective recognition properties towards Bacillus subtilis spores over other kinds of spores. The selectivity coefficients of the sensors for other kinds of spores are in the range of 0-1.0×10?5. The biosensor method not only has the specificity to distinguish Bacillus subtilis spores in a mixture of B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis (thur.) Kurstaki spores, but also can discriminate between live and dead B. subtilis spores. Furthermore, the sensing method can distinguish a Bacillus subtilis 1A700 from other B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming an implantable medical device comprising: culturing polymer-producing bacteria preferably Acetobacter xylinum in the presence of a degradable support; and removing the degradable support to recover an implant having pores of a configuration determined at least in part by the configuration of the degradable support. The invention also relates to a medical device obtained by such a method.

Abstract: A method for improving productivity in microbial fermentations and mammalian cell culture bioreactors.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the expression and subsequent screening of DNA libraries, particularly synthetic, genomic, and cDNA libraries, in filamentous fungal hosts. In particular, the invention provides vectors, host strains, and a method for the expression and screening of complex DNA libraries, including, but not limited to, combinatory (combinatorial) libraries expressing one, two or more variable constituents and/or prepared from two or more sublibraries (e.g., for the expression and screening of immunoglobulin (including fragments and derivatives of whole immunoglobulin proteins) and other receptor or complex DNA libraries or libraries of libraries). The invention is useful for the expression and screening for a large variety of proteins and protein complexes, including human proteins. The present invention also relates to novel fungal protease sequences.

Abstract: A particle is disclosed. The particle comprising: (i) at least one inner core which comprises a solid matrix of nutrients for microorganism growth; (ii) an inner membrane being fabricated from a water-soluble polymer, the inner membrane surrounding the inner core and a population of dried microorganisms; and (iii) an outer porous membrane surrounding the inner membrane, the outer porous membrane being insoluble in water. Methods of generating same, propagating microorganisms within and uses of same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the cultivation of primary cells. The primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The method for the cultivation of primary cells may be one step in a method for the amplification of viruses, such as poxviruses. According to this latter method the primary cells are cultivated in a serum free medium comprising a factor selected from the group consisting of growth factors and attachment factors. The cells are then infected with the virus and the infected cells are cultivated in serum free medium until progeny virus is produced.

Abstract: Method for the production of aqueous nutrient source for macro and micro algae aquaculture farming and nutrient source thus formed. Phosphorous containing rocks are dissolved in at least one mineral acid to yield a solution containing a blend of ions of the minerals included in the rocks and in the acid in a form digestible by the algae and adding carbon in the form of CO2, carbonic acid, or carbonate salts. The invention is also directed to a method for feeding an algae aquaculture farm with such nutrient source.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to processes that comprise the vacuum extrusion of plant materials. In some embodiments, the plant materials are subjected to a change in pressure of ?3 kPa or more. The vacuum extrusion can be used to break open the cell walls of the plant material and of any undesirable micro-organisms associated with the plant material. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used as a step in a process for producing ethanol from plant materials, such as from sugar beets. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used in a process for providing a desired plant cell-derived molecule, such as a sugar or starch.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure having: a porous polymeric film permeated by a first extracellular matrix material; and a topcoat layer comprising a second extracellular matrix gel disposed on the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing a porous polymeric film; permeating the film with a first extracellular matrix material; and applying a topcoat layer of a second extracellular matrix material to the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: laser-machining holes through a film comprising collagen to form a web-like structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to the integration of an ammonia production process with a fermentation process to produce products such as alcohols and/or acids in addition to ammonia. In a specific embodiment, a natural gas stream comprising methane is passed to a reforming zone to produce a substrate comprising CO and H2. The substrate is next passed to a bioreactor containing a culture of one or more microorganisms and fermenting the culture to produce one or more fermentation products comprising alcohols and/or acids and an exhaust stream comprising CO2, and H2. The exhaust stream can then be passed to a separation zone to remove at least a portion of the CO2 and produce a purified exhaust stream comprising H2 which is then passed to an ammonia production zone and is used to produce ammonia.

Abstract: The object is to provide a transformant which can produce a heterologous protein having a structurally controlled O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure, a method for producing the transformant by using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as the host, and provide a host for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein. An Schizosaccharomyces pombe host having no omh1 gene or an inactivated omh1 gene in its chromosomes for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein having an O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure by expression of the heterologous protein by a genetic engineering technique and subsequent glycosylation of the expressed heterologous protein. A transformant from the host, a method for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein by using the transformant.

Abstract: Demethylation of a methylated DNA sequence in a eukaryotic cell is described, utilizing a molecule that includes at least a first domain that exhibits a cytidine deaminase activity and at least a second domain that confers either a specific or non-specific DNA binding activity. The molecules of the invention are useful in somatic cell nuclear transfer and also in cancer therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing L-?-Glycerylphosphorylcholine with high yields and purity. The method uses phospholipase A1-based enzymatic hydrolysis, ion-exchange resin purification and silica gel column chromatography to prepare L-?-glycerylphosphorylcholin with purity up to 99.8% and a final yield up to 78.4%. The method disclosed is simple, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and adaptable to industrial applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for detecting dicarboxylic acids using a transcription factor biosensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a post-extraction process for preparing low acyl gellan gum having high solubility property, the process comprising the following steps: (1) enzyme treatment of fermentation broth; (2) flocculation of fermentation broth; (3) deacylation treatment; (4) clarification treatment of deacylated solution; (5) dehydration treatment of clarified and deacylated gellan gum solution; (6) ion exchange and decoloration treatment; and (7) drying and milling. The process according to the invention produces a product, which has largely improved solubility, largely improved quality, good appearance, high transparence, and high gel strength.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel methods and compositions for improved production processes of algae cell components. In particular the present disclosure relates to methods for improving the extractability of algae cellular compositions.

Abstract: The present invention comprises artificial tissue constructs that serve as in vitro models of mammalian lung tissue. The artificial tissue constructs of the present invention comprise functionally equivalent in vitro tissue scaffolds that enable immunophysiological function of the lung. The constructs can serve as novel platforms for the study of lung diseases (e.g., interstitial lung diseases, fibrosis, influenza, RSV) as well as smoke- and smoking-related diseases. The artificial tissue constructs of the present invention comprise the two components of alveolar tissue, epithelial and endothelial cell layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling multi-phase chemical reactions using the architecture of surfactant foams to control mass transport of chemical reactants, catalysts, and products and the kinetics with which they react. More specifically, the invention relates to transformations that require both gaseous and liquid components with dissolved or suspended catalysts that are unstable when sheared.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing L-arginine using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of one or several genes encoding an L-arginine transporter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a mixture of fatty acid esters, suitable as a combustible or fuel in diesel cycle engines, comprising: a) the obtaining of a microbial biomass with a triglyceride content equal to or greater than 20% by dry weight, by means of the use of an oleaginous microorganism using glycerin as a carbon source; and b) the conversion of the triglycerides contained in the biomass obtained in step a) into a mixture of fatty acid esters. The invention likewise relates to said oleaginous microorganism, to a process for its selection and to polynucleotides obtained therefrom.

Abstract: The invention is a process for producing ethanol from sugarcane bagasse, the principal steps of which are mild sulphuric acid hydrolysis of the hemicellulose fraction of the sugarcane bagasse, followed by extraction of the hydrolysate and then fermentation thereof with the yeast Pichia stipitis. The process can be carried out with different solid : liquid ratios, and provides a step of acclimatizing the Pichia stipitis yeast, which results in a greater rate of ethanol production. The process takes place in a press reactor specially designed for this purpose, which allows more efficient extraction of the hydrolysate and, as a consequence, better process performance.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethanol wherein a hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass is fermented in the presence of a stillage residue. The fermentation of cellulosic hydrolysates is improved by adding prior to and/or during fermentation a stillage residue side stream from a corn starch-to-ethanol process as a nutrient source for the yeast organisms used in the fermentation. Stillage residues from the grain dry mill ethanol producing process, including the whole stillage, wet cake, thin stillage, and/or syrup are added to assist as a nitrogen and nutrient source for the fermentive processes. The stillage residue is produced by any grain-to-ethanol process.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of asthma may be prepared by drilling a hole in a coconut, adding about 1/4 pound of brown sugar (piloncillo) to an inside of the coconut, plugging the hole, wrapping the coconut in plastic, and allowing the coconut water and its contents to ferment 12 inches underground for 40 days. The resulting composition may have anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation and asthma in users.

Abstract: The present invention provides is a method for producing 3-mercaptopropionic acid from 3-mercaptopropionamide or a salt thereof with the use of an amidase. The method enables the production of 3-mercaptopropionic acid on an industrial scale through an enzymatic reaction.

Abstract: An economical method for recovering nitrogen from liquid waste using autotrophic organisms and minimal energy inputs and without chemical additives. Solids are separated from anaerobically digested liquid waste. The resulting translucent liquid is introduced to a culture of autotrophic microorganisms in the presence of natural or artificial light, thereby accumulating biomass and producing a liquid effluent with elevated pH. The elevated-pH, liquid effluent is heated and stripped of ammonia, thereby producing a water vapor and stripped ammonia gas stream. The water vapor ammonia gas stream is condensed to form a liquid/ammonia condensate. The autotrophic microorganisms are advantageously cultivated in a photobioreactor comprising a plurality of axially spaced-apart, growth plates mounted for rotation to a shaft. The pH of the culture is adjustable within a preferred range of 8.0 to 10.5 by adjusting the light intensity and rotational speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the enzymatic production of emulsifiers containing mono- and diacylglycerides. In a first step a), a mixture of a phospholipid component and a triacylglyceride component is prepared, then in step b) a quantity of an aqueous solution containing a (phospho)lipase is added to the mixture obtained, to produce a water content of the mixture of between 3 and 15 wt. %. In a subsequent step c), the mixture obtained in the previous step is reacted at a temperature ranging between 20° and 80° C. over a period of at least two hours and said mixture is then dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polynucleotide sequences comprising genes that encode novel lipolytic enzymes, as well as functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequences with high homology thereto. The invention also relates to methods of using these lipolytic enzymes in industrial processes, for example in the dairy or baking industry.

Abstract: A biotechnological process for enhancing oil recovery of 14 to 25° API oil contained in carbonate or sandstone rock systems with low permeability utilizes indigenous extremophile microorganisms (first culture) from the oil well, a second culture containing selected microorganisms and its metabolites (gases, acids, solvents and surfactants), to improve oil mobility. Under anaerobic conditions, such microorganisms are able to grow in temperatures from 60 to 95° C., at pressures from 7 to 154.6 kg/cm2 and NaCl content from 5,000 to 45,000 ppm. Injection of indigenous microorganisms and a second culture for metabolites production into the well improves oil recovery after closing the system for periods from 5 to 10 days. The biotechnical process includes biostimulation (indigenous microorganisms) and bioaugmetation (second culture) to increase oil recovery.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with vaccines and their preparation. An effective long-term immune response, especially in mammals, can be produced using a vaccine comprising an antigen encapsulated in liposomes, a suitable adjuvant and a carrier comprising a continuous phase of a hydrophobic substance. The vaccine is particularly effective in eliciting the production of antibodies that recognize epitopes of native proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the juvenile to adult developmental growth transition in plants, such as grasses (e.g. maize). In particular, the invention provides methods for enhancing agronomic properties in plants by modulating expression of GRMZM2G362718, GRMZM2G096016, or homologs thereof. Modulation of expression of one or more additional genes which affect juvenile to adult developmental growth transition such as Glossy15 or Cg1, in conjunction with such modulation of expression is also contemplated. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of GRMZM2G362718 and/or GRMZM2G096016 are also contemplated, as are transgenic plants and products produced there from, that demonstrate altered, such as extended juvenile growth, and display associated phenotypes such as enhanced yield, improved digestibility, and increased disease resistance. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved forage or feed crops or in biofuel production.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the formation of extracellular matrix in culture. Cells in culture secrete most of the collagen into the media as unprocessed procollagen, i.e., the cells do not convert procollagen to collagen. In contrast, normal extracellular matrix deposition involves procollagen processing to collagen, fibril assembly and deposition into the cell layer to form a collagenous extracellular matrix. The addition of certain growth factors and the addition of a thin layer of a certain volume exclusion agent on top of the cells dramatically enhances the conversion of procollagen to collagen and will increase the amount of collagen and extracellular matrix associated with the cells. This invention advances bioengineering of connective tissues for medical applications that require an extensive and functional extracellular matrix with high tensile strength such as those in the cornea stroma, skin, tendons, ligaments, articular cartilage and the intervertebral disks.

Abstract: Provided are a rat-eye bean extract improving blood glucose control and bioactivity, which is produced from rat-eye beans as health food so as to be able to improving storability, portability and potability, and a method of producing the same. The rat-eye bean extract is produced by putting rat-eye beans, which are cleanly washed without foreign materials and are soaked in water for five hours, and water into a steam pot at a volume ratio of 3:1 along with rice straw, fermenting water, which is boiled to steam the rat-eye beans in weak flames for five hours, in a hot-floored room for two to three days, putting the fermented water and a grapefruit juice into the steam pot at a weight ratio of 99:1, and heating a mixture of the fermented water and the grapefruit juice in a closed state at a temperature of 110 to 120° C. for four to five hours.

Abstract: A method for producing starting materials or additives for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and/or hydrocarbon-based fuels, especially for heating systems or internal combustion engines, takes organic residues or waste materials and decontaminates or sterilizes them with a hydrogenation process. In particular, the materials classified as K1, K2 or K3 according to EU Directive 1774/2002 are used for generating or producing the cited starting materials or additives, whereby an adequate decontamination of the residues or waste materials that are classified as being hazardous to health is ensured.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, method of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chirally pure compounds, and the chirally pure compounds prepared therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a viral contaminant from a preparation, being a cell culture medium or at least a component of a cell culture medium. The method comprises subjecting said preparation to filtration for at least about 24 hours through a virus filter having an effective pore size of maximum about 75 nm. Further, the invention relates to the use of a virus filter in filtration of at least about 24 hours, wherein the virus filter has an effective pore size of maximum about 75 nm for the removal of viral contaminant from a preparation, being a cell culture medium or at least a component of a cell culture medium. In some embodiments the filtration according to the invention operates at a volumetric capacity of at least about 2000 L/m2.

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: Provided is a process for purifying a vancomycin wet body, comprising: dissolving a wet body obtained from a microorganism-fermented solution containing vancomycin into a water soluble solvent to a concentration of about 1 to 40 g/L and carrying out reverse osmosis filtration; and carrying out lyophilization of the filtered vancomycin. The process for purifying a vancomycin wet body provides high-purity vancomycin, while avoiding degradation of stability during a drying step.

Abstract: Described are novel S. stipitis strains that were obtained by UV-C irradiation of wild-type S. stipitis NRRL Y-7124 cultures, followed by 5-month anaerobic growth on xylose at 28° C. The UV-C-mutagenized strains were able to grow anaerobically on xylose or glucose medium with higher ethanol production than a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain under comparable fermentation conditions. The mutagenized strains were identified by DNA fingerprinting to be unique strains closely related to wild-type Scheffersomyces stipitis. These mutagenized strains have potential application in large-scale industrial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to fuel ethanol.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds, compositions, and methods useful for bioremediation of a contamination. In particular, described herein are compositions that include one or methyl esters of a fatty acid and one or more bioremediation reagents, and methods for their use.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of lantibiotics, and more specifically to the isolation of nucleic acid molecules that code for the enzymes required for the biosynthetic pathway of the lantibiotic 107891 and the homologues thereof.

Abstract: Promoter regions associated with the Yarrowia lipolytica peroxisomal 2,4-dienoyl-CoA reductase (SPS19) gene are disclosed and have been found to be particularly effective for the expression of heterologous genes in yeast. These promoter regions will be useful for driving high-level expression of genes involved in the production of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide (BIG1) and variants thereof capable of enhancing the rate of cell-division of a microorganism or plant cell, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding said polypeptides, vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules and host cells transformed or transfected with said vectors and expressing said polypeptides. The BIG1 polypeptide which has been identified in the marine centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, variants thereof and nucleic acids encoding these may be used in methods of enhancing the rate of cell-division of microorganisms, plant cells or plants which produce useful sub stances or exhibit useful properties, to increase the yield thereof.

Abstract: At least at least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for using a high pressure-resistant enzyme in a high pressure condition; a method for promoting the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme by means of a high pressure treatment; a composition, which contains the high pressure-resistant enzyme, for decomposing proteins under a high pressure condition; a composition, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins, for preparing natural flavoring substances; a container for high pressure treatment, which contains the composition for decomposing proteins; and a method for measuring the activity of the high pressure-resistant enzyme, which comprises a step of decomposing an azocasein solution serving as a substrate by using the high pressure-resistant enzyme treated under a high pressure condition.

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 invention relates to methods of making modular chimeric protein expression products and compositions utilized in the methods. In particular, the invention relates to sequential, directional cloning of polynucleotides encoding polypeptide modules. Each clonable element or module contains an open reading frame of interest flanked by predetermined restriction sites. The methods include using modules and vectors containing these modules as starting materials for recombinant DNA techniques. One advantage of the invention is that it allows for many variations of fusion proteins to be made quickly and easily without needing to design and evaluate each subsequent cloning step.

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.