Acetobacter Patents (Class 435/823)
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Patent number: 8137665Abstract: Non-leguminous crops, e.g. wheat, maize and rice, do not form nodules and are dependant for their nutrition on fixed nitrogen from the soil, or from chemical/nitrogenous fertilizers. The present invention provides non-leguminous plants and leguminous plants, including legumes that fail to nodulate with Rhizobia, with bacteria that enable them to fix nitrogen endophytically. Therefore, the plants contain nitrogen fixing bacteria the bacteria being located intracellularly in living plant cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: The University of NottinghamInventor: Edward Charles Daniel Cocking
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Patent number: 8030091Abstract: A test device and method for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a fluid sample, the test device including a support or member bearing a mark thereon, and a matrix or member containing a capture zone. In operation, an observation area in the test device becomes transparent, thereby allowing the user to view a mark that is present on a support that is disposed beneath the observation area. Typically, the mark on the underlying support is configured as a minus (?) sign. In the absence of analyte in the sample, the test device presents a negative result as a minus (?) signal. In the presence of analyte in the sample, however, the mark operates in concert with a perpendicular test line on the observation area to present a positive result as a plus (+) signal that is visible to the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Quidel CorporationInventors: Jeremy Jerome, Mark Daquipa, Bruce Jacono, Hans Boehringer, Paul Lambotte, Paul J. Lawrence
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Patent number: 7858396Abstract: A lateral flow test strip for the analysis of a sample featuring numerous capture zones arranged in an array such that each capture zone is substantially equidistant from the sample containing area. The sample does not pass through another capture zone to reach any one of the other capture zones. The capture zones are preferably arranged in a linear array perpendicular to the flow of the sample through the lateral flow test strip. The lateral flow test strip allows for an increased number of simultaneous analyses of numerous analytes from one sample to occur on one lateral flow test strip.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Orasure Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul L.A.M. Corstjens, Keith Kardos, R. Sam Niedbala, Hans J. Tanke, Michel Zuiderwijk, Hans H. Feindt, Vijay K. Mokkapati, Jess Aaron Kimball
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Patent number: 7632687Abstract: The invention relates to devices for performing single step assays for the determination of the presence or absence of an analyte in a liquid sample, and methods of determining the presence or absence of such analytes using such devices. Devices disclosed comprise a labeled analyte-binding reagent reversibly-immobilized on a non-porous solid material, which solid material is in physical contact with a dry porous carrier bearing an immobilized analyte-binding reagent. Also provided are quantitative assay devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Quidel CorporationInventor: Cem Gokhan
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Patent number: 7553675Abstract: A test device and method for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a fluid sample, the test device including a support or member bearing a mark thereon, and a matrix or member containing a capture zone. In operation, an observation area in the test device becomes transparent, thereby allowing the user to view a mark that is present on a support that is disposed beneath the observation area. Typically, the mark on the underlying support is configured as a minus (?) sign. In the absence of analyte in the sample, the test device presents a negative result as a minus (?) signal. In the presence of analyte in the sample, however, the mark operates in concert with a perpendicular test line on the observation area to present a positive result as a plus (+) signal that is visible to the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Quidel CorporationInventors: Jeremy Jerome, Mark Daquipa, Bruce Jacono, Hans Boehringer, Paul Lambotte, Paul J. Lawrence
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Patent number: 7521259Abstract: In one aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and a control label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte and has a different optical characteristic than the test label. In another aspect, an assay test strip includes a test label that specifically binds a target analyte and at least one non-specific-binding label that is free of any specific binding affinity for the target analyte. Systems and methods of reading assay test strips also are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventors: Patrick T. Petruno, John F. Petrilla, Michael J. Brosnan, Rong Zhou, Daniel B. Roitman
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Patent number: 7521260Abstract: An assay test strip includes a flow path, a sample receiving zone, a label, a detection zone that includes a region of interest, and at least one position marker. The at least one position marker is aligned with respect to the region of interest such that location of the at least one position marker indicates a position of the region of interest. A diagnostic test system includes a reader that obtains light intensity measurement from exposed regions of the test strip, and a data analyzer that performs at least one of (a) identifying ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the test region based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature, and (b) generating a control signal modifying at least one operational parameter of the reader based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventors: Patrick T. Petruno, John F. Petrilla, Michael J. Brosnan, Rong Zhou, Daniel B. Roitman, Bo U. Curry
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Patent number: 7470427Abstract: Non-leguminous crops, e.g. wheat, maize and rice, do not form nodules and are dependant for their nutrition on fixed nitrogen from the soil, or from chemical/nitrogenous fertilizers. The present invention provides non-leguminous plants and leguminous plants, including legumes that fail to nodulate with Rhizobia, with bacteria that enable them to fix nitrogen endophytically. Therefore, the plants contain nitrogen fixing bacteria the bacteria being located intacellularly in living plant cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: The University of NottinghamInventor: Edward Charles Daniel Cocking
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Patent number: 7115389Abstract: A method for producing a dipeptide including the step of exposing a carboxy component and an amine component to an enzyme having an activity to hydrolyze amino acid ester. Such a hydrolase has been found among enzymes in bacteria. The method is useful for producing a peptide simply and inexpensively with a high yield without taking complicate synthetic methods.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.Inventors: Seiichi Hara, Kenzo Yokozeki
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Patent number: 6855561Abstract: A test device and method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a fluid sample, the test device including a support bearing a mark thereon, and a matrix defining an axial flow path. In operation, an observation area in the test device becomes transparent, thereby allowing the user to view a mark that is present on a support that is disposed beneath the observation area. Typically, the mark on the underlying support is configured as a minus (?) sign. In the absence of analyte in the sample, the test device presents a negative result as a minus (?) signal. In the presence of analyte in the sample, however, the mark operates in concert with a perpendicular test line on the observation area to present a positive result as a plus (+) signal that is visible to the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Quidel CorporationInventors: Jeremy Jerome, Mark Daquipa, Bruce Jacono, Hans Boehringer
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Patent number: 6808703Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms for the treatment or the prevention of obesity or diabetes mellitus, which reduce the amount of monosaccharide or disaccharide which may be absorbed into human body by converting monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, galactose et al. and disaccharides into polymeric materials which cannot be absorbed by the intestine, and relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing the said microorganisms. Preferred microorganisms are Lactobacillus sp. BC-Y009 and Acetobacter sp. BC-Y058.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Bioneer CorporationInventors: Han Oh Park, Young Bae Bang, Hea Jung Joung, Bong Cheol Kim, Hang Rae Kim
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Patent number: 6541215Abstract: Disclosed are a method for quantitatively determining mannose, which comprises reacting mannose in a specimen with an enzyme which is capable of oxidizing the mannose by dehydrogenation, in the presence of an electron acceptor, and quantitatively determining a formed reductant of the electron acceptor; and a reagent for the quantitative determination of mannose.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Daiichi Pure Chemicals Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Ebinuma, Koji Ushizawa
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Patent number: 6512014Abstract: A bioemulsifier composition useful for forming and stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, comprising an esterase protein of 32.5 KD, found in association with emulsan in the bacteria Acinetobacter. The esterase, or parts of it, are isolated from cell extracts of various strains of Acinetobacter, or produced by any other means. The bioemulsifier composition is further comprised of a water-soluble polysaccharide polymer of any source. The present invention further discloses a method of forming and stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, using the above-mentioned composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Ramot University Authority for Applied Research and Industrial Development LimitedInventors: David Gutnick, Horacio R. Bach
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Patent number: 6429002Abstract: Acetobacter strains are identified as stable under agitated culture conditions and exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production. A method and media for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be converted to of a sheet characterized by substantial resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means. Preferred Acetobacter strains are ATCC Nos. 53264, 53263 and 53524.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: CP Kelco U.S., Inc.Inventors: Arie Ben-Bassat, Robert Bruner, Sharon Shoemaker, Yehoshua Aloni, Harry Wong, Donald C. Johnson, Amar N. Neogi
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Patent number: 6340582Abstract: A method for producing xylitol by allowing a microorganism belonging to the Gluconobacter oxydans or Acetobacter xylinum and having a D-arabitol dehydrogenase activity and a D-xylulose reductase (xylitol dehydrogenase) activity and an ability to convert D-arabitol to xylitol is acted on D-arabitol in a reaction mixture containing a carbon source to produce xylitol.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.Inventors: Shunichi Suzuki, Masakazu Sugiyama, Maiko Mori, Yasuhiro Mihara, Kenzo Yokozeki
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Patent number: 6340457Abstract: Pharmaceutical and alimentary compositions containing Acetobacter xylinum as the active ingredient for the treatment of gastroenteral dysmicrobisms, gastroenteral acute and chronic infections and impairments of the gastroenteral functionality.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Farmilia Farmaceutici Milano S.R.L.Inventors: Adriano Andriolli, Fausto Panni
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Patent number: 6329192Abstract: A method and media for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be converted to of a sheet characterized by substantial resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means. Acetobacter strains are identified as stable under agitated culture conditions and exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: CP Kelco U.S., Inc.Inventors: Arie Ben-Bassat, Robert Bruner, Sharon Shoemaker, Yehoshua Aloni, Harry Wong, Donald C. Johnson, Amar N. Neogi
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Patent number: 6284243Abstract: A physiologically functional food having brain function-improving, learning ability-enhancing and memory-enhancing functions, which comprises as an active ingredient a lactic acid bacterium fermented milk, a lactic acid bacterium and yeast co-fermented milk, or a treated product thereof, or a mixture thereof, optionally also including a pharmaceutically or nutritionally acceptable carrier or diluent.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1996Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Calpis Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Masuyama, Masaaki Yasui, Hidehiko Yokogoshi, Masahiko Nomura
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Patent number: 6153413Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a convenient method for restoring the various properties of BC even after it is once dried.The present invention relates to a method for processing a bacterial cellulose comprising dehydrating and drying under tension the bacterial cellulose produced in an agitated culture followed by homogenization, and to a method for processing a bacterial cellulose comprising dehydrating and drying the bacterial cellulose produced in an agitated culture under such conditions that a degree of planar orientation (h1/h2) (wherein h1 and h2 mean the height of a peak originating in the crystallographic plane (110) and the crystallographic plane (110), respectively, in a diffraction curve obtained with X-ray diffractometry by a reflection method) will be 2 or more, followed by homogenization.An excellent retention aid for fillers and sheet with a high strength may be prepared by using the bacterial cellulose obtained by the above methods.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Bio-Polymer Research Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunihiko Watanabe, Akira Shibata, Hiroshi Ougiya, Nobuya Hioki, Yasushi Morinaga
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Patent number: 6140105Abstract: Novel cellulose-producing bacteria including one capable of producing of a bacterial cellulose having a weight-average degree of polymerization in terms of polystyrene of 1.6.times.10.sup.4 or above, one capable of producing a bacterial cellulose containing a small amount of the fraction with low degrees of polymerization, one producing a Bingham polysaccharide as a by-product, and one producing a small amount of water-soluble polysaccharide; a method for the production of bacterial cellulose, which comprises culturing these cellulose-producing bacteria; and bacterial cellulose thus obtained.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Bio-Polymer Research Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunihiko Watanabe, Hiroshi Takemura, Mari Tabuchi, Naoki Tahara, Hiroshi Toyosaki, Yasushi Morinaga, Takayasu Tsuchida, Hisato Yano, Fumihiro Yoshinaga
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Patent number: 6110712Abstract: This invention relates to a microorganism that is capable of producing a cellulosic product (referred to hereinafter as a "cellulose-producing bacterium") and belongs to a novel subspecies which is substantialy negative or very slightly positive in oxidation of acetates and lactates. This invention also relates to novel saccharide analog-resistant strains, amino acid analog-resistant strains and levan sucrase-defective strains. Further, this invention relates to a method for the production of cellulosic material (bacterial cellulose:"BC"), which comprises culturing these novel bactria and to bacterial cellulose which may be thus obtained. A larger amount of bacterial cellulose may be produced by culturing Acetobacter xylinum subsp. nonacetoxidans, the present resistant strains and the levan sucrase-defective strains, which have been derived and bred from the cellulose-producing bacteria, than by culturing the BPR 2001 strain in the medium containing especially sucrose or glucose as carbon sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Bio-Polymer Research Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayasu Tsuchida, Naoto Tonouchi, Akira Seto, Yukiko Kojima, Masanobu Matsuoka, Fumihiro Yoshinaga
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Patent number: 6048464Abstract: A leukocyte-removing filter material is described, which includes a porous element having fine pores of an average pore diameter of not less than 1.0 .mu.m but less than 100 .mu.m and a fiber structure composed of a plurality of fibers having an average fiber diameter of not less than 0.01 .mu.m but less than 1.0 .mu.m kept on the porous element. The porosity of the filter material is not less than 50% but less than 95%, and the proportion of the fiber structure to the filter material is not less than 0.01% by weight but less than 30% by weight. The ratio between the average pore diameter of the porous element and the average fiber diameter of the fiber structure is not less than 2 but less than 2,000 and the above fiber structure forms a reticulate structure. A process for producing the leukocyte-removing fiber material and an apparatus for removing leukocyte using the above fiber material are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Asahi Medical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun Tanaka, Tatsuya Fukuda, Kumi Yoshida
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Patent number: 6017740Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of cellulosic material which comprises culturing a cellulose-producing bacterium while maintaining the internal pressure within the fermentation tank at about 1.1 kg/cm.sup.2 A or more, preferably at about 1.2 kg/cm.sup.2 A or more, more preferably at about 1.5 kg/cm.sup.2 A or more, generally in the later stage of the cultivation (the growth decline phase and stationary phase), namely, at the stage where a concentration of the cellulosic material in a culture medium reaches about 10 g/L or more, preferably about 12 g/L or more; at the culturing stage where an apparent density of the culture medium at 10 rad/s or 1 l/s reaches about 10 Pa.s or more; at the culturing stage where the K value (consistency index) reaches about 10 Pa.s.sup.n or more considering that rheology follows the Power law model; or at the stage where the oxygen-demand of the culture medium reaches about 35 mmol/L.hr or more.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Bio-Polymer Research Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tohru Kouda, Takaaki Naritomi, Hisato Yano, Fumihiro Yoshinaga
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Patent number: 5962278Abstract: This invention relates to a microorganism that is capable of producing a cellulosic product (referred to hereinafter as a "cellulose-producing bacterium") and belongs to a novel subspecies which is substantialy negative or very slightly positive in oxidation of acetates and lactates. This invention also relates to novel saccharide analog-resistant strains, amino acid analog-resistant strains and levan sucrase-defective strains.Further, this invention relates to a method for the production of cellulosic material (bacterial cellulose: "BC"), which comprises culturing these novel bactria and to bacterial cellulose which may be thus obtained.A larger amount of bacterial cellulose may be produced by culturing Acetobacter xylinum subsp. nonacetoxidans, the present resistant strains and the levan sucrase-defective strains, which have been derived and bred from the cellulose-producing bacteria, than by culturing the BPR 2001 strain in the medium containing especially sucrose or glucose as carbon sources.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Bio-Polymer Research Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayasu Tsuchida, Naoto Tonouchi, Akira Seto, Yukiko Kojima, Masanobu Matsuoka, Fumihiro Yoshinaga
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Patent number: 5951910Abstract: Rheologically modified compositions, and rheologically modified fluid compositions prepared therefrom, containing reticulated bacterial cellulose in a polyol base fluid, are disclosed. The amount of reticulated bacterial cellulose present in the composition is an amount effective to viscosify the polyol base fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Monsanto CompanyInventors: C. Bryan Skaggs, Thomas R. Sifferman, John M. Swazey, Harold D. Dial, Walter G. Rakitsky
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Patent number: 5871978Abstract: A method and media are provided for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be in the form of a sheet characterized by substantial resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means. Strains of Acetobacter that are stable under agitated culture conditions and that exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventors: Arie Ben-Bassat, Robert Bruner, Sharon Shoemaker, Yehoshua Aloni, Harry Wong, Donald C. Johnson, Amar N. Neogi
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Patent number: 5861319Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for specific binding assays in which specific binding reagents are immobilized on a solid phase. Immobilization is facilitated by covalently coupling specific binding assay reagents such as polypeptide receptors or analytes with water soluble polymers. Such water soluble polymers, for example star polymers such as dendrimers, provide production advantages of lot-to-lot uniformity and homogeneity, and can enhance sensitivity due to low non-specific binding to the solid phase.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1994Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.Inventors: Spencer H. Lin, Kwok Sum Yu, Pratap Singh, Steven E. Diamond
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Patent number: 5846213Abstract: Cellulose films useful as wound and bum dressings are prepared from a solution of cellulose produced by Acetobacter xylinum in a stirred tank. The materials of this invention comprise a film of microbially produced cellulose, particularly cellulose produced from the culture of Acetobacter xylinum in a stirred tank. The film is made by dissolving the cellulose in a solvent system comprising dimethylacetamide and lithium chloride, casting the resulting solution onto a flat surface and regenerating the film in a gelation bath. Humectant is incorporated into the film by solvent exchange. The film is then sterilized and packaged for long term storage. These films are strong and elastic having mechanical properties superior to plant derived cellulose membranes and similar to that of the human skin and are useful as wound dressings.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: The University of Western OntarioInventor: Wan-Kei Wan
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Patent number: 5821109Abstract: A method and media for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose II product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be in the form of a sheet characterized by resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means. Also strains of Acetobacter that are stable under agitated culture conditions and that exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Monsanto Life Sciences Co.Inventors: Arie Ben-Bassat, Robert Bruner, Sharon Shoemaker, Yehoshua Aloni, Harry Wong, Donald C. Johnson, Amar N. Neogi
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Patent number: 5792630Abstract: A method for the production of a cellulosic product, which comprises:culturing a cellulose-producing microorganism transformed with a gene for an enzyme involved in sucrose metabolism in a medium containing sucrose, allowing the cellulosic product to be produced and accumulated in the medium, and collecting the cellulosic product. By the present method, the cellulosic product can be produced efficiently and economically.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Bio-Polymer Research Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoto Tonouchi, Takayasu Tsuchida, Fumihiro Yoshinaga, Sueharu Horinouchi, Teruhiko Beppu, Hideshi Yanase, Takahisa Hayashi
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Patent number: 5747301Abstract: A D-sorbitol dehydrogenase in homogenous form, which catalyzes the oxidation of D-sorbitol to L-sorbose, has a molecular structure consisting of homologous subunits of molecular weight 79,000.+-.5,000 each, a substrate specificity for polyols and an optimum pH of 6.0-7.0. Said D-sorbitol dehydrogenase is producible by a process comprising cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Gluconobacter or Acetobacter, or a mutant or variant thereof, which is capable of producing the D-sorbitol dehydrogenase in the cells and isolating it from the cells, e.g. by disrupting the cells and isolation from cell-free extract of the disrupted cells. The so-isolated D-sorbitol dehydrogenase is useful for catalyzing the oxidation of D-sorbitol to L-sorbose, the latter being an important intermediate for the production of vitamin C.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Roche Vitamins Inc.Inventors: Tatsuo Hoshino, Setsuko Ojima, Teruhide Sugisawa
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Patent number: 5731173Abstract: Extracellular fructosyltransferase of Acetobacter diazotrophicus was isolated and purified and its enzymatic properties were established. Cloning, sequencing and genetic manipulation of the fructosyltransferase gene so as to produce high levels of the enzyme in recombinant prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Both natural and recombinant fructosyltransferase of Acetobacter diazotrophicus produce fructose-containing oligosaccharides and fructans. The enzyme yields in particular high levels of fructooligosaccharides from sucrose, such as kestose and kestotetraose which can be used as natural low-calorie sweeteners.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Center For Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyInventors: Juan Gabriel Arrieta Sosa, Lazaro Hernandez Garcia, Alberto Coego Gonzalez, Guillermo Selman-Housein Sosa
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Patent number: 5672504Abstract: A microorganism or a preparation thereof is permitted to act on a mixture of enantiomers of an epoxide such as 3-chlorostyrene oxide and the product optically active epoxide is recovered. The microorganism able to produce an optically active (S)-epoxide from the mixture of enantiomers of the epoxide include, for example, a microorganism strain belonging to the genus Candida, the genus Rhodosporidium, the genus Rhodococcus and the genus Nosardioides. Examples of the microorganism capable of producing an optically active (R)-epoxide from said mixture include a microorganism strain belonging to the genus Trichosporon, the genus Geotrichum, the genus Corynebacterium, the genus Micrococcus and the genus Brevibacterium. The objective optically active epoxide can efficiently be obtained with ease and simplicity from the corresponding mixture of enantiomers of the epoxide.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Akinobu Matsuyama, Yoshinori Kobayashi
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Patent number: 5624812Abstract: 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, which permits a long-term storage in a liquid state, can be provided by the use of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase derived from a species of acetic acid bacteria.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shizuo Hattori, Takahide Kishimoto, Yukihiro Sogabe, Shigenori Emi
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Patent number: 5578474Abstract: A recombinant microorganism strain having a desired metabolic property is produced by a process which utilizes a multiple chemostat system.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1994Date of Patent: November 26, 1996Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Dennis D. Focht, Lothar P. Krockel
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Patent number: 5547851Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1994Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shizuo Hattori, Takahide Kishimoto, Yukihiro Sogabe, Shigenori Emi
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Method of decontamination of a hydrocarbon-polluted environment by the use of bacterial compositions
Patent number: 5494580Abstract: Method of decontamination of a hydrocarbon-polluted environment by the use of bacterial compositions. The method is a process of biological decomposition of the hydrocarbons using, as decontaminating active ingredients, bacterial compositions composed of one or more strains from among the following microorganisms: Azotobacter vinelandii 21, Pseudomonas sp.9, Pseudomonas sp.19, Pseudomonas sp.31 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus 23. In the method, prior analysis of the chemical composition of the pollutants is essential in order to select, in accordance with this composition, the mixture of strains of the most active microorganisms from among the five mentioned above, taking into account the natural conditions of the polluted environment. The bacterial composition also contains inorganic salts supplying N and P, and additives needed for bacterial growth.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1993Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Baltic General Investment CorporationInventors: Egidijus V. Baskys, Saulius Grigiskis, Kestutis Vilutis -
Patent number: 5484715Abstract: A method is provided for preparing an antitumor dextran by contacting a culture broth containing sucrose with an antitumor dextran obtained from Lactobacillus confusus and collecting the antitumor dextran from the culture broth. The enzyme can be used as a crude enzyme solution or may be further purified by conventional means. The Lactobacillus confusus is preferably one of the following: 40-1 strain (FERM BP-2865) , 40-3 strain (FERM BP-2866) , 77-1 strain (FERM BP-2867), 78-1 strain (FERM BP-2868) or 80-1 strain (FERM BP-2869).Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Sapporo Breweries LimitedInventors: Hisao Kado, Yasukazu Nakakita
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Patent number: 5484725Abstract: A norbornane type ester hydrolase that enantio-selectively hydrolyzes a (.+-.)-exo-norbornane type ester represented by Formula I is provided: ##STR1## wherein R is acyl, and A and B are hydrogens, respectively, or where A and B are absent, resulting in a carbon-carbon double bond between the carbons to which A and B are attached in Formula I. The norbornane type ester hydrolase has an optimal pH of approximately 8 and a stable pH range of approximately 6 to 8.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Shionogi & Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bunji Kageyama, Masanori Nakae, Shigeo Yagi
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Patent number: 5468627Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of aliphatic carboxylic acids by microbial oxidation of alcohols with relatively long, optionally branched C chains by means of atmospheric oxygen, in which the bacteria species Gluconobacter roseus is used as the microorganism. Contemplated is the use of Gluconobacter roseus strain IAM 1841 to oxidize n-butanol, isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol and 3-methylbutanol to the corresponding acids. Also contemplated is the use of Gluconobacter roseus strain IFO 3990 to oxidize isobutanol, 2-methylbutanol and 3-methylbutanol to the corresponding acids.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1993Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Haarmann & Reimer GmbHInventors: Ian Gatfield, Theodor Sand
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Patent number: 5459067Abstract: A method for producing an optically active norborneol is provided, which includes the step of bringing a microorganism or treated cells thereof into contact with (.+-.)-exo-norbornane type ester represented by Formula (I), wherein the microorganism is selected from the group consisting of the genus Pseudomonas, the genus Acetobacter, the genus Arthrobacter, the genus Rhodotorula, and the genus Saccharomyces. According to this method, (+)- and/or (-)-exo-norbornane type alcohol can be obtained with high yield and high purity by a simple treatment.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1993Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Shionogi Seiyaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Bunji Kageyama, Masanori Nakae, Takayasu Sonoyama, Kyozo Kawata
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Patent number: 5424201Abstract: Lactobacillus confusus strains capable of producing a dextran which has biological activities such as an excellent antitumor activity, etc. are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for producing said dextran using said microorganism or dextran synthetase prepared by said microorganism.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1994Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: Sapporo Breweries LimitedInventors: Hisao Kado, Yasukazu Nakakita
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Patent number: 5382656Abstract: Novel proteins capable of binding to bacterial cellulose synthase are provided. Proteins that co-purify with bacterial cellulose synthase and have approximate relative molecular weights of 20 kDa, 54 kDa and 59 kDa are taught. Also provided for are nucleotide sequences encoding the proteins, antibodies to the proteins, and recombinant host cells for the expression of the cellulose synthase associated (co-purifying) proteins. The cellulose synthase associated proteins (CSAPs) CSAP20 (SEQ ID NO: 1) CSAP54 (SEQ ID NO: 2), and CSAP59 (SEQ ID NO: 3) are specifically provided for.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1992Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Moshe Benziman, Rony Tal
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Patent number: 5360723Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling the molecular weight (i.e., lowering) of microbially-derived celluloses. The lowering of the molecular weight is achieved by adding 2-deoxy-D-glucose to the liquid or solid medium in which Acetobacter xylinum or any other cellulose-producing microbe is grown. The molecular weight of the cellulose produced by the microbes grown in such media varies approximately inversely with the concentration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose in the culture medium. The method thus provided by the present invention is useful in providing microbial source cellulose which has a number average molecular weight of about 7.times.10.sup.5 to about 1.times.10.sup.4. Such lower molecular weight celluloses are useful in coatings formulations in which a relatively lower viscosity binder is desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1993Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: John A. Hyatt, Robert M. Gardner, Scott R. Thatcher
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Patent number: 5344777Abstract: There is provided a structural gene of membrane-bound alcohol dehydrogenase complex having a molecular size of about 7.0 kilo base which is derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Acetobacter represented by Acetobacter altoacetigenes and shown by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID. NO. 1 and SEQ ID NO. 2. This enzyme increases the efficiency of acetic acid fermentation and may be effectively utilized for quantitative determination of alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Nakano Vinegar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshimi Tamaki, Hiroshi Takemura, Kenji Tayama, Masahiro Fukaya, Hajime Okumura, Yoshiya Kawamura
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Patent number: 5326702Abstract: A process for biologically producing an .alpha.-hydroxyamide or an .alpha.-hydroxy acid represented by formula (III) ##STR1## wherein R represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group or a substituted or unsubstituted and saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic group; and X represents an amido group or a carboxyl group, comprising reacting an .alpha.-hydroxynitrile represented by formula (I): ##STR2## wherein R is as defined above, or a mixture of an aldehyde represented by formula (II):R--CHO (II)wherein R is as defined above, and hydrogen cyanide with a microorganism capable of producing such an amide or acid from the corresponding .alpha.-hydroxynitrile is disclosed, in which the reaction system contains a sulfite ion, a disulfite ion or a dithionite ion.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1991Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignee: Nitto Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takakazu Endo, Tomohide Yamagami, Koji Tamura
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Patent number: 5312741Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing 2-keto-L-gulonic acid by fermentative conversion of D-sorbitol in high yield. 2-Keto-L-gulonic acid is an important intermediate for the production of L-ascorbic acid into which it can be converted.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.Inventors: Tatsuo Hoshino, Setuko Ojima, Teruhide Sugisawa
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Patent number: 5273891Abstract: A process for the production of extra-cellular microbial cellulose in which a novel strain of the genus Acetobacter capable of producing extra-cellular microbial cellulose is aerobically cultivated in an aqueous culture medium containing a carbon source and other necessary nutrients. The novel strain is also claimed.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1991Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLCInventor: David Byrom
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Patent number: 5268274Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences encoding the bacterial cellulose synthase operon derived from Acetobacter are disclosed. Methods for isolating the genes, vectors containing the genes, and transformed hosts useful for the expression of recombinant bacterial cellulose synthase or production of cellulose are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1991Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Assignee: Cetus CorporationInventors: Arie Ben-Bassat, Roger D. Calhoon, Anna L. Fear, David H. Gelfand, James H. Meade, Rony Tal, Hing Wong, Moshe Benziman
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Patent number: 5206157Abstract: N-substituted dialkanolamine may be converted to N-substituted-2-morpholone by the action of Gluconobacter oxydan ATCC #621 or Gluconobacter roseus IAM 1841.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1988Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventor: Kechia J. Chou