Abstract: A substantially purified glucose dehydrogenase is disclosed. The enzyme has activity at a temperature of from about 30.degree. C. to about 65.degree. C. at a pH of from about pH 6 to about pH 10 and has an optimum activity at a temperature from about 50.degree. C. to about 60.degree. C. at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.0. The enzyme is further characterized by retaining at least 90% residual activity after treatment at 50.degree. C. for 15 minutes, being NAD or NADP dependent, having a molecular weight of about 101,000 daltons as determined by gel filtration using TSK gel, having an isoelectric point of about 4.5 by ampholyte isoelectric focusing, and having a specificity for at least .beta.-D-glucose and 2-deoxyglucose. The preferred source of the enzyme is Pseudomonas sp. FH1227.

Abstract: Fusaric acid resistant genes derived from fusaric acid decomposing or detoxifying microorganisms such as Pseudomonas cepacia and Klebsiella oxytoca are described. Also described are DNA fragments and plasmids, which comprise such fusaric acid resistant genes. Host cells comprising such plasmids are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a copolymer containing a unit represented by Formula (1): ##STR1## wherein Y represents a hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 13 carbon atoms which may have 1 to 4 double bonds. A method for production thereof comprises the steps of culturing microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas under limitation of nutrients other than carbon sources using a medium containing long-chain fatty acids having 14 to 22 carbon atoms or lower alcohol esters thereof, or triglycerides comprising long-chain fatty acids having 14 to 22 carbon atoms as carbon sources; washing the bacterial cells after completion of cultivation; extracting the bacterial cells; and recovering a polyester from the extracts.

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: An isolated Pseudomonas cepacia strain having the identifying characteristics of Pseudomonas cepacia NCSU strain 5.5B (A.T.C.C. No. 55,344) is disclosed. Also disclosed are a biocontrol agent comprising the aforementioned strain and a method of controlling Rhizoctonia comprising the step of administering such a biocontrol agent in an amount sufficient to inhibit the growth of Rhizoctonia solani.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of S-(+)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide, starting from R,S-(.+-.)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide. For this process, new microorganisms are selected and isolated, which are capable of biotransforming R-(-)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide in racemic 2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxamide to R-(-)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid. The process can then be performed either with the microorganisms or with the cell-free enzymes from the microorganisms.

Abstract: An acid heteropolysaccharide P-318 which comprises galactose, galacturonic acid, N-acetylfucosamine and pyruvic acid in a ratio of about 2:3:1:1, a sulfated heteropolysaccharide P-318 having a 10% or less sulfur content which is prepared by sulfating said acid heteropolysaccharide and a process for preparing an acid heteropolysaccharide P-318 which comprises culturing Pseudomonas sp. 318 to produce the acid heteropolysaccharide P-318 and collecting the thus produced acid heteropolysaccharide P-318. The sulfated polysaccharide P-318 of the invention shows a strong antiviral activity in spite of a lower content of sulfate.

Abstract: A method for the screening of potential antifungal agents comprises testing the inhibitory effect of the potential antifungal agent in two tests, a first test for inhibition of pathogen development in sterilised soil infested with mycelium of Pythium spp and a second test against for inhibition of disease development in a growing plant of a species susceptible to disease from damping-off disease complex in the presence of the said complex, identifying agents giving potential inhibitory effect in both tests compared with control and submitting same for further examination. Using this method four particularly useful microorganisms which display antifungal activity in a wide spectrum, shown in further testing and in field trials, of disease fungi have been provided. Methods of using such microorganisms and compositions and compositions containing same are also described.

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: An optically active alcohol of this invention is obtained from a process using an enzyme having the ability to conduct preferentially a transesterification reaction with a triglyceride and an (R,S)-alcohol represented by a general formula: ##STR1## wherein X indicates alkyl group having a carbon number of 2-10, Y indicates alkyl group having a carbon number of 1-3, CF.sub.3 or CN, and X.noteq.Y. In this process, the (R,S)-alcohol of the above formula (1) and the triglyceride are reacted under substantially anhydrous conditions. The obtained ester is resolved and the optically active alcohol which contains richly either R- or S-alcohol is produced the optically active alcohol is efficiently obtained by an industrially advantageous biochemical method.

Abstract: A method of releasing metals from catalysts in a form that is readily recoverable using denitrifying bacteria is disclosed. The method can be used to regenerate catalysts and to recover metals from catalysts, especially molybdenum and nickel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing ascorbic acid-2-phosphate which comprises the steps of reaction, in aqueous medium, of ascorbic acid with a phosphate donor in the presence of cells, treated cells, a culture broth or a treated culture broth, of a microorganism belonging to the genus Escherichia and carrying a recombinant DNA comprising a gene isolated from a microorganism belonging to the species Pseudomonas azotocolligans and coding for ascorbic acid-phosphorylating enzyme until a recoverable amount of ascorbic acid-2-phosphate is accumulated in the aqueous medium, and recovery of ascorbic acid-2-phosphate therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the production of eicosapentaenoic acid comprising the steps of a) culturing a microorganism capable of producing lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid belonging to a genus selected from the group of Pseudomonas, Alteromonas and Shewanella, to produce lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid, and b) recovering the eicosapentaenoic acid from the cultured product; a process for production of a lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid comprising the steps of a) culturing a microorganism capable of producing lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid belonging to a genus selected from the group of Pseudomonas, Alteromonas and Shewanella, to produce lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid, and b) recovering the lipid containing eicosapentaenoic acid; and microorganisms capable of producing eicosapentaenoic acid belonging to a genus selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas, Alteromonas, and Shewanella.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for providing enhanced yield and simplified isolation of hydrophobic enzymes from a culture medium. The process comprises the steps of: (a) culturing a hydrophobic enzyme-secreting microorganism in an aqueous culture medium comprising a yield-enhancing effective amount of a nonionic surfactant having a cloud point of less than 40.degree. C. for a time sufficient to provide enhanced secretion of said enzyme from said microorganism, (b) removing said microorganism from said culture medium to provide a microorganism-free solution, (c) heating said microorganism-free solution to a temperature above said cloud point to cause phase separation of said culture medium into an aqueous phase, and a non-aqueous phase containing said nonionic surfactant and said yield-enhanced hydrophobic enzyme, and (d) isolating said non-aqueous phase containing said nonionic surfactant and said yield-enhanced hydrophobic enzyme.

Abstract: A process for preparation of R-(-)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol which comprises cultivating in a medium containing racemate 3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol a bacterium, which, when cultivated in a medium containing racemate 3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol as a sole carbon source, can grow and proliferate, has an ability to assimilate S-(+)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol preferentially compared to R-(-)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol and belongs to the genus Pseudomonas, or its culture cells; and recovering R-(-)-3-halogeno-1,2-propanediol from the resulting culture broth.

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: A culture of Pseudomonas XA cells containing indolyl-3-alkane alpha-hydroxylase(INDH) is produced by aerobic batch fermentation in a culture medium. The culture medium is in a vessel having a means for adjusting agitation rate. During culturing, the cells go through a logarithmic phase and a stationary phase. Oxygen concentration is measured in the culture medium at the beginning of the process to determine a first oxygen concentration. Agitation rate is adjusted to produce a second oxygen concentration in the culture medium of about two to about seven percent of the first oxygen concentration for a time period of about two to about seven hours which ends at the beginning of the stationary phase. An INDH having three subunits of different molecular weight is isolated from the cells. The INDH is stable, free from endotoxin-mediated side effects and has sufficient specific activity to be useful for depletion of tryptophan from aqueous solution. During use, the INDH may be in immobilized form.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the terminal oxidation of alkyl groups in 5- or 6-ring heterocycles which are substituted with at least one alkyl group with more than 2 carbon atoms to carboxylic acids.

Abstract: A mannose isomerase having excellent properties for industrial use, such as high thermal stability and resistance to high substrate concentrations, can be produced by culturing a strain of Pseudomonas (sp. AM-9582), and extracting it from the cells of AM-9582. Mannose can be effectively produced from fructose of high concentrations using the enzyme.

Abstract: A new lipase and a new protease, which can be produced by a new Pseudomonas strain, and methods of producing such lipase and protease using said strain, protease, or producing enzymatic additives for detergents whose main active component is the lipase of the invention. Further disclosed are detergent washing compositions containing the lipase and/or the protease or the enzymatic additives, and a washing process using said compositions.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxypicolinic acid starting from picolinic acid and/or its salts. The concentration of picolinic acid and/or its salts is selected so that the 6-hydroxypicolinic acid is not further metabolized. The process is performed either by microorganisms of genus Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Alcalioenes, Aerococcus, or Rhodotorula, or with biomass using picolinic acid, which grow with picolinic acid as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of naturally-occurring Pseudomonas strain 679-2 is described. This nonobligate bacterial predator microorganism and its extracellular products are useful for the control of many bacterial and fungal diseases of plants. Whole cells of this bacterium and the antimicrobial compounds that it produces are involved in biological control effects. Materials and methods of preparation and application involving Pseudomonas strain 679-2 and its antimicrobial products are described.

Abstract: A process for the predominantly producing R(-)-mandelic acid or a derivative thereof which comprises subjecting (i) R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, or (ii) a mixture of prussic acid and benzaldehyde or a derivative of benzaldehyde to the action of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of the genus Aureobacterium, Pseudomonas, Caseobacter, Alcaligenes, Acinetobacter, Brevibacterium, Nocardia, and Bacillus or treated cells thereof, which the microorganism is capable of stereospecifically hydrolyzing a nitrile group of the R,S-mandelonitrile or a derivative thereof, in a neutral or basic aqueous reaction system to produce the R(-)-mandelic acid.

Abstract: Microbially produced ice nucleator mixtures which include either cell-free ice nucleator particle mixtures and/or whole cell ice nucleator mixtures. These mixtures are produced in methods which comprises culturing a selected microorganism in a two step process at a first temperature in a first step and at a lower temperature in a second step. The mciroorganisms include Erwinia, Pseudomonas and Escherichia coil. These methods produce ice nucleator mixtures having increased concentrations of ice nucleating sites per given weight or volume of ice nucleator material.

Abstract: The invention is a carbohydrate receptor for pathogenic bacteria. The receptor is a purified carbohydrate compound that is a member selected from the group consisting of fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2. The invented receptor can be included in a composition having a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention includes methods for purifying, detecting, or removing bacteria from diseased tissue. The applicants have discovered a carbohydrate receptor for a variety of different species of disease-producing bacteria. The structure of the receptor is N-acetylgalactosamine-beta-1-4-galactose-beta-1-4-glucose, abreviated GalNAc.beta.1-4Gal.beta.1-4Glc. The receptor is present in human and animal tissues as complex molecules and can serve as the attachment site for bacterial infection. For example, fucosyl-asialo GM1, asialo GM1, and asialo GM2 are three biological molecules which occur in cell membranes and contain the carbohydrate receptor.

Abstract: A process for producing an L-amino acid from the corresponding DL- and/or L-amino acid amide represented by the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having one to 4 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, by action of an enzyme having hydrolytic activity to L-amino acid amides which is produced by Enterobacter cloacae or Pseudomonas sp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an organic compound from manure, including the steps of:i) concentrating the manure to form a vapor;ii) condensing said vapor to form a condensate;iii) adding to said condensate micro-organisms which are capable of producing the organic compound; andiv) separating from the condensate the organic compound produced by the micro-organisms.These micro-organisms comprise species of the genera Arthrobacter, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Escherichia, Microbacterium, Micrococcus and Pseudomonas.

Abstract: A screening assay for detecting the presence of Pseudomonas bacteria in a test sample comprising isolating the bacteria present in the sample, extracting Azurin protein from the periplasm within the bacteria, reacting the extract with an enzymatically labelled, Azurin-specific antibody and a color-producing substrate specific for the enzyme which is capable of producing a color distinct from the color generated by Azurin and reading the results of the reaction of the sample with the antibody to determine whether the color has been produced whereby the presence of Pseudomonas bacteria in the sample is indicated.

Abstract: Fatty acid esters of methyl glycosides are prepared by reacting a fatty acid or ester with a methyl glycoside in the presence of an enzyme catalyst, in particular a lipase. The resulting fatty acid esters are preferably monoesters.The methyl glycoside fatty acid esters may be used as surface-active agents in cleaning compositions or personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel type II restriction endonuclease obtainable from Pseudomonas mendocina. The endonuclease known as Pme I, recognizes the following nucleotide sequence and has a cleavage point indicated by the arrows:5'-G T T T.dwnarw.A A A C-3'3'-C A A A.uparw.T T T G-5'Also described is a process for obtaining Pme I from Pseudomonas mendocina.

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: Compounds of the formula (R-COO).sub.n X-OR.sup.1, wherein R.sup.1 is optionally substituted alkyl, phenyl, or alkyl phenyl, n is 1, 2 or 3, X is a carbohydrate moiety, and R is optionally substituted alkyl, have superior effects as additives in detergents. These compounds can be prepared by esterification of glycosides using specific enzymes.

Abstract: A novel pyrimine-producing strain belonging to genus Pseudomonas exhibits the following bacteriological properties: denitrification reaction: negative; assimilation of carbon sources:D-arabinose: positiveL-lysine: negativeand a novel pyrimine-producing strain belonging to genus Pseudomonas exhibits the following bacteriological properties: denitrification reaction: negative, assimilation of carbon sources:D-arabinose: positiveL-lysine: positiveThese novel strains produce pyrimine in high yield and if the strains are cultured in a proper culture medium in the presence of an iron salt, a natural red dye, ferropyrimine, can be easily produced and directly be recovered from the culture medium.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the production of 6-hydroxypicolinic acid starting from picolinic acid and/or its salts. The concentration of picolinic acid and/or its salts is selected so that the 6-hydroxypicolinic acid is not further metabolized. The process is performed either by microorganisms of genus Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Alcaligenes, Aerococcus, or Rhodotorula, or with biomass using picolinic acid, which grow with picolinic acid as the sole carbon, nitrogen and energy source.

Abstract: Process for the enantioselective conversion of an enantiomer mixture of 2R.sub.1,2R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol including the following steps: combining the enantioselective enzyme, PQQ-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase with an enantiomer mixture of 2R.sub.1, 2R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an optionally branched alkyl group, an aryl, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 with the carbon atom to which they are attached being an optionally substituted carbocyclic ring, the combination of ingredients producing 2R.sub.1,2R.sub.2 -3-dioxolane-4-methanol enriched in the S-enantiomer i.e. S-2R.sub.1,2R.sub.2 -1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel nucleoside oxidase YT-1 serving as an enzyme for catalyzing oxidation reaction of a nucleoside, and oxidase being characterized in that the oxidase causes the nucleoside to react with molecular oxygen to produce a nucleoside-5'-carboxylic acid via a nucleoside-5'-aldehyde without producing hydrogen peroxide, a process for producing the enzyme, a novel microorganism having ability to produce the enzyme, and a novel analysis or assay method for nucleosides and the like utilizing the enzyme.

Abstract: Lipase is immobilized by adsorption on a polymethacrylic acid ester resin such as polymethylmethacrylate cross-linked with divinyl benzene. The resin is preferably a particulate, macroporous resin having an average pore radius of 100-200 .ANG., a total surface area of 25-150 m.sup.2 /g and a particle size of 100-1,000 .mu.m. The lipase may be obtained from Mucor miehei, Candida antarctica, Pseudomonas cepacia or Humicola lanuginosa. The immobilized lipase may be dried and is used for interesterifying an ester, hydrolyzing an ester or synthesizing an ester. Interesterification can be carried out continuously in a fixed-bed column.

Abstract: Novel lipolytic enzymes are provided having an optimum pH in the range of 8 and 10.5 which exhibit effective lipase activity in an aqueous solution containing a detergent at a concentration of up to about 10 g/l under washing conditions at a temperature of 60.degree. C. or below and at a pH between 7 and 11. These lipases are useful in washing compositions, premixes and enzymatic detergent additives. They are obtainable from bacteria strains selected from Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas stutzeri and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Preferred strains are Ps. pseudoalcaligenes CBS 467.85, CBS 468.85, CBS 471.85, CBS 473.85 and ATCC 29625, Ps. stutzeri CBS 461.85 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus CBS 460.85, and variants and mutants thereof.

Abstract: A method for the fermentation of microorganisms having a high level of ice nucleating activity is disclosed. A high productivity in the fermentation is achieved by using a certain amount of nitrogen source during the growth phase and low temperature during the stationary phase of the fermentation.

Abstract: Microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas containing aspartate beta-decarboxylase at a high level are produced by culturing said microorganism in a medium supplemented with a chelating agent. L-Alanine can be efficiently produced from L-aspartic acid said microorganisms or the treated product thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing polyester biopolymers by culturing Pseudomonas oleovorans bacteria on substrates comprising certain nutrients. The nature of the polyesters can be varied by varying the nature of the carbon source used. In this way polyesters with unsaturated double bonds can be produced, too. From the polyesters, optically active carboxylic acids or esters are produced. The polymers can be used for making articles of manufacture, such as sutures, films, skin and bone grafts.

Abstract: This invention concerns a biological process for remediating creosote-contaminated sites or environment sites containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generally found in creosote-contaminated sites. The biological process comprises novel bacteria which can degrade recalcitant chemical compounds.

Abstract: A novel hybrid B.t. toxin gene toxic to lepidopteran insects has been cloned. The DNA encoding the B.t. toxin can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes to express the B.t. toxin. These recombinant microbes can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: A polypeptide possessing isoamylase activity with a revealed amino acid sequence. The polypeptide has features that it acts on amylaceous substances to produce a high-maltose content product, and that it has a molecular weight of 80,000.+-.5,000 daltons on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, as well as having an isoelectric point of 4.7.+-.0.1 on polyacrylamide gel isoelectric electrophoresis.The polypeptide can be advantageously used in the industrial manufacture of starch syrups.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing L-alanine by reacting in a single reaction tank, in an aqueous reaction mixture having a pH of 6 to 10 and containing at least one .alpha.-keto acid, fumaric acid or a salt thereof with ammonia or ammonium ions in the presence of two microorganisms having fumarase inactivity.

Abstract: A novel pyrimine-producing strain belonging to genus Pseudomonas exhibits the following bacteriological properties: denitrification reaction: negative; assimilation of carbon sources:D-arabinose: positiveL-lysine: negativeand a novel pyrimine-producing strain belonging to genus Pseudomonas exhibits the following bacteriological properties: dentrification reaction: negative; assimilation of carbon sources:D-arabinose: positiveL-lysine: positiveThese novel strains produce pyrimine in high yield and if the strains are cultured in a proper culture medium in the presence of an iron salt, a natural red dye, ferropyrimine, can be easily produced and directly be recovered from the culture medium.

Abstract: An enzymatic process for the enantiomer-specific preparation of mercapto alkanoic acids by stereoselective hydrolysis of mercapto or thioester alkanoic acid esters.

Abstract: A new lipase and a new protease, which can be produced by a new Pseudomonas strain, and methods of producing such lipase and protease using said strain, protease, or producing enzymatic additives for detergents whose main active component is the lipase of the invention. Further disclosed are detergent washing compositions containing the lipase and/or the protease or the enzymatic additives, and a washing process using said compositions.

Abstract: An optically active monoester of the formula of ##STR1## where R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.15 alkyl is disclosed. The monoester is produced by transesterification of cis-endo-bicyclo [2,2,2] oct-5-ene-2,3-dimethanol with a fatty acid alkyl or vinyl ester, or triglyceride by using an esterase.

Abstract: Microorganisms isolated from soil enriched with chitin or collagen were found to be very effective in controlling soil nematodes, probably by destroying their eggs or egg-shells. Pure culture of such microorganisms were prepared. These microorganisms are formulated into solid or liquid nematicidal compositions and as such used for combating soil-nematode infestations.