Abstract: The present invention provides a stable complex microbial system, which simultaneously decomposes a plurality of organic contaminants even under a polluted environment with these contaminants and permits more effective decomposition of persistent organic contaminants such as PCNB and simazine. A support for holding a complexed accumulation of degrading bacteria, which contains a porous material provided as a support on which a degrading bacterium A capable of degrading at least one organic contaminant and a degrading bacterium B capable of degrading another organic contaminant are accumulated, is produced. The degrading bacterium A may be a PCNB-degrading bacterium, particularly a degrading bacterium containing a degrading bacterium having part or all of mycological characteristics of Nocardioides sp. PD653 and the degrading bacterium B may be a degrading bacterium containing a degrading bacterium having part or all of mycological characteristics of ?-Proteobacteria CDB21.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable complex microbial system, which simultaneously decomposes a plurality of organic contaminants even under a polluted environment with these contaminants and permits more effective decomposition of persistent organic contaminants such as PCNB and simazine. A support for holding a complexed enrichment of degrading bacteria, which contains a porous material provided as a support on which degrading bacteria A capable of degrading at least one organic contaminant and degrading bacteria B capable of degrading another organic contaminant are enriched, is produced. The degrading bacteria A may be a PCNB-degrading bacteria, particularly degrading bacteria containing degrading bacteria having part or all of the bacteriological characteristics of Nocardioides sp. PD653 and the degrading bacteria B may be degrading bacteria containing degrading bacteria having part or all of the bacteriological characteristics of ?-Proteobacteria CDB21.

Abstract: A polyester containing aromatic moieties is contacted with microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester to decompose or reduce it. Preferably, either or both of Trichosporon FERM BP-6445 or Arthrobacter FERM BP-6444 was contacted with the polyester to decompose or reduce it. A fiber made of the polyester or a cloth made of such fiber may be reduced by contacting it with the microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an industrially efficient method for producing an L-amino acid useful as medicament, chemical agent, food material and feed additive, and the method comprising culturing in a medium a microorganism having an ability to produce the L-amino acid and having resistance to a DNA gyrase inhibitor or a microorganism having an ability to produce the L-amino acid and having both resistance to a DNA gyrase inhibitor and resistance to an aminoquinoline derivative, producing and accumulating the L-amino acid therein and recovering the L-amino acid therefrom.

Abstract: A purified amino alcohol dehydrogenase which reductively converts a keto alcohol into an amino alcohol and oxidatively converts an amino alcohol into a keto alcohol is disclosed. The enzyme is NAD(H) dependent, has a molecular weight of 100,000 Da when determined by gel filtration, has a optimum temperature of about 30° C. in reductive amination, an optimum pH of 10.0 in an oxidative deamination and of 7.0 in a reductive amination and can be isolated from Steptomyces virginiae.

Abstract: A polyester containing aromatic moieties is contacted with microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester to decompose or reduce it. Preferably, either or both of Trichosporon FERM BP-6445 or Arthrobacter FERM BP-6444 was contacted with the polyester to decompose or reduce it. A fiber made of the polyester or a cloth made of such fiber may be reduced by contacting it with the microorganisms having the activity of decomposing the polyester.

Abstract: The method for preparing an optically active (R)-amino compound characterized by the method comprising stereoselectively carrying out amino group transfer by action of an (R)-form-specific transaminase in the co-presence of a ketone compound (amino acceptor), and an amino compound (amino donor) of a racemic form or an (R)-form, to give an optically active (R)-amino compound. According to the present invention, it is made possible to easily prepare at a high yield the optically active (R)-amino compounds and the like having an aryl group and the like at their 1-position, which have been conventionally difficult to prepare.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous effluents that contain at least one ether, preferably ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) and/or methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and/or tert-amylmethylether (TAME) to reduce the concentration of said ether is described, characterized in that in the presence of a growth substrate, at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Gordona terrae CIP I-1889 and Rhodococcus equi CIP I-2053 is grown in aerobic conditions, and the ether that is contained in the effluents is degraded in the presence of the substrate by the biomass of the bacteria that are thus produced.

Abstract: The method for preparing an optically active (R)-amino compound characterized by the method comprising stereoselectively carrying out amino group transfer by action of an (R)-form-specific transaminase in the co-presence of a ketone compound (amino acceptor), and an amino compound (amino donor) of a racemic form or an (R)-form, to give an optically active (R)-amino compound. According to the present invention, it is made possible to easily prepare at a high yield the optically active (R)-amino compounds and the like having an aryl group and the like at their 1-position, which have been conventionally difficult to prepare.

Abstract: A process for producing acetephenone from a source of cinnamic acid is carried out with high amounts of oxygen and sugar in the presence of a bacteria species. Fragrance compositions and foodstuff compositions are augmented and enhanced by the presence of the product compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for removing fumarase activity from a microorganism or processed product thereof having ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid ethylenediamine lyase activity, which includes treating the microorganism or processed product thereof with an aqueous alkaline solution at a pH of 8.0 to 10.5 in the presence of at least one salt with a concentration of 5 mM to 1000 mM. The salt is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium, ammonium and C.sub.2-6 alkanediamine salts of boric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid and ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for treating aqueous effluents that contain ethyl-tert-butyl ether (ETBE) to reduce the ETBE concentration is described, characterized in that in the presence of effluents, at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Gordona terrae CIP I-1889 and Rhodococcus equi CIP I-2053 and in the presence of at least one bacterium that is selected from the group that is formed by Pseudomonas cepacia CIP 1-2052, Arthrobacter globiformis ATCC 53596, Bacillus coagulans ATCC 53595, Pseudomonas stutzerii ATCC 53602 and Mycobacterium vaccae JOB5 are grown to degrade essentially all of the ETBE. The concentration of ETBE in the effluent is equal to at most 1500 mg/L. Application for the water treatment industry.

Abstract: A process for preparing .alpha.-hydroxy acids represented by the general formula (II): RCH(OH)COOH (wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted C2-C6 alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkoxy group, an optionally substituted aryl group, an optionally substituted aryloxy group, or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group) by allowing a microorganism to act on .alpha.-hydroxy nitriles (I): RCH(OH)CN (wherein R is as defined above) to hydrolyze and convert the .alpha.-hydroxy nitrites to .alpha.-hydroxy acids (II), wherein the .alpha.-hydroxy acids (II) are produced and accumulated in an aqueous solvent by a microorganism having the concentration resistance to the .alpha.-hydroxy nitrites (I) and/or .alpha.-hydroxy acids (II) and durability preferably in the presence of a cyanide, and harvested. According to this process, the use of the microorganism having the concentration resistance to the .alpha.-hydroxy nitriles (I) and/or .

Abstract: There is provided a method for improving optical purity of an amine compound of the formula I: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 indicates a phenyl group which may be substituted or an aralkyl group having 7 to 10 carbon atoms which may be substituted, and R.sup.2 indicates an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, which is characterized by contacting a cutlture of a microorganism belonging to Arthrobacter having an ability to preferentially metabolize one optical isomer based on an asymmetric carbon atom to which an amino group bonds in the amine compound of the formula I or a treated product thereof with the amine compound of the formula I.

Abstract: A process for the isolation and characterization of a gene enzyme system for the inactivation of the herbicide phenmedipham, wherein the enzyme is a carbamate hydrolase of Arthrobacter oxidans, which is responsible for the cleavage of the carbamate bond between the benzene rings of phenmedipham. This process includes the isolation of the carbamate hydrolase, the identification of the amino acid sequence of two BrCN cleavage peptides of the carbamate hydrolase, the synthesis of oligonucleotides for specific determination of the carbamate hydrolase sequence by hybridization and identification of the coding region, cloning and specifying the nucleotide sequence of the carbamate hydrolase gene from Arthrobacter oxidans.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention it has been found that the growth of conifer seedlings in the greenhouses and in the field can be enhanced when inocula comprising selected bacterial strain are employed. In particular, bacterial strains Arthrobacter sp. 44-9 ATCC 55035 and Pseudomonas fluorescencs 36-43 ATCC 55034. Bacterial strains can promote the growth of conifer seedlings at cold temperature and mildly acidic environments characteristic of conifer soils.

Abstract: The present invention provide processes for producing an optically active quinuclidinol from a quinuclidinone using an asymmetric reduction by a microorganism and enzyme with commercial advantages in simple and easy manner. In the present invention, permit a microorganism or preparation thereof to act on a quinuclidinone (3-quinuclidinone), and recover or harvest an optically active quinuclidinol produced (3-quinuclidinol). The microorganisms capable of producing an (R)-3-quinuclidinol from a 3-quinuclidinone include the genus Nakazawaea, the genus Candida and the genus Proteus. The microorganisms capable of producing an (S)-3-quinuclidinol from a 3-quinuclidinone include the genus Arthrobacter, the genus Pseudomonas and the genus Rhodosporidium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain of Arthrobacter sp. CBS 208.96 capable of selectively effecting the opening of the C-S bond of sulfurated organic molecules present in carbonaceous materials and its use in a process for the selective removal of organic sulfur from fossil fuels contained therein.

Abstract: A method of producing L-amino acids by fermentation. Microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium which exhibit an auxotrophy relative to an amino acid are used as biocatalysts. The method is characterized in that the carbon source on the one hand and the limiting amino acid on the other hand are fed in two or more different infeed currents to the process. The infeed profiles have, for example, a concave (saccharose) and an exponential (amino acid) form or a convex (saccharose) and likewise a convex (amino acid) form, with specific differing degrees of increase of the currents relative to each other over time.

Abstract: Process for preparing neuraminidase, by using as the bacterial strain the Arthrobacter Sp in a culture containing low concentrations of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid.

Abstract: A microbiological assay for chemicals, which uses a cell and a reducing dye to quantitatively measure inhibition of electron transport in the cell membrane as a function of chemicals in the substance being tested, is disclosed. This assay and method is reliable, simple, fast, and inexpensive, requires a minimum amount of durable equipment, and avoids the need for the use of live animals as the indicator organisms. The assay is particularly useful for testing for toxicity in food products, environmental, medical and industrial processes, sewage treatment, effluent, agricultural wastes, and chemical dumps.

Abstract: DSM 9771 is a mutant of DSM 7330 which was obtained under selective pressure. Its enzymatic activity is higher by a factor of 2.3 than that of its parent organism. In the presence of an inducer, this activity may be farther increased by a factor of 2.7. The reaction catalyzed by this microorganism or enzymes therefrom is the enantioselective conversion of a D-5-monosubstituted hydantoin or an L-5-monosubstituted hydantoin or a D-N-carbamoyl amino acid or an L-N-carbamoyl amino acid to a corresponding L-.alpha.-amino acid.

Abstract: We describe a bioorganic process for the preparation of cyclopentanone and cyclopentenone derivatives of formula ##STR1## by .beta.-oxidation of appropriate substrates, carried out by means of microorganisms.The process is useful for preparation of 3-oxo-2-pentyl-1-cyclopentaneacetic and (Z)-3-oxo-2-(2-pentenyl)-1-cyclopentane-acetic acids and their methyl esters, compounds useful in the perfume and flavor industries.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microbial esterase which enantioselectively cleaves (S)-1-phenylethyl acetate and is obtainable from Arthrobacter spec. (DSM 7034), Pseudomonas fluorescens (DSM 7033) or Bacillus subtilis (DSM 7035) as well as a process for enantioselectively cleaving a 1-arylalkyl ester of a carboxylic acid and a process for the production of an enantiomerically-pure 1-arylalkanol using this esterase.

Abstract: A recombinant microorganism strain having a desired metabolic property is produced by a process which utilizes a multiple chemostat system.

Abstract: Nitrogen-containing phenol compounds are biodegradable by a consortium of microorganisms. The consortium was isolated from waste sludge by successive subculturing into medium containing picric acid as the only carbon source. During the period of degradation, picric acid was seen to degrade to a colored intermediate which later disappeared. UV-Vis spectrometry, HPLC and GC-mass spectrophotometry showed that the entire ring structure was eventually destroyed. The consortium contains microorganisms from the genera Arthrobacter, Avrobacterium and Pseudomonas.

Abstract: Process for preparing neuraminidase, by using as the bacterial strain the Arthrobacter Sp in a culture containing low concentrations of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel microorganisms, their use and method of producing L-.alpha.-amino acids. In particular, microorganisms DSM 7329 and 7330 are suitable for the production of L-.alpha.-amino acids from corresponding hydantoins or carbamoyl-.alpha.-amino acids. These novel microorganisms are simple to cultivate and make possible high L-.alpha.-amino acid yields from different substrates.

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

Abstract: A process for producing L-alanine, which comprises culturing in a medium a microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter which has L-alanine dehydrogenase activity, but little or no alanine racemase activity, and which is capable of producing L-alanine; allowing L-alanine to accumulate in the culture; and recovering L-alanine from the culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to Arthrobacter bacterial isolates capable of degrading picric acid and related compounds to the point where no aromatic ring-containing degradation products can be detected, as determined by HPLC profiles, UV-V spectrometry, analysis of total organic carbon and mineralization of .sup.14 C-picric acid. The isolates were derived from enrichments of bacterial cultures from waste sludge by successive subculturing into medium containing picric acid as the only carbon source.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (s) -2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a recombinant DNA which contains(1) the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1,(2) a sequence corresponding to this sequence within the scope of the degeneracy of the genetic code or(3) a sequence which hybridizes with a sequence from (1) or/and (2) under stringent hybridizing conditionswhereby the DNA sequence codes for a protein with N-carbamoyl sarcosine amidohydrolase activity.Furthermore the invention concerns a recombinant vector with the DNA according to the present invention as well as a process for the isolation of a recombinant protein with N-carbamoyl sarcosine amidohydrolase activity and its use for the determination of creatinine.

Abstract: A novel biosurfactant having a high surface activity, as well as a microorganism producing the surfactant is disclosed. The biosurfactant according to the present invention is represented by the formula [I]. ##STR1## The present invention also provides Arthrobacter sp. No. 38 (FERM BP-4435) which produces the biosurfactant of the formula [I].

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: The lactosucrose high-content powder according to the present invention is prepared by allowing an aqueous solution containing sucrose and lactose to act on a saccharidetransferring enzyme, removing concomitant saccharides in the resultant saccharide solution containing lactosucrose to obtain a solution having a high concentration of lactosucrose, i.e. lactosucrose content of 45 w/w % or more of the sugar composition, and spraydrying the resultant solution to obtain a powder having a high concentration of lactosucrose. The powder is incorporated in an orally- or parenterally-administrable product to obtain an orally- or parenterally-administrable product which exerts a selective growth-promoting-effect on a microorganism of the genus Bifidobacterium in vivo.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: Microorganisms which are capable of growing with 2,5-dimethylpyrazine as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source. These microorganisms hydroxylate heterocycles of general formula: ##STR1## to heterocycles of general formula: ##STR2## The latter compounds are accumulated in the growth medium.

Abstract: 2-Oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid is treated with a microorganism, which has been optionally treated, capable of asymmetrically reducing 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyric acid into either (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid, and the (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid thus produced is recovered to thereby give optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid.The optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid is an important intermediate in the synthesis of various drugs such as a remedy for hypertension.

Abstract: Microorganisms which are capable of growing with 2,5-dimethylpyrazine as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source. These microorganisms hydroxylate heterocycles of general formula: ##STR1## to heterocycles of general formula: ##STR2## The latter compounds are accumulated in the growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention involves processes for 1,2-dehydrogenation of .DELTA..sup.4 -3-keto C.sub.21 -hemiester steroids of formula (I) ##STR1## with Arthrobacter simplex or Bacterium cyclooxydans to produce the corresponding .DELTA..sup.1,4 -3-keto C.sub.21 hemiester of formula (II) ##STR2## or free alcohol thereof with improved yields. The advantage is that the processes utilize higher substrate concentrations and give shorter reaction times than previously were known.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an organic compound from manure, including the steps of:i) concentrating the manure to form a vapor;ii) condensing said vapor to form a condensate;iii) adding to said condensate micro-organisms which are capable of producing the organic compound; andiv) separating from the condensate the organic compound produced by the micro-organisms.These micro-organisms comprise species of the genera Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Escherichia, Microbacterium, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas.

Abstract: Optically active 2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid can be obtained by treating 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid with an optionally treated microorganism capable of asymmetrically reducing the 2-oxo-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid to thereby asymmetrically reduce the same into (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid or (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-3-butenoic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel type II restriction endonuclease obtainable from Arthrobacter species. The endonuclease known as Asc I, recognizes the following nucleotide sequence and has a cleavage point indicated by the arrows: ##STR1## Also described is a process for obtaining Asc I from Arthrobacter species.

Abstract: A process for producing L-ornithine by fermentation which comprises culturing a L-ornithine-producing microorganism is disclosed. The microorganism used belongs to the genus Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, or Arthrobacter, has auxotrophy for arginine and/or citrulline, and has resistance to microphenolic acid and/or ornithinol.

Abstract: A new thermostable xanthine oxidase obtained from a microbe belonging to the genus Arthrobacter and a method of its production are disclosed. The present invention affords a xanthine oxidase which is excellent in thermal stability and which retains at least 70% residual activity after heat treatment at 60.degree. C. for 30 minutes. Arthrobacter luteus ATCC 21606 is the preferred microbe. The enzyme has a molecular weight of about 160,000 daltons as determined by gel filtration and a pH optimum of about 7.5.

Abstract: The lactosucrose high-content powder according to the present invention is prepared by allowing an aqueous solution containing sucrose and lactose to act on a saccharide-transferring enzyme, removing concomitant saccharides in the resultant saccharide solution containing lactosucrose to obtain a lactosucrose high-content solution with a lactosucrose content of 45 w/w % or higher on sugar composition, and spray-drying the resultant solution to obtain a lactosucrose high-content powder. The powder is incorporated in an orally- or parenterally-administrable product to obtain an orally- or parenterally-administrable product which exerts a selective growth-promoting-effect on a microorganism of the genus Bifidobacterium in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing neuraminidase comprising incubating a mutant of the genus Arthrobacter capable of producing neuraminidase in the absence of any inducing substance, and recovering neuraminidase from the resulting culture.