Abstract: A novel sorbitol dehydrogenase having excellent substrate affinity and substrate specificity which can be used to measure D-sorbitol which occurs in human erythrocytes and serum in a slight amount or D-sorbitol or D-fructose contained in foods, a microorganism for producing such an enzyme, and a process for the production of the enzyme using such a microorganism. Also disclosed is provides a method for the measurement of sorbitol using the foregoing sorbitol dehydrogenase and a reagent for the quantitative determination therefor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided substantially pure glycosidases obtainable from the genus Chryseobacterium. In particular, there is provided a substantially pure exo &agr;-N-Acetylgalactosaminidase from Chryseobacterium meningosepticum. A method of cloning this enzyme and producing a recombinant form of the enzyme is also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A psychrophilic protease is here disclosed which has the following physicochemical properties: (a) specific activity and substrate specificity: the protease acts on casein, gelatin, hemoglobin and albumin to specifically decompose them, and the substrate specificity decreases in the order of casein, gelatin, hemoglobin and albumin; (b) optimal pH: 8.0; (c) pH stability: the protease is stable in the range of pH 6.5 to pH 10.0 at 30° C. for 1 hour; (d) optimal temperature: about 40° C.; (e) temperature stability: at pH 7 for 1 hour, the protease is active at a temperature up to 30° C., but it is inactivated at 40° C. as much as about 40% and completely inactivated at 50° C. in about 10 minutes; (f) enzyme activity: the protease has 50% or more of its maximum activity at about 20° C.; (g) the active center of the enzyme is serine; and (h) the molecular weight of the protease is about 70 kDa as measured by SDS-PAGE.

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 producing L-2-aminoadipic acid, which comprises converting an aminomethyl group of L-lysine into a carboxyl group by use of a culture of a microorganism of the genus Flavobacterium. By this process, L-2-aminoadipic acid can be obtained directly from L-lysine in a high yield. This process is a microbial method which is effective for the mass production.

Abstract: Novel purified agarase enzymes from Flavobacterium sp. strain NR19 and cloned genes encoding the agarase enzymes are disclosed. Transformed host cells which express the novel agarase enzymes in isolatable quantities are also described. Also disclosed are antibodies specifically reactive with the novel agarases.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making the 3R-3'R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable or heavily dominant (more than about 90%) stereoisomer, for human ingestion. Zeaxanthin, a yellowish pigment which is naturally present in macular cells in the center of the human retina, absorbs blue and near-ultraviolet light radiation, thereby protecting the retinal cells against phototoxic damage. Zeaxanthin preparations which contain only the desired R--R isomer can be produced by a strain of Flavobacterium multivorum cells (ATCC accession number 55238). These cells (and other cells transformed with their zeaxanthin-producing genes) do not create any detectable quantities of the undesired S--S or S-R isomers of zeaxanthin, and they do not synthesize significant quantities of other carotenoids which might compete against zeaxanthin for alimentary uptake after oral ingestion.

Abstract: A process for the production of arabinonucleotides of general formula I ##STR1## in which X represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, is described, which is characterized in that an arabinonucleoside of general formula II ##STR2## in which X has the above-mentioned meaning, is fermented in the presence of an aryl phosphate of general formula III ##STR3## in which Y symbolizes a hydrogen atom or a nitro group andZ symbolizes two hydrogen atoms or two alkali metal atoms,with a microorganism that is capable of phosphorylating nucleosides.

Abstract: A single, reproducible scheme to simultaneously purify all three of the heparin lyases from F. heparinum to apparent homogeneity is disclosed herein. The kinetic properties of the heparin lyases have been determined as well as the conditions to optimize their activity and stability. Monoclonal antibodies to the three heparinases are also described and are useful for detection, isolation and characterization of the heparinases.

Abstract: The present invention includes a substantially pure bacterium, Flavobacterium spp., which produces compositions having unique anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The present invention includes methods for treating tumors in mammals comprising administering to such mammals a therapeutically effective amount of a composition of the invention.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Flavobacterium posessing the capacity to decompose hydrocarbons, tolerance to sulfurous acids, tolerance to salinity, tolerance to organic solvents, and tolerance to pressure. The microorganism is of a strain of the genus Flavobacterium DS-711 (FERM BP-4010). A hydrocarbon emulsifier or solubilizer having as an active component thereof a water soluble and acetone insoluble fraction obtained by culturing DS-711 strain. In addition the emulsifier or solubilizer obtained by culturing the strain DS-711 contains 18.4% protein, 18.8% carbohydrates and 28.6% lipids.

Abstract: Bacterial strains can be reproducibly isolated from the rhizosphere that enhance yield in nonroot crops under field conditions.

Abstract: Bacterial strains can be reproducibly isolated from soil that are root-colonizing and directly promote plant development. For example, strains of soil bacteria are provided that are good root colonizers and that promote plant growth under gnotobiotic conditions.

Abstract: 6-Hydroxy nitrogen-containing 6-membered ring compounds of the following general formula (II): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents carboxy group, carbamoyl group, cyano group, formyl group, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 hydroxyalkyl group, C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 alkoxycarbonyl group, carboxyvinyl group, carboxymethyl group or oxime group, R.sup.2 represents hydrogen atom or carboxy group, and A represents carbon atom or nitrogen atom, can be prepared by reacting a nitrogen-containing 6-membered ring compounds of the following general formula (I): ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and A are as defined in the general formula (II) above, with a microorganism or physico-chemically treated microorganism in an aqueous medium. Efficiency of the above reaction can be raised by conducting the reaction in the presence of phenazine methosulfate.

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: A purified heparinase I, II and III free of lyase activity and each having a molecular weight of 42,800 84,100, 70,800, respectively, are produced by culturing Flavobacterium heparinum. The kinetic properties of the heparinases have been determined as well as the conditions to optimize their activity and stability.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Flavobacterium possessing the capacity to decompose hydrocarbons, tolerance to sulfurous acids, tolerance to salinity, tolerance to organic solvents, and tolerance to pressure. The microorganism is a strain of the genus Flavobacterium DS-711 (FERM BP-4010).

Abstract: A heparinase derived from Flavobacterium heparinum which meets all requirements for a clinical reagent that can eliminate heparin interference of normal blood function has been developed. The heparinase, derived from Flavobacterium heparinum, is free of a component that inhibits coagulation wherein the anticoagulant component does not bind, and the heparinase does bind, to a polysulfated resin having a pH of 7.0 and a conductivity between 3 and 12 mmhos. It is stable under normal manufacturing, shipping and clinical storage conditions for at least one year. The heparinase in useful in vitro to eliminate the interference in hematological assays due to the presence of heparin. The heparinase is also useful for the in vivo neutralization of heparin during surgical procedures. Advantages of this enzyme are that it achieves neutralization faster and more completely than previously available enzymes and is stable for long periods of time.

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: Zeaxanthin is produced using Flavobacterium multivorum. The process and the nutrient medium used in the process provide greater zeaxanthin and cell yields per liter, at a lower cost, and more rapidly than known methods and microorganisms. Biomass compositions containing the microorganism of this invention are also disclosed.

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: There is disclosed a process for preparing optically active 3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound, which comprises permitting a culture broth, cells or treated cells of a microorganism having an ability of stereoselectively hydrolyzing a (2R, 3S)-3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound to act on a racemic 3-phenylglycidic acid ester compound which may also have a substituent on the phenyl group, thereby hydrolyzing the (2R, 3S) optically active isomer and separating and collecting the (2S, 3R) antipode from the reaction mixture.

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 is an improved process for purification of active heparinase and heparinase like enzymes from Gram negative organisms, in particular, Flavobacterium heparinum. The primary advantage of the process is the fact that it allows large scale processing and high yield of heparinase. The heparinase is released from the periplasmic space of the organism by osmotic shock treatment, first into an osmotically stabilized medium, secondly into a non-stabilized medium having a pH of approximately pH 6.0 and 8.6 with subsequent release into a second non-stabilized medium containing approximately 0.15 M sodium chloride, followed by fractionation by cation exchange chromatography, and, optionally, electropheresis or gel filtration chromatography. Two proteins having heparinase activity have been isolated, one having a molecular weight of approximately 42,000 Daltons and the other having a molecular weight of 65,000 to 75,000 Daltons.

Abstract: Topical compositions for application to the skin comprising a topically active agent which may be a cosmetic agent or a therapeutic agent, and a small, but carrier effective amount of a microbial polysaccharide polymer gel which is a beta-1,3 glucan-type polysaccharide.

Abstract: A gram-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped bacterium which is closely related to Chryseomonas luteola and Flavimonas oryzihabitans, has been found to catalyze the biodegradation and biotransformation of bisphenol alkanes, such as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane or bisphenol A. A variety of bisphenol alkyl alcohols can be made by this procedure.

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: A fermentation process and improved aqueous nutrient medium are used for the production of urease-free creatinine iminohydrolase from an aerobic soil microorganism. In the process, an inoculum culture of the microorganism is transferred into a production medium to generate microorganisms in which creatinine iminohydrolase production has been induced, said nutrient medium containing a source of ammonia and after the ammonia is substantially exhausted, incrementally adding a solution of creatinine, controlling the pH by addition of .alpha.-ketoglutaric acid, and extracting urease-free creatinine iminohydrolase. An improved aqueous nutrient medium for use as the production medium is disclosed.

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: N-Acetylmannosamine dehydrogenase which takes off hydrogen from N-acetylmannosamine to convert it into N-acetylmannosaminolactone and, at the same time, reduces coenzyme NAD into NADH. This enzyme can be obtained by culturing, in a medium, a strain belonging to Genus Flavobacterium and having an ability to produce N-acetylmannosamine dehydrogenase producing activity, and then collecting it. This enzyme is usable in the quantitative analysis of N-acetylmannosamine or sialic acid.

Abstract: Compost, e.g. hardwood bark, is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Container media also is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens and/or diseases caused thereby by amending the media with the just-described prepared suppressive compost or, alternatively, by amending separately with the compost and with Trichoderma fungus and antagonistic bacterium separately or mixed together. Desirably, the inoculated antagonistic microorganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with Xanthomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium balustinum isolate 299, A.T.C.C. No. 53198 species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: L-phenylalanine is produced by using a microorganism belonging to the species Citrobacter freundii, Erwinia herbicola, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus, Flavobacterium suaveolens, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas putida, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus mirabilis, Paracoccus denitrificans, Arthrobacter globiformis, Bacillus sphaericus, Corynebacterium hydrocarboclastus, Kluyvera micum or Microbacterium ammoniaphilum and having the ability to convert phenylpyruvic acid into L-phenylalanine in the presence of an amino group donor; or fumaric acid and ammonium ion or urea.

Abstract: A bacterium of the genus Flavobacterium which utilizes pentachlorophenol (PCP) as its sole carbon and energy source, which tolerates media PCP concentrations over about 250 mg/l, and which may be used in methods of detoxifying PCP-contaminated material.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of microorganisms, ATCC No. 39327 which are capable of reproducible reduction of sulfur, particularly organic sulfur, in coal wherein the novel microorganisms are grown in situ enriched with sulfur compounds and subsequently grown in the presence of a coal substrate and nutrient medium while maintaining an essentially neutral pH. Contacting an aqueous coal slurry with the novel microorganism of the present invention provides coal having reduced organic sulfur content.

Abstract: Compost is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Desirably the inoculated antagonistic microoganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with a Pseudomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: A method for producing S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, which comprises cultivating a microorganism having the ability to produce S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase within its cells in a nutrient medium to accumulate said hydrolase in the cells, said microorganism being a bacterium belonging to the genera Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Rhodopseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Micrococcus, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Chromobacterium, Xanthomonas, Flavobacterium, Cellulomonas, Azotobacter and Protaminobacter, or an actinomycete belonging to the genera Streptomyces, Mycobacterium, Nocardia, Streptoverticillium, Micromonospora, Micropolyspora, Streptosporangium and Microellobosporia; and then recovering S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase from the cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of increasing the production of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism by bacterium of the species F. arborescens or E. coli. The method involves growing the bacterium on an aqueous nutrient medium containing glucose oxime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a optically active .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid monoalkyl ester of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, which comprises subjecting a .beta.-N-protected aminoglutaric acid dialkyl ester of the formula: ##STR2## wherein each R is as defined above and A is an easily removable protecting group, to an action of an enzyme produced by a microorganism belonging to the genera Flavobacterium, Achromobacter, Xanthomonas, Alcaligenes, Serratia, Gluconobacter, Chromobacterium and Acetobacter, to selectively hydrolyze only one of the two ester groups, and then removing the protecting group.

Abstract: The production of an alkaline serine protease by a soil bacterium, Flavobacterium arborescens is disclosed. Also disclosed is the use of the protease as an enzyme detergent.

Abstract: A novel Bacillus isolated from the soil is unique in its capacity to produce xanthanase, and is especially productive of the enzyme when cultured in the presence of other soil organisms. Both crude and purified xanthanases recovered from the fermentation broth effectively degrade xanthan gum. Moreover, tolerance of the Bacillus to sodium chloride levels as high as about 4%, render it useful for the in situ degradation of the heteropolysaccharide in petroleum recovery fluids and other thickened industrial brines.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heparin product obtained by degradation of heparin with heparinase from Flavobacterium heparinum (ATCC 13125) or mutants thereof having activity to reduce the coagulation activity of factor X while not effecting the coagulation activity of thrombin.

Abstract: Microbial cells are produced in great quantities and good yield, and economically by cultivating a bacterium belonging to species selected from the group consisting of Flavobacterium tosaensis, Pseudomonas wakayamaensis, Flavobacterium methanolicola, Corynebacterium yamanasiensis, in a culture medium containing methanol as a major carbon source. Methanol is abundantly available from the chemical industry. The resultant microbial cells have a high protein content and can be utilized as feed, food, medical and industrial materials.

Abstract: Heparinase is produced by growing the bacteria, Flavobacterium heparinum, in a defined medium consisting of a carbon source, two or more amino acids and mineral salts in the absence of protein. Heparinase is recovered by batch chromatography of the cell extract from hydroxylapatite by elution with sodium chloride and sodium phosphate buffer washes.

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

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: A method for the continuous culturing of microbes in a plug-flow reactor which comprises the steps of:A. supplying medium to microbes immobilized on a porous inorganic support at a rate sufficient to maintain such microbes substantially in a logarithmic growth stateandB. removing microbe-containing effluent from the immobilized microbes at a rate equal to the medium supply rate, wherein the microbes are selected from the group consisting of bacteria, yeasts, and fungus-like organisms; such reactor is operated continuously in a substantially plug-flow mode; the immobilized microbes are substantially covered by said medium; and such porous inorganic support has a controlled porosity such that at least 70% of the pores, on a pore size distribution basis, have a pore diameter,a. in the case of bacteria, at least as large as the smallest major dimension of the microbes but less than about five times the largest major dimension of the microbes;b.

Abstract: Glucose is converted to fructose in the presence of an enzyme produced by Flavobacterium arborescens.

Abstract: A purified heparinase I, II and III free of lyase activity and each having a molecular weight of 42,800 84,100, 70,800, respectively, are produced by culturing Flavobacterium heparinum. The kinetic properties of the heparinases have been determined as well as the conditions to optimize their activity and stability.

Abstract: A single, reproducible scheme to simultaneously purify all three of the heparin lyases from F. heparinum to apparent homogeneity is disclosed herein. The kinetic properties of the heparin lyases have been determined as well as the conditions to optimize their activity and stability. Mono-clonal antibodies to the three heparinases are also described and are useful for detection, isolation and characterization of the heparinases.