Alcaligenes Patents (Class 435/829)
  • Patent number: 7906315
    Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Robin L. Brigmon, Sandra Story, Denis J. Altman, Christopher J. Berry
  • Patent number: 7556956
    Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Micro-organisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Lonza AG
    Inventors: Karen Tracey Robins, Toru Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 7473546
    Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Robin L. Brigmon, Sandra Story, Denis Altman, Christopher J. Berry
  • Patent number: 7338795
    Abstract: A process for treating liquid hydrocarbon, includes the steps of providing a liquid hydrocarbon containing complex sulfur-containing compounds, providing a bioactive material selected from or derived from members of genus Alcaligenes; and exposing the liquid hydrocarbon to the bioactive material under effective conditions such that the bioactive material interacts with the complex sulfur compounds and transforms the organic sulfur-containing compounds into inorganic sulfur compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Isora Ranson, Carmen M. Rivas
  • Patent number: 7276361
    Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a biodegradable polyester capable of controlling various physical properties of the biodegradable polyester. A poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) biosynthetic enzyme is altered by an evolutionary-engineering technique, and the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) biosynthetic enzyme is expressed in a host to synthesize various copolymers in the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Riken
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Doi, Seiichi Taguchi, Tomoyasu Kichise
  • Patent number: 6913911
    Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Gjalt W. Huisman, Oliver P. Peoples, Frank A. Skraly
  • Patent number: 6808919
    Abstract: A process for treating liquid hydrocarbon, includes the steps of providing a liquid hydrocarbon containing complex sulfur-containing compounds, providing a bioactive material selected from or derived from members of genus Alcaligenes; and exposing the liquid hydrocarbon to the bioactive material under effective conditions such that the bioactive material interacts with the complex sulfur compounds and transforms the organic sulfur-containing compounds into inorganic sulfur compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Isora Ranson, Carmen M. Rivas
  • Patent number: 6777224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enzymatically producing optically active mandelic acid derivatives. An optically active mandelic acid derivative (shown as Formula II) is produced by reacting a culture or cell body of a microorganism, or processed products thereof, with a phenylglyoxylic acid derivative, and then recovering the obtained optically active mandelic acid derivative, wherein the microorganism has the ability to stereo-selectively reduce the phenylglyoxylic acid derivative. An optically active mandelic acid obtained according to the present invention is useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Mitsuhashi, Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6762035
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the progress of fat loss in a patient during a weight loss program which comprises, contacting a body fluid sample from said patient with a solid test strip to provide a color indication of the presence in said body fluid of &bgr;-hydroxybutyrate, optionally together with acetoacetate and/or acetone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Surendra K. Gupta
  • Patent number: 6746526
    Abstract: 1. A compound of Formula (1) and salts thereof: wherein: A is a substituted phenyl group carrying a group of the formula —NR3R4 and an ortho group selected from sulpho, phosphonato and phosphinato; n is 0 or 1; L1 and L2 are each independently H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl or optionally substituted aryl, or L1 and L2 together with the N atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring; R1 and R2 are each independently optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted alkoxy; and R3 and R4 are each independently H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl or optionally substituted aryl, or R3 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered ring; or R3 is H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl or optionally substituted aryl and R4 is an acyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Avecia Limited
    Inventor: Prahalad Manibhai Mistry
  • Publication number: 20030170873
    Abstract: A process for treating liquid hydrocarbon, includes the steps of providing a liquid hydrocarbon containing complex sulfur-containing compounds, providing a bioactive material selected from or derived from members of genus Alcaligenes; and exposing the liquid hydrocarbon to the bioactive material under effective conditions such that the bioactive material interacts with the complex sulfur compounds and transforms the organic sulfur-containing compounds into inorganic sulfur compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Isora Ranson, Carmen M. Rivas
  • Publication number: 20030170874
    Abstract: A process for treating liquid hydrocarbon, includes the steps of providing a liquid hydrocarbon containing complex sulfur-containing compounds, providing a bioactive material selected from or derived from members of genus Alcaligenes; and exposing the liquid hydrocarbon to the bioactive material under effective conditions such that the bioactive material interacts with the complex sulfur compounds and transforms the organic sulfur-containing compounds into inorganic sulfur compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Isora Ranson, Carmen M. Rivas
  • Patent number: 6593116
    Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Gjalt W. Huisman, Oliver P. Peoples, Frank A. Skraly
  • Patent number: 6444451
    Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Microorganisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Lonza AG
    Inventors: Karen Tracey Robins, Toru Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 6287842
    Abstract: Alcaligenes latus bacterial strain TXD-13 VKPM B 75-05 is capable of degrading polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The strain may be employed to detoxicate environment media and PCB-containing industrial waste. To produce biomass, the strain is incubated on media which contain carbon sources, nitrogen sources and mineral salts. The strain is cultivated by a subsurface method up to a titer from 6.0·108 to 2.0×109 cells per cu cm. The produced biomass is used for degrading PCBs in concentrations from 107 to 108 cells per cu cm. The strain ensures from 35 to 50% reduction in PCB content in soil and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Research Center for Toxicology and Hygienic Regulatiom of Biopreparation
    Inventors: Nikolai Romanovich Dyadischev, Gennady Alekseevich Zharikov, Vladimir Vladimirovich Kapranov
  • Patent number: 6183746
    Abstract: The invention provides immunogenic peptides from the HPV type 16 E7 protein that comprise overlapping class I restricted T cell epitopes. Also disclosed are methods of administering DNA molecules encoding these peptides to a host mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Zycos Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Urban, Roman M. Chicz, Edward J. Collins, Mary Lynne Hedley
  • Patent number: 6110916
    Abstract: The present invention discloses highly packed polycationic ammonium, sulfonium and phosphonium lipid compounds useful for making lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. They are especially useful for the DNA-dependent transformation of cells. Methods for their preparation and use as intracellular delivery agents are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Haces, Valentina C. Ciccarone
  • Patent number: 6080553
    Abstract: A creatine amidinohydrolase having the following physicochemical properties:Action: catalyzing the following reaction;creatine+H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.sarcosine+ureaOptimum temperature: about 40-50.degree. C.Optimum pH: pH about 8.0-9.0Heat stability: not more than about 50.degree. C. (pH 7.5, 30 min)Km value for creatine in a coupling assay using a sarcosine oxidase and a peroxidase: about 3.5-10.0 mMMolecular weight: about 43,000 (SDS-PAGE)Isoelectric point: about 3.5,a method for producing said enzyme, comprising culture of microorganism producing said enzyme, a method for the determination of creatine or creatinine in a sample using said enzyme, and a reagent therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Sogabe, Takashi Hattori, Yoshiaki Nishiya, Yoshihisa Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6080562
    Abstract: Microorganisms are modified to permit production of HV/HB copolymers from substrates such as glucose by inducing amiono acid overproduction in those capable of synthesising and polymerising hydroxybutyrate or adding to an amino acid overproducer the genetic material necessary for it to synthesise and polymerise hydroxybutrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: David Byrom, Alexander Steinbuchel
  • Patent number: 6057147
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for enhanced bioremediation of hydrocarbons removed from a contaminated object comprising: (a) a basin for cleansing said hydrocarbon-contaminated object, said basin having a means for introducing a recycling bioremediating cleaning solution (NATURES WAY PC.TM.) for washing said object, a means for draining said solution from said basin into a biochamber reservoir and a means for screening particles from said solution upon entry into said reservoir; and (b) said reservoir having a means for temperature control between 90.degree. to 112.degree. F., means for aerating said solution, means for agitating said solution, an outlet means to a plurality of filters for filtering said solution, an inlet means from said filters and means for removing filtered sediments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventors: Bert A. Overland, Gary M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5922317
    Abstract: Decompression from dives using nitrogen or hydrogen as a dilutent gas are celerated by introducing into the large intestine an enzyme or, preferably non-toxic bacteria from the group that metabolizes hydrogen or from the group that metabolizes nitrogen. The bacteria are encouraged to multiply and feed on the hydrogen or nitrogen (dependent on the gas mixture used in the dive) by metabolizing the diluent gas released into the large intestine and the new product is vented from the large intestine. The metabolism of the hydrogen or nitrogen causes a reduction of the partial pressure of the metabolized gas in the large intestine thereby increasing the diffusion of the metabolized gas from the blood and surrounding tissues into the intestine. The delivery of the bacteria is accomplished by any one of several means with packaging of the enzyme or bacteria in enteric coatings for oral ingestion as a prefered means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Susan R. Kayar, Milton J. Axley
  • Patent number: 5894062
    Abstract: A hydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA)is recovered from matter derived from living organisms by dissolving the PHA in a solvent which is a lower ketone, dialkyl ether or a lower alcohol or a monocarboxylic acid ester thereof, separating the solution from such matter and recovering PHA from the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventor: John MacDonald Liddell
  • Patent number: 5871980
    Abstract: A process for producing poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) by culturing Alcaligenes on a low water-solubility aliphatic carboxylic acid and, or hydrolysable derivative of low solubility in pure water, by fermenting the organism in a growth step on a nutrient medium containing inter alia phosphorus in a quantity corresponding to the intended quantity of bacterial cells to be grown until cell growth stops or slows substantially, then in a PHA accumulation stage fermenting the grown cells by feeding said low-solubility carbon source while monitoring pH and adjusting it by addition of ammonia and/or alkaline alkali metal compound until a design quantity of PHA has been produced, and recovering PHA from the product. Further phosphorus may be fed to the accumulation stage at a rate sufficient to permit some bacterial growth but insufficient to permit growth to the exclusion of PHA accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Linda Anne Naylor, John Christopher Wood
  • Patent number: 5871616
    Abstract: Enzymatic dehalogenation of undesirable nitrogen-free organohalogen compounds is carried out by adding a dehalogenase to an aqueous composition comprising a nitrogen-free organohalogen compound and a nitrogen-containing cationic polymer. The enzymatic dehalogenation of the nitrogen-free organohalogen compound is achieved without any substantial effect upon the nitrogen-free organohalogen compound. The dehalogenation method may be carried out via continuous, batch, or semi-continuous processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan Bull, David J. Hardman, Brian M. Stubbs, Paul J. Sallis
  • Patent number: 5846808
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel amylase which mainly forms maltohexaose and maltoheptaose when reacted with starch, but does not substantially hydrolyze maltohexaose and an oligosaccharide of lower molecular than maltohexaose. The amylase can be prepared from microorganisms of the genus Alcaligenes, and has a relatively-high optimum temperature and thermal stability, as well as a relatively-wide range of optimum pH and pH stability. By using the amylase, saccharide compositions rich in maltohexaose and/or maltoheptaose or those rich on maltohexaitol and/or maltoheptaitol can be readily prepared in an industrial scale, and the saccharide compositions thus obtained can be used in a variety of food products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakano, Hiroto Chaen, Toshiyuki Sugimoto, Toshio Miyake
  • Patent number: 5834439
    Abstract: The present invention discloses highly packed polycationic ammonium, sulfonium and phosphonium lipid compounds useful for making lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. They are especially useful for the DNA-dependent transformation of cells. Methods for their preparation and use as intracellular delivery agents are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Haces, Valentina C. Ciccarone
  • Patent number: 5786162
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Vito
    Inventors: Philippe Corbisier, Maximilien Mergeay, Ludovicus Diels
  • Patent number: 5750382
    Abstract: A process for efficiently producing (S,S)-2-alkoxycyclohexanols in a single step by using (.+-.)-trans-2-alkoxycyclohexanols which are inexpensive and can be easily obtained. The process comprises treating a (.+-.)-trans-2-alkoxycyclohexanol with a hydrolase originating in a microorganism and being capable of esterifying stereospecifically the R-isomer in the presence of an acyl donor under such conditions that no hydrolysis occurs substantially to thereby give (S,S)-2-alkoxycyclohexanols and (R,R)-2-alkoxycyclohexanol carboxylate and then taking up the (S,S)-2-alkoxycyclohexanols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Naoaki Taoka, Mizuho Honda, Kenji Inoue, Kazunori Kan
  • Patent number: 5739024
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel amylase which mainly forms maltohexaose and maltoheptaose when acts on starch, but does not substantially hydrolyze maltohexaose and a lower molecular oligosaccharide than maltohexaose. The amylase can be prepared from microorganisms of the genus Alcaligenes, and has a relatively-high optimum temperature and thermal stability, as well as a relatively-wide range of optimum pH and pH stability. By using the amylase, saccharide compositions rich in maltohexaose and/or maltoheptaose or those rich in maltohexaitol and/or maltoheptaitol can be readily prepared in an industrial scale, and the saccharide compositions thus obtained can be used in a variety of food products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakano, Hiroto Chaen, Toshiyuki Sugimoto, Toshio Miyake
  • Patent number: 5700666
    Abstract: A process for the production of arabinonucleotides of general formula I ##STR1## in which X represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, is described, which is characterized in that an arabinonucleoside of general formula II ##STR2## in which X has the above-mentioned meaning, is fermented in the presence of an aryl phosphate of general formula III ##STR3## in which Y symbolizes a hydrogen atom or a nitro group andZ symbolizes two hydrogen atoms or two alkali metal atoms,with a microorganism that is capable of phosphorylating nucleosides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heidi Hummel-Marquardt, Thomas Schmitz, Mario Kennecke, Alfred Weber
  • Patent number: 5695978
    Abstract: The invention provides a gene encoding penicillin G acylase, the enzyme encoded by said gene and a method for the production of said enzyme by incorporating said gene in a host and bringing the same to expression. The gene is preferably obtained from a strain of the microorganism Alcaligenes faecalis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Gist-Brocades, N.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes Quax
  • Patent number: 5691174
    Abstract: A plastic is recovered from microorganisms containing it by chemically solubilising non plastic material with an oxidising agent in the presence of a chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: John Macdonald Liddell, Timothy John Locke
  • Patent number: 5688672
    Abstract: Process for the biotechnological preparation of L-thienylalanines in enantiomerically pure form from 2-hydroxy-3-thienylacrylic acidsL-Thienylalanines are prepared via the hydantoin or the azlactone route. The starting substances used for the biotransformation are 2-hydroxy-3-thienylacrylic acids. The innovative step consists in the transamination of the enol form of the 2-hydroxy-3-thienylacrylic acids to give L-thienylalanines with the aid of biotransformation. The transaminiation is carried out in the presence of L-aspartic acid or L-glutamic acid as amino donor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Kretzschmar, Johannes Meiwes, Manfred Schudok, Peter Hammann, Ulrich Lerch, Susanne Grabley
  • Patent number: 5677156
    Abstract: Fumaric acid is produced by reacting maleic acid in an aqueous solution with a microorganism which has maleate isomerase activity or with a preparation from the microorganism having the maleate isomerase activity, and producing fumaric acid in a reaction solution by enzymatic isomerization of maleic acid carried out under the condition that the dissolved oxygen concentration in the reaction solution is substantially maintained at 4 ppm or less, for example, by sealing the reaction solution with one or more gases selected from N.sub.2, Ar, and He.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Goto, Izuru Tokumaru, Masato Terasawa, Hideaki Yukawa
  • Patent number: 5674908
    Abstract: The present invention discloses highly packed polycationic ammonium, sulfonium and phosphonium lipid compounds useful for making lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. They are especially useful for the DNA-dependent transformation of cells. Methods for their preparation and use as intracellular delivery agents are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alberto Haces, Valentina C. Ciccarone
  • Patent number: 5656422
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and other phenoxy ether compounds. The phenoxy ether bond of 2,4-D is enzymatically cleaved by 2,4-D .alpha.-ketoglutarate dioxygenase to form 2,4-dichlorophenol, which is assayed by the 4-aminoantipyrine method. The enzyme is supplied in a dried form, preferably immobilized on a solid support, and is stable at room temperature for several months even in a highly impure state, e.g., crude cell extracts or dried cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Crawford, Yongxiang Gu, Roger A. Korus, David B. Knaebel
  • Patent number: 5622847
    Abstract: Solid materials are separated from micro organisms by a process which comprises growing them at a fermentation temperature, conditioning them by cooling them without freezing and then heating to above the fermentation temperature without permitting substantial recovery from the conditioning stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Robert H. Cumming, Julie S. Watson, Paul Rees
  • Patent number: 5622712
    Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR1## or an optical isomer thereof wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are an alkyl or alkenyl group of 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 are the same or different and are alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl, aralkyl of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, or when two or three of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are taken together to form quinuclidino, piperidino, pyrrolidino, or morpholino; n is 1 to 8; and X is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah A. Eppstein, Philip L. Felgner, Thomas R. Gadek, Gordon H. Jones, Richard B. Roman
  • Patent number: 5599697
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of producing .beta.-1,3-glucan wherein a microbe capable of producing .beta.-1,3-glucan is cultured in a medium containing as a nitrogen source an ammonium salt of an organic carboxylic acid the microbe can assimilate wherein the .beta.-1,3-glucan is produced and accumulated, and then harvesting. The .beta.-1,3-glucan production method of the present invention does not require addition of a pH regulator such as calcium carbonate or alkali ions, since the medium does not decrease in pH because a microbe capable of producing .beta.-1,3-glucan is cultured in a medium containing as a nitrogen source an ammonium salt of an organic carboxylic acid which the microbe can assimilate. For this reason, cultivation is not adversely affected, nor does any salt form in the medium, aspects which facilitate purification of said glucan, offering an industrially excellent production method. Moreover, the method of the present invention makes it feasible to produce .beta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Kanegae, Kazutsugu Kimura, Isamu Nakatsui
  • Patent number: 5597716
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing D-lactic acid and L-lactamide, comprising allowing a culture broth of a microorganism capable of asymmetric hydrolysis of DL-lactamide belonging to the genus Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Brevibacterium, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Micrococcus or Rhodococcus, the microorganism itself, a material obtained therefrom or an immobilized material thereof to act on DL-lactamide, and recovering the resulting D-lactic acid and the remaining L-lactamide. The present invention enables sufficient production of D-lactic acid and L-lactamide by the present microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Sato, Eiji Ozaki, Chinami Iida, Yoshimasa Kobayashi, Akihiro Sakimae
  • Patent number: 5578474
    Abstract: A recombinant microorganism strain having a desired metabolic property is produced by a process which utilizes a multiple chemostat system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Dennis D. Focht, Lothar P. Krockel
  • Patent number: 5550289
    Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR1## or an optical isomer thereof wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are an alkyl or alkenyl group of 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are the same or different and are alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl, aralkyl of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, or when two or three of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are taken together to form quinuclidino, piperidino, pyrrolidino, or morpholino; n is 1 to 8; and X is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah A. Eppstein, Philip L. Felgner, Thomas R. Gadek, Gordon H. Jones, Richard B. Roman
  • Patent number: 5545412
    Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formula ##STR1## or an optical isomer thereof wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are an alkyl or alkenyl group of 6 to 24 carbon atoms; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are the same or different and are alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl, aralkyl of 7 to 11 carbon atoms, or when two or three of R.sup.3, R.sup.4, and R.sup.5 are taken together to form quinuclidino, piperidino, pyrrolidino, or morpholino, n is 1 to 8; and X is a pharmaceutically acceptable anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah A. Eppstein, Philip L. Felgner, Thomas R. Gadek, Gordon H. Jones, Richard B. Roman
  • Patent number: 5541090
    Abstract: A process for production of L-aspartic acid comprising the steps of (1) contacting (A) an enzyme-containing material having maleate isomerase activity and aspartase activity, or (B) an enzyme-containing product having maleate isomerase activity and an enzyme-containing material having aspartase activity, with a substrate solution containing maleic acid and ammonia, and/or ammonium maleate to form L-aspartic acid, and (2) recovering L-aspartic acid from the reaction solution, characterized by adding maleic anhydride and/or maleic acid to the reaction solution to crystallize L-aspartic acid, and (3) recycling the mother liquors as the substrate solution by addition of ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Sakano, Takaya Hayashi, Masaharu Mukouyama
  • Patent number: 5538867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the electrochemical regeneration of pyridine cofactors.The process of the invention is characterized by the use, in a reaction medium subjected to electrolysis, of a cytoplasmic hydrogenase enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: ELF Aquitaine
    Inventors: Helene Durliat, Maurice Comtat, Jean-Luis Seris
  • Patent number: 5527699
    Abstract: An amylase is preferrably obtained from Alcaligenes latus FERM BP-4578. The amylase has an activity of mainly forming maltohexaose and maltoheptaose from starch, but does not substantially have an activity of hydrolyzing maltohexaose and an oligosaccharide having a molecular weight lower than maltohexaose. The amylase does not substantially act on maltoheptaose and has a molecular weight of about 43,000+3,000 daltons as measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It has an isoelectric point of about 7.6+0.5 as measured on isoelectrophoresis using an ampholyte, an optimum pH of about 5.0 in the presence of calcium ion, an optimum temperature of about 70.degree. C. in the presence of calcium ion as measured in terms of relative enzyme activity, a pH stability of about 4.5-10.5 in the presence of calcium ion and a thermal stability up to about 60.degree. C. in the presence of calcium ion as measured in terms of residual enzyme activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakano, Hiroto Chaen, Toshiyuki Sugimoto, Toshio Miyake
  • Patent number: 5516661
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Lonza Ltd.
    Inventors: Andreas Kiener, Markus Rohner, Klaus Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 5451520
    Abstract: A creatine amidinohydrolase with the following physicochemical properties is prepared:(a) action: hydrolysis of 1 mole of creatine to form 1 mole of sarcosine and 1 mole of urea;(b) substrate specificity: specific for a creatine substrate;(c) optimum pH: 7-9;(d) optimum temperature: around 35.degree.-45.degree. C.;(e) pH stability: stable in the range of pH 5.0-10.5 at 25.degree. C. for 17 hours;(f) thermal stability: stable at a temperature up to about 45.degree. C. at pH 7.5 for 30 min.;(g) inhibitors: AgNO.sub.3, HgCl.sub.2, CuSO.sub.4, etc.; and(h) molecular weight: about 80,000.+-.5000 as determined by gel filtration.The creatine amidinohydrolase is stable in high pH range and possesses a small Km value, so that it can be purified in high pH range resulting in more easy and simple production than the conventional enzyme, and the lower Km value enables reduction in the period of time and in the amount of the enzyme for each measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Kikkoman Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Furukawa, Kyoko Hashimoto, Masaru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5387513
    Abstract: A microbiological process, capable of producing polymers comprising monomer repeat units of the structure--O.CH((CH.sub.2).sub.x CH.sub.3).CH.sub.2.--CO--wherein x is particularly 6 from glucose, novel polymers produced through the process and new strains of Pseudomonas for use in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Zeneca Limited
    Inventors: Alistair J. Anderson, Edwin A. Dawes, Geoffrey W. Haywood, David Byrom
  • Patent number: RE39352
    Abstract: A creatine amidinohydrolase having the following physicochemical properties: Action: catalyzing the following reaction; creatine+H2O?sarcosine+urea Optimum temperature: about 40-50° C. Optimum pH: pH about 8.0-9.0 Heat stability: not more than 50° C. (pH 7.5, 30 min) Km value for creatine in a coupling assay using a sarcosine oxidase and a peroxidase: about 3.5-10.00 mM Molecular weight: about 43,000 (SDS-PAGE) Isoelectric point: 3.5 4.5, a method for producing said enzyme, comprising culture of microorganism producing said enzyme, a method for the determination of creatine or creatinine in a sample using said enzyme, and a reagent therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Sogabe, Takashi Hattori, Yoshiaki Nishiya, Yoshihisa Kawamura