Abstract: A method of assaying for acyl-L-carnitines including short chain acyl-carnitines including acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine in a substance, comprises subjecting a sample of the substance to be analyzed to an enzymatic hydrolysis using an acyl-carnitine esterase. The esterase is produced by Alcaligenes sp. FERM BP-2570 and it has substrate specificity for acyl-L-carnitines including short-chain acyl-L-carnitines. In addition the esterase demonstrates substrate specificity for acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. The enzyme facilitates the hydrolysis reaction of one mole each of the acyl-L-carnitines with one mole of water in which to form one mole each of the corresponding fatty acid and L-carnitine. The amount of the fatty acid and L-carnitine formed is determined by this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer comprising a polysaccharide having excellent water absorption properties, moisture absorption properties, moisture retention properties and thickening properties. Said polysaccharide has the following properties: (A) the principal constituents of the sugar composition are rhamnose, fucose, glucose and glucuronic acid which are present in a molar ratio of (1-4):2:(1-8):(1-4); (B) elemental analysis (wt %):C: 36 .+-.3H: 7 .+-.1O: 56 .+-.4,containing 9-13% of crystalline water(C) solubility:slightly soluble in water; soluble in alkalies; insoluble in methanol, ethanol and acetone;(D) UV absorption spectrum:no absorption detected at 280 nm characteristic of proteins (peptides) or at 260 nm characteristic of nucleic acids; and(E) IR absorption spectrum:an absorption pattern characteristic of polysaccharides is observed near 800-1200.sup.-iSaid polysaccharide is produced by a fermentation method using a natural medium or a synthetic medium of Alcaligenes microorganism.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the formulaor 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.

Abstract: A microbiological process, and novel bacteria e.g. Alcaligenes eutrophus NCIMB 40124, for use in such a process. The process enables the more efficient production of copolymers comprising hydroxyvalerate and hydroxybutyrate monomer units.

Abstract: An improved method for producing a microbial polyester comprising 3-hydroxybutyrate monomer units is disclosed, in which a strain belonging to the genus Alcaligenes is cultured in a liquid medium containing a carbon source selected from specific long chain fatty acids and derivatives thereof. The produced microbial polyester is useful in plastics and polymers which are free from environmental pollution problems, and in implanting materials and drug carriers, recovery of which is not necessary.

Abstract: Mixtures of enantiomeric D,L-threo 2-amino-3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionic acids can be stereoisomerically enriched by contacting the mixture with a D-threonine aldolase. In a typical embodiment, D- and L-threo 2-amino-3-hydroxy-3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)propionic acid is treated with D-threonine aldolase to produce L-threo 2-amino-3-hydroxy-3-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)propionic acid with a high ee. The benzaldehyde and amino acid formed from the D-threo isomer can be recycled.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxypicolinic acid starting from picolinic acid and/or its salts. The concentration of picolinic acid and/or its salts is selected so that the 6-hydroxypicolinic acid is not further metabolized. The process is performed either by microorganisms of genus Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Alcaligenes, Aerococcus, or Rhodotorula, or with biomass using picolinic acid, which grow with picolinic acid as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source.

Abstract: Copolymers of poly(beta-hydroxybutyric acid) and poly (beta-hydroxyvaleric acid) are produced by culturing alcohol-utilizing strains of Alcaligenes eutrophus on a carbon source including primary alcohols having an odd number of carbon atoms such as propan-1-ol.

Abstract: A method of assaying L-carnitine in a specimen comprises reacting a specimen containing L-carnitine with:a) L-carnitine dehydrogenase having coenzymes of the thio-NAD group and of the NAD group, and which catalyzes a reversible reaction forming dehydrocarnitine from a substrate of carnitine,b) A.sub.1 andc) B.sub.1to effect a cycling reaction of the formula ##STR1## wherein A.sub.1 is thio-NAD group or NAD group, A.sub.2 is a reduced form of A.sub.1, when A.sub.1 is thio-NAD group, B.sub.1 is reduced NAD group and when A.sub.1 is NAD group, B.sub.1 is reduced thio-NAD, and wherein B.sub.2 is an oxidized form of B.sub.1 ; and measuring an amount of A.sub.2 or B.sub.1 generated or consumed by the cycling reaction. A composition for performing the assay comprises the above L-carnitine dehydrogenase, as well as the above components A.sub.1 and B.sub.1.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of copolymers comprising 3-hydroxybutyrate (HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (HV) units by the cultivation of certain strains of Corynebacterium, and Rhodococcus, some of which are novel on a substrate containing e.g. glucose. The process can also be used to produce the previously unknown homopolymer of HV by using a substrate of valeric acid.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxypyrazinecarboxylic acid and/or its salts with microorganisms using picolinic acid and/or its salts. The microorganisms grow with picolinic acid and/or its salts as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source. In this way the formed 6-hydroxypyrazinecarboxylic acid is accumulated in the medium and then isolated.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxypicolinic acid starting from picolinic acid and/or its salts. The concentration of picolinic acid and/or its salts is selected so that the 6-hydroxypicolinic acid is not further metabolized. The process is performed either by microorganisms of genus Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Alcalioenes, Aerococcus, or Rhodotorula, or with biomass using picolinic acid, which grow with picolinic acid as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source.

Abstract: A process for the predominantly producing R(-)-mandelic acid or a derivative thereof which comprises subjecting (i) R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, or (ii) a mixture of prussic acid and benzaldehyde or a derivative of benzaldehyde to the action of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of the genus Aureobacterium, Pseudomonas, Caseobacter, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter, Brevibacterium, Nocardia, and Bacillus or treated cells thereof, which the microorganism is capable of stereospecifically hydrolyzing a nitrile group of the R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, in a neutral or basic aqueous reaction system to produce the R(-)-mandelic acid.

Abstract: Process for extracting polyhydroxyalkanoates from the cell material of microorganisms by adding an organic solvent for the polyhydroxyalkanoate which is immiscible with water and which has a boiling point of below 100.degree. C., and, if appropriate, by adding water; stirring the resulting extraction mixture, if appropriate with refluxing; separating off the aqueous phase which contains the cell material in undissolved form from the organic phase; and injecting the organic phase into hot water, causing the dissolved polyhydroxyalkanoate to precipitate and the organic solvent to evaporate, and also isolating the precipitated polyhydroxyalkanoate flocs.

Abstract: A process for preparation of S-(+)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol which comprises cultivating a bacterium, which has an ability to assimilate R-(-)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol and belongs to the genus Alcaligenes, or its culture broth in a medium containing racemate 3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol, and recovering S-(+)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol from the resulting culture broth.

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.

Abstract: A process for making D-aminoacylse includes adding 1% N-acetyl-DL-amino acid preferably N-acetyl-DL-methionine and N-acetyl-DL-leucine in a culturing medium incubated with bacteria selected from the strain of Alcaligenes faecalis for culturing the bacteria and for inductively promoting an enzyme reaction to produce the D-aminoacylase which is able to hydrolyze D-amino acids and unable to hydrolyze L-amino acids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a copolymer, which comprises propagating cells of a bacterium having a capacity of producing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate mainly at a former stage, synthesizing and accumulating in the cells a copolymer comprising D-3-hydroxybutyrate and D-3-hydroxyvalerate by contacting the bacterium with a mixture of a carbon source utilizable by the bacterium and a primary alcohol having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, or with a primary alcohol having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, at a latter stage, and recovering the copolymer from the cells. According to this process, a copolymer comprising D-3-hydroxybutyrate and D-3-hydroxyvalerate can be manufactured in a large quantity at a low cost.

Abstract: A process for making L-aminoacylase includes a cultivation of microorganism selected from a specy of Alcaligenes, especially the Alcaligenes denitrificans DA 181, and a separation of a produced L-aminoacylase from the bacterial cells for obtaining the L-aminoacylase which may be further purified for the production of L-amino acid. The acylase made by such a process may have an increased stability, beneficial for its commercial and medical values.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxypicolinic acid starting from picolinic acid and/or its salts. The concentration of picolinic acid and/or its salts is selected so that the 6-hydroxypicolinic acid is not further metabolized. The process is performed either by microorganisms of genus Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Alcaligenes, Aerococcus, or Rhodotorula, or with biomass using picolinic acid, which grow with picolinic acid as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source.

Abstract: A process for producing optically active R-(+)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol, which comprises cultivating an S-(-)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol-assimilating strain belonging to the genus Alcaligenes in a culture medium containing racemate 2,3-dichloro-1-propanol, and recovering optical isomer R-(+)-2,3-dichloro-1-propanol from the culture broth and a pure culture of an S-(+)-dichloro-1-propanol-assimilating strain belonging to the genus Alcaligenes.

Abstract: A polysaccharide (Biopolymer B-16) being produced by cultivating Alcaligenes latus strain B-16 (FERM-2015) and having at least one function selected from water absorption, moisture absorption, humectant capability, thickening capability, suspension stability, emulsion stability and dispersant capability along with high biodegradability and which can be used without creating any environmental hazard such as secondary pollution, said Biopolymer B-16 consisting essentially of rhamnose, fucose, glucose, mannose and glucuronic acid which are present in a molar ratio of(1-10):(2-10):(4-20):(1):(1-5).

Abstract: A new class of L-carnitine dehydrogenase is disclosed, which is stable in solution and has a residual activity of greater than 70% after one week in a pH 9.0 buffer solution at 5.degree. C., a molecular weight of 51,000.+-.6,000 daltons, a pH optimum of 9.0, a optimum temperature of 50.degree. C. and an isoelectric point of pH 5.3.+-.0.6. Also disclosed is a process for producing the new enzyme from a microorganism of the Alcaligenes genus, preferably the newly-discovered species Alcaligenes sp. No. 981 FERM BP-2570.

Abstract: The present invention is a process of degrading 1,4-dibenz-oxazepine with a icroorganism enzymatically capable of converting the 1,4-dibenz-oxazepine into at least o-nitrophenol which is further converted to catechol. The present invention is preferably carried out using a strain of Alcaligenes denitrificans denitrificans. Additional related compounds which can be degraded with Alcaligenes denitrificans denitrificans include: o-nitrophenol, catechol, and 3-methylcatechol.

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.

Abstract: An isolated L-carnitine dehydrogenase is disclosed, which is stable in solution and has a residual activity of greater than 70% after one week in a pH 9.0 buffer solution at 5.degree. C. Also disclosed is a process for producing the new enzyme from a microorganism of the Alcaligenes genus, preferably the newly-discovered species Alcaligenes sp. No. 981 FERM BP-2570.

Abstract: A random copolymer comprising, as repeating units,(i) 20 to 90 mol % of 3-hydroxybutyrate unit (3HB) having the formula (I): ##STR1## (ii) 5 to 70 mol % of 3-hydroxyvalerate unit (3HV) having the formula (II): ##STR2## and (iii) 1 to 15 mol % of 4-hydroxyvalerate unit (4HV) having the formula (III): ##STR3## wherein the total of the units 3HB, 3HV, and 4HV is 100 mol %, and having a weight average molecular weight within the range of from 10,000 to 2,500,000 and a production process thereof.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of copolymers comprising 3-hydroxybutyrate (HB) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (HV) units by the cultivation of certain strains of Corynebacterium, and Rhodococcus, some of which are novel on a substrate containing e.g. glucose. The process can also be used to produce the previously unknown homopolymer of HV by using a substrate of valeric acid.

Abstract: A substantially purified N-acyl-L-proline-acylase from Comamonas testosteroni DSM 5416 and Alcaligenes denitrificans DSM 5417. The enzyme is useful for the synthesis of L-proline from various N-acyl-L-proline derivatives.

Abstract: A novel cyanide converting enzyme, a "cyanidase" is described.The enzyme is extremely efficient in reducing substantial concentrations of cyanide to very low levels in a broad pH, and temperature range, and in the presence of organics and metal ions.

Abstract: An optically active monoester of the formula of ##STR1## where R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.15 alkyl is disclosed. The monoester is produced by transesterification of cis-endo-bicyclo [2,2,2] oct-5-ene-2,3-dimethanol with a fatty acid alkyl or vinyl ester, or triglyceride by using an esterase.

Abstract: A process for the transesterification of substrates comprising (a) fat and oil and (b) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of fatty acid, fatty acid ester and other fat and oil with the use of a lipase, wherein said transesterification is effected in the presence of a monohydric lower alcohol.

Abstract: An efficient process of optical resolution is provided for producing an L-amino acid represented by the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R is --CH.sub.2 CO.sub.2 H, --CH.sub.2 CONH.sub.2, --CO.sub.2 H or ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 is hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a halogen-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. The process comprises an optical resolution of an N-substituted carbonyl-D,L-amino acid represented by the formula (II): ##STR3## (wherein R is the same as defined above and R.sup.

Abstract: Phosphinothricin (PTC) selection of bacteria which are not fungus-like yields PTC-resistant selectants. The DNA fragment which carries the resistance gene is obtained from the complete DNA of these selectants by constructing a gene bank and screening for chemical modification of PTC. The resistance gene can be localized to a fragment which is 2 kb in size, and selection for PTC resistance. This gene is suitable for producing PTC-resistant plants and propagation material thereof, and as a resistance marker as well. Microorganisms which contain this PTC-resistance gene can be used in sewage treatment plants.

Abstract: Process for obtaining a mass of polysaccharide-producing microorganisms, consisting in conducting the growth of the microorganisms in a medium containing an enzyme which hydrolyzes the formed polysaccharide.Application in a process for the production of polysaccharide in two stages, in which the growth stage takes place in the presence of an enzyme, particularly for the production of scleroglucane using sclerotium type fungi.

Abstract: Ethyl carbamate in an alcoholic liquor is decomposed by contacting the alcoholic liquor with a culture broth or processed matter thereof obtained from a microorganism which belongs to the genus Gluconobacter, Flavobacterium, Arthrobacter, Achromobacter, Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Rhodotorula, Rhodosporidium, Trichosporon or Candida, and is capable of decomposing ethyl carbamate. The alcoholic liquor is improved in quality, and has a low ethyl carbamate content.

Abstract: A process for preparing sorbic acid which comprises treating sorbic aldehyde with at least one microorganism selected from Mycobacterium, Rhodopseudomonas, Streptomyces, Acetobacter, Alcaligenes and Gluconobacter. According to the present invention, sorbic acid can be prepared in high yield by oxidizing sorbic aldehyde with the specific microorganism.

Abstract: A novel mixed bacterial culture isolated from soil by enrichment culture techniques produces a xanthanase enzyme complex which is stable to 65.degree. C. in the presence of salt. These properties render the heat-stable, salt-tolerant zanthanase useful for in situ degradation of xanthan gum in petroleum recovery fluids and other thickened industrial brines.

Abstract: This invention provides endo-.alpha.-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (endo-.alpha.-GalNAcase) from a microorganism belonging to the genus Alcarigenes. This endo-.alpha.-GalNAcase is very useful in the analysis of the structure and function of mucin-type sugar chains of glycoproteins, as it is an enzyme that cleaves O-glycosidic linkages of sugar chains of glycoproteins, releasing the sugar chain from said protein.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting 4-substituted biphenyls, such as 4-hydroxybiphenyl, to the corresponding 3,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl utilizing mutant strains of Alcaligenes eutrophus or Pseudomonas putida. Hydroxylation of the unsubstituted biphenyl ring to the corresponding (1S-cis)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,2-diol and its conversion to the corresponding triacetate, followed by treatment in base to form 3,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a process of degrading 1,4-dibenz-oxazepine with a icroorganism enzymatically capable of converting the 1,4-dibenz-oxazepine into at least o-nitrophenol which is further converted to catechol. The present invention is preferably carried out using a strain of Alcaligenes denitrificans denitrificans. Additional related compounds which can be degraded with Alcaligenes denitrificans denitrificans include: o-nitrophenol, catechol, and 3-methylcatechol.

Abstract: Low viscosity welan gum having a 5% (wt.) aqueous solution viscosity of 100 cP and process for preparation of such are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the biotechnological preparation of poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid, herein referred to as PHB, which comprises culturing a microorganism that is a strain of Alcaligenes latus or a PHB-producing mutant thereof with unrestricted supply of nutrients, under unlimited growth conditions in the temperature range from 36.degree. to 42.degree. C. at a dissolved oxygen content of 25 to 50% of the saturation value for air and a pH value of 6.0 to 7.5. The PHB is then isolated in the customary manner from the biomass thereby obtained.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a biologically pure culture of a cellulose-producing microorganism, preferably a prokaryote. This cellulose-producing microorganism is capable, during fermentation in an aqueous nutrient medium containing assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen and inorganic substances, of reversal of direction of cellulose ribbon extrusion. This reversal of direction of cellulose ribbon extrusion results on the cellulose-producing microorganism shuttling, at least periodically, first in one direction and then in the other direction along a length of an earlier-deposited cellulose ribbon to add another cellulose ribbon thereto and produce a cellulose ribbon-bundle having a width of at least two cellulose ribbons.The cellulose-producing microorganism of the present invention may be of the genus Acetobacter, Agrobacterium, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas or Alcaligenes, preferably of the genus Acetobacter and more preferably of the species Acetobacter xylinum or Acetobacter pasteurianus.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of micro-organism cells containing a 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer are subjected to a proteolytic enzyme digestion and/or a surfactant digestion in order to solubilise cell material other than the 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer.Prior to, or during the digestion, but before any proteolytic enzyme digestion step, the suspension is heated to at least 80.degree. C. to denature nucleic acids which otherwise hinder separation of the 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer containing residue from the suspension.

Abstract: A novel mixed bacterial culture isolated from soil by enrichment culture techniques produces a xanthanase enzyme complex which is stable to 65.degree. C. in the presence of salt. These properties render the heat-stable, salt-tolerant xanthanase useful for in situ degradation of xanthan gum in petroleum recovery fluids and other thickened industrial brines.

Abstract: A method is provided for effecting the reduction of PCB contamination in organic waste by utilizing a particular strain of a biologically pure culture of Alcaligenes eutrophus under aerobic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a unique biologically pure culture of a microorganism belonging to Alcaligenes species. The microorganism has the property of producing novel 17.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17.beta.-HSD) capable of enzymatic reaction with an androgen and an estrogen. The methods of isolation the microorganism and the 17.beta.-HSD have been described. An assay and a kit for detecting the presence of C.sub.18 and C.sub.19 steroids in biological samples have also been disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for effecting the reduction of PCB contamination in organic waste by utilizing a particular strain of a biologically pure culture of Alcaligenes eutrophus under aerobic conditions.