Abstract: A process for the preparation of histaminase, respectively a histaminase containing material, is described. Histaminase is a diamine-oxidase which metabolizes histamine.According to the process at least one microorganism which produces in its cells histaminase, is cultivated and as soon as a sufficient number of microorganisms has grown, the microorganisms are isolated from the culture medium. Adhering culture medium is removed from the microorganisms and the microorganism cells are broken up and comminuted.The product can be dried in the vacuum, cooled and stored or it can be used to produce products having a higher content of histaminase or to produce a pure histaminase.Preferably a mixture of microorganisms is cultivated which contains at least one microorganism selected from the group lactobacillus and at least one yeast selected from the group candida.

Abstract: 2-Keto-L-gulonic acid is prepared directly from D-glucose by microbial conversion utilizing mixed culturing on a medium containing D-glucose, employing two kinds of microorganisms; the first, a 2,5-diketo-D-gluconic acid producing microorganism which belongs to genus Erwinia and the second, a 2-keto-L-gulonic acid producing microorganism which belongs to genus Brevibacterium or Corynebacterium. The incubation of the microorganisms in a medium containing D-glucose is used in the disclosed process. By-production of 2-keto-D-gluconic acid, the undesired isomer of the intended product is effectively prevented by employing mixed culturing because of the co-existence of both microorganisms in the medium during at least part of the entire cultivation. Namely, 2-keto-D-gluconic acid produced by the second microorganism is utilized by the first microorganism to produce 2,5-diketo-D-gluconic acid which is subsequently converted into 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by the second microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and the microorganism and enzyme used therein to degrade the Xanthan molecule. The microorganism is a soil bacterium, Bacillus sp. The method includes using the mixed culture, or a supernatant derived therefrom or the purified enzyme itself.

Abstract: A culture contained in a whole grain barm for effecting natural leavening of breads, baked goods and the like is disclosed. The culture contains a newly identified Lactobacillus sp. bacteria named Lactobacillus brevis, atypical and a nonmaltose-digesting Saccharomyces sp. yeast preferably Saccharomyces dairensis. The isolation of Lactobacillus sp. and Saccharomyces sp. organisms and their use in leavening processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a fermentation broth containing coenzyme B.sub.12, with a new, anaerobic, mesophilic, methane-producing mixed micropopulation, under anaerobic, septic conditions, using a new broth containing methanol, precursors and partially known nutrients,In the new process according to the invention the improvement consists in(a) removing 5 to 15 volume percent of the inoculum fermentation broth containing the anaerobic, mesophilic, methan-producing new mixed micropopulation and replacing same with an equal volume of a broth containing cornsteep liquor hydrolysate and/or corn slops of hydrolysate thereof and other known nutrients, the number and concentration of which has been reduced, for 6 to 8 days, and if desired, further manufacturing the fermentation broth removed,(b) after reaching an assimilation velocity of at least 0.15 to 0.2 g methanol/lit.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of microorganisms, ATCC No. 39327 which are capable of reproducible reduction of sulfur, particularly organic sulfur, in coal wherein the novel microorganisms are grown in situ enriched with sulfur compounds and subsequently grown in the presence of a coal substrate and nutrient medium while maintaining an essentially neutral pH. Contacting an aqueous coal slurry with the novel microorganism of the present invention provides coal having reduced organic sulfur content.

Abstract: A process for production of mixed calcium-magnesium organic acid salts useful for de-icing obtained by anaerobic hydrolysis-fermentation of organic carbonaceous solids by a biologically active mixture of hydrolysis-fermentation anaerobes in which the growth of methanogenic bacteria is suppressed and calcium-magnesium oxygen containing compound is added to the anaerobic digester to control pH and to react with the fermentation acid products to form a mixture of calcium-magnesium organic acid salts. The calcium-magnesium organic acid salts may be readily recovered in solid form for economical utilization in roadway de-icing. The anaerobic digestion is conducted under a naturally obtained mixed microbial population in the presence of the calcium-magnesium oxide containing compound, eliminating the need for pure microbiological strains and sterilization or pasteurization of feed materials.

Abstract: Starch is converted directly to ethanol by growing a co-culture of Clostridium thermosulfurogenes and Clostridium thermohydrosulfuricum under anaerobic conditions on a starch containing substrate in a medium comprising essential vitamins, minerals and growth factors. The co-culture also produces the thermostable enzymes .beta.-amylase, glucoamylase and pullulanase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new microorganism belonging to Streptococcus thermophilus having an oxygen uptake ability of at least 30 nano moles per milligram of dried cell of said microorganism per minute which is defined by the quantity of oxygen consumption as determined by Warburg's manometric method, and to a microbial composition which comprises as main ingredients viable cell mass of (a) said microorganism and (b) bifidobacteria.

Abstract: A must is fermented with a combination of at least one yeast and at least one lactobacillus, the former being selected from the group of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis and the latter being selected from the group of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus hilgardii for their symbiotic ability and capability to produce a synergistic organoleptic effect which eliminates all after-taste of yeast. The must is inoculated such that the respective numbers of yeast germs and lactobacilli germs per ml have a ratio of from 1:10 to 1:500.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a fungus-lytic activity of .beta.-1,3-D-glucanase which comprises using said glucanase in the presence of one or more of the activators selected from the group consisting of sodium lauroylsarcosinate, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylenealkyl ether, benzalkonium chloride, ammonium chloride, chlorhexidine glucuronate, methylparaben, propylparaben, trypsin, Pronase.RTM. and Alcalase.RTM..A method of enhancing a fungus-lytic activity of .beta.-1,3-D-glucanase which comprises using two .beta.-1,3-D-glucanases of different origins is also provided.

Abstract: Polysaccharides are obtained by fermentation using a mixed culture of several microorganisms, of which at least one also produces a polysaccharide in pure culture, which polysaccharides are suitable as viscosity regulators. A mixed culture of the strains Pseudomonas maltophilia DSM 2130 and Agrobacterium tumefaciens DSM 2128 is particularly suitable.

Abstract: A methane fermentation process wherein a strain of the genus Methanobacterium is cultivated in a fermenter containing at least a carbon source, a nitrogen source, inorganic salts and micro-flora for methane fermentation. The strain has a methanogenic activity above 8.7.times.10.sup.-8 ml/cell.day in the stationary phase of growth, exhibits the methanogenic activity even at an oxygen partial pressure of 1/30 atm. and is allowed to live under an oxygen partial pressure up to 1/5 atm. The seed of the strain is obtained by anaerobically cultivating the strain in a culture medium containing at least nitrogen sources, inorganic salts and reducing agents in a mesophilic range of 25.degree. to 45.degree. C. using a substrate such as a mixed gas of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, a formate or an acetate. The growth of the strain is facilitated when cocultured with a strain belonging to the genus Clostridium.

Abstract: Antibiotic U-66,026 is produced in a fermentation under controlled conditions using the microorganism Alcaligenes sp., NRRL B-15269. Enhanced fermentation of titers U-66,026 are obtained when Alcaligenes sp., NRRL B-15269, is cultivated in mixture with Streptomyces plicatus strain 395, NRRL 15273.Antibiotic U-66,026 is a useful antibiotic which has antifungal activity.

Abstract: An undifferentiated symbiotic combination of alga and fungus cells, obtained directly from a lichen explant, are cultured in a media under appropriate conditions to produce aromatic lichenous substances and these substances are recovered.

Abstract: Hydrogen is biologically, effectively produced by an alga in an alternating light/dark cycle which comprises alternating a step for cultivating the alga in water under aerobic conditions in the presence of light to accumulate photosynthetic products in the alga and a step for cultivating the alga in water under microaerobic conditions in the dark to decompose accumulated material by photosynthesis to evolve hydrogen.

Abstract: A stable, cooperative enzyme system which is stable under use conditions is disclosed which comprises at least two enzymes having activity towards a relatively complex substrate with at least partial activity over the same pH range, wherein their combined activities are greater than the sum of their individual activities as determined by the formula: ##EQU1## wherein E.sub.1 and E.sub.2 are said enzymes. No additional chemical stabilizers, modifiers or activators are added to the enzymes of this invention.Particularly preferred enzymes in this invention are proteases having optimal activity in acidic, neutral or alkaline media, and mixtures of the same.A method of making this cooperative enzyme system is also disclosed.The enzyme systems of this invention have a wide variety of uses in cleaning and other applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a starch hydrolysate which can be optionally hydrogenated as well as the process for preparing said hydrolysate and uses thereof.Its glucidic spectrum corresponds to:a content of monosaccharides (DP=1) less than 14%,a content of disaccharides (DP=2) less than 35%, preferably less than 20%,a content of oligosaccharides of DP 4 to DP 10 ranging from 42% to 70%, preferably from 42 to 60%, the oligosaccharides of DP 5 to DP 7 representing by themselves a proportion preferably higher than 25% and more preferably higher than 30%,a content of polysaccharides of DP higher than 10, less than 32%, and preferably less than 25%.The hydrolysate is useful in the preparation notably of human foodstuff.

Abstract: The filtrability of xanthan gum aqueous solutions is improved by an enzymatic treatment in two successive steps, the first step by means of a polysaccharase and the second step by means of a protease, the operating conditions of each step being such that the corresponding enzyme is active in said step.

Abstract: A viable fungal culture of the genus Arthrobotrys is combined with substantially dormant Rhizobia bacteria and a carbohydrate nutrient to provide a legume-inoculating composition which may be packaged, transported and stored for a reasonable time prior to its usage.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which an amino acid-producing microorganism having an ability to assimilate lactic acid is aerobically cultivated in the presence of at least one lactic acid microorganism in an aqueous nutrient medium containing at least one carbohydrate which is assimilable by the lactic acid microorganism but nonassimilable or weakly assimilable by the amino acid-producing microorganism as the main carbon source and an accumulated amino acid is recovered from the culture broth. An industrially advantageous production of an amino acid has become feasible by utilizing inexpensive carbon sources or those organic substances in agricultural or livestock wastes that have heretofore not been effectively utilized.

Abstract: A novel Bacillus isolated from the soil is unique in its capacity to produce xanthanase, and is especially productive of the enzyme when cultured in the presence of other soil organisms. Both crude and purified xanthanases recovered from the fermentation broth effectively degrade xanthan gum. Moreover, tolerance of the Bacillus to sodium chloride levels as high as about 4%, render it useful for the in situ degradation of the heteropolysaccharide in petroleum recovery fluids and other thickened industrial brines.

Abstract: A process for the production of a storage-stable preparation of micro-organisms, starting from a mixed culture of micro-organisms, which is capable to degrade products of industrial organic syntheses, which comprises that the culture conditions of an active mixed culture enriched in the customary manner are optimized, with the addition of the product to be degraded, in the customary manner according to the rate of degradation of the product and this mixed culture is converted in at least two passes into a stabilized activated mixed culture under the optimum conditions thus determined, and the culture thereby obtained is rendered storage-stable, its activity being maintained.

Abstract: A method of breeding yeast on residual solution containing lactose from dairies, and ground cereals, leguminous products and/or other raw materials, containing sugars and polysaccharides, ammonia being added as the sole inorganic substance.

Abstract: A process for the partial degradation of complex cyclicorganic compounds such as 1-phenylheptane and m-chlorotoluene using methane-utilizing microorganisms or enzyme extracts thereof containing the enzymes methane mono-oxygenase and/or a de-halogenase. The preferred microorganism is Methylosinus trichosporium strain OB3b (NCIB 11131).

Abstract: A method for producing a fertilizer and decay promoting substance by subjecting grape marc to aerobic decay so that in a first phase, the sugar content is converted to alcohol and microbial fermentation produces organic acids. During the first phase, the alcohol and acids react to produce aromatic esters and a decay stabilized mass. In a second phase, the mass is rearranged to facilitate access of air and promote penetration of the mycelia of Humicola lanuginusa and thermophilic actinomycetes into the mass. In a third step, the mass is rearranged to effect microbial degradation of the mycelia and the mass is dried and the pip-containing fraction is separated. The thus obtained pips or seeds are infested with spores of the above-mentioned microorganisms and still contain their natural oil content and constitute an excellent high-grade fertilizer and aerobic decay promoting agent for the decay of vegetable and animal waste materials.

Abstract: A method for producing a fertilizer and decay promoting substance by subjecting grape marc to aerobic decay so that in a first phase, the sugar content is converted to alcohol and bacterial fermentation produces organic acids. During the first phase, the alcohol and acids react to produce aromatic esters and a decay stabilized mass. In a second phase, the mass is rearranged to facilitate access of air and promote penetration of the mycelia of a thermophilic actinomycete into the mass. In a third step, the mass is rearranged to effect microbial degradation by the actinomycete mycelia and the mass is dried and the pip-containing fraction is separated. The thus obtained pips or seeds are infested with mycelia and still contain their natural oil content and constitute an excellent high-grade fertilizer and aerobic decay promoting agent for the decay of vegetable and animal waste materials.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a superior flavor in fermented meat, particularly sausage, using Micrococcus varians in admixture with Pediococcus cerevisiae NRRL-B-5627 and/or with other lactic acid producing meat fermenting bacteria for lowering the pH is described. Micrococcus varians is a very poor producer of lactic acid and alone cannot produce acceptable sausage. The improved bacterial compositions develop the solid bright red color associated with sausage and other fermented meats in the presence of edible nitrate and/or edible nitrite. Combinations of the nitrite and nitrate can be used. No acid forming chemicals, such as gluconic acid delta lactone, are used in the fermentation process. The bacterial composition is preferably provided in the form of a frozen cell concentrate for storage and subsequent thawing for use.

Abstract: Single cell protein (SCP) and other fermentation products are produced by aerobic fermentation processes at relatively high fermentation temperature conditions employing oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds, such as an alcohol, as carbon and energy source material, and employing a unique thermophilic mixed culture of bacteria NRRL B-8158 as microbial conversion agent.

Abstract: A mixed culture system of the newly discovered microorganism Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus ATCC31550 and the microorganism Clostridium thermocellum ATCC31549 is described. In a mixed nutrient culture medium that contains cellulose, these microorganisms have been coupled and cultivated to efficiently ferment cellulose to produce recoverable quantities of ethanol under anaerobic, thermophilic conditions.

Abstract: A process for removing oleaginous materials containing those of animal origin from wastewater comprising treating wastewater containing oleaginous material with a microbial combination of:(a) a microorganism of the strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutant SGRR.sub.2 ; and(b) at least one of:(i) a microorganism of the genus Bacillus; and(ii) a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas other than the strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutant SGRR.sub.2 ; and the microbial combination of:(a) a microorganism of the strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutant SGRR.sub.2 ; and(b) at least one of:(i) a microorganism of the genus Bacillus; and(ii) a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas other than the strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutant SGRR.sub.2.

Abstract: A method and composition for the hydrolysis and assay of triglycerides are disclosed. The method includes the steps of adding lipase and cholesterol esterase to a triglyceride in combination with a glycerol assay system and determining the amount of triglycerides present based on the amount of glycerol produced. The composition includes a mixture of lipase, cholesterol esterase and a glycerol assay system.

Abstract: Stack gases from fossil fuel burning operations before being released to the atmosphere are passed through a scrubber, wherein sulfur dioxide is removed from the gases by scrubbing with metallic carbonates. The metallic carbonates react with the sulfur dioxide to form a liquid effluent comprising metallic sulfates. The effluent is placed in a basin and inoculated with a microorganism which reduces sulfate ions to hydrogen sulfide, preferably bacteria from the genus Desulfovibrio, thereby also regenerating metallic carbonates. The effluent is contemporaneously or serially inoculated with saline compatible bacteria from the genus Beggiatoa whereby the hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to form sulfur. After treatment by the bacteria, the effluent is recycled to the scrubber for use therein and the sulfur is recovered.

Abstract: A fermentable sugar feed is continuously converted by fermentation to dilute aqueous ethanol ("beer") in a series of agitated fermentation vessels which contain progressively more ethanol and less fermentable sugar. At least two strains of yeast are selected for the fermentation, one of which provides a high rate of ethanol production in a fermentation medium containing a relatively low concentration of ethanol and a relatively high concentration of fermentable sugar and the other of which provides a high rate of ethanol production in a fermentation medium containing a relatively high concentration of ethanol and a relatively low concentration of fermentable sugar.

Abstract: A carbohydrate polymer such as starch and/or cellulose is converted to ethanol by a process in which an aqueous slurry of the carbohydrate polymer acid hydrolyzed to provide a sterile fermentable sugar solution is thereafter continuously converted by fermentation to dilute aqueous ethanol ("beer") in a series of agitated fermentations vessels which contain progressively more ethanol and less fermentable sugar employing at least two strains of yeast for the fermentation, one of which provides a high rate of ethanol production in a fermentation medium containing a relatively low concentration of ethanol and a relatively high concentration of fermentable sugar and the other of which provides a high rate of ethanol production in a fermentation medium containing a relatively high concentration of ethanol and a relatively low concentration of fermentable sugar.

Abstract: A process for the production of microbial protein and lipid from vegetable carbohydrates including starch by culture of a microbe, which comprises a combination of the steps of liquefying starch with a dextrinogenic enzyme in a liquefaction tank, effecting simultaneous saccharification and culture of the microbe in a fermentation tank by aseptically adding a saccharogenic amylase to the culture medium produced in the liquefying step, and separating the cultured microbial cells and lipid from the culture medium.

Abstract: A process for fermentatively producing vitamin B.sub.12, which comprises cultivating a vitamin B.sub.12 -producing microorganism belonging to at least one of the genus Arthrobacter and the genus Propionibacterium in the presence of a pre-cultivation product of a vitamin B.sub.12 -producing microorganism belonging to at least the other genus, and separating vitamin B.sub.12 from the culture broth.