Abstract: A bacterial composition, a process and a facility for the pre-treatment of effluent rich in organic fats of animal or vegetable origin. The bacterial composition principally is the bacterial strain Klebsiella oxytoca. The process consists of supplying a homogenisation and/or processing vessel (1) with effluent to be pre-treated, as it is produced, activating a recirculation circuit (2) between the vessel and a biological reactor (3) to obtain a fat dilution rate situated between 0.400 h?1 and 1.500 h?1 for an initial fat concentration of 1 g/l, degrading the fats in the biological reactor (3) using the bacterial composition and discharging the pre-treated effluent to a final treatment unit such as a purification plant.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer production and in particular to a novel copolymer and a process for microbiologically producing the same. More specifically this invention provides for a poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) that includes medium length 3-hydroxyacyl monomers and a process comprising culturing a microorganism with a medium chain fatty carbon source and a fatty acid oxidation inhibitor. This invention allows the use of microorganisms which normally incorporate only short chain fatty acids to produce PHAs containing short and medium chain 3-hydroxyacyl monomers. The purpose of this invention is to produce a more versatile PHA polymer which includes C6, C7 and/or C8 3-hydroxyacyl monomers.

Abstract: New protozoan derived microbial consortia and method for their isolation are provided. Consortia and bacteria isolated therefrom are useful for treating wastes such as trichloroethylene and trinitrotoluene. Consortia, bacteria isolated therefrom, and dispersants isolated therefrom are useful for dispersing hydrocarbons such as oil, creosote, wax, and grease.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Enterobacter and having a plant growth acceleratory activity, particularly Enterobacter cloacae, and a method for cultivating crops using the microorganism or polysaccharides produced therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel enzyme composition capable of lysing or digesting cells or cellular debris of polysaccharide-producing bacteria in the presence of the exopolysaccharides without any significant degradation of the exopolysaccharides. Methods for preparing the enzyme composition, using the composition to clarify mixtures of polysaccharides and cellular debris, and pure cultures for making the enzyme are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer containing a 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) unit and a 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) unit, a three-component copolymer containing at least a 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) unit and a 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) unit, and a four-component copolymer containing at least a 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) unit and a 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) unit. The use of a microorganism of the genus Aeromonas according to the present invention makes it possible to produce a wide variety of plastic materials ranging from rigid plastics to elastic plastics by selecting copolymer components and adjusting their composition.

Abstract: A process for producing an L-amino acid from the corresponding DL- and/or L-amino acid amide represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having one to 4 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, by action of an enzyme having hydrolytic activity to L-amino acid amides which is produced by Enterobacter cloacae or Pseudomonas sp.

Abstract: A novel agriculturally useful composition that includes a seed treated with selected infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism. Also provided are methods of enhancing root elongation, shoot elongation or root development of selected seeds. These methods include treating a selected seed with the infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism. In addition, there is provided a method of inducing germination of grass seed that involves treating a grass seed such as Kentucky bluegrass seed with a selected infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism. Furthermore, there is provided a method of promoting plant growth at a lower soil temperature than is common at the time of planting a seed of the plant. Additionally, there is disclosed an inoculant for increasing nodulation, root mass and shoot mass in a leguminous plant. The inoculant contains a Rhizobium microorganism and a selected infectivity-cured Hr plasmid-bearing microorganism.

Abstract: An analytical composition comprises glucokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Abstract: Process for obtaining high yields of glycerol dehydrogenase from micro-organisms and glycerol dehydrogenase having a low K.sub.M value.

Abstract: A process for removing melamine from liquids containing melamine by biological means. The aqueous solution or suspension of melamine is brought into contact with microorganisms or enzyme preparations having melaminase activity, and the resulting mixture is maintained under anaerobic conditions whereby at least a portion of the melamine is biodegraded.

Abstract: A process for preparing N-carbamoyl-D-(2-thienyl or 3-thienyl)glycine by subjecting 5-(2-thienyl or 3-thienyl)hydantoin to the action of a cultured broth, cells or treated cells of microorganisms having an ability of stereospecifically hydrolyzing the hydantoin ring. N-carbamoyl-D-(2-thienyl or 3-thienyl)glycine is a useful intermediate for the preparation of medicines and can be readily converted into D-(2-thienyl or 3-thienyl)glycine.