Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for reducing or eliminating the presence of pathogens in meat or meat products are disclosed. Administration of one or more lactic acid producing microorganisms to a live animal, to a carcass, to meat, to meat products, or in animal feed results in significant reductions in the amount of pathogens potentially harmful to humans when ingested. Synergistic effects can be achieved with the administration of multiple strains of microorganisms.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhancing growth and/or activity of lactobacilli using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-galactosidase; and to enhancing growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and ?-glucanase. Other combinations of fibers and enzymes are described below which also stimulate growth and activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. These combinations of enzymes and prebiotics can be taken separately or added to foods, including desserts.

Abstract: An encapsulation system is provided comprising nitrogen-purge, instant bonding encapsulation method. Specifically, the encapsulation system comprises a composition, a two-piece capsule comprising a capsule cap and a capsule body; a gas to purge oxygen from the composition within the capsule; and a sealing solution to seal the capsule cap to the capsule body. Associated methods for encapsulating compositions using the encapsulation system are also provided.

Abstract: An encapsulation system is provided comprising nitrogen-purge, instant bonding encapsulation method. Specifically, the encapsulation system comprises a composition, a two-piece capsule comprising a capsule cap and a capsule body; a gas to purge oxygen from the composition within the capsule; and a sealing solution to seal the capsule cap to the capsule body. Associated methods for encapsulating compositions using the encapsulation system are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are formulations for enhancing the in vivo colonization of probiotic microorganisms that include digestive enzymes and probiotic microorganisms, and polysorbate surfactants. The enzymes include lactogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Lactobacillus probiotics, bifidogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Bifidobacterium probiotics and combination formulations that benefit both types of probiotics. It has been discovered that certain polysorbate surfactants, including polysorbate-60 and polysorbate-80, further promote probiotic microorganism growth, when used with the enzyme formulations. The formulations are preferably compounded as dry powders, to avoid water reaction with the enzymes in blended formulations. Such formulations can be contained in capsules, tablets, packets or bottles and administered orally, either sequentially or in one combined formulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for modulating the immune responses induced by Gram negative bacteria, potential pathogenic Gram positive bacteria and/or their derivatives, comprising lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient. It also relates to the use of a lipoteichoic acid from lactic acid bacteria as an active ingredient and/or lactic acid bacteria producing it and/or its supernatant of culture, in the manufacture of a medicament, an oral or topical product for cosmetic, dermatological or ophtalmological applications, a food or petfood composition for modulating bacterial colonization, immune responses and decreasing the inflammatory processes associated with bacterially-mediated disease and infection in the gastrointestinal tract, bone, skin, eye, ear, lung and oral cavity. The invention also relates to lipoteichoic acid selected thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for reducing or eliminating the presence of pathogens in meat and meat products are disclosed. Administration of one or more lactic acid producing microorganisms to a live animal, to a carcass, to meat, to meat products, or in animal feed results in significant reductions in the amount of pathogens potentially harmful to humans when ingested. Synergistic effects can be achieved with the administration of multiple strains of microorganisms.

Abstract: Disclosed are formulations for enhancing the in vivo colonization of probiotic microorganisms that include digestive enzymes and probiotic microorganisms, and polysorbate surfactants. The enzymes include lactogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Lactobacillus probiotics, bifidogenic enzyme formulations that promote growth of Bifidobacterium probiotics and combination formulations that benefit both types of probiotics. It has been discovered that certain polysorbate surfactants, including polysorbate-60 and polysorbate-80, further promote probiotic microorganism growth, when used with the enzyme formulations. The formulations are preferably compounded as dry powders, to avoid water reaction with the enzymes in blended formulations. Such formulations can be contained in capsules, tablets, packets or bottles and administered orally, either sequentially or in one combined formulation.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a kind of lactobacillus casei Bd-II, the accession number of the deposit of which is CGMCC NO.0849, and also disclosed a use of it for reducing blood lipid level. Further, a composition for reducing blood lipid level containing it and an acceptable carrier is disclosed. The carrier can be skimmed milk.

Abstract: Probiotic compositions derived from Lactobacillus casei ATCC number PTA 3945 are disclosed. More specifically, probiotic compositions containing prebiotic compositions including edible oils are provided. The probiotic/prebiotic compositions disclosed herein are packaged using a nitrogen purge instant bonding anaerobic encapsulation process to maintain high viability for extended periods.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of prophylaxis of allergies, and relates specifically to primary prevention of atopic diseases by administering probiotic bacteria, beneficial microbes of the healthy gut flora, pre- and postnatally to children at high risk of atopic diseases. In an embodiment, probiotic bacteria are administered to a pregnant woman at least two weeks before infant delivery and after delivery, probiotic bacteria are administered to the newborn infant for at least two months. The amount of probiotic bacteria administered is about 1×108 to about 1×1010 colony forming units of the probiotic bacteria.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a combination of lactic acid bacteria comprising: (a) a first component consisting of at least one strain of H2O2-producing lactic acid bacteria; and (b) a second component consisting of at least one strain of arginine-utilizing lactic acid bacteria. The disclosure is also of the use of this combination for making a food supplement, a hygiene product or a pharmaceutical preparation for the prevention and/or treatment of infections and inflammatory conditions caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, especially in the mouth, vagina, urethra, nose, eyes and ears.

Abstract: Probiotic compositions are provided that comprise Lactobacillus casei strain KE01 having ATCC accession number PTA-3945. The disclosed probiotic compositions are useful in inhibiting enteric pathogen diseases in animals and in maintaining animal health. Methods of making and using Lactobacillus casei strain KE01 probiotic compositions are also disclosed as are methods of using these probiotic compositions.

Abstract: A method for converting organic solid waste into humic products and the corresponding apparatus, in which a preliminary aerobic fermentation of the organic solid waste is performed, followed by a second aerobic fermentation of the organic waste in the presence of specific microorganisms in order to provide a basic precursor on which the selective metabolization occurs of specific bacterial strains to provide the humic product.

Abstract: A method for arousing dormant bacteria. The method comprises inducing diffusion of intracellular solutes from dormant bacteria and then allowing an adjustment period for a length of time sufficient to initiate arousal. The decrease in intracellular osmolality or pH can be induced by methods such as extraction, dilution, or dialysis. The method has been standardized using Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline as the solution. The aroused bacteria can then be selected or recovered by growing them on media for a period of time. If the adjustment period is prolonged, many bacteria can become hypermutative.

Abstract: The use of sphingomyelinase to increase the levels of skin and mucosal ceramides, as well as dermatological and cosmetic compositions containing same which are suitable for topical application are disclosed.

Abstract: A process and composition for treating an animal waste in a waste holding facility to reduce sulfides and enhance efficient degradation of large amounts of organic matter with reduced odor. The process includes administering a probiotic material capable of promoting organic digestion to an animal and maintaining a sulfide gas concentration of less than 10 ppm from a waste produced by the animal. Maintaining a low sulfide gas concentration can be done by adding an innoculum of sulfide-utilizing bacteria to the waste produced by the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel defined medium suitable to cultivate lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobaccilus or Bifidobacteria. In particular the present invention pertains to the use of said medium for the isolation of bioactive molecules or functional metabolites.

Abstract: The invention refers to the use of a strain of Lactobacillus for the manufacture of a medicament for reduction of the fibrinogen level, and optionally cholesterol level, in blood. Said medicament can be utilized for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of circulatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards isolated lactobacillus biosurfactants and the process for producing same. The present invention is also directed to methods for preventing urogenital infection in mammals using the isolated lactobacillus biosurfactant. The present invention is further directed to methods of inhibiting microbial biofilm formation using the isolated lactobacillus biosurfactant to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms, and to displace adherent biofilm-forming bacteria from surfaces.

Abstract: Bacterial strains of genus Bacillus closely phenotypically related to genus Lactobacillus. The strains are moderately thermophilic, have amylolytic properties and/or are capable of producing L(+) lactate, and are useful for producing metabolites such as L(+) lactate.

Abstract: A process of treating whey produced as a by-product of cheese manufacture is disclosed. The process eliminates the contaminating effects of proteins including albumin and globulins within the whey. The fermentation of the treated whey produces enantromerically enriched lactic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing said compositions for treating or preventing urinary tract infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of certain strains of lactobacilli to adhere to uroepithelial or vaginal epithelial cells and to exhibit inhibitory activity against the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides having fibrinogenolytic properties and having amino acid sequences as SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 indicated in the Sequence Listing, the preparation and use thereof for controlling diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to Lactobacillus, skim milk, Lactobacillus Growth Factor (LGF) and Lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing the compositions for preventing urogenital infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of strains of hydrophobic or hydrophilic Lactobacillus to adhere to biomaterials, and intestinal, vaginal and uroepithelial cells, to resist the action of certain antimicrobial agents and to dominate the urogenital flora.

Abstract: A method of processing waste is disclosed wherein the municipal solid waste is segregated and processed to recover reusable rubber, metal, plastic, glass and the remaining organic portion of the waste stream is used to make lactic acid and other chemicals. One process utilizes a pretreatment step with dilute sulfuric acid to reduce the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of the municipal solid waste which may contaminate the produced lactic acid or inhibit the fermentation of the sugars obtained from such waste. In another, the heavy metal content of the cellulosic component of municipal solid waste is removed via an ionic exchange process, after hydrolysis with sulfuric acid. A process for an economical, energy efficient production of lactic acid from municipal solid waste is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for isolation of a strain of Lactobacillus having the ability of being established on human intestinal mucosa in vivo and being able to remain therein after oral administration for at least 10 days after the completion of the administration.By the process the new strains L. plantarum 299 (DSM 6595) and L. casei ssp. rhamnosus 271 (DSM 6594) have been isolated, which are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of bacterial infections, especially in the form of a fermented nutrient composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microorganism strain Lactobacillus casei ssp. rhamnosus LC-705, DSM 7061, having a yeast and mold controlling effect, to bacterial preparations comprising this strain, alone or in combination with a bacterium of the genus Propionibacterium or another strain of the bacterium Lactobacillus casei and/or with conventional agents used for yeast and mold control. The invention also relates to the use of said strain and said bacterial preparations for yeast and mold control and to a method for controlling the growth of yeasts and molds using a bacterial preparation comprising said strain.

Abstract: Described herein is a bacterium having high antimutagenicity against mutagens and belonging to the genus of Lactobacillus. The mutagens may comprise both a base-pair change mutagen and a frameshift mutagen. The bacterium preferably has high intestine reachability and can be Lactobacillus casei.

Abstract: The selective determination of .alpha.-ketoisocaproate in samples of body fluids, especially in serum, is achieved, without previous separation, directly in the fluid and in the presence of NADH, by means of a KIC-specific D-.alpha.-hydroxy-isocaproic dehydrogenase that originates specifically from strains of Lactobacillus casei producing this enzyme, in particular strains of Lactobacillus casei subspecies pseudoplantarum or casei. The KIC determination is used, in particular, for diagnosing maple syrup urine disease. Expedient for this purpose are analytical kits which have a divisible stock of D-.alpha.-hydroxyisocaproic dehydrogenase from Lactobacillus casei, in particular from the Lactobacillus casei (DSM 20008).

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: A fermented pectin-based substance containing diacetyl is prepared by fermenting an aqueous pectin slurry with a lactic acid-producing bacteria under aerobic conditions. Prior to fermentation, the pectin may be incubated with a pectinase.

Abstract: A new strain Lactobacillus sp. KPB-176, which does not possess strict selectivity for specific media and which involves no reduction in the productivity of polysaccharides even during subculture, was isolated from kefir grains. When this new strain is cultured on a medium containing milk whey and casamino acid or when on a medium containing carbohydrate and yeast extract, capsular polysaccharides are produced in high yields.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic preparation of acetoin, particularly (+)-acetoin, employs a diacetyl reductase which can be obtained from a yeast or Lactobacillus strain.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes capable of specifically hybridizing to rRNA of E. coli and Shigella species and not to rRNA of non-E. coli/Shigella are described along with methods utilizing such probes for the specific detection of E. coli and/or Shigella in food and other samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the fermentative preparation of lactic acid, by allowing a sterilized growth medium to be continuously fermented in a reaction vessel by a culture of bacilli of the genus Bacillus, which form lactic acid, keeping the pH of the reaction mixture at 3 to 9 with an aqueous solution of XOH (where X is NH.sub.4 or a metal whose hydroxide and whose salt of lactic acid are watersoluble), subjecting the fermented reaction mixture to an ultrafiltration, recycling the retentate to the reaction vessel, and concentrating the permeate and subsequently subjecting it to an electrodialysis wherein bipolar membranes are used, in which process the lactate is decomposed into the lactic acid and XOH.

Abstract: A new antibiotic having the chromophore structure of the plurmycin family of antibiotics is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces violaceus ATCC 53807. The new antibiotic designated BU-3839T, exhibits potent antibacterial activity and also inhibits the growth of tumors in experimental animal systems.

Abstract: A method for providing fungal inhibition using Lactobacillus casei var. rhamnosus which produces an antifungal substance is described. Bacterial compositions of LCR are also described. The method and compositions are particularly useful for producing fermented foods.

Abstract: An improved method for inhibiting psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk is described. The method uses a non-lactose fermenting strain of a lactobacillus to generate hydrogen peroxide which inhibits the psychrotrophic bacteria. A preferred strain is Lactobacillus casei subspecies alactosus NRRL-B-12344 which is a superior producer of hydrogen peroxide at 5.degree. to 8.degree. C.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for producing lactic acid from carbohydrate-containing media by continuous fermentation utilizing particular methods of media pretreatment, cell-recycle fermentation, fermentation broth acidification, and lactic acid separation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing lactic acid by continuous fermentation utilizing particular methods of media pretreatment, cell-recycle fermentation, fermentation broth acidification, and lactic acid separation.

Abstract: Cultivation of a microorganism in a nutrient medium including disrupted sea kelp or a sea kelp extract produces a bioactivating fermentation product which promotes growth and yields when applied to plants. A composition containing such bioactivating fermentation product and an acidification extraction product of humic acid is readily absorbed by plant foliage when sprayed on plants.

Abstract: The enzyme D-2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid dehydrogenase has been prepared by culturing readily available Lactobacillus or Leuconostoc, microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus casei ssp. pseudoplantarum and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. The microbiologically produced enzyme has special characteristics and is capable of converting D-2-hydroxycarboxylic acids, such as D-2-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid to the corresponding 2-ketocarboxylic acid and is capable of enzymatically converting 2-ketocarboxylic acids, such as 2-keto-4-methylpentanoic acid and 2-ketobutyric acid to the corresponding D-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A method is described for producing fermented foods by generating lactic acid in the food using a culture having the rapid, low temperature fermentation characteristics of Lactobacillus casei NRRL-B-15,438 and a stimulatory food grade metal salt, wherein the culture has unique rapid low temperature fermentation characteristics and wherein starch is not fermented by the culture. In order to provide rapid fermentation, the stimulatory, food grade metal salt, usually a manganese salt, is provided in the food or the culture which is added to the food with the selected lactobacillus to accelerate fermentation. The cultures are particularly suited for the controlled fermentation of carbohydrates, naturally present in or added to the food to provide a selected final pH.

Abstract: A must is fermented with a combination of at least one yeast and at least one lactobacillus, the former being selected from the group of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis and the latter being selected from the group of Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus hilgardii for their symbiotic ability and capability to produce a synergistic organoleptic effect which eliminates all after-taste of yeast. The must is inoculated such that the respective numbers of yeast germs and lactobacilli germs per ml have a ratio of from 1:10 to 1:500.

Abstract: An improved method which differentiates or separates heterogeneous populations of fast and slow acid producing strains of bacteria by growth of the strains under closely controlled unique conditions so as to allow the selection of a colony of one or the other strains is described. Preferably a gelled, solid growth medium containing in admixture: (1) milk protein, a milk protein derivative, or a milk protein substitute; (2) an acid pH sensitive color change indicator; and, (3) a buffering agent is used. The colonies have a contrasting color within and around them because of the effect of the acid produced by the bacteria on the indicator. The growth of the bacteria is under anaerobic or near anaerobic conditions in order to achieve certainty in the colony selection for fast or slow acid production. The bacteria can also be mixed with phage which inhibit or kill the members of a heterogeneous or homogeneous population of bacteria on the medium and grown to produce phage resistant colonies.

Abstract: A method is described for producing fermented foods by generating lactic acid in the food using a culture of a lactobacillus similar to Lactobacillus casei subspecies alactosus NRRL-B-12,344 and a stimulatory food grade metal salt, wherein the culture has unique rapid low temperature fermentation characteristics and wherein lactose, glycogen, and starch are not fermented by the culture. The preferred Lactobacillus casei subspecies alactosus is NRRL-B-12,344 or strains having low temperature food fermentation characteristics in common with this strain. In order to provide rapid fermentation, the stimulatory, food grade metal salt, usually a manganese salt, is provided in the food or the culture which is added to the food with the selected lactobacillus to accelerate fermentation. The cultures are particularly suited for the controlled fermentation of carbohydrates, naturally present in or added to the food to provide a selected final pH.

Abstract: A method is described for producing fermented foods by generating lactic acid in the food using a culture of a lactobacillus similar to Lactobacillus casei subspecies alactosus NRRL-B-12,344 and a stimulatory food grade metal salt, wherein the culture has unique rapid low temperature fermentation characteristics and wherein lactose, glycogen, and starch are not fermented by the culture. The preferred Lactobacillus casei subspecies alactosus is NRRL-B-12,344 or strains having low temperature food fermentation characteristics in common with this strain. In order to provide rapid fermentation, the stimulatory, food grade metal salt, usually a manganese salt, is provided in the food or the culture which is added to the food with the selected lactobacillus to accelerate fermentation. The cultures are particularly suited for the controlled fermentation of carbohydrates, naturally present in or added to the food to provide a selected final pH.

Abstract: A process is provided for improving the recovery of microbial cell biomass, which includes the steps of subjecting a culture broth containing chain-forming microorganisms to shearing conditions sufficient to shorten the chain-length of microbial cells whereby the packed cell volume of the cell biomass is substantially reduced and then recovering the thus treated biomass from the broth by centrifugation.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing several different bacteria including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria is disclosed. The bacteria are present in the composition at a total concentration of 1×1011 to 1×1013 per gram. Further, methods of using the pharmaceutical are disclosed which include treatment of a gastrointestinal disorder and hypercholestermia. Also a method for modulating a host's immune response is disclosed.