Abstract: A method for introducing hydroxyl groups into vitamin D compounds at 1.alpha.- and/or 25-positions by use of a solution containing the mycelium of Actinomycetales being capable of hydroxylating vitamin D compound or the enzyme produced from the mycelium, is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel gene conferring resistance to spiramycin in Streptomyces and related organisms was cloned from a genomic library of Streptomyces ambofaciens DNA. A thirty-one Kb fragment of S. ambofaciens DNA including the spiramycin-resistance gene was isolated from this library on a cosmid designated pKC592. The novel spiramycin-resistance gene can be isolated on an .about.2.9 Kb BamHI fragment by subcloning restriction fragments obtained from the pKC592 insert DNA. This BamHI fragment contains all of the information required for the expression of the spiramycin resistant phenotype in Streptomyces. Vectors and transformants containing the novel spiramycin resistance gene are provided.

Abstract: Antibiotic A42125, which is produced by a new strain of Nocardia aerocolonigenes, NRRL 18049, is a useful inhibitor of Gram-positive and methane-generating microorganisms. A42125 also increases feed utilization efficiency in ruminants. A biologically purified culture of N. aerocolonigenes NRRL 18049 and a method for producing A42125 by fermentation of this culture are provided.

Abstract: A method is described for producing acrylamide from acrylonitrile by the action of a microorganism having nitrilase activity in an aqueous medium, which comprises conducting the reaction in the presence of an alkali metal sulfate at an ionic activity of from 0.004 to 0.01 mole per liter while controlling the pH of said aqueous medium within a range of from 7 to 9 with an alkali hydroxide.

Abstract: A novel method of selecting Streptomyces recombinant DNA-containing host cells and vectors useful in exemplifying the method are described. The vectors confer apramycin resistance to sensitive Streptomyces host cells and thus provide a convenient method of selecting Streptomyces transformants. The apramycin resistance-conferring gene used in the method is an acetyltransferase aac(3)IV gene and can be isolated from E. coli K12 BE1041/pKC309 (NRRL B-15827) on an .about.1.5 kb PstI-EcoRI restriction fragment.

Abstract: A novel method of selecting Streptomyces recombinant DNA-containing host cells and vectors useful in the method are described. The vectors confer spiramycin resistance to sensitive Streptomyces host cells and thus provide a convenient method of selecting Streptomyces transformants. The novel spiramycin resistance-conferring gene described can be isolated on an .about.3.8 kb Bc1I restriction fragment from plasmid pNAS105. Plasmid pNAS105 can be isolated from Streptomyces griseofuscus C581/pNAS105 (NRRL 15919).

Abstract: The manufacture of optically active compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 signifies alkyl, phenyl or benzyl and R.sup.2 signifies hydrogen or a customary ester residue,by the fermentative reduction of compounds of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the above significance. The compounds obtained are valuable intermediates in organic syntheses.

Abstract: Materials of particular utility in separating hydrocarbon values from mineral deposits, e.g. bitumen from tar sands, are prepared by a microbiological fermentation process using certain selected microorganisms. The fermentation process is conducted under aerobic conditions, with the selected microorganisms growing on a hydrocarbon substrate. The materials have surfactant properties, in greater or lesser degree. The materials may be subsequently separated from the fermentation broth, or alternatively the broth may be used as is, since it contains relatively large proportions of suitable separation effecting materials.

Abstract: There are disclosed polyprenyl sulfone derivatives of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein n represents an integer of 1-4, R.sub.1 represents an aryl group d R.sub.2 represents a hydroxymethyl or carboxyl group. The polyprenyl sulfone derivatives are prepared by cultivating a microorganism of the genus Nocardia capable of oxidizing a compound of the general formula: ##STR2## wherein n and R.sub.1 have the same meanings as defined above, in a culture medium containing a compound of the above general formula (II), and then collecting the oxidation product from the culture mixture. The polyprenyl sulfone derivatives are useful as intermediates for preparing various useful polyprenyl compounds.

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: A new antibiotic substance, which has been named nargenicin C.sub.1, has been isolated from fermentations of a species of the genus Nocardia. Nargenicin C.sub.1 can be used as an antibacterial agent against susceptible bacteria, especially susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Fermentation of a culture of Nocardia sp. ATCC 39043 produces an antibiotic complex comprising erythromycin D, 3",4"-di-O-acetylerythromycin D, 3"-O-acetyl-4"-O-propionylerythromycin D and 4"-O-acetylerythromycin D. The components are separated and are each useful in vitro and in vivo as antibacterial agents. If erythromycin D is the desired product, the esters can be hydrolyzed prior to the separation of the erythromycin D.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a new antibacterial and anti-tumor agent designated LL-D05139.beta., produced in a microbiological fermentation under controlled conditions using a new genus Glycomyces harbinensis gen. nov., sp. nov., and mutants thereof.

Abstract: A new antitumor antibiotic designated herein as 4'-deschlororebeccamycin is produced by fermentation of Nocardia aerocolonigenes ATCC 39243. The new compound possesses antibacterial activity and inhibits the growth of tumors in experimental animals.

Abstract: Antibiotic A-51568 is produced by submerged, aerobic fermentation of new Nocardia orientalis NRRL 15232. The antibiotic is effective against gram-positive organisms.

Abstract: The novel glycopeptide antibiotic A-51568B is produced by submerged, aerobic fermentation of Nocardia orientalis NRRL 15232. A-51568B demonstrates antibiotic activity against gram-positive bacteria.

Abstract: A novel antitumor agent designated herein as rebeccamycin is produced by fermentation of Nocardia aerocolonigenes (ATCC 39243). Rebeccamycin and its 5'-N-methyl and 5',2",3",6"-tetraacetate derivatives exhibit activity against experimental animal tumor systems.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or methyl and X is ##STR2## provided that when R.sub.1 is hydrogen, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl and X is ##STR3## and when R.sub.1 is methyl, R.sub.2 is methyl and X is ##STR4## is produced by cultivating a a microorganism belonging to the genus Streptomyces in a culture medium. Said compound is useful as an antimicrobial agent and so forth.

Abstract: A medicament and method for inducing immunity in to infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in cattle. The medicament comprises the gram negative cocci Neisseria or Branhamella which are non-etiological agents of infectious Keratoconjunctivitis yet unexpectedly are found to afford an immunity to infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis when administered to cattle.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## (wherein OH represents OH or OH), that is to say M-4 carboxylic acid and M-4' carboxylic acid, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof and the corresponding ring-closed lactones may be prepared by contacting an ML-236B compound with a microorganism of the genus Nocardia or a cell-free, enzyme-containing extract thereof and then, if necessary, subjecting the resulting product to one or more of the following reactions: hydrolysis, salification, esterification and lactonisation. The resulting M-4 and M-4' derivatives have the ability to inhibit the biosynthesis of cholesterol and are therefore of value in the therapy and/or prophylaxis of hyperlipaemia and arteriosclerosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the fermentation of bile which includes the step of cultivating one or more aerobic microorganisms which have the ability to selectively degrate bile acids or bile acid conjugates contained in bile. The fermentation is carried out in a cultivation medium containing or consisting of unfractionated bile under aerobic conditions to prepare a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein .about. is a bond chosen from one which is alpha or beta to the ring, X is chosen from hydrogen, hydroxyl or oxo, may be either a double or single bond, and R is selected from oxo, hydroxy or a propionic acid residue, attached at the 2-position ##STR2## The invention also includes within its scope certain compounds as described herein prepared by the process of the invention.

Abstract: High molecular weight copolymers containing 3-hydroxybutyrate residue, i.e. units of the formula--O.CH(CH.sub.3).CH.sub.2.CO--and up to 50 mole % of residues of other hydroxy acids, viz units of the formula--O.CR.sup.1 R.sup.2.(CR.sup.3 R.sup.4).sub.n.CO--where n is 0 or an integer and, if n=1 and R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 =H, R.sup.1 is not methyl.The copolymers are made microbiologically: for part of the cultivation the micro-organism is under conditions such that polymer is accumulated, e.g. by limitation of a nutrient, e.g. nitrogen source, required for growth but not polyester accumulation. For at least part of this period of polymer accumulation the substrate is an acid or a derivative thereof that gives the comonomer units. Proprionic acid, which gives polymers where n=1, R.sup.2 =R.sup.3 =R.sup.4 =H and R.sup.1 =C.sub.2 H.sub.5, is the preferred acid.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of a compound having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein n is an integer of from 2 to 4, R.sub.1 is an ester-forming moiety effective as a protecting group for a carboxyl group, and R.sub.2 is hydroxymethyl, formyl or carboxyl. The compounds (I) are useful as intermediates for the preparation of polyprenyl compounds having hypotensive and anti-ulcer activity. The process of the invention includes cultivating a microorganism selected from a strain of the genus Nocardia called BPM 1613, FERM-P No. 1609, Corynebacterium equi IAM 1038, Candida lipolytica IFO 0746, and Mycobacterium smegmatis IFO 3083, in a nutritive culture medium, in the presence of a compound having the general formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sub.3 is an ester-forming moiety effective as a protecting group for a carboxyl group, whereby the microorganism utilizes the compound (II) as a carbon source and oxidizes the compound (II), thereby converting the compound (II) into the compound (I).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a two-functional-group-containing terpenoid having the general formula: ##STR1## in which n is an integer of from 1 to 5, R represents a hydroxymethyl, formyl or carboxyl group, and A represents the hydrogen atom, or a 2-tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, methoxymethol or methoxyethoxymethyl group comprising the oxidation with a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia. Some of the terpenoids are of value as anti-ulcer agents, while others are useful as intermediates.

Abstract: Novel antibiotic C-15003 PHM, which is produced by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia and being capable of producing antibiotic C-15003 PHM, and novel C-15003 PHM acylate, which is produced by subjecting C-15003 PHM thus obtained to acylation reaction with an acylating agent, have antiprotozoan and antitumor activities.

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: Macbecin derivatives are produced by cultivating a microorganism of the genus Actinosynnema in a culture medium.The Macbecin derivatives are useful as antibacterial, antifungal or antiprotozoal agent.

Abstract: Macbecin derivatives are produced by bringing Macbecins into contact with a microorganism, or its processed matter, of the genus Streptomyces or Nocardia. The Macbecin derivatives are useful as antibacterial, antifungal or antiprotozoal agent.

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: A process is disclosed in which an amino acid-producing microorganism having an ability to assimilate lactic acid is aerobically cultivated in the presence of at least one lactic acid microorganism in an aqueous nutrient medium containing at least one carbohydrate which is assimilable by the lactic acid microorganism but nonassimilable or weakly assimilable by the amino acid-producing microorganism as the main carbon source and an accumulated amino acid is recovered from the culture broth. An industrially advantageous production of an amino acid has become feasible by utilizing inexpensive carbon sources or those organic substances in agricultural or livestock wastes that have heretofore not been effectively utilized.

Abstract: Valuable 9.alpha.-hydroxy steroids are prepared via microbial enzymatic oxidation (MEO) by conventional fermentation means, without the need for a .DELTA..sup.1 dehydrogenation inhibitor, utilizing novel microorganism Nocardia canicruria ATCC 31548. Also disclosed is a novel method using any .DELTA..sup.1 dehydrogenase producing organism and a novel bio-reactor technique means for preparing said steroids.

Abstract: A method of increasing the yield of a desired product, such as an antibiotic, by an organism which normally must first become inducibly resistant to that product before it can produce the product in maximum yields comprises producing constitutively resistant cells of the organism by supplementing a culture of the organism with an agent in which only cells able to specifically modify the 23S ribosomal RNA constitutively, rather than inducibly, survive thereby producing an organism in which the resistance to the product is expressed without the need for activation by the induction process; followed by purification and utilization of that organism for increased product production.

Abstract: Antibiotic C-15003 PHO of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H, hydroxyl, alkanoyloxy, alkenylcarbonyloxy or arylcarbonyloxy; R.sub.2 is H, hydroxyl or alkanoyloxy; R.sub.3 is H or alkanoyloxy is produced by introducing a hydroxyl group into 15-position of a maytansinoid compound, and, if desired, thus obtained compound is subjected to deacylation or acylation.Antibiotic C-15003 PHO is useful as antiprotozoal or antitumor agent.

Abstract: Antibiotic C-15003 PND of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is H or alkanoyl containing not more than 5 carbon atoms is produced by contacting a maytansinoid compound with a culture broth, inclusive of a processed matter derived therefrom, of a microorganism belonging to one of the genera Streptomyces and Chainia which is able to transform said maytansinoid compound into Antibiotic C-15003 PND.Antibiotic C-15003 PND is useful as antitumor, antifungal or antiprotozoal agent.

Abstract: A novel Antibiotic C-15003 is produced by cultivating a microorganism of the genus Nocardia.The Antibiotic C-15003 is useful as an antifungal agent or an antiprotozoan agent.

Abstract: Antibiotic C-15003 P-3 is specifically produced by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia in a culture medium to which isobutyl aldehyde, isobutyl alcohol or a fatty acid ester of isobutyl alcohol is added.The Antibiotic C-15003 P-3 is useful as an antifungal, antiprotozoan or antitumor agent.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of acrylamide from acrylonitrile in an aqueous medium by use of a microorganism having nitrilasic activity, wherein at least one compound selected from alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates is added to the aqueous medium, either solely or in combination with an organic carboxylic acid, thus inhibiting the swelling of fixed cells, maintaining the enzymatic activity for a long period of time, and efficiently obtaining an aqueous solution of acrylamide having high quality.

Abstract: This invention is a process for producing a stable aqueous solution of acrylamide or methacrylamide by subjecting acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile in water to the action of microorganisms having a nitrilasic activity, which is characterized in that said microorganisms are treated with a water-soluble dialdehyde to thereby inhibit polymerization of the acrylamide or methacrylamide produced.

Abstract: Cultivation of a strain of the microorganism Nocardia sp. 11,340, which has been deposited in the American Type Culture Collection as A.T.C.C. No. 31531, yields a novel antibiotic substance EM 4940, having activity against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, fungi, acholeplasma, and the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially pure culture of the microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia, which microorganism is capable of producing in a culture medium containing assimilable carbon and digestible nitrogen sources, a recoverable amount of the Antibiotic C-14919 E-1 or E-2 or mixtures thereof having the characteristics described in the specification. These antibiotics have a wide range of antibiotic activity and they are useful as germicides or disinfectants.

Abstract: A novel antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 is produced by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia and capable of producing Antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 in a culture medium, whereby Antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 is elaborated and accumulated in the culture medium, and recovering the same antibiotic.Antibiotic C-14482 A.sub.1 is useful as a germicide or disinfectant.

Abstract: New antibiotically active compounds having the basic structure of rifamycin S, namely 3-hydroxyrifamycin S (formula A: X.dbd.>C.dbd.O; R.sup.1 .dbd.OH; R.sup.2 .dbd.H), 3,31-dihydroxyrifamycin S (formula A: X.dbd.>C.dbd.O; R.sup.1 .dbd.R.sup.2 .dbd.OH) and 1-desoxy-1-oxarifamycin S (formula A: X.dbd.--O--; R.sup.1 .dbd.R.sup.2 .dbd.H) ##STR1## are formed by cultivating, under aerobic conditions, a strain of Nocardia mediterranei which is derived from Streptomyces mediterranei ATCC 13 685 as the parent strain and is characterized by the ability to produce at least one of the mentioned compounds. The recombinant strain Nocardia mediterranei DSM 1415 has proved suitable. The mentioned rifamycin S analogues have analogous antibiotic properties to this but have a wider range of action, especially against gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract: After physical removal of the majority of the oil on the surface of the water, the thin film remaining is treated with microbial metabolites which reduce the surface and interface tension and cause the formation of oil agglomerates. These agglomerates may be drawn off or left to be degraded by hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms normally present in the sea water or added thereto.

Abstract: Novel rifamycin compounds, designated P, Q, R and U, produced by the fermentation of mutant strains of Streptomyces mediterranei.

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: Cultivation of a strain of the microorganism Nocardia sp. 11,340, which has been deposited in the American Type Culture Collection as A.T.C.C. No. 31531, yields a novel antibiotic substance EM 4940, having activity against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, fungi, acholeplasma, and the protozoan Trichomanas vaginalis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing the antibiotics C-14919 E-1 and/or E-2 by cultivating an antibiotic C-14919 E-1 and/or E-2 producing strain of the genus Nocardia in a culture medium and accumulating said antibiotics. These antibiotics have a wide range of antibiotic activity and they are useful as germicides or disinfectants.

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 novel Antibiotic C-15003 P-4 is specifically produced by cultivating a microorganism of the genus Nocardia in a culture medium containing leucine and/or its derivatives.The Antibiotic C-15003 P-4 is useful as an antifungal agent, antiprotozoan agent and antitumor agent.