Abstract: A process to remove organic sulfur from organic compounds and organic carbonaceous fuel substrates containing sulfur compounds having sulfur-carbon bonds is disclosed. The steps of the process include oxidizing the sulfur species to the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form, and reacting the sulfone and/or sulfoxide form in an aqueous media of the reacting step including a hydride transfer reducing agent. In a particular embodiment, the reducing agent is sodium formate, the oxidizing agent is a microorganism as exemplified by Rhodococcus species ATCC 55309 or Rhodococcus species ATCC 55310 or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A purified xylanase produced by Acidothermus cellulolyticus is disclosed having a pH optimum of between about 3.6-4.2 and a molecular weight of between about 50-55 kD as determined by gel filtration. The disclosed xylanase is useful in the bleaching of pulp for the production of paper and in treating feed compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating, by composting under specific conditions, soil and/or sediments containing certain toxic cyclical organic compound contaminants by converting these contaminants into harmless materials. The compounds include chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, and heptachlorepoxide. The process includes the step of affecting a solid compost mixture during composting with a redox potential below negative 200 mV (millivolts). Further, the process includes several steps which are repeated until an amount of contaminant is degraded to less than 140 ppm (part per million) per ton of soil.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Bifidobacterium strain isolate. It can be used as an additive to infant food and beverage products, as well as to provide a healthful bacteria to human adults and non-human mammals. The bacterium acts as a probiotic. For example, the bacterium assists newborns in producing protective acetic acid and lactic acid, as well as antimicrobials and vitamins. The bacterium can also be used to reseed bacteria levels caused by diarrhea, chemotherapy, advancing age, antibiotics, or other causes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for feed use containing a mixture of lyophilized live bacteria comprising at least two species of bacteria selected from Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum and at least two species of bacteria selected from Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum and Streptococcus faecium and one or more oligosaccharides.

Abstract: A solid or semi-solid culture medium, designated Campy-Cefex, for the isolation of Campylobacter species. The culture medium includes:(a) a nutrient medium with an energy source effective to support growth of Campylobacter;(b) agar;(c) blood;(d) a first selective agent selected from cycloheximide, its salts, or mixtures thereof; and(e) a second selective agent selected from cefoperazone, its salts, or mires thereof.In use, the sample to be analyzed is inoculated onto the Campy-Cefex culture medium, and subsequently incubated for a sufficient time and under conditions effective to promote growth of Campylobacter. Following incubation, the culture medium may then be examined for the presence of any colonies of Campylobacter.

Abstract: An expression vector containing both a DNA encoding an L-sorbose dehydrogenase and a DNA encoding an L-sorbosone dehydrogenase; a transformant having an ability to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (hereinafter 2KLGA) at high yields from D-sorbitol, which is prepared by transforming, with said expression vector, a microorganism capable of producing L-sorbose at high yields from D-sorbitol, which has no or low 2KLGA-decomposing activity or a host microorganism having, in addition to the above-mentioned properties, no or low L-idonic acid-producing activity; and a process for producing 2KLGA, which comprises culturing said transformant in a medium containing D-sorbitol. According to the present invention, 2KLGA useful for the production of L-ascorbic acid can be produced with ease and in larger amounts by a single operation of culture.

Abstract: A survival method for a foreign microorganism, which comprises the steps of disturbing the equilibrium state of an ecosystem in which plural kinds of microorganisms coexist, to temporarily bring the ecosystem into a non-equilibrium state, and then introducing a foreign microorganism into the ecosystem. There are three states of equilibrium involved of which comprise a first state wherein the ecosystem is in equilibrium, a second state wherein the ecosystem is converted to a state which is not in equilibrium, and a third state wherein the ecosystem is converted to a new state of equilibrium to provide for an ecological niche for survival of an introduced foreign microorganism in the ecosystem. The foreign microorganism is also used in a method for remedying an environment contaminated with a pollutant.

Abstract: A method for increasing both total antibiotic yield the selective production of factor A of the GE 2270 antibiotics consisting in the addition of vitamin B.sub.12 or its analogs having vitamin B.sub.12 --like activity to the fermentation media of Planobispora rosea ATCC 53773 or any antibiotic GE 2270 producing mutant or variant thereof.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the preparation of N,N'-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid of formula (1), by (a) precultivation of a strain of the genus Amycolatopsis orientalis on a specified nutrient medium (1st preculture), (b) inoculation of a nutrient solution of the same composition as the base of the production fermenter by the 1st preculture (2nd preculture), (c) inoculation of the base nutrient solution in the production fermenter with the 2nd preculture and incubation in accordance with a specified timetable, (d) feeding of the production fermenter in the fed-batch process with a feeding solution under aerobic conditions at a pH of from 2 to 8 and at a temperature of from 15.degree. to 40.degree. C., wherein the base nutrient and feeding solutions are free of zinc-containing compounds, is described. The compound prepared by the process according to the invention is suitable as complexing agent with good biodegradability in detergents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ammonia elimination reagent for use in an enzymatic assay of a biological substance which produces ammonia as the reaction product. The reagent is an alkaline solution of pH 9 to 11 and contains Sulfolobus-derived thermostable isocitrate dehydrogenase, 2-oxoglutaric acid, a reducing coenzyme, isocitric acid, glutamate dehydrogenase, and a divalent metal salt. The reagent can be stored in solution and has excellent stability under conditions of alkaline pHs.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to in vitro methods for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens and/or virulence factors thereby producing antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria, to methods for using antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria and to vaccines comprising antigenically enhanced enteric bacteria. Further, a vaccine comprising a Campylobacter bacterium having en enhanced antigenic property is disclosed. The culture medium conditions comprise 0.05% to 3% bile or 0.025% to 0.6% of one or more bile acids or salts. In addition a divalent cation chelator can also be included in the culture medium. The bacteria culture is in a growth phase at early log phase and between early log phase and stationary phase. The enhanced antigenic property is a higher level of an immunogenic antigen when compared to the antigenic property of the same bacteria grown on brain heart infusion broth.

Abstract: Enzymes derived from the isolated and substantially purified microorganisms of the present invention, designated herein as strains 52 and 56wt, are capable of hydrating nitriles such as 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanenitrile (HMB-nitrile) to their corresponding amides, and further, of hydrolyzing amides such as 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butaneamide (HMB-amide) to their corresponding carboxylic acids. Advantageously, the nitrile hydratase of these strains is not substantially inhibited by the .alpha.-hydroxybutyramide product being formed; rather, this enzyme maintains the ability to hydrate an .alpha.-hydroxybutyronitrile to its corresponding amide even at high amide concentrations, including at saturating amide conditions. As such, enzymes derived from strains 52 and 56wt are particularly suited for commercial use in preparing agrichemical intermediates such as HMB-amide.

Abstract: Method for the culture of microorganisms of the genera Helicobacter, Campylobacter and Arcobacter, wherein culture media are employed, which comprise, in place of blood or its derivative, cyclodextrins.

Abstract: Described herein are a novel heat-resistant .beta.-galactosyltransferase, a production process of the enzyme and a utilization method of the enzyme. The enzyme is produced preferably by produced by a microorganism belonging to the family of Actinomycetaceae, which may be selected from fungi belonging to the genus Saccharopolyspora, the genus Thermomonospora or the genus Thermoactinomvces.

Abstract: A novel L-sorbose dehydrogenase (SDH) and a novel L-sorbosone dehydrogenase (SNDH) both derived from Gluconobacter oxydans T-100, a DNA which encodes the SDH and/or SNDH, an expression vector which contains the DNA, a host cell transformed by the expression vector and a process for producing the SDH and/or SNDH, which comprises culturing the host cell in a medium and recovering the SDH and/or SNDH from the resulting culture. The SDH and SNDH of the present invention are useful enzymes having preferable properties for the production of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid, as well as L-ascorbic acid. According to the production method of the present invention, the SDH and SNDH having such preferable properties can be produced in large amounts by genetic engineering.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that bioconverts indene to (1S)-amino-(2R)-indanol substantially free of any of its stereoisomers, by the action of a strain of P. putida or Rhodococcus sp., followed by various chemical step(s), e.g., chiral specific crystallization, treatment with strong acid in the presence of acetonitrile.

Abstract: Methods using in vitro processes are disclosed for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens or virulence factors. The methods, therefore, produce antigenically enhanced bacteria for use in vaccines. Also disclosed are methods for using the antigenically enhanced bacteria as well as the vaccines containing the enteric bacteria. Specifically, a whole enteric bacteria or components thereof, are provided by Shigella species. In addition to this microorganism there are other enteric bacteria, such as Campylobacter species and Helicobacter pylori, which are useful for inducing or enhancing expression of enteric bacterial antigens and/or virulence factors.

Abstract: A process for isolating and purifying lycopene crystals from a biological lycopene source is disclosed. A lycopene-containing oleoresin is saponified in a composition of propylene glycol and aqueous alkali to form lycopene crystals. Crystallization is achieved without the use of added organic solvents. The crystals are isolated and purified. The substantially pure lycopene crystals so obtained are suitable for human consumption and can be used as a nutritional supplement and as an additive in food.

Abstract: Disclosed is a recombinant thermostable enzyme which has a molecular weight of about 54,000-64,000 daltons and a pI of about 5.6-6.6, and releases trehalose from non-reducing saccharides having a trehalose structure as an end unit and a degree of glucose polymerization of at least 3. The enzyme has a satisfactorily-high thermostability, i.e. it is not substantially inactivated even when incubated in an aqueous solution (pH 7.0) at 85.degree. C. for 60 min, and this facilitates the production of trehalose on an industial scale and in a satisfactorily-high yield.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified and isolated nucleic acid encoding Rhodococcus L-phenylalanine dehydrogenase. The present invention also provides a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding Rhodoccus L-phenylalanine dehydrogenase, a host cell transformed with the vector, and a method for producing recombinant L-phenylalanine dehydrogenase.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is related to a composition for the control of molluscs wherein an effective amount of infective dauer larvae of Phasmarhabditis nematodes which have been cultured with a nematode growth promoting and pathogenicity-inducing bacterium, as well as a carrier or encapsulation agent are provided as the ingredients for the composition. Further, the composition can be used in the form of a water-dispersable powder comprising as the carrier a calcium montmorillonite clay. The nematode concentration in the water-dispersable powder is 0.1.times.10.sup.6 to 2.0.times.10.sup.6 per gram of total composition (wet weight), and preferably from 0.3.times.10.sup.6 to 0.8.times.10.sup.6 per gram of the total composition (wet weight). Further, the nematodes are selected from amongst the species P. neopapillosa or P. hermaphrodita. The growth promoting bacterium is a Moraxella osloensis strain or Pseudomonas fluorescens strain.

Abstract: A process for preparing a nontoxic lipopolysaccharide, which comprises (i) cultivating in a culture medium bacteria of the genus Acidophilium having accession No. MTCC 1979, (ii) separating the culture bacteria, and repeatedly washing the separated bacteria, (iii) extracting the washed bacteria with a lipophilic solvent, (iv) cooling the extract and repeatedly centrifuging the cooled material, (v) dialyzing the supernatant resulting from said centrifuging, (vi) lyophilizing the dialyzed material, (vii) precipitating the lipopolysaccharide by treating the lyophilized material with a polar solvent, and (viii) drying the precipitated polyliposaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterial microorganism having the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone. The present invention also provides a method for the isolation and utilization of a zearalenone-degradation gene encoding a gene product having the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone. In another embodiment, the present invention provides for the generation of transformants into which the zearalenone-degradation gene has been introduced, thereby providing the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone to said transformants. The present invention further provides a method for detoxification of plants pre- or post-harvest using microbes having the ability to degrade or detoxify zearalenone or derivatives or analogs of zearalenone. The invention also provides a method for detoxification of plants pre- or post-harvest using the zearalenone-degradation gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to single microorganisms which normally do not ferment pentose sugars which are genetically altered to ferment the pentose sugars, xylose and arabinose, to produce ethanol, and a fermentation process utilizing the same. Examples include Zymomonas mobilis which has been transformed with a combination of E. coli genes for xylose isomerase, xylulokinase, L-arabinose isomerase, L-ribulokinase, L-ribulose 5-phosphate 4-epimerase, transaldolase and transketolase. Expression of added genes are under the control of Z. mobilis promoters. These newly created microorganisms are useful for fermenting glucose, xylose and arabinose, produced by hydrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose or starch, to produce ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. Structure-specific nucleases, including 5' nucleases, thermostable FEN-1 endonucleases and 3' exonucleases, are used to detect and identify target nucleic acids. Methods are provided which allow for the detection specific nucleic acid sequences; these methods permit the detection and identification of mutant and wild-type forms of genes (e.g., human genes) as well as permit the detection and identification of bacterial and viral pathogens in a sample.

Abstract: A Process using anaerobic, aerobic, and cometabolizing bacteria to biodegrade halogenated organic compounds in an unsaturated zone lyng between the ground surface and the underlying water table is disclosed. The process includes contacting in situ an electron donor compound with dehalogenating bacteria indigenous in or added thereto in the unsaturated soil zone which is between the ground surface and underlying water table. Further the halogenated component compounds also react with the bacteria and electron donor; thus, stimulating biodegradation while cycling between aerobic and anaerobic as well as cometabolic environments during the process.

Abstract: New A83543 components, including fermentation products A83543K, A835430, A83543P, A83543U, A83543V, A83543W and A83543Y and N-demethyl derivatives, and salts thereof, are useful for the control of insects and mites. The pseudoaglycones of the new A83543 components are useful for the preparation of A83543 components. Methods are provided for making the new A83543 components by culturing of Saccharopolyspora spinosa NRRL 18395, NRRL 18537, NRRL 18538, or NRRL 18539, or NRRL 18743 or NRRL 18719 or NRRL 18823 in suitable culture medium. Insecticidal and ectoparasiticidal compositions containing new A83543 components are also provided.

Abstract: An expression vector containing both a DNA encoding an L-sorbose dehydrogenase and a DNA encoding an L-sorbosone dehydrogenase; a transformant having an ability to produce 2-keto-L-gulonic acid (hereinafter 2KLGA) at high yields from D-sorbitol, which is prepared by transforming, with said expression vector, a microorganism capable of producing L-sorbose at high yields from D-sorbitol, which has no or low 2KLGA-decomposing activity or a host microorganism having, in addition to the above-mentioned properties, no or low L-idonic acid-producing activity; and a process for producing 2KLGA, which comprises culturing said transformant in a medium containing D-sorbitol. According to the present invention, 2KLGA useful for the production of L-ascorbic acid can be produced with ease and in larger amounts by a single operation of culture.

Abstract: Vaccines comprising an attenuated strain of Listeria spp. expressing a selected foreign antigen and methods of eliciting protective immunity by administering an effective amount of the vaccine are provided. The vaccines of the present invention are designed specifically to elicit strong cell-mediated immunity, and are particularly useful for protection in infections which can apparently persist and spread in the presence of neutralizing antibodies invoked by humoral immunity.

Abstract: Chemically modified succinoglycan polysaccharides, e.g., acidic or enzymatic hydrolysates, have a reduced content of pyruvic acid and succinic acid structural units relative to the unmodified such succinoglycans, and are well suited, whether in fibrous, powdery or gel state, for use, e.g., as thickening stabilizing or suspending agents, in foodstuff, cosmetic and a variety of other compositions.

Abstract: A .beta.-galactoside-.alpha.-2,6-sialyltransferase derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Photobacterium has ben disclosed, having the following physicochemical properties:(1) action and specificity: transferring sialic acid from cytidine monophosphate-sialic acid to the 6-position of a galactose residue in a sugar chain of a glycoconjugate or in a free sugar chain, or to the 6-position of a monosaccharide having a hydroxyl group on carbon at the 6-position and being capable of forming a glycoconjugate.(2) optimum pH: 5 to 6;(3) optimum temperature: 30.degree. C.; and(4) molecular weight: 64,000.+-.5,000 (determined by gel filtration).

Abstract: This invention provides a new strain Rhodococcus rhodochrous having a high nitrile hydratase activity and capable of hydrating aliphatic and aromatic nitriles to corresponding amides. An isolated culture of Rhodococcus rhodochrous VKM Ac-1515D is also disclosed for use in the production of nitrile hydratase. An enzymatic inducer is not required in the growth medium, however, the growth medium does include a salt, a carbon source, and a nitrogen source.

Abstract: We describe a bacterial delivery system for the delivery of DNA and antigens into cells. We constructed an attenuated bacterial vector which enters mammalian cells and ruptures delivering functional plasmid DNA, such as a mammalian expression plasmid, and antigens into the cell cytoplasm. This Shigella vector was designed to deliver DNA to colonic surfaces, thus opening the possibility of oral and other mucosal DNA immunization and gene therapy strategies. The attenuated Shigella is also useful as a vaccine for reducing disease symptoms caused by Shigella.

Abstract: A process for producing D-malic acid selectively without producing L-malic acid, using inexpensive maleic acid as a starting material, may be carried out using a microorganism belonging to the genus Erwinia, Mycoplana, Sporosarcina, Vibrio, Geotrichum or Torulaspora. The microorganism may be separated from the culture, used as a culture, or a treated microorganism.

Abstract: A physiologically active agent for fish is provided which comprises metabolite of green sulfur bacteria as an effective component thereof. The physiologically active agent, which can be easily prepared by the mass culture of green sulfur bacteria, exhibits an excellent efficiency as a feed additive, can be preserved for a long time and hence is economical.

Abstract: A novel bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis NRRL-B-18535 is described. The bacteriocin is useful in foods and other materials and has a wide spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria in a pH range between 2 and 8.

Abstract: A sensitive and specific antigen preparation for the detection of Helicobacter pylori in biological samples is disclosed. The preparation uses a range of antigens derived from size exclusion chromatography of detergent-solubilized H. pylori cells. Serological assays such as ELISA, latex agglutination, and rapid EIA assays utilizing the improved antigen preparation, and a kit for use in these serological assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the human herpesvirus type 6 protein p100 and parts thereof having its specific immunological properties. It further relates to antibodies directed to them and to the corresponding DNA sequences. They can be used in pharmaceutical or diagnostic compositions, optionally together with other HHV-6 proteins or the corresponding DNA sequences.

Abstract: An (R)-2-amino-1-phenylethanol derivative shown by the general formula (IIa) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.5 represent a hydrogen atom, etc.; R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represent a halogen atom, etc., or a salt thereof, can readily be produced (1) by permitting a microorganism belonging to the genus Rhodosporidium, the genus Comamonas or the like to act on a mixture of corresponding (R)-form and (S)-form to asymmetrically utilize, or (2) by permitting a microorganism belonging to the genus Lodderomyces, the genus Pilimelia or the like to act on a corresponding aminoketone derivative to asymmetrically reduce. An (R,R)-1-phenyl-2-?(2-phenyl-1-alkylethyl) amino!ethanol derivative having a high optical purity can easily be obtained from the compound of the formula (IIa) or a salt thereof. Said derivative is useful as an intermediate for producing an anti-obesity agent and so on.

Abstract: A bacterial strain J1 (FERM BP-5102) which can effectively degrade aromatic compounds and/or chlorinated organic compounds such as trichloroethylene (TCE) is disclosed. Also the degradation occurs at a lower temperature such as 15.degree.. Further, a method for purifying waste water, soil or a gas polluted with the above chemical compounds utilizing the bacterium is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides the amino acid sequence and base sequence of a Pseudonocardia thermophila-derived nitrile hydratase, provides further a method for changing its amino acid sequence and base sequence without substantially changing the functions of said nitrile hydratase, and nitrile hydratases having a base sequence and an amino acid sequence as changed on the basis of said method, and provides furthermore a recombinant plasmid having the gene of said nitrile hydratase, a transformant containing said recombinant plasmid, a method of using said transformant for producing said enzyme, and a method of using said transformant for producing the corresponding amide compound from a nitrile compound.

Abstract: Genes encoding Class II EPSPS enzymes are disclosed. The genes are useful in producing transformed bacteria and plants which are tolerant to glyphosate herbicide. Class II EPSPS genes share little homology with known, Class I EPSPS genes, and do not hybridize to probes from Class I EPSPS's. The Class II EPSPS enzymes are characterized by being more kinetically efficient than Class I EPSPS's in the presence of glyphosate. Plants transformed with Class II EPSPS genes are also disclosed as well as a method for selectively controlling weeds in a planted transgenic crop field.

Abstract: An accelerated micro-organism culture method is for decomposing harmful substances. For this purpose, the cultivation, mutagenic treatment and stabilization of the micro-organisms are carried out simultaneously in a mutation fermenter containing a nutrient-rich basic medium (basic medium 1); selection is carried out in a selection fermenter containing a basic medium which is low in nutrients and is enriched with the harmful substance (basic medium 2); small amounts of biomass released from the nutrient-rich basic medium (basic medium 1) of the mutation fermenter are continuously removed from the mutation fermenter and transferred to the selection fermenter. Small amounts of biomass released from the basic medium which is low in nutrients (basic medium 2) of the selection fermenter are removed from the selection fermenter and transferred to the mutation fermenter. The entire process is carried out continuously in alternating selection and mutation phases, in the manner of a repeated cycle.

Abstract: Novel antifungal antibiotics Cepacidine A (A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 ),a novel microorganism Pseudomonas cepacia AF 2001 producing the same, and a process for producing the said antibiotics are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a culture medium and method for distinguishing bacteria of Salmonella species from other gram-negative bacteria, especially those belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is based on the ability of salmonellae to utilize melibiose, mannitol, and sorbitol and convert them into acids, together with a chromogenic substrate used for identifying .beta.-galactosidase. Other bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae, most of which are .beta.-galactosidase-positive, appear as brown, blue, or green colonies, depending on the chromogenic substrate used. Apart from Salmonella species, other .beta.-galactosidase-negative bacteria, such as Proteus species, appear as colorless colonies. Salmonellae can be identified directly on the culture medium after incubation, by their characteristic bright red color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fused gene containing: the promoter sequence of (a) gene(s) encoding the resistance to one or several metal(s) or encoding the catabolism of one or several xenobiotic compound(s), said promoter being inducible in the presence of said metal(s) or xenobiotic compound(s), or both, and downstream the promoter, a gene producing a detectable signal such as light emitting gene, said gene being under the control of said promoter, said gene producing a detectable signal being located at a position such that the induction of the promoter causes the transcription of the gene producing a detectable signal and such that there is no terminator between the promoter and the gene producing a detectable signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bacteria-coding identification method,bacteria biochemical properties identifying papers which detect the biological properties using this method, and apparatus or means useful for identifying the genus and species of bacteria using the coding identification method and biochemical properties-identifying papers.

Abstract: A compound of formula (II), either as a single enantiomer or in an enantiomerically enriched form ##STR1## wherein: ##STR2## and ##STR3## (wherein N in the benzimidazole moiety of Het.sub.2 means that one of the carbon atoms substituted by any one of R.sub.6 to R.sub.9 optionally may be exchanged for an unsubstituted nitrogen atom; R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy optionally substituted by fluorine, alkylthio, alkoxyalkoxy, dialkylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, phenylalkyl, phenylakoxy; R.sub.4 and R.sub.4, are the same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl; R.sub.5 is hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, alkyl, alkoxy; R.sub.6 -R.sub.9 are the same or different and selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, haloalkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, oxazolyl, trifluoroalkyl or adjacent groups R.sub.6 -R.sub.

Abstract: An aldehyde dehydrogenase having the physico-chemical properties: molecular weight: 91,000.+-.5,000; substrate specificity:active on aldehyde compounds; inhibition: by Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2 + and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; optimum pH: 6.0-8.5; optimum temperature: 20.degree.-40.degree. C.; and stimulator: Ca.sup.2+ and pyrroloquinoline quinone, is derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Gluconobacter. Said aldehyde dehydrogenase can be produced by cultivating a microorganism of the genus Gluconobacter which is capable of producing an aldehyde dehydrogenase having the above properties, in an aqueous nutrient medium under aerobic conditions, disrupting the cells of the microorganism and isolating and purifying the aldehyde dehydrogenase from the cell-free extract of the disrupted cells of the microorganism.