Abstract: An antimicrobial agent with a high degree of safety is provided, which is derived from a natural product and can exhibit growth-inhibitory activity against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria such as Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, which is resistant against pasteurization and causes spoilage of fruit juice. The antimicrobial agent against acid-resistant and heat-resistant bacteria contains as an effective ingredient alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin. A preservative for fruit juice is also provided, which contains as an effective ingredient the alpha-type thionin and/or beta-type thionin.

Abstract: A process for the selective enzymatic hydroxylation of aldehydes and ketones using chiral anchor-protective groups.

Abstract: An isolation plating medium and mixture for simultaneously identifying Bacillus species are disclosed. The specific bacilli identified are Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus. The medium and mixture contain nutrients, inhibitory ingredients to inhibit the growth of other bacteria yeast and molds and a chromogenic substrate. The substrate changes color in response to the production of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C for the identification of the bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid (&ggr;-PGA) from high-viscous culture broth, more particularly, to an economical and efficient process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid from high-viscous culture broth with easy removal of microorganisms and a subsequent concentrating process employing a filtration membrane. The present invention provides the process for preparing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid from high-viscous culture broth which comprises the steps of: culturing &ggr;-polyglutamic acid-producing microorganism for 15-30 hours under condition of pH 5.0-7.5 and 30-40° C. to obtain high-viscous culture broth with a concentration of 20-30 g/L; removing microorganism from the high-viscous culture broth thus obtained by adjusting pH to 2-4 or 7-9 and centrifuging at 3,000-9,000 rpm for 10-50 minutes; and, obtaining &ggr;-polyglutamic acid by concentrating the culture broth employing filter and precipitating &ggr;-polyglutamic acid by addition of alcohol.

Abstract: A method of producing amino acids by culturing an amino acid auxotroph of a biologically pure strain of a type I methylotrophic bacterium of the genus Bacillus which exhibits sustained growth at 50° C. using methanol as a carbon and energy source and requiring vitamin B12 and biotin is provided.

Abstract: Novel bacterial isolates of B. thuringiensis are disclosed which have enhanced toxicity with respect to previously resistant or insufficiently susceptible insect species, including, but not limited to, Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera exigua, as well as certain secondary pests such as Trichoplusia ni. Such isolates may be characterized by their possession of a particular subset of the genes coding for the various B. thuringiensis &dgr;-endotoxin proteins and by a characteristic plasmid profile, or array, known to be associated therewith.

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: 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: Waste such as livestock waste is treated with a combination of protease-producing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria that synergistically reduce nitrogen concentration, and further reduce noxious odors associated with anaerobic decomposition. The protease-producing bacteria break down complex proteins in the waste which enables ammonification by other naturally occurring microorganisms already present in the waste. The denitrifying bacteria then convert products of ammonification such as nitrates and nitrites to nitrogen gas which is released into the atmosphere. The protease-producing bacteria produce neutral and alkaline proteases, and are preferably from the genus Bacillus and include Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens provided at a level of at least approximately 4.5×104 CFU/ml.

Abstract: The instant invention encompasses isolated stable esterase enzymes characterized by the ability to remain stable at certain temperatures, substrate specificities, and activity profile.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a microorganism is provided designated SH2A and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 55926, or a mutant derived therefrom. Further provided is a biologically pure culture of a microorganism designated SH2B and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 202050, or a mutant derived therefrom. A method of degrading an organic material is carried out by treating the organic material with an effective, degrading amount of either SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom. The microorganism designated SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom, is grown by culturing the microorganism at a temperature and in a medium effective to promote growth of the microorganism.

Abstract: Microbial spores having increased sensitivity to sterilants are provided. An additive such as a dipeptide, oligosaccharide, and/or polyhydroxyalcohols are added to the spores wherein the additive is bound to sterilant-sensitive sites in the spores. The additive increases sensitivity of the spores to a sterilant. More than one additive can be utilized to alter the sensitivity of the spores to a sterilant. Biological indicators comprising the microbial spores and a solid support are also disclosed and those spores having a dipeptide specifically bound to sterilant-sensitive sites in the spores have an altered sensitivity to a sterilant. Furthermore, a method is disclosed for altering the sensitivity of microbial spores to a sterilant comprising drying the spores at a temperature between 35° C. and 55° C. in a liquid composition having an amount of the additive therein.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, and protease enzymes to degrade proteins. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: There are provided Bacillus macerans decomposing turf pseudo thatch and thatch, a microbial mixture composition comprising 1 part by weight of the Bacillus microorganism and 5 to 30 parts by weight of clay minerals, and a microbial material comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 50 to 100 parts by weight of an ionic surfactant, 50 to 100 parts by weight of casein and 50 to 100 parts by weight of a casein hydrolyzate, and 50 to 200 parts by weight of sugars, in 100 parts by weight of said microbial mixture composition. This microbial material decomposes thatch by transferring not only to turf pseudo thatch but also to the soil, also decomposes pseudo thatch layers without exerting any adverse effect on the soil and environments for living creatures, and in golf courses, can promote growth of turf.

Abstract: To reduce the effects of the contaminants in the measurement of microorganisms and the reduction of the time necessary for the measurement. Measurement is performed of the microorganism prior to and following culture, and the difference between the two is found. This prevents errors caused by the effect of contaminants contained in the specimens. Since the measurement of the microorganism is performed by means of a flow cytometer, the microorganisms can be measured even when the culture period is short. Moreover, the measurements are accurate, since the contaminants are not measured. Furthermore, the growth form of the microorganisms can be determined by measuring the changes in the intensity of the light emission over the duration of emission of the forward scattered light detected by means of a flow cytometer.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, protease enzymes to degrade proteins and amylases to break down starch. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: A suspension of microorganisms includes a detectable indicator material, such as a food coloring, for ensuring that a biological indicator receives a preselected population of the microorganisms. A microorganism delivery system delivers the suspension with the indicator material from a tank (10) to a plurality of needles (18) where it is delivered to a carrier material (22), such as filter, chromatography, or blotter paper, or glass fiber passing beneath the needles or micropipetted onto non-absorptive or non-penetrable carriers, such as plastic polymers or stainless steel coupons. In the event of a malfunction in the system, such as a blockage in one of the needles or intermittent delivery of the microorganism suspension, the absence of color on the impregnated carrier material indicates the absence of microorganisms.

Abstract: A method of producing glutamic acid by culturing a biologically pure wild type Bacillus methanolicus which exhibits sustained growth at 50.degree. C. using methanol as a carbon and energy source and requiring vitamin B.sub.12 and biotin is provided.

Abstract: This invention presents a newly discovered, novel strain of Bacillus bacteria that produces lipase enzymes for the degradation of oleaginous materials such as fats, greases and cooking oils, and protease enzymes to degrade proteins. This novel strain and the enzymes produced thereby have a number of applications, including wastewater treatments, agricultural uses, laundry and dish detergents, drain cleaners and spot removers, among others.

Abstract: Novel .alpha.-amylase enzymes are disclosed in which one or more of residues corresponding to A210, H405 and T412 in Bacillus licheniformis are mutated. The disclosed .alpha.-amylase enzymes show altered or improved stability and/or activity profiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polypeptide selected from a polypeptide of subunit (A) or a polypeptide of subunit (B) of a prenyl diphosphate synthetase; a DNA coding for the polypeptide; a recombinant vector comprising the DNA; a transformant transformed with the vector; and a method for preparing an active type prenyl diphosphate synthetase. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an active type enzyme on which a specific property has been conferred, comprising mixing polypeptides of the two subunits of a heterodimeric enzyme, the polypeptides being derived from different organisms and one of the polypeptides having the specific property.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the enzymatic degradation of polyester amides. The method involves mixing polyester amides with esterase or protease enzymes in aqueous solution.

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.

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: Manufacture or use of a mutant prenyl diphosphate synthase in which the amino acid residue located at the fifth position in the N-terminal direction from D of the N-terminal of the aspartic acid-rich domain DDXX(XX)D (the two X's in the parentheses may not be present) present in the second region among the conserved regions of the prenyl diphosphate synthase has been substituted by another amino acid.

Abstract: A method for delivering a gas to a site comprising placing cells having gas vesicles under conditions that induce the cells to float to a surface of an aqueous medium, harvesting the cells from the surface of the medium, lysing the cells, separating the gas vesicles from the lysed cells, crosslinking the gas vesicles with a crosslinking agent, loading a gas into the gas vesicles, and placing the gas vesicles such that the gas is delivered to the site. Harvesting gas-vesicle-containing cells is achieved by placing the cells under conditions that induce the cells to rise to the surface of an aqueous medium--such as darkness, exponential growth stage, flocculation, or dissolved gas flotation--then collecting the cells from the surface of the medium. Gas vesicles are isolated by lysing the cells and separating the gas vesicles from the lysate. Once the gas vesicles are isolated, they can be modified, such as by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: A method and mixture for denitrifying aerobic bacterial compositions and for aerobic methods for biological treatment of aqueous systems polluted by nitrogen waste products. A mixture of and limited to bacillus bacteria are added to the treatment subject. Optionally enzymes can be added to the mixture. Optionally a particulate carbon ingredient can be placed into the treatment subject. Optionally a living tissue ingredient can be used.

Abstract: Heptaprenyl diphosphate (HDP)-synthetase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus which enzymes have the amino acid sequences shown as SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3; 1 and 2; 2 and 3; or 1 and 3, DNA encoding them, and a method of producing the enzymes.According to the invention it is possible to industrially produce HDP-synthesizing enzyme and HPD.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for cultivating the strains of Bacillus polyfermenticus, which is a beneficial endospore forming bacteria. The process includes an use of certain culture medium containing inexpensive ingredients and is carried out in a fed-batch manner. It allows a significant increase of the yield of the cultivation. In particular, the process for cultivating Bacillus polyfermenticus strain SCD KCCM 10104 is disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns a means for discovery of microbes having useful activities. More specifically, the subject invention comprises the use of nematodes as the starting material for discovering novel strains of microbes such as Bacillus thuringiensis or other Bacilli. The nematodes are processed by Bacillus isolation techniques to recover the microbes.

Abstract: According to this method for degrading PCBs by utilizing thermophilic bacteria possessing the capability of degrading PCBS, the degradation of PCBs is quick, thereby enabling processing devices to be made more compact and shortening the processing time. As a microorganism suitable for use in this method, Bacillus sp. JF8, a thermophilic microorganism which possesses the capability of degrading PCBs, is offered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a variant of a parent lipolytic enzyme, comprising (a) subjecting a DNA sequence encoding the parent lipolytic enzyme to random mutagenesis, (b) expressing the mutated DNA sequence obtained in step (a) in a host cell, and (c) screening for host cells expressing a mutated lipolytic enzyme which has a decreased dependance to calcium and/or an improved tolerance towards a detergent or a detergent component as compared to the parent lipolytic enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing folic acid, comprising incubating yeast having the ability to produce folic acid of 0.3 mg or more or incubating bacteria having the ability to produce folic acid of 1 mg or more per liter of the culture, thereby accumulating folic acid in the culture.

Abstract: A process for the aerobic biological break-down of substances having low water solubility in an aqueous medium, and a microorganism, Bacillus thermoleovorans strain DSM 10561 and an enzyme obtained therefrom are disclosed. The microorganism is suitable for use in the disclosed process wherein the bioavailability of the substances to be broken down is raised by setting the temperature of the aqueous medium to 45 degrees Celisus and higher. The microorganism is used to break-down the substances having low water solubility.

Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid constructs encoding cellulytic enzymes derived from a strain of Bacillus agaradherens, recombinant vectors and host cells comprising such constructs, and methods for obtaining cellulytic enzymes.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat resistant maltose phosphorylase having an activity of 80% or more of the one untreated after treated in a buffer of pH 6.0, at one temperature of 50 to 60.degree. C. for 15 minutes, a process for preparation thereof, bacteria used for preparation thereof, and processes for preparation of .beta.-glucose-1-phosphoric and trehalose using the enzyme.By carrying out enzymatic reaction at high reaction temperatures using this enzyme, it is possible to prepare .beta.-glucose-1-phosphoric acid or trehalose industrially advantageously, with lowering of contamination with various germs and shortening of reaction time.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of textile printing using microorganisms with less limitation to dyes with less damage on base materials, and with less blurring of color borders. The method is capable of producing a complex, fine pattern; capable of realizing colored discharge printing with brilliant colors; and capable of readily producing an ombre pattern. The invention also provides a microorganism for decolorization of azo-system dye and use in the textile printing method. In accordance with the invention, textile printing is carried out by coating a solution or paste (which may contain a dye) containing a bacterial strain Bacillus OY1-2 of genus Bacillus (Deposit Number: FERM 13118), in a desirable pattern on the cloth dyed with an azo dye (which may include a non-azo dye), subsequently proliferating or acting the bacterial strain while keeping the strain in a wet state, and to entirely or partially metabolize the azo dye to eliminate or decrease the coloring of the azo dye for textile printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having protease activity, in which the polypeptides are obtainable from an alkalophilic Bacillus species having enhanced stability towards bleaching agents of the peroxy type. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostable xylanase selected from xylanase XP1 having a molecular weight of about 22,500, an isoelectric point at around 8.1 and an optimum temperature for reaction of 70.degree. C. or xylanase XP2 having a molecular weight of about 32,000, an isoelectric point at around 8.5 and an optimum temperature for reaction of 80.degree. C., a gene encoding for the thermostable xylanase, a method for producing the xylanase, applications of the xylanase, a bleaching agent containing the xylanase as an active ingredient, a method for bleaching pulp by using the bleaching agent and Bacillus sp. 2113 and Bacillus sp. 208 both having an ability to produce a thermostable xylanase.

Abstract: A Bacillus thuringiensis strain isolate, designated B.t. strain EG5847, exhibits insecticidal activity against lepidopteran insects. Two novel toxin genes from B.t. strain EG5847 designated cryET4 and cryET5 produce insecticidal proteins with activity against a broad spectrum of insects of the order Lepidoptera. The cryET4 gene has a nucleotide base sequence shown in FIG. 1 and listed in SEQ ID NO:1 and produces a CryET4 gene product having the deduced amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 1 and listed in SEQ ID NO:2. The cryET5 gene has a nucleotide base sequence shown in FIG. 2 and listed in SEQ ID NO:3 and produces a CryET5 gene product having the deduced amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2 and listed in SEQ ID NO:4.

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: A .beta.-fructofuranosidase with a molecular weight of 49,000.+-.5,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE, an isoelectric point of 4.6.+-.0.5, an optimum pH of about 5.5-6.0, and an optimum temperature of about 50.degree. C. in the presence of calcium ion. The enzyme acts on saccharides with a .beta.-fructofuranosidic linkage and other substances including other saccharides, sugar alcohols, and alcohols to produce fructosyl-transferred saccharides in a relatively high yield.

Abstract: A medium for detecting staphylococci is described. The medium contains components selective for growing staphylococci, and a glucopyranoside indicator substance in sufficient quantity to distinguish colonies containing Bacillus and other microorganisms from colonies containing staphylococci. Methods of detecting staphylococci utilizing such medium are also described.

Abstract: Two new Bacillus thuringiensis strains, which are deposited at the DSM under accession numbers 5870 and 5871, produce new crystal proteins during sporulation that are toxic to Coleoptera and that are encoded by new genes. The crystal proteins contain protoxins, which can yield toxins as trypsin-digestion products. A plant, the genome of which is transformed with a DNA sequence that comes from either one of the strains and encodes an insecticidally effective portion of its respective protoxin or encodes its respective toxin, is resistant to Coleoptera. Each strain, itself, or its crystals, crystal proteins, protoxin, toxin and/or insecticidally effective protoxin portion can be used as the active ingredient in an insecticidal composition for combatting Coleoptera.

Abstract: Novel B.t. genes encoding toxins active against nematode pests have been cloned. The DNA encoding the B.t. toxin can be used to transform various hosts to express the B.t. toxin.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting waste biomass to useful products by gasifying the biomass to produce synthesis gas and converting the synthesis gas substrate to one or more useful products. The present invention is directed to the conversion of biomass wastes including municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, plastic, tires, agricultural residues and the like, as well as coal, to useful products such as hydrogen, ethanol and acetic acid. The overall process includes the steps of gasifying the waste biomass to produce raw synthesis gas, cooling the synthesis gas, converting the synthesis gas to the desired product or products using anaerobic bioconversion, and then recovering the product or products. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, waste biomass is converted to synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and, then, the carbon monoxide is converted to hydrogen by an anaerobic microorganism ERIH2, bacillus smithii ATCC No. 55404.