Abstract: The invention relates to the identification, making, and isolation of immunoglobulin and antigen that is useful to prevent, diagnose, or treat Staphylococcus infections. The invention further relates to an in vivo animal model for testing the efficacy of pharmaceutical compositions, including the pharmaceutical compositions of immunoglobulin and isolated antigen described herein.

Abstract: A single, reproducible scheme to simultaneously purify all three of the heparin lyases from F. heparinum to apparent homogeneity is disclosed herein. The kinetic properties of the heparin lyases have been determined as well as the conditions to optimize their activity and stability. Monoclonal antibodies to the three heparinases are also described and are useful for detection, isolation and characterization of the heparinases.

Abstract: An enzyme composition containing keratinase is obtained from Fervidobacterium pennavorans DSM 7003. The composition is capable of degradating keratin-containing substrates such as feathers, hair and horn within a few days at between 50.degree. and 105.degree. C. and at a pH of between 4 and 12 under anaerobic conditions. A pH of 10.5 and a temperature of 70.degree. C. or greater are preferred. Dissolving of the substrate can be at least 50% by weight after 24 hours, and in 1 to 4 days the entire substrate can be dissolved. Pretreatment of the substrate at a temperature of 120.degree. C. or greater is not required.

Abstract: A library of isolated and purified antigens specific for a microorganism is a set of individual molecules. The library forms antigen-antibody complexes useful in the context of diagnosing and treating conditions associated with a specific microorganism such as H. pylori-induced gastro-duodenal disease. For the antigen-antibody complexes in question the antibody is an immunoglobulin, which is IgE if the antigens are allergens. Complexes with IgA, IgG and IgM are also useful. By this multivariate approach, a specific condition is diagnosed with high sensitivity and specificity by determining whether complexes form between a specific antigen library and a biological sample which contains immunoglobulins from an individual. Such libraries also are useful for immunotherapy.

Abstract: A polysaccharide RON substance which has antitumor activity can be produced by fermenting sucrose with a synthetase. The synthetase can be isolated from Leuconostoc strains. Preferred strains of the microorganism are Leuconostoc mesenteroides FERM BP-2242, 2711, 2712, 2713, 2714, and 2670. The substance exhibits antitumor activity against syngenic tumor Meth A, a transplantable tumor in mice.

Abstract: A common complication of vaginal delivery is the tearing of the muscles of the vagina and perineum. This tearing results in an irregular laceration which the surgeon must then repair. Current obstetrical practice is to prevent this irregular laceration by performing an episiotomy to create a regular laceration which is later sutured. However, both natural tearing of the vaginal and perineal muscles during delivery and surgical episiotomies are subject to further, more grave, complications. The use of medical therapy instead of surgical therapy will reduce the incidence of lacerations of the muscles of the vagina and perineum. The use of medical therapy for the relaxation of the muscles of the vagina and perineum is described.

Abstract: A novel species of microorganism of the genus Porphyromonas isolated from the gingival crevicular fluids of beagles, designated Porphyromonas crevioricanis and deposited with American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) under accession number 55563.

Abstract: The invention concerns certain insecticidal compositions of ingestible insecticides selected from the group consisting of DNA viruses, RNA viruses and bacteria of the order Bacillus such as, for example, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis entrapped by a suitable charged polymer. The invention also concerns a process for the preparation of and the use of such insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: A microorganism that is capable of acting on a 4-halo-acetoacetic acid ester shown by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein X represents a halogen atom and R represents an optionally substituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, cycloalkyl group or aryl group, to produce an optically active 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid ester or a preparation thereof is permitted to act on said 4-halo-acetoacetic acid ester and the product optically active 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid ester is harvested. Thus, the desired optically active 4-halo-3-hydroxybutyric acid ester of high optical purity can be produced with commercial efficiency.

Abstract: A novel process comprises reducing a benzazepine or benzothiazepine at the 3-position in d-cis configuration by treatment with reductase-supplying microorganisms or enzymes derived therefrom. The process can be catalyzed in a single stage by growing microbial cultures or in a two-stage fermentation/transformation by resting cell-suspensions. The enzymes derived from the microorganisms can be used in free state or immobilized form. The microorganisms and enzymes catalyzes the specific reduction with 90 to 99% conversion efficiency to 99% or greater optical purity of the desired enantiomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing the isoflavone genistein. Genistein is prepared by fermenting the bacteria Saccharopolyspora erythraea in the presence of a soy-based substrate. A process of recovering genistein from a bacterial fermentation medium using alkaline, organic solvent extraction is also provided.

Abstract: Bacteria which will suppress fungus-induced potato disease under storage conditions have been screened and selected from soil samples. A method for isolating these antagonists, their use in controlling potato disease, and specific isolates which are inhibitory to potato dry rot disease under post-harvest conditions constitute the essence of the invention. The subject biocontrol agents are considered to be economically-feasible alternatives to chemical agents currently in use for this purpose.

Abstract: A method for measuring carbon dioxide, comprising the steps of: (1) reacting bicarbonate ion in a sample with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase derived from an acetic acid bacterium in the presence of phosphoenolpyruvate; (2) reacting the resultant oxalacetic acid with malate dehydrogenase in the presence of NADH; and (3) measuring decreased NADH, and a reagent for measuring carbon dioxide, comprising phosphoenolpyruvate, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase derived from an acetic acid bacterium, malate dehydrogenase, NADH and a buffer. According to the present invention, a highly stable reagent for CO.sub.2 measurement, permitting a long-term storage in a liquid state can be provided by the use of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase derived from an acetic acid bacterium.

Abstract: The present provides a process for obtaining high-purity 5-methyluridine crystals from nucleic acid ingredients as starting materials using a microorganism. The process comprises culturing a microorganism, removing part or the whole of the culture medium ingredients, conducting the enzyme reaction by the microorganism, crystallizing 5-methyluridine formed, and separating the obtained crystals from other impurity crystals on the basis of a difference in the precipitation rate.

Abstract: WB2663 substance-producing bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas are cultured to produce a physiologically active substance, from which are isolated neutral substances WB2663A, WB2663B and WB2663C having respective specific rotations[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 : -36.degree. (C=0.5, CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2),[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 : -12.degree. (C=0.5, CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2),[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.23 : -9.degree. (C=0.5, CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2),These substances have an excellent antitumor effect.

Abstract: A process for producing 2-keto-L-gulonic acid which comprises converting L-sorbose and/or D-sorbitol into 2-keto-L-gulonic acid with the aid of a microorganism or its cell free extract, said microorganism belonging to the species Gluconobacter oxydans capable of producing 2-keto-L-gulonic acid and having L-sorbose dehydrogenase activity. Also disclosed are specific microorganisms useful in such process.

Abstract: Phthalyl amidase is an enzyme previously unknown in the art that catalyzes removal of the phthalyl moiety from phthalyl-containing amides. The current invention provides 2 phthalyl amidase, 2 method for producing it by culturing the natural organism from which the activity was identified, and methods for using the phthalyl amidase to remove the phthalyl moiety from phthalyl-containing amides. The ezyme is isolated from Xanthobacter agilis.

Abstract: Phasmarhabditis nematodes for the biocontrol of agricultural and horticultural pests and more particularly to the biocontrol of molluscs. The nematodes are cultured with a nematode growth-promoting and pathogenicity-inducing bacterium and applied to the molluscs. The molluscs which are biocontrolled by the disclosed method include slugs, i.e. Deroceras reticulatum. In addition to the specific biocontrol of slugs the invention is applicable to the biocontrol of other molluscs, such as snails, i.e. Monacha cantiana, which are harmful to plants in the field or greenhouse, or to those which carry parasites harmful to humans or animals.

Abstract: A method for making succinic acid employs a fluoroacetate resistant variant of Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens. The fluoroacetate variant produces a succinic acid product which contains less acetic acid than the product obtained using the parent strain under identical conditions. A preferred variant FA-10 is obtained from A. succiniciproducens (ATCC No. 29305). A method of obtaining the variant also is described.

Abstract: A process for organic C--S bond cleavage of a sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous material by contacting the carbonacous material with a sulfur specific reactant of membrane fragments, an enzyme, or a composition of enzymes having the ability to selectively react with sulfur by cleavage of organic C--S bonds. Preferred are sulfur specific reactants associated with cell membranes of Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC No. 53968 and Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC No. 53969 and their derivatives which have the ability to selectively react with organic sulfur of sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous material by cleavage of organic C--S bonds.

Abstract: The microbiological process for the production of hydroxy-heterocyclic carboxylic acid of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 means a hydrogen or a halogen atom and X means a nitrogen atom or a CR.sub.2 function, wherein R.sub.2 means a hydrogen or halogen atom, starting from the corresponding heterocyclic carboxylic acid. The process is performed so that an aerobic biomass which utilizes nicotinic acid, is cultivated in a molar ratio of nicotinic acid to mineral acid of 1 to 8. The ratio is assured over the entire cultivation phase. The the hydroxylation of the corresponding heterocyclic carboxylic acid of the general formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and X have the above-mentioned meanings, is performed with the biomass. Under these conditions, strain Pseudomonas acidovorans DSM 7205, strain Pseudomonas acidovorans DSM 7203, strain Alcaligenes faecalis DSM 7204 and strain Arthrobacter crystallopoietes DSM 7202 are concentrated in the cultivation phase.

Abstract: Lactic acid bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus which do not exhibit deconjugation of bile acids and inhibition of nutrient absorption, and exhibit lowering of cholesterol in blood and liver. There are two specific Lactobacillus strains which have been disclosed that exhibit these characteristic properties. The two strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus FERM-P-14204 and Lactobacillus acidophilus FERM-P-14205.

Abstract: The invention relates to microorganisms which normally do not ferment a pentose sugar and which are genetically altered to ferment this pentose to produce ethanol. A representative example is Zymomonas mobilis which has been transformed with E. coli xylose isomerase, xylulokinase, transaldolase and transketolase genes. Expression of the added genes are under the control of Zymomonas mobilis promoters. This newly created microorganism is useful for fermenting pentoses and glucose, produced by hydrolysis of hemicellulose and cellulose, to produce ethanol.

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: Optically active 1,3-butanediol can be obtained by treating an enantiomorphic mixture of 1,3-butanediol with a microorganism or cells thereof which have been ground, acetone-treated, or lyophilized capable of acting on an enantiomorphic mixture of 1,3-butanediol so as to leave (R)- or (S)-1,3-butanediol as such. Further, optically active 1,3-butanediol can be obtained by treating 4-hydroxy-2-butanone with a microorganism or cells thereof which have been ground, acetone-treated, or lyophilized capable of asymmetrically reducing the 4-hydroxy-2-butanone into (R)- or (S)-1,3-butanediol.

Abstract: A process for the production of .alpha.-hydroxy acids or .alpha.-hydroxyamides in which an .alpha.-hydroxynitrile compound or a mixture consisting of an aldehyde and prussic acid, which corresponds to the nitrile compound, is allowed to undergo a microbial reaction to produce the corresponding .alpha.-hydroxy acid or .alpha.-hydroxyamide, wherein the improvement resides in that phosphite ions or hypophosphite ions are allowed to be present in the reaction system. According to the present invention, since hydrolysis or hydration of nitrile compounds can be carried out by constantly keeping a low concentration level of aldehydes which are considered to be a cause of the enzyme inhibition in the reaction system, the enzyme activity can be maintained stably for a prolonged period of time and the formed acids or amides can therefore be accumulated in a high concentration.

Abstract: Purified thermostable DNA ligase is described that catalyzes template-dependent ligation at temperatures of about 30.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C., and which substantially retains its catalytic ability when subjected to temperatures of from about 85.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. The thermostable DNA ligase has an estimated molecular weight of 50,000 to 70,000 daltons. A preferred thermostable DNA ligase is described that was isolated from the archaebacteria Pyrococcus furiosus. Also described are plasmid vectors for producing recombinant thermostable DNA ligase.

Abstract: A fermentation process for making succinic acid in high concentrations employs a bacteria obtained from the rumen contents of cattle. A preferred bacteria is Bacterium 130Z (ATCC No. 55618).

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing indigo which comprises bringing an indigo-producing bacteria belonging to genus Acinetobacter or treated products thereof into contact with an aqueous solution containing at least indole to have indigo formed and accumulated in the aqueous solution; and collecting indigo from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Fermentation product A83543, comprising major components A83543A and A83543D and minor components A83543B, A83543C, A83543E, A983543F, A83543G, A83543H and A83543J, is produced by a newly described species, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. The A83543 components and their acid-addition salts (A83543 compounds) are useful as insecticides, particularly against Lepidoptera and Diptera species. Insecticidal, miticidal or ecto-parasiticidal combinations, compositions and methods are provided.

Abstract: The strains of Acinetobacter species (bicoccus) B-6445, Arthrobacter species S-1212, and Rhodococcus species S-1213 were deposited on Jan. 1, 1993 in the All-Union collection at the All-Union research institute for genetics and selection of microorganisms.A method for biological purification from oil pollutions and spills incorporates introduction of a bacterial culture into the pollution or spill, used as the bacterial culture being made of the strains mentioned before, taken either individually or in any combination with one another, the weight ratio between the bacterial culture and the oil pollution being 1:10-10.sup.5, respectively.

Abstract: A method is provided for the enhanced elaboration of leukotoxin from F. necrophorum, and subsequent production of an inactivated leukotoxoid ruminant animal vaccine against F. necrophorum infection and consequent liver abscesses and/or foot rot in such animals. The method involves forming a culture of F. necrophorum bacteria in growth media, allowing the bacteria to grow therein and to simultaneously elaborate leukotoxin in a supernate; the culturing is preferably carried out at a temperature of from about 35.degree.-41.degree. C., a pH of from about 6.5-8, and for a period of from about 4-9 hours. At the end of the culturing, bacterial growth and leukotoxin elaboration are terminated, preferably by separating the leukotoxin supernate, whereupon the vaccine is produced by inactivation of at least the supernate.

Abstract: The particular strain of Klebsiella oxytoca No. 19-1 has been isolated from soil which produces a cyclomaltoglucanotransferase enzyme capable of converting starch to .alpha.-cyclodextrin in very high proportion, nearly close to 100 percent, rather than another types of cyclodextrins.

Abstract: A method of producing trehalose, in which a microorganism belonging to the genus Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Microbacterium or Arthrobacter and having the ability to produce trehalose is incubated in a liquid medium containing sucrose or maltose as an essential carbon source and the trehalose produced and accumulated in the culture is collected therefrom. Trehalose is produced inexpensively and efficiently by industrial mass-production.

Abstract: N-(3-acetylthio-2-D-methylpropionyl)-L-proline useful as a precursor of captopril, one of antihypertensive agents, is prepared by allowing thioacetic acid to react with methyl methacrylate to prepare racetalc methyl 3-acetylthio-2-DL-methylpropionate, contacting the propionate with cells of, for example, Pseudomonas in order to effect biological and asymmetric hydrolysis, extracting 3-acetylthio-D-2-methylpropionic acid and allowing the acid to react with L-proline.

Abstract: An antigenic composition includes antigens obtainable from Campylobacter jejuni and may be used as a vaccine to induce protective antibodies against both Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni. The antigenic composition, and antisera specific to the antigens can be used to detect Campylobacter coli or Campylobacter jejuni infection. Diagnostic detection kits include the novel antigenic composition or antisera thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating a sulfur compound from a fossil fuel containing sulfur compounds comprising contacting said fossil fuel with a biosorption agent which binds said sulfur compound, thereby forming a sulfur-biosorption complex and separating said sulfur-biosorption complex. The method can further include introducing said separated sulfur biosorption complex to an aqueous phase having an effective amount of oxygen and water to form a reaction medium, optionally adding a biocatalyst which degrades the sulfur compound; incubating the medium for a sufficient period of time to produce an organic product, an inorganic sulfur and spent biocatalyst; and isolating said biosorption agent and/or biocatalyst from said organic product and said inorganic sulfur. The invention also relates to the preparation of the products of the oxidation reaction of organic sulfur compounds by a biocatalyst, such as 2-hydroxybiphenyl compounds.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic complex designated BU-4224V produced by fermentation of Kibdelosporangium albatum sp. nov. Strain R761-7. The complex may be separated chromatographically into bioactive components designated BU-4224V A, B.sub.1, B.sub.2, and C. The components BU-4224V B.sub.1 and B.sub.2 display both antiviral and antimicrobial activity, while component BU-4224V A has antimicrobial activity and component BU-4224V C has antiviral activity.

Abstract: An enantiomeric mixture of a 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid is treated with an enzyme which can asymmetrically hydrolyze the mixture, for example, a lipase originating in a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Candida or Chromobacterium to form a mixture of an optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propanol with an optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid, and the optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propanol or a derivative thereof and the optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid or a derivative thereof are each separately recovered from the mixture. The process allows simple and easy preparation of the above optically active compounds having a high optical purity, thus being extremely industrially advantageous.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing C.sub.10 and/or C.sub.12 gamma-lactones from the corresponding C.sub.10 and/or C.sub.12 carboxylic acids by use of microorganisms of the genus Mortierella, whereby a culture of the genus Mortierella is grown in a medium containing a carbon source, nitrogen source, inorganic salts, vitamins and growth factors and wherein the carboxylic acid feed rate is controlled by the response of the dissolved oxygen level in culture medium in the presence of mineral oil (liquid white paraffin oil, U.S.P. or technical grade having a specific gravity of from 0.830 up to 0.905 at 60.degree. F. and a viscosity of from 50 up to 400 Sayboldt Seconds at 100.degree. F., a mixture of liquid C.sub.15 -C.sub.50 saturated hydrocarbons).

Abstract: A method is provided for the enhanced elaboration of leukotoxin from F. necrophorum, and subsequent production of an inactivated leukotoxoid ruminant animal vaccine against F. necrophorum infection and consequent liver abscesses and/or foot rot in such animals. The method involves forming a culture of F. necrophorum bacteria in growth media, allowing the bacteria to grow therein and to simultaneously elaborate leukotoxin in a supernate; the culturing is preferably carried out at a temperature of from about 35.degree.-41.degree. C., a pH of from about 6.5-8, and for a period of from about 4-9 hours. At the end oil of the culturing, bacterial growth and leukotoxin elaboration are terminated, preferably by separating the leukotoxin supernate, whereupon the vaccine is produced by inactivation of at least the supernate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the antibiotics LL-14E605.beta. and O-methyl-LL-14E605.beta. derived from the microorganism Sebekia benihana which are useful as antibacterial agents.

Abstract: A method of producing methane from organic waste includes the following steps: The waste is first shredded. The waste is inoculated first with aerobic microorganisms. The waste is then fermented with the aerobic microorganisms. Then the waste is inoculated with anaerobic microorganisms. The waste inoculated with anaerobic microorganisms is placed in an oxygen free environment. Methane is then evolved from the waste. Preferably the waste is enriched with nitrogen prior to the anaerobic fermentation.

Abstract: Five xylanases are purified from the microorganism, Microtetraspora flexuosa,preferably strain ATCC 35864. Each biochemically unique xylanase is thermostable and has optimal activity in alkaline conditions. These enzymes are excellent candidates for enhancing the delignification and bleaching of pulp. Furthermore, treating the pulp with the above enzymes prior to bleaching may reduce the amount of chlorine containing and/or peroxide chemicals required in the bleaching process.

Abstract: A homogeneous alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase isolated from Gluconobacter oxydans DSM 4025 FERM BP-3812 is disclosed. The enzyme is capable in the presence of an electron acceptor, of catalyzing the conversion of L-sorbose to 2-keto-L-gulonic acid via L-sorbosone. The enzyme has a molecular weight of 130,000-140,000 daltons as determined by gel filtration column chromatography, a pyrroloquinoline quinone prosthetic group, an optimum pH for enzyme activity of 7.0 to 9.0, an optimum temperature for enzyme activity from about 20.degree. C. to 40.degree. C. and an isoelectric point of about 4.4. Also disclosed is a process for producing the enzyme and a process for producing aldehydes, carboxylic acids and ketones, especially 2-keto-L-gulonic acid utilizing the enzyme.

Abstract: 6-Hydroxy nitrogen-containing 6-membered ring compounds of the following general formula (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents carboxy group, carbamoyl group, cyano group, formyl group, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 hydroxyalkyl group, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkoxycarbonyl group, carboxyvinyl group, carboxymethyl group or oxime group, R.sup.2 represents hydrogen atom or carboxy group, and A represents carbon atom or nitrogen atom, can be prepared by reacting a nitrogen-containing 6-membered ring compounds of the following general formula (I): ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and A are as defined in the general formula (II) above, with a microorganism or physico-chemically treated microorganism in an aqueous medium. Efficiency of the above reaction can be raised by conducting the reaction in the presence of phenazine methosulfate.

Abstract: A process for producing a saccharide carboxylic acid or a salt thereof characterized in that a microorganism belonging to the genus Pseudogluconobacter and capable of oxidizing a hydroxymethyl group and/or hemiacetal hydroxyl-associated carbon atom to a carboxyl group, or an artifact derived from the microorganism, is permitted to act on a hydroxymethyl and/or hemiacetal hydroxyl-containing saccharide or saccharide derivative to produce and accumulate the corresponding carboxylic acid and the carboxylic acid so accumulated is harvested and novel saccharide carboxylic acids produced by the above production method, and by the process, from a broad range of saccharides, saccharic acids having carboxyl groups derived from hydroxymethyl and/or hemiacetal OH groups can be produced with high selectivity and in good yield, the resultant saccharide acids are resistant to enzymatic degradation and have improved water solubility, among other characteristics.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid encoding the Helicobacter pylori recombinase comprising the nucleotide sequence defined in the Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NO:1 is provided. Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid that selectively hybridizes with the nucleic acid of claim 1 under stringent conditions and has at least 70% complementarity with the segment of the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO:1 to which it hybridizes. Also provided is a mutant strain of H. pylori that does not express a functional recombinase (recA.sup.- mutant). An immunogenic amount of the recA.sup.- mutant H. pylori in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is provided. A method of immunizing a subject against infection by H. pylori comprises administering to the subject an immunogenic amount of mutant H. pylori in a carrier for the mutant.

Abstract: Biologically pure strains of Thermus sp. FERM BP-1678, FERM BP-1679 and FERM BP-1680 have been isolated, and are capable of producing a beta-galactosidase. The beta-galactosidase produced by these strains has specific characteristics wherein the enzyme is optimum at a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees celsius and pH of 4.5 to 6.5. Further, the enzymatic activity is reduced by at most 10% in the presence of 50 millimoles (mM) of galactose and glucose, respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the production of biotin, in which a culture of a microorganism of the genus Sphingomonas, having an ability to produce biotin, is prepared in a medium, and biotin produced and accumulated in the medium is collected. Also disclosed are microorganisms of the genus Sphingomonas, having an ability to produce biotin, which are useful for this production process of the present invention.