Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof. The invention is further related to uses of this composition and to a kit comprising the composition according to the invention. The invention is further related to a method for the detection of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof, optionally isolating the nucleic acid, optionally amplifying the nucleic acid, and detecting the nucleic acid. The invention is further related to a method for the purification of a nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising the steps of incubating the biological sample in the presence of a chaotropic agent, a buffering substance, and 0.5 to 5% (V/V) polidocanol or a derivative thereof and isolating the nucleic acid thereby purifying the nucleic acid.

Abstract: The combination of a Pseudomonas saccharophila G4-forming amylase (PS4) variant and a pullulanase advantageously can catalyze at a high temperature saccharification to produce an increased amount of maltotetraose, which can be used downstream in a process of producing a maltotetraose syrup. In one embodiment, a thermostable PS4 variant supplement with a pullulanase is provided that can produce about 40% to about 60% by weight maltotetraose, based on total saccharide content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell to be stably cultured in a medium, which cell is adjusted for the production of oligosaccharides, the cell being transformed to comprise at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for an enzyme involved in oligosaccharide synthesis. In addition the cell is transformed to comprise at least one nucleic acid sequence coding for a protein of the sugar efflux transporter family, a functional homolog or derivative thereof. Further, the invention concerns a method for the production of oligosaccharides involving above cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ?-galactosidase. Specifically disclosed are a ?-galactosidase derived from Bacillus circulans and a gene for the ?-galactosidase. The ?-galactosidase can be used, for example, in the production of milk, dairy products, fermented dairy products, galacto-oligosaccharides or supplements for foods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to composition comprising EG cellulase and methods of use, thereof. The compositions are useful, e.g., for reducing the viscosity of plant material slurry.

Abstract: This invention provides co-cultures of photosynthetic microorganisms and biofuel producing microorganisms. In certain embodiments, polysaccharide-producing, photosynthetic microorganisms are microalgae having frustules provide a substrate on which biofuel-producing microorganisms can grow. In other embodiments, the photosynthetic microorganisms produce a lipid and the non-photosynthetic microorganisms produce a solvent in which the lipid is soluble.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a method for preparing probiotic nanoparticles from natural sources, comprising performing a biological preparation phase such as isolating any cells derived from either prokaryote or eukaryote cells, performing a chemical preparation phase such as performing an enzymatic procedure (or heating, or chemicals) for killing or obtaining cell derived ingredients, performing a physical preparation phase such as performing ultrasonication, and performing a formulation preparation phase such as powderized drying.

Abstract: There is provided a new strain, that is Aspergillus fumigatus, MTCC 5453, and its use in the production of fructo-oligosaccharide. The invention also provides an efficient, rapid and method for increased production of fructo-oligosaccharide by using the strain Aspergillus fumigatus MTCC 5453.

Abstract: A method for producing lacto-N-biose I and galacto-N-biose inexpensively and conveniently is provided. The method for producing lacto-N-biose I or galacto-N-biose, characterized in that the method comprises causing: (i) a combination of a carbohydrate raw material with an enzyme that catalyzes phosphorolysis of the carbohydrate raw material to give ?-glucose-1-phosphate; and (ii) a combination of an enzyme that converts ?-glucose-1-phosphate to UDP-glucose and an enzyme that converts UDP-galactose to galactose-1-phosphate with their cofactors, and/or a combination of an enzyme (UDP-Gly synthase) that converts ?-glucose-1-phosphate and UDP-galactose to UDP-glucose and ?-galactose-1-phosphate, respectively, with its cofactor(s) to act in the presence of N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, phosphoric acid, lacto-N-biose phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.211), and UDP-glucose-4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.2).

Abstract: By having a cellulase preparation comprising at least a certain amount of endoglucanases derived from two different types of microorganisms, the cellulase preparation can be provided with a higher activity and a wider pH property than those of cellulase preparations each containing one of the endoglucanases alone. Moreover, by introducing and expressing simultaneously two different types of cellulase genes in a single host cell, a cellulase preparation having a high activity and a wide pH property can be produced easily.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing fuels are provided. These methods use often difficult to process lignocellulosic materials, for example crop residues and grasses. The methods can be readily practiced on a commercial scale in an economically viable manner, in some cases using as feedstocks materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing modified lignin and the resulting non-natural modified lignin product in which a lignin-producing polymerization reaction is performed using a polymerizable monomer having the structure: wherein at least one of the polymerizable monomers is incorporated into the resulting lignin.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of carbohydrate cleavage products, characterized by the combination of the measures that the lignocellulosic material is treated with an aqueous solution containing hydrogen peroxide, an alcohol, in particular a C1-4 alcohol or a phenol, and a base in order to oxidatively break down lignocellulose and to separate cleavage products from the material, and that the obtained material enriched with cellulose and hemicelluloses is treated with a carbohydrate-cleavage enzyme in order to prepare the carbohydrate cleavage products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lignocellulose active protein comprising a DUF1996 domain and proteins that additionally comprise a CBM1 domain. Also included in the invention are proteins with a new domain, characterized by the consensus sequence [GA]-[ST]-[IV]-[ILV]-W-[DS]-G-[RIFS]-F-[ND]-[DS]-X (residues 1-12 of SEQ ID NOS:6-7). The invention relates to a lignocellulose active protein comprising a DUF1996 domain and proteins that additionally comprise a CBM1 domain.

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 for producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide encoding a furofuran lignan 4-O-glucosyltransferase, and others. The polynucleotide in accordance with the present invention comprises a polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 5, or a polynucleotide encoding a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO: 6.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Provided are modified beta-glucosidase enzymes, derived from the Trichoderma reesei Cel3A beta-glucosidase, that exhibit improved stability at low pH, low pH and high aeration, low pH and high agitation, or low pH and elevated temperature. Also provided are genetic constructs comprising nucleotide sequences encoding for modified beta-glucosidase enzymes, methods for the production of modified beta-glucosidase enzymes from host strains and the use of the modified beta-glucosidase enzymes in the hydrolysis of cellulose.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant expression of a variant form of a fungal C1 strain ?-glucosidase. The invention also relates to the generation of fermentable sugars from biomass and the production of biofuels by fermentation of the sugars using genetically modified organisms expressing the ?-glucosidase variant. The invention provides methods for producing a fermentable sugar, such as glucose, from cellobiose by contacting cellobiose with a recombinant ?-glucosidase variant protein, such as a variant protein secreted by a recombinant host cell into culture medium. Methods of the invention may be used for conversion of a biomass substrate to a fermentable sugar, and ultimately to ethanol or other biofuel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for extracting endotoxins from bacteria, and the use of said method for preparing compositions comprising endotoxins or derivatives thereof designed for human or animal use (scientific, medical usage).

Abstract: The present invention aims to develop a pretreatment technology for performing efficient saccharification without losing carbohydrates (in particular, free carbohydrates, starch, xylan, or the like) due to solid-liquid separation and washing steps, as a pretreatment for enzymatic saccharification of a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock (including a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock containing readily degradable carbohydrates).

Abstract: The disclosure provides isolated nucleic acid molecules derived from the gut of the termite R flavipes, recombinant nucleic acid molecules comprising a vector and an isolated heterologous nucleic acid molecule operably inserted therein, whereby, when transformed into an appropriate host cell system, the heterologous nucleic acid sequence is expressed as a polypeptide having an activity similar to that when expressed in the gut of the termite R. flavipes. The recombinant nucleic acid molecules can comprise more than one heterologous nucleic acid molecule such that more than one polypeptide may be expressed by the host system. The expressed polypeptides may be substantially purified, or used in a substantially unpurified form, to be admixed with a lignocellulose source to be converted to a fermentable product such as a sugar or a mixture of sugars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new galactosyltransferases, nucleic acids encoding them, as well as recombinant vectors, host cells, antibodies, uses and methods relating thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a “street-safe” version of a controlled substance that permits the therapeutically beneficial effects of the substance while reducing or eliminating the euphoric effects that lead to substance abuse. The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a controlled substance and a carbohydrate covalently bound to said controlled substance in a manner that renders said controlled substance pharmacologically inactive or substantially diminishes its activity and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Methods for increasing yield of fermentable sugars from plant stover are provided. The methods include using plants homozygous for two brown midrib mutations, bm1 and bm3. The methods also include using plants homozygous for a mutation in a gene that results in reduced cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity, and a mutation in a gene that results in reduced 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde/5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol O-methyltransferase activity. The methods also include using transgenic plants that have reduced cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase activity and reduced 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde/5-hydroxyconiferyl alcohol O-methyltransferase activity in comparison with wild-type plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved systems and methods for reducing costs and increasing yields of cellulosic ethanol. In particular, the present invention provides plants genetically transformed for increased biomass, expression of lignocellulolytic enzyme polypeptides, and/or simplification of harvesting and downstream processing. Also provided are methods for processing biomass from these transgenic plants that involve less severe and/or less expensive pre-treatment protocols that are typically employed. Such methods allow, among other things, reduced costs associated with externally applied lignocellulolytic enzyme polypeptides.

Abstract: Methods for producing quadrivalent meningococcal meningitis polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines for serotypes A, C, Y and W-135 disclosed. Neisseria meningitidis fastidious medium was designed to maximize the yield of capsular polysaccharides and generate minimal cellular biomass and endotoxin in a short duration of fermentation. The crude polysaccharides are isolated, purified, and mechanically depolymerized by sonication. These purified polysaccharides were found in human clinical trials to be safe and immunogenic against meningococcal disease caused by N. meningitidis A, C, Y and W-135 serogroups in sub-Saharan Africa. In the preferred embodiment, the polysaccharides are conjugated to carrier proteins of diphtheria or tetanus toxiod to an average molecular size of 5100 to 9900 Daltons and provide broad spectrum protection to humans of all ages. Accelerated polysaccharide production and the efficacy of the resulting vaccine are demonstrated.

Abstract: A novel thermophilic endo-glucanase, nucleic acid encoding the endo-glucase, and uses thereof in converting ligocellulosic material to fermentable sugars.

Abstract: A conjugate molecule comprising an oligo- or polysaccharide covalently bound to a carrier and its use as potential vaccine against infection by S. Flexneri.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for reducing costs and increasing yields of cellulosic ethanol are disclosed herein, along with plants genetically transformed for increased biomass, expression of lignocellulolytic enzyme polypeptides, and/or simplification of harvesting and downstream processing. Methods for processing biomass from these transgenic plants that involve less severe and/or less expensive pre-treatment protocols than are typically employed are also disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: Polypeptides with xylanase activity modified to increase bran solubilization and/or xylanase activity. The modification comprises modification of one or more amino acids in position 12 or 13 in combination with one or more further amino acid modifications in position 15, 34, 54, 77, 81, 82, 99, 104, 110, 113, 114, 118, 122, 141, 154, 159, 162, 164, 166, 175 or 179, wherein the positions are determined as the position corresponding the position of Bacillus subtilis xylanase (SEQ ID NO 1).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for expressing a multidomain enzyme in a plant are provided. The compositions include plants, seeds, plant tissues, and plant parts expressing a modified multidomain enzyme enzyme. The modified multidomain enzyme has a heterologous linker region that is not cleaved when the modified multidomain enzyme is expressed in a plant. In various embodiments, the linker region comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:18, 19, or 20. Further provided are methods for producing a modified multidomain enzyme enzyme comprising cultivating plants expressing the modified multidomain enzyme. Downstream uses of transgenic plant material of the invention include agronomical and industrial uses, for example, human food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, biofuel, industrial alcohol, fermentation feedstocks, and the like.

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: The present invention relates to methods for syngas-production from biomass enabling the conversion of pre-treated biomasses having a high dry-matter content into electricity or oil-based products such as petrol, diesel, chemicals and plastics through the formation of syngas. The biomasses are converted into a biomass slurry having a suitable particle size and dry-matter content for optimal feeding and gasification in a pressurised gasifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing minerals from a cellulosic biomass. For example, the biomass may be prewashed with an acid solution and rinsed with water to remove minerals prior to acid saccharification. The removal of minerals may reduce overall acid requirements, and decrease pretreatment costs.

Abstract: The invention provides variants of the Thermoanaerobacter brockii CglT beta-glucosidase that have improve beta-glucosidase activity compared to the wild type enzyme. The invention also provides polynucleotides that encode the variants, as well as methods of producing the variants, enzyme compositions comprising the variants, and methods for using the variants in industrial applications.

Abstract: This disclosure presents embodiments of novel strains of Staphylococcus aureus that through genetic engineering produce type 5 capsular polysaccharide at greater levels than Staphylococcus aureus strain Reynolds.

Abstract: The invention provides variants of the Clostridium thermocellum endoglucanase (CeIG) that have improved endoglucanase activity compared to the wild type enzyme. Also provided are related polynucleotides, compositions, vectors, host cells, and methods of use.

Abstract: A hydrothermal decomposition apparatus 17 as a biomass processing apparatus that decomposes a biomass material 11 into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin under a high temperature and high pressure condition to remove a lignin component and a hemicellulose component, a biomass solid discharging unit 18 that discharges a biomass solid (a hot-water insoluble component) 20 processed in the hydrothermal decomposition apparatus 17, and a slurrying vessel 21 communicating with the biomass solid discharging unit 18, into which water 19 is injected and the discharged biomass solid 20 is added to make it slurried are provided to an apparatus body 13, which is a processing vessel having a gas-liquid interface 13a.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition containing particulate composite of a polymer and a therapeutic agent. The composition also contains a complexing agent. The polymer interacts with the complexing agent in a host-guest or a guest-host interaction to form an inclusion complex. A therapeutic composition of the invention may be used to deliver the therapeutic agent and to treat various disorders. Both the polymer of the particulate composite and the complexing agent may be used to introduce functionality into the therapeutic composition. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a composition. The method combines a therapeutic agent, a polymer having host or guest functionality, and a complexing agent having guest or host functionality to form the therapeutic composition. The complexing agent forms an inclusion complex with the polymer. The invention also relates to a method of delivering a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to CBH I chimera fusion polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, and host cells for producing the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides spray methods of delivering saccharification enzymes, fermentation organisms, and other hydrolysis or fermentation ingredients onto lignocellulosic biomass. The methods reduce the need for mechanical mixing when the biomass solids are undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis, and reduce dilution to allow higher product titers in the hydrolysis and/or fermentation steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of producing bioenergy products and metabolites of industrial interest from lignocellulosic biomass. More specifically, the invention describes the identification, characterization and isolation of novel bacteria having the remarkable ability to transform lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars and, even more remarkably, into bioenergy products and metabolites. The invention also discloses a method to isolate such bacteria, compositions comprising such bacteria, and their uses for the modification of lignocellulosic biomass, with a view to producing bioenergy.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved variants of polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, vectors, host cells containing the nucleic acids and methods for producing the polypeptides. The polypeptides encompassed by this disclosure may be used in numerous applications including the use of the polypeptides for the production of biofuels and for the synthesis of platform chemicals or biopolymers from renewable sources.

Abstract: A method to degrade or digest sludge, such as from pulp and/or paper manufacturing, is described. Compositions to use in the method are further described.

Abstract: Disclosed are variants of Humicola grisea Cel7A (CBH1.1), H. jecorina CBH1 variant or S. thermophilium CBH1, nucleic acids encoding the same and methods for producing the same. The variant cellulases have the amino acid sequence of a glycosyl hydrolase of family 7A wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of treating lignocellulosic materials are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of treating a lignocellulosic material comprises degrading lignin of the lignocellulosic material with at least one fungus and hydrolyzing cellulose of the lignocellulosic material with at least one microorganism.

Abstract: Disclosed are variants of Humicola grisea Cel7A (CBH1.1), H. jecorina CBH1 variant or S. thermophilium CBH1, nucleic acids encoding the same and methods for producing the same. The variant cellulases have the amino acid sequence of a glycosyl hydrolase of family 7A wherein one or more amino acid residues are substituted.