Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating odors in wastewater treatment bodies. The pH of the body is preferably established above about 6 and most preferably above about 7, usually by adding a base to the body. The oxidation reduction potential of the body is established at about −300 mV or higher and more preferably about −200 mV or higher, usually by adding an oxidizing agent such as oxygen or nitrates. After these conditions are established, sulfur oxidizing bacteria are added to the body. These preferably include Paracoccus denitrificans (formerly called Thiosphaera pantotropha) ATTC number 35,512. The sulfur oxidizing bacterial population should be established at levels of at least about 1×104 cfu/mL and more preferably at levels of 1×105 to 1×106 cfu/mL or higher. The increased ORP and pH levels make sulfate reduction thermodynamically unfavorable.

Abstract: Isolated Bifidobacterium strains are obtained that secrete a siderophore that inhibits the growth of microbes in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. Microbes inhibited include Lactococcus lactis, Clostridium difficile, and Clostridium perfringens. The Bifidobacterium or siderophore isolated from the Bifidobacterium can be administered to an animal. The Bifidobacterium is grown under iron limiting conditions when obtaining the siderophore. Microbes are inhibited by the siderophore binding iron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Enterobacter sp. strain SSYL deposited under accession number KCTC 0687BP isolated from the root bark of Chinese elm, which produces immunostimulating exopolysaccharides with anticancer activity, a process for preparing the exopolysaccharides by fermenting the said microorganism in a culture medium, exopolysaccharides prepared by the process and their uses thereof. The exopolysaccharides of the invention have a molecular weight of 100,000 to 1,000,000 and consist of 40-75% of total sugar, 5-15% of total acidic sugar and 10-25% of total protein. The exopolysaccharides exhibits a high immunoenhancing activity in immune cell proliferation, direct mitogenicity and mixed lymphocyte reaction, and further a high anticancer activity in vivo by virtue of immunostimulation.

Abstract: A composition for forming a dried lens-shaped pellet and processes therefore, are provided. The composition comprises 20 to 40% by weight albumin, about 2 to 5% by weight starch, about 40 to 90% by weight of sugar and/or salt, and about 102 to 1011 microorganisms per gram of the composition. The microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, yeasts, protozoa, and fungi. A process for producing the pellet includes mixing the microorganisms with the albumin and starch to form a mixture, reducing water activity of the mixture by adding the sugar and/or salt to the mixture, shaping the mixture into pellets and drying the pellets under vacuum and at a temperature lower than about −10° C. Also a process for producing a suspension of microorganisms includes resuspending the pellet into a suitable medium. Further, other processes using the pellet include fermentation, reconstituting for purposes of testing, and preserving.

Abstract: A nitrile compound having a complicated structure (e.g., 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyronitrile) is converted into an amide compound with high production efficiency, by using a novel microorganism of which the gene 16S rRNA has a specific base sequence. As the microorganism, Rhodococcus sp. Cr4 strain and Rhodococcus sp. Am8 strain or the like is employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using multitest panels to improve the effectiveness, throughput, and efficiency of testing and commercial development of biologically active compounds, in particular those useful in human, animal, and plant health. In particular, the present invention provides phenotype microarrays suitable for testing biologically active compounds for their potential application in clinical, veterinary, and plant health.

Abstract: The structure and specificity of a recombinant &agr;2,3-sialyltransferase from Campylobacter spp., is disclosed. Also provided are methods for using the &agr;2,3-sialyltransferase in the production of desired carbohydrate structures and nucleic acids that encode the sialyltransferase.

Abstract: A method for converting organic solid waste into humic products and the corresponding apparatus, in which a preliminary aerobic fermentation of the organic solid waste is performed, followed by a second aerobic fermentation of the organic waste in the presence of specific microorganisms in order to provide a basic precursor on which the selective metabolization occurs of specific bacterial strains to provide the humic product.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutants of Neisseria useful for vaccine preparation. Specifically this invention relates to mutants of Neisseria containing mutations in a major outer membrane protein gene such that no immunologically functional polypeptides encoded by said gene are produced. More specifically, the invention relates to a mutant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae having a mutation of the PIII gene and to vaccines derived therefrom.

Abstract: A new and improved formulation and method for making same, for a broad spectrum antimicrobial treatment for bacterial and viral infections in cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and other domestic and non-domestic animals. More particularly, the present invention relates to a treatment which enables rapid relief of symptoms in an affected animal with a mortality of less than 1 percent by providing trace organic minerals in microgram quantities which act as nutrients for the animal. The treatment provides further nutritional requirements in the form of vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin D3 supplements, cobalt amino acid chelates and dried kelp, a source of minerals, amino acids, simple and complex carbohydrates, iodine and fiber. In addition, a bacterial innoculum consisting of Acidophilus species is introduced which would inhibit growth of pathogenic or opportunistic species of bacteria by competition for nutrients as well as providing for required vitamins as a by-product of metabolism.

Abstract: A method is provided for culturing a microorganism in a culture medium containing a carbon source and an electrolyzed water containing not more than 0.4 ppm chlorine produced during electrolyzing water containing an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell. The culture medium may also contain a carbon source and an acidic water having a pH value of 1-4 and a redox potential from 800 mV to 1500 mV. The acidic water is obtained by electrolysis of water in an electrolytic cell. Further, the culture medium may contain a carbon source and an alkaline water having a pH value of 10-13 and a redox potential from −1000 mV to 800 mV. The alkaline water is obtained by electrolysis of water in an electrolytic cell. The redox potential for the alkaline water is determined by the use of a platinum electrode as a working electrode and a silver-silver chloride electrode as a reference electrode. The microorganism may be selected from Escherichia coli, strain J1, strain JM2N, or an artificial recombinant.

Abstract: The invention provides multifunctional fusion constructs which are rapidly incorporated into a macromolecular structure such as a phycobilisome such that the fusion proteins are separated from one another and unable to self-associate. The invention provides methods and compositions for displaying a functional polypeptide domain on an oligomeric phycobiliprotein, including fusion proteins comprising a functional displayed domain and a functional phycobiliprotein domain incorporated in a functional oligomeric phycobiliprotein. The fusion proteins provide novel specific labeling reagents.

Abstract: A bacterial autoinducer and method for isolating and purifying a bacterial autoinducer form a sample comprising the steps of collecting a sample containing the autoinducer, fractionating the sample to isolate fractions corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 300-1500 Dalton, and eluting the isolate on an anion-exchange chromatographic column and selecting the faction containing the autoinducer.

Abstract: A kit useful for immunization is described. The kit contains an antigenic substance from a Mycobacterium and an adjuvant combination of dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide and monophosphoryl lipid A.

Abstract: Mutants of lactic acid bacteria including Lactococcus lactis which are defective in pyruvate formate-lyase production and/or in their lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) production and methods of isolating such mutants or variants are provided. The mutants are useful in the production of food products or in the manufacturing of compounds such as diacetyl, acetoin and acetaldehyde and as components of food starter cultures. In particular, Lactococcus lactis DN223 deposited under the accession No. DSM 11036.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for methods and compositions for determining the species for an unknown bacterium (or fungus) in a sample. The approach, which utilizes Ribosomal operon sequences, permits one to identify important bacteria (or fungi) pathogens in a clinical setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for a simplified and rapid preparation of sterile culture media using microwave ovens. The sterile media of the invention are usable for the selection and identification of microorganisms transformed by viral or plasmid DNA.

Abstract: A solid-chemical composition which provides for extraction and absorption of hydrophobic chemical contaminants and further promotes biodegradation of contaminants is provided. The composition comprises one or more plant fiber-containing materials selected from Leguminosae and Phaeophyta in an amount of 20% to 97% by weight percent of the composition, one or more plant fiber-containing materials selected from Gossypium and Cannabacea in an amount of 3% to 80% by weight percent of the composition, and one or more enzymes in an amount of 0.0001% to 3% by weight of the composition. Further, additionally a source of microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes may be contained in the composition. Also disclosed is a method for the bioremediation of the contaminants in environmental media wherein the solid-chemical composition is applied to the environmental media in an amount of about 0.1 gram to 1000 grams of the composition per kilogram of the environmental media.

Abstract: A method is provided for preserving live bacteria by subjecting an aqueous system containing the growing bacteria to drying without special equipment, in the presence of trehalose with or without the addition of divalent cations as stabilizing agents. Further, a dried composition for preservation of aerobic bacteria in a viable state is provided. The dried composition consists essentially of dried viable aerobic bacteria and an appropriate growth medium. The bacteria and growth medium are initially placed in an aqueous solution of 10 mM to 200 mM trehalose and a divalent cation, and dried at room temperature.

Abstract: A microorganism which belongs to the genus Gliocladium and has the ability to produce stereoisomers KF-1040T4A and KF-1040T4B which are compounds represented by the following formula [I], and stereoisomers KF-1040T5A and KF-1040T5B which are compounds represented by the following formula [II], is cultivated in a culture medium to accumulate KF-1040T4A and/or KF-1040T4B and/or KF-1040T5A and/or KF-1040T5B in the culture medium, and the substance KF-1040T4A and/or KF-1040T4B and/or KF-1040T5A and/or KF-1040T5B are harvested from the culture medium. The obtained substances are useful for the prevention and treatment of the diseases relating to arteriosclerosis, obesity, thrombosis, inflammations and immunofunctional disorders.

Abstract: A method for microbial production of epoxides and other oxygenated products is disclosed. The method uses a biocatalyst of methanotrophic bacteria cultured in a biphasic medium containing a major amount of a non-aqueous polar solvent. Regeneration of reducing equivalents is carried out by using endogenous hydrogenase activity together with supplied hydrogen gas. This method is especially effective with gaseous substrates and cofactors that result in liquid products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtration-detection device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample including a filtration device having a first binding material immobilized thereto, wherein the first binding material is capable of binding to a portion of the analyte, and a detection assembly positioned relative to the filtration device to detect or quantify analyte bound to the first binding material. The present invention also relates to methods of using the filtration-detection device.

Abstract: An absorbent package for containment and bioremediation of hydrocarbons and method thereof are disclosed. The package comprises a concentration of microorganisms, a timed release mechanism including a time release capsule, a matrix of fibrous material which is hydrophobic and oleophilic, and a porous casing. The fibrous material may be selected from synthetic fibers and cellulose fibers for storing accumulation of hydrocarbons. The method includes positioning a concentration of microorganisms capable of degradation of the hydrocarbons. Further, the method also provides the matrix which is absorbent, and such method includes filling the casing with the matrix and the microorganisms to form a hydrocarbon containment and degradation package. Then the method employs the action of absorbing and storing hydrocarbons passing through the casing and wicking hydrocarbons via capillary action through the matrix and absorbing the hydrocarbons into the matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of acquiring granular growth of a microorganism in a reactor containing a liquid medium. Surprisingly, according to the invention, aerobic microorganisms also can be induced to granular growth by maintaining specific culture conditions. During a first step an oxygen-containing gas is supplied and the reactor contents are kept in turbulence. In a second step, after a short settling period, the top part of the reactor medium is discharged.

Abstract: A purified nucleic acid sequence which encodes for a protein having ketolase enzyme activity and has the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, or has a sequence which encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4, as well as vectors and host cells containing them. Methods of use of the nucleic acid sequences to produce ketocarotenoid in host cells and methods of use of the nucleic acid sequences to modify the production of carotenoids in a host cell are included.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the degradation of compounds contained in a liquid or solid waste stream are provided. Genes encoding toluene-degrading enzymes are also provided. The enzymes have homology to the E. coli pyruvate formate lyase and pyruvate formate lyase activator.

Abstract: A Bifidobacterium breve strain provided is showing a viable count of 1×109 cells/ml or more immediately after culturing in a soymilk medium and sustaining a viable count of 1×108 cells/ml or more after storage at 10° C. for 14 days. The strain is preferably Bifidobacterium breve FERM BP-6223, and is used for producing fermented soymilk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase and cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease to generate a cleaved nucleic acid fragment. The invention also relates to methods of detecting or measuring a target nucleic acid sequence, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase, cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease and detecting or measuring the release of a fragment.

Abstract: A virulent preparation of Agrobacterium cells, includes Agrobacterium cells, an acidulant, and a phenolic compound that is preferably ethyl vanillin. A method of preparing the preparation includes the steps of preparing a suspension of Agrobacteria in a liquid desiccation medium which includes an acidulant and the phenolic compound and dehydrating the suspension. The preparation is shelf stable at ambient temperature for several months. The preparation may further contain a dry excipient material, a food coloring agent, a flow agent, a plant hormone, a bacterial growth promoter and an antifungal agent.

Abstract: A microbial process is provided for selective cleavage of only organic C—N bonds while leaving C—C bonds intact which may be used for reducing the nitrogen content of nitrogen-containing organic carbonaceous materials. Microorganisms of Pseudomonas ayucida have been found which have the ability of selective cleavage of organic C—N bonds. A particularly preferred microorganism is Pseudomonas ayucida strain ATCC No PTA-806. Other microorganisms useful in the cleavage of organic C—N bonds are Aneurinibacillus sp, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Yokenella sp. and Pseudomonas nitroreducens.

Abstract: A prophylactic treatment for the human malady clinically described as migraine headache comprising daily administration in unit dosage form of a first formulation which comprises a major amount of bioactive peptides and a minor amount of probiotics. Concurrently, daily administration in dosage form of a second formulation of a major amount of active components like malic acid, sylibum marianum, acetyl-L-cysteine, copper chelate, zinc gluconate, aspartate and bromelain. A minor amount of plant derivatives excipients comprise the balance of the second formulation. Preferably, these plant derivatives include beet root, powder, watercress, celery, dandelion, capsicum and artichoke extract.

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are found in contaminated soils and groundwater and are a large class of compounds for which treatment by bioremediation is sought. Accordingly, indigenous organisms that can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon are needed. Presented are strains of the Paenibacillus genus that degrade low molecule weight polyaromatic, and, in the presence of phenanthrene, high molecular weight polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These bacteria strains are unique among PAH-degrading bacterial strains because they form endospores and therefore can survive adverse environmental conditions. Among the strains presented are several from “P. naphthalenovorans”, a newly described species and also P. validus. Also presented are compositions for bioremediation comprising the bacterial strains of the invention and a method for isolating the strains and a method for using the strains for bioremediation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing vitamin B12, wherein said process comprises the steps of (a) culturing a strain of the genus Propionibacterium in a first fermenter under anaerobic conditions to obtain a culture of Propionibacterium, (b) transferring at least part of the culture obtained in (a) to a second fermenter and subjecting this culture to oxygen, (c) replacing in the first fermenter part of the volume transferred in (b) with fresh culture medium and (d) repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) at least once.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water or fish by controlling cyanobacteria or algae in the water or fish wherein the cyanobacteria or algae produce agents that cause the off-flavor. The cyanobacteria or algae are susceptible to a new Bacterium NRRL B-30043 which heretofore has not been identified or recognized as a useful agent in controlling cyanobacteria or algae. By simply treating a body of water having an off-flavor with Bacterium NRRL B-30043, the off-flavor is reduced or eliminated. Commercial fisheries or nurseries which produce channel catfish for human consumption will benefit from using this environmentally friendly Bacterium NRRL B-30043 to reduce or eliminate off-flavor in the catfish.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protein having &bgr;1,4-galactosyltransferase activity, DNA encoding the protein, a recombinant DNA comprising the DNA, a transformant carrying the recombinant DNA, a process for producing &bgr;1,4-galactosyltransferase by using the transformant, and a process for producing a galactose-containing carbohydrate by using the transformant.

Abstract: Methods for acidification of soapstock using acids produced by fermentation with acidogenic bacteria and recovery of acidulated fatty acids are disclosed. Soapstock is advantageously acidified by fermentation of endogenous soapstock nutrients and added nutrients under controlled conditions using acidogenic bacteria. The nutrients may include carbohydrate, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur from defined or undefined sources. The acidification reaction avoids the use of strong acids for the treatment of soapstock, minimizes wastewater contamination with salts and produces potentially valuable by-products including lactic acid, acetic acid, glyceric acid and nutrient rich microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to growing and testing microorganisms in a multitest format which utilizes a gel forming matrix for the rapid screening of clinical and environmental cultures. The present invention is suited for the characterization of commonly encountered microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, S. aureus, etc.), as well as commercially and industrially important organisms from various and diverse environments (e.g., the present invention is particularly suited for the growth and characterization of the actinomycetes and fungi). The present invention is also particularly suited for comparative analysis of phenotypic differences between cell types, including strains of microorganisms that have been designated as the same genus and species, as well as other cell types (e.g., mammalian, insect, and plant cells).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing. optically active hydroxycarboxylic acid monomers by auto-degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In particular, the present invention provides a method for producing hydroxycarboxylic acid monomers (mostly optically active in (R)-(−)-configuration) comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing and accumulating PHAs by culturing various microorganisms; and (b) preparing optically active hydroxycarboxylic acids which are monomers of PHAs, by auto-degradation of PHAs by keeping the cultured microorganism in a degradation solution such as water, salt solution, mixture of water and organic solvents, and buffer solution.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of shikimic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing shikimic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a waste stream by contacting the waste stream sequentially with a consortium of prokaryotic microorganisms, preferably purple non-sulfur bacteria, followed by a the green algae Chlorella. The consortium of prokaryotic microorganisms assimilate a first portion of the wastes, and the green algae assimilate the remaining portion of the wastes to produce a substantially purified effluent stream. Isolated microorganisms made by the above method are valuable commercial products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing thiophenic and organosulfide compounds from a fossil fuel comprising the steps of contacting the fossil fuel with hemoproteins, which oxidize the sulfur containing compounds to sulfoxides and sulfones in a reaction system containing organic solvent or not, and followed by a distillation step in which sulfoxides and sulfones are removed from the fuel. Preferred biocatalysts include hemoproteins such as chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago, and peroxidases and cytochromes from animal, plant or microbial cells. The hemoprotein biocatalyst can be contacted with the fossil fuel in free or immobilized forms. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of the fuel alone or with addition of any organic solvent. The biocatalytically oxidized fuel is then distilled in order to eliminate the heavy fraction which contains most of oxidized organosulfur compounds.

Abstract: A Lactobacillus bifidus growth promoting composition which significantly grows lactobacillus bifidus and does not produce any side effect such as diarrhea, and a blend comprising the above composition and other edible ingredients, and the composition comprises at least one oligosaccharide selected among lactulose, fructo-oligosaccharide, and galacto-oligosaccharide, and raffinose as the active ingredients.

Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Microorganisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using multitest panels to improve the effectiveness, throughput, and efficiency of testing and commercial development of biologically active compounds, in particular those useful in human, animal, and plant health. In particular, the present invention provides phenotype microarrays suitable for testing biologically active compounds for their potential application in clinical, veterinary, and plant health.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrothermal bacterial strain of marine origin, belonging to the genus Vibrio, and an exopolysaccharide produced by said strain. Said exopolysaccharide is useful in particular for preparing medicines.

Abstract: A process for producing a substance KF-1040A represented by formula (I), and another substance KF-1040B represented by formula (II), which comprises culturing microorganisms capable of producing the substances KF-1040A and KF-1040B, thus accumulating these KF-1040A and/or KF-1040B in the liquid culture and harvesting the same from the culture. Because of the activities of inhibiting diacyloglycerol transferase and sphingomyelinase, the above substances are useful in preventing and treating arteriosclerosis, obesity, thrombus, inflammation and immune function-related diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated gene coding for a protein regulating aureobasidin sensitivity; a process for cloning the gene with the use of the gene or a part of the same as a probe; a nucleic acid probe being hybridizable with the gene; an antisense DNA or RNA of the gene; a recombinant or transformant having the gene contained therein; an isolated protein regulating aureobasidin sensitivity and a process for producing the same by using the transformant; an antibody for the protein; a process for detecting the protein or the gene; and a process for screening an antimycotic by using the protein or the transformant. The invention is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases including mycoses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a waste stream by contacting the waste stream sequentially with a consortium of prokaryotic microorganisms, preferably purple non-sulfur bacteria, followed by a the green algae Chlorella. The consortium of prokaryotic microorganisms assimilate a first portion of the wastes, and the green algae assimilate the remaining portion of the wastes to produce a substantially purified effluent stream. The process of the present invention preferably includes a photobioreactor in order to increase the amount of light made available to the photosynthetic microorganisms, and result in improved uptake of waste materials from the waste stream.

Abstract: A method for removing a gas compound from a site comprising placing cells having gas vesicles under conditions that induce the cells to float to a surface of an aqueous medium, harvesting the cells from the surface of the medium, lysing the cells, separating the gas vesicles from the lysed cells, crosslinking the gas vesicles with a crosslinking agent, loading a gas with a lowered partial pressure for the gas compound to be removed into the gas vesicles, and placing the gas vesicles contacted with a medium such that the gas compound is removed from the site to the medium. Harvesting gas-vesicle-containing cells is achieved by placing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to rise to the surface of an aqueous medium. Then collecting the cells from the surface of the medium. Gas vesicles are isolated by lysing the cells and separating the gas vesicles from the lysate. Once the gas vesicles are isolated, they can be modified, such as by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid compounds encoding the 454 gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are vectors and transformed host cells for expressing the encoded protein, and a method for identifying compounds that bind and/or inhibit said protein.