Abstract: A monomethylamine-oxidizing enzyme can be obtained by cultivating in a medium a strain which belongs to Genus Bacillus and has an ability to produce a monomethylamine-oxidizing enzyme. This enzyme exhibits several beneficial properties including the ability to oxidatively deaminate the amino group of monomethylamine to produce formaldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme exhibits a high substrate specificity for monomethylamine, ethylamine, and n-proplyamine while showing no substrate specificity for benzylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylenediamine and tryamine. In addition, the enzyme is stable through an elevated temperature range permitting faster reaction rates and therefore a shorter overall quantitative evaluation. Another property includes a low Km value which allows smaller quantities of the enzyme to be employed per sample.

Abstract: Alkaline protease API-21 having the following physicochemical properties:(1) Activity: Hydrolyzes casein under alkaline conditions, optimum pH range is 10 to 11, and has optimum temperature range for activity of 45.degree. C. to 50.degree. C.;(2) Stability: No decrease in enzymatic activity observed up to 40.degree. C. upon heating without substrated for 10 minutes at a pH of 10, but 90% or more decrease of enzymatic activity observed at 50.degree. C. for 10 minutes at a pH of 10. Deactivation occurs at 50.degree. C. for 10 minutes at a pH of 8 and complete deactivation substantially occurs at 60.degree. C. for 10 minutes at a pH of 8. The protease is stable under alkaline conditions, especially within a pH range of 7 to 11.5, and is stable against freezing and freeze-drying; and(3) Enzyme molecule: The protease is protein having a molecular weight of about 22000 as estimated by a gel filtration method, an isoelectric point of 7.

Abstract: A method of producing inosine and/or guanosine comprising cultivating a microorganism in a medium containing a carbohydrate, in which method a carbohydrate is added either continuously or intermittently to the medium when and in the state that the concentration of the carbohydrate in the medium is less than about 1 percent so that the carbohydrate concentration of the medium is maintained below about 1 percent.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of acrylamide or methacrylamide from acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile by use of a microorganism capable of promoting the hydration of acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile into the corresponding amide.Said process comprising immobilizing the microorganism or enzyme extracted therefrom, continuously bringing the acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile into contact with the immobilized microorganism or enzyme in at least one reactor containing an aqueous medium at a pH pf 6 to 10 to cause the hydration reaction, and recycling a part of the reacted solution to dilute the unreacted acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile and water therewith.

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

Abstract: Isolation method of creatinase is disclosed. The method comprises culturing a microorganism belonging to Bacillus, for example, B-0618 strain (deposition No. FERM-P 4049 at Fermentation Research Institute, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Japan) to obtain cells from the cultured product, obtaining sarcosine oxidase and creatinase-containing solution, fractionally eluting sarcosine oxidase and creatinase by anion exchange chromatography to obtain a creatinase fraction and then collecting creatinase.

Abstract: A new antibiotic BMG162-aF2 having the formula ##STR1## can be obtained by cultivating a BMG162-aF2-producing strain belonging to the genus Bacillus in a culture medium to produce and accumulate the said BMG162-aF2 and then recovering it from the culture medium. The antibiotic BMG162-aF2 thus obtained or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof can be used for the treatment of a transplanted tumor in warmblooded animals.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is prepared by subjecting a dialkyl ester of .beta.-protected aminoglutaric acid to the action of a culture broth, cells, or treated cells of a microorganism capable of stereoselectively hydrolyzing only one of the ester groups in the above-mentioned dialkyl ester to produce an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-protected (S)-aminoglutaric acid, and then removing the amino-protecting group from the product. An optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is useful as a starting material for synthesizing .beta.-lactam antibiotics of carbapenem type such as thienamycin.

Abstract: A process for producing acrylamide from acrylonitrile by utilizing a microorganism or enzyme capable of hydrating acrylonitrile into acrylamide in the form of a highly concentrated aqueous solution of acrylamide which comprises bringing acrylonitrile in contact with the microorganism or enzyme in an aqueous medium at a pH of from 6 to 10, at a temperature of from the freezing point to 50.degree. C., and under such conditions that the concentration of acrylamide in the reaction solution after the completion of the reaction is from 5% by weight to less than 20% by weight, and concentrating the resulting reaction solution; this invention further includes an embodiment wherein the reaction solution is concentrated by cooling the reaction solution after the reaction to from -4.degree. C. to -9.degree. C. to crystallize ice, separating the ice, and using the ice so separated for cooling during the hydration reaction.

Abstract: Thermophilic aspartase is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus. The enzyme is useful as a catalyst in the production of L-aspartic acid from ammonium fumarate or a mixture of fumaric acid and ammonia.

Abstract: A thermostable glycerokinase enzyme useful in the detection and estimation of glycerol derivatives has a half-life in excess of 1 hour at 55.degree. C. at a protein concentration of less than 2 mg/ml and a pH of 7.8 .+-.0.5 in the absence of any substrate. The enzyme is produced by culturing at least one micro-organism which is capable of growth at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. in a culture medium in which it will produce said enzyme, disrupting the resulting cells of the micro-organism to release the enzyme and separating the enzyme from the cell debris. The medium normally contains at least 0.1% glycerol but certain strains of micro-organism have been found to be capable of producing thermostable glycerokinase enzyme even in the absence of glycerol. The micro-organism is preferably a Bacillus organism, especially of the stearothermophilus species.

Abstract: A method for the determination of triglycerides by ester cleavage utilizing lipase and optionally esterase with the formation of fatty acids and glycerol, phosphorylation of the glycerol with adnosine triphosphate in the presence of glycerol kinase with the formation of glycerol-1-phosphate and adenosine diphosphate and determination of one of the latter two products. The glycerol kinase used is from Bacillus stearothermophilis and acts in combination with at least one activator selected from the group consisting of detergents, phenol derivatives and aniline derivative.

Abstract: A process for producing a heat-resistant acetate kinase is described, comprising culturing cells of Strain UK 788 (FERM-P No. 5141), a new strain of thermophilic Bacillus stearothermophilus having an appreciably elongated cell and recovering a heat-resistant acetate kinase from the culture obtained. According to the process, a heat-resistant acetate kinase can be produced efficiently on an industrial scale.

Abstract: Glycerol dehydrogenase enzymes having exeptionally good thermal stability are produced by culturing novel strains of Bacillus stearothermophilus. Procedures for deriving and identifying suitable strains are described. The strains are grown in conventional culture media, preferably containing 0.05 to 4.0%, especially 0.1 to 1.0%, by weight of glycerol or a glycerol analogue at 40.degree.-65.degree. C. and pH 5 to 8. The enzyme is isolated by conventional cell disruption and separation techniques, and typically has a molcular weight of 240,000.+-.30,000, composed of four similar sub-units, and a specific activity of greater than 5 Units per mg protein at 30.degree. C. by the modified assay described. They may be stored as aqueous solutions or a freeze dried solids.The enzymes may be used for assay of serum triglycerides by conventional assay methods, but preferably by the nictotinamide adenine dinucleotide spectrophotometric assay at a pH of 7 to 8.8.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically active acylated cephalosporin analogs which are useful as antibacterial agents and methods for preparing such compounds.

Abstract: Strain UK 788 (FERM-P No. 5141) that belongs to Bacillus stearothermophilus, the cell of which is longer than about 10 microns and which permits easier release of intracellular components than a type culture Bacillus stearothermophilus, IAM 11001 is disclosed. Also, a process for producing a useful enzyme selected from the group consisting of a heat-resistant polynucleotide phosphorylase, heat-resistant maleate dehydrogenase, heat-resistant glucokinase, heat-resistant glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and heat-resistant pyruvate kinase by culturing such UK 788 and recovering the desired enzyme from the culture is disclosed. Since the cell of the strain UK 788 is easy to settle and its membrane is also easy to break, the useful enzymes mentioned above can be efficiently produced on an industrial scale.

Abstract: A thermostable lactase is obtained by cultivation of a member of the genus Bacillus in a suitable nutrient medium. The resulting lactase-containing cells or the cell-free enzyme are useful for the hydrolysis of lactose in a variety of substrate media.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing collagenase, which comprises aerobically cultivating a collagenase-producing bacterium belonging to the genus Bacillus, and recovering collagenase from the culture broth.This invention also provides a thermophilic bacterium of the genus Bacillus which has the ability to produce collagenase and which grows at a temperature of 42.degree. to 74.degree. C. and a pH of 5.0 to 9.0 and a novel thermophilic collagenase which does not substantially lose collagenase activity even when maintained for 1 hour at a temperature of 60.degree. C. in the presence of a calcium ion at a pH in the range of 6.5 to 8.5, and which has a molecular weight, determined by gel filtration, between those of cytochrome C and ovalbumin.

Abstract: According to the present invention inhibitors for glycoside hydrolases, and in particular glucosidase inhibitors especially saccharase inhibitors, which are active in the digestive tract are formed by culturing organisms of the family Bacillaceae, particularly by strains of the genus Bacillus.It has also been found that certain strains of organisms of the family Bacillaceae, especially strains DSM 7, DSM 704 and DSM 675 produce the antibiotic known as 1-desoxynojirimycin. The invention therefore provides a method of producing 1-desoxynojirimycin which comprises culturing a 1-desoxynojirimycin producing organism of the genus Bacillus. Inhibitors for glycoside hydrolases and the invention includes methods for producing such inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing the inhibitors and methods of treatment involving the use of the inhibitors.

Abstract: Optically active cephalosporin analogs are produced by optically selective deacylation of an optically inactive acylated analog. The compounds are useful as intermediates in the preparation of optically active acylated antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: Disclosed are optically active cephalosporin analogs which are produced by optically selective deacylation of an optically inactive acylated analog. The compounds are useful as intermediates in the preparation of optically active acylated antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: Intracellular glutaraldehyde sensitive enzymes are immobilized by reacting microbial cell material with glutaraldehyde in the presence of a polyamine which is preferably a branched polyethylene imine.

Abstract: Heat and acid-stable alpha-amylase enzymes having the following characteristics: (1) capable of retaining at least about 70% of their initial activity when held at 90.degree. C. and at a pH of 6.0 for 10 minutes in the absence of calcium ion; (2) capable of retaining at least about 50% of their initial activity when held at 90.degree. C. at a pH of 6.0 for 60 minutes in the absence of added calcium ion; and/or (3) capable of retaining at least about 50% of their initial activity at a temperature of 80.degree. C. and at a pH of 4.5 in the presence of 5 mM calcium ion for 10 minutes. The preferred alpha-amylases are prepared by culturing a strain of a Bacillus stearothermophilus microorganism in a suitable culture medium. The novel alpha-amylases are useful in hydrolyzing and/or liquefying starch and due to their stability at low pH values they can be used in conjunction with other acid stable amylases such as gluco-amylase in either a soluble or an immobilized form.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the production of 1-desoxynojirimycin which involves culturing an organism of the Bacillaceae family in a nutrient solution as a temperature of about 15.degree. to 80.degree. C. in a fermentation vessel, whilst aerating and then isolating the 1-desoxynojirimycin, said nutrient solution containing sorbitol as the source of carbon.

Abstract: Six oligosporogenic mutant strains obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki yield parasporal products substantially free of interfering spores when cultivated under normal sporulation conditions. These parasporal products have utility in the biological control of pest insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing syrups or syrup solids containing fructose-terminated oligosaccharides, characterized by subjecting a mixture containing liquefied starch and either fructose or sucrose to the action of immobilized cyclodextrin glucanotransferase E.C. 2.4.1.19.

Abstract: Enzymic complexes deriving from micro-organisms belonging to the Bacillaceae family using an hydantoin or a derivative thereof as inductor of the enzymic activity are used for hydrolysing racemic hydantoins into optically active aminoacids. The method of preparation is an enzymic hydrolysis fostered by the enzyme deriving from such special micro-organisms. The hydrolysis can be effected at a comparatively high temperature, which can reach even 60.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing acrylamide or methacrylamide utilizing microorganisms having a nitrilase activity. This process involves (1) utilizing highly active novel bacteria belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or the genus Nocardia, (2) conducting the reaction utilizing microorganisms having a nitrilase activity at temperatures as low as the freezing point of the medium to 15.degree. C. so as to conduct the reaction for a long period of time while maintaining a high concentration of acrylamide or methacrylamide, and (3) conducting the reaction according to a newly devised continuous column process to obtain a highly concentrated acrylamide or methacrylamide aqueous solution with economic advantages.

Abstract: Crystal-enriched suspensions are derived from sporulated cultures of Bacillus thuringiensis by a foam flotation process in which added gelatin causes the spores to be selectively entrained in the foam and thereby separated from the suspensions.

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

Abstract: A method of packaging, and the package so produced, for maintaining living organisms viable for a long period of time. The living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, etc., are mixed with a carrier, such as peat. The organism-carrier mixture is then disposed in a package, such as a heat-sealable plastic envelope, and a gaseous atmosphere is provided in the package effective to induce and maintain substantial nonvegatative state formation of the organisms. Some organisms will form cysts, others spores, but whatever nonvegetative state is assumed, the organisms will be much less susceptible to heat, cold, starvation, and other adverse environmental factors. Suitable gaseous atmospheres include nitrogen, helium, and argon gases. The package is then sealed to prevent contamination of the atmosphere therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing maltooligosaccharide glycosides in substantially pure form which includes the steps of incubating a glucosyl donor and a glucosyl acceptor in the presence of a glucanotransferase enzyme under transglycosylating conditions and separating the maltooligosaccharide glycoside from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method for growing a culture capable of degrading ammonia which includes inoculating a medium with a culture identified as ATCC 31381 or one or more of the primary cultures thereof; wherein the medium is a semisolid containing ground peanut hulls, water, a carbonate source, an ammonia source and a phosphate source. The culture is suitable for treating waste waters to degrade ammonia therein.

Abstract: Urea such as that present in dialysates is converted to inocuous products by employing a culture having the identification ATCC 31381 or one of its primary cultures or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An enzyme sarcosine oxidase is produced by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, and particularly the species Bacillus sp. B-0618, FERM-P No. 4049, NRRL No. B-11380, and isolating the sarcosine oxidase thus produced from the culture medium. Sarcosine oxidase is useful for the determination of creatinine in the presence of creatinase and creatininase in a sample by mixing the enzymes with the sample and then measuring the generated hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde or glycine.

Abstract: A method for dissolving collagen-containing skin tissue by hydrolyzing said tissue in a first stage in the presence of urea with an alkaline proteinase having an activity optimum between pH 9 and 13, said hydrolysis proceeding in a hydrolysis medium which is initially in the pH region optimum for the enzyme employed, and optionally further hydrolyzing said tissue in at least one further stage by adding a weakly alkaline, neutral, or acid proteinase to said hydrolysis medium.

Abstract: Yogurt is prepared with a mixture of milk powder and novel Lactobacillus thermophilus (also known as Bacillus coagulans) spores that have specific characteristics of requiring nourishment at the time of spore formation, being capable of high speed acid formation, taking a short time for transition into germ cells after budding and being highly thermobiotic so as to kill or inhibit during yogurt fermentation the growth of undesirable saprophytes including spore forming saprophytes present in yogurt which serve to putrify or spoil the yogurt. To prepare yogurt, boiling water is added to the mixture to kill or inhibit the growth of saprophytes and the mixture is permitted to ferment for a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a process for the manufacture of optically active .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids, especially a process for the manufacture of optically pure D- or L-.alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: The present invention refers to novel antibiotics, Bacileucines A and B and use thereof, which are effective as agricultural and horticultural fungicides. Bacileucines A and B are produced from the microorganism belonged to Genus Bacillus and are characterized by that they have no phytotoxicity of plant and no adverse effect on the human body, have an excellent control effect on diseases of plants such as rice plant, vegetables and green plants and cause no pollution on the environment.

Abstract: A thermostable lactase is obtained by cultivation of a member of the genus Bacillus in a suitable nutrient medium. The resulting lactose-containing cells or the cell-free enzyme are useful for the hydrolysis of lactose in a variety of substrate media.

Abstract: Novel microbial transformation process to selectively convert steroids with or without 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-[3'-propanol]-7a.beta.-methylhexahydro-1,5-indaned ione hemiketal having the following structure: ##STR1## This compound can be used as an intermediate to make useful 19-nor steroids.

Abstract: A novel enzyme having a high proteolytic activity in alkaline media and being suitable for inclusion in washing compositions and which is produced by a novel Bacillus strain designated "PB 92", or its proteolytic enzyme producing mutants or variants. A culture of the Bacillus is deposited with the Laboratory for Microbiology of the Technical University of Delft, The Netherlands, where it has been given number OR-60.