Abstract: An chromatography kit is described, a representative one of which includes: an examination container one end of which has an inlet for receiving a sample, and an chromatography examination strip used by inserting from the inlet into the examination container wherein the examination container comprises a prevention part for preventing from the adherence of the examination strip on the inner wall of the examination container.

Abstract: Autoinducer molecules, e.g., N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa are described. The molecules regulate gene expression in the bacterium. Therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods involving analogs and/or inhibitors of the autoinducer molecules also are described. The molecules are useful for treating or preventing infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel xylanase producing bacteria, Pseudomonas stutzeri deposited at the MCMRD, National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India and having the assession number MCMRD-AB-001 and also deposited at the Agricultural Research Culture Collection (NRRL) International Depositary Authority, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria Ill. 61604, USA on Aug. 20, 2002 having accession No. NRRL B-30615, and a process for production of thermophilic and alkalophilic extracellular enzyme xylanase using the said bacteria.

Abstract: Immobilized lipase is prepared by adsorbing lipase from a crude lipase solution onto polyolefin particles such as polypropylene particles which are nonpolar. The crude solution may be a cell-free culture broth. Lipase sources include Pseudomonas burkholderia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Uses of the immobilized lipase include enantioselective conversion of substrates such as enantioselective acylating or hydrolyzing.

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: A method for producing a microbial polyester by culturing a microorganism being capable of producing a poly hydroxyalkanoate polyester in a culture medium containing 1-hexene as a sole carbon source.

Abstract: Genomic or cDNA, or fragments and mixtures thereof, can be screened by generation of subsets and then subjecting the subsets to mismatch scanning procedures. Alternatively, DNA fragments can be generated by cutting with a restriction endonuclease that generates variable overhangs. For either of the above methods, Y-shaped adapters having a region of non-complementary single-stranded DNA at the end can be used. Heterohybrid DNA, containing one DNA strand derived from each of two different samples, or homohybrids, containing DNA strands from the same sample, can be selected. Adapters attached to the ends of the fragments are designed to allow the selective isolation of homohybrid or heterohybrid DNA.

Abstract: Bioavailability of lead and other heavy metals in the environment may be reduced by addition of microorganisms which sequester lead from the environment in the presence of phosphate. The microorganisms are highly mobile and are, therefore, capable of scavenging a material for lead, which they then sequester. The method basically consists of reducing bioavailability of lead in the environment by addition of Pseudomonas aeroginosa strain CHL004 to said environment in the presence of phosphate which contains at least stoichiometric equivalent amounts of phosphate to lead.

Abstract: Bioavailability of lead and other heavy metals in the environment may be reduced by addition of microorganisms which sequester lead from the environment in the presence of phosphate. The microorganisms are highly mobile and are, therefore, capable of scavenging a material for lead, which they then sequester. The method basically consists of reducing bioavailability of lead in the environment by addition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CHL004 (ATCC 55937) to said environment in the presence of phosphate which contains at least stoichiometric equivalent amounts of phosphate to lead.

Abstract: A treatment for enhancing the recovery of exopolysaccharide from bacterial cells is disclosed, which treatment includes adding to a cultivation medium containing said cells an amount, effective for the purpose of an alkylsulfosuccinate surfactant.

Abstract: Methods and products for upregulating cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators are provided, including methods and products for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infection. The products include polysaccharides that interact with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The polysaccharide compositions of the invention may be administered to a subject in order to enhance the uptake of P. aeruginosa into the epithelial cells of the subject. The invention also encompasses compositions comprising a lipopolysaccharide-binding region of a CFTR linked to an anti-Pseudomonal drug and methods of use of such compositions. Compositions and methods for gene therapy are also disclosed. The compositions include polysaccharides that bind to CFTR coupled to a gene delivery vehicle.

Abstract: A recombinant vector for cloning a heterologous nucleotide sequence and/or expressing it and/or transferring it to a cell host. The vector includes, at a site which is not essential for replication, the gene coding for a lipoprotein other than E. coli lipoproteins, or a part of said gene which contains the elements required for controlling the expression of said lipoprotein and exposing it on the surface of the outer host cell membrane, so that the heterologous nucleotide sequence can be inserted into the gene or said part thereof under conditions suitable for expressing said heterologous sequence and exposing it on the surface of the cell host.

Abstract: A treatment for enhancing the recovery of exopolysaccharide from bacterial cells is disclosed, which treatment includes adding to a cultivation medium containing said cells an amount, effective for the purpose of an alkylsulfosuccinate surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for preparing biosurfactants for use in stabilizing emulsions of high viscosity hydrocarbons such as high viscosity crude oil wherein the biosurfactant is a metabolite of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (USB-CS1). The resulting biosurfactant can be used to produce stabilized emulsions having a viscosity of below about 500 centipoise and, more preferably, below about 100 centipoise at ambient temperatures.

Abstract: Autoinducer molecules, e.g., N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa are described. The molecules regulate gene expression in the bacterium. Therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods involving analogs and/or inhibitors of the autoinducer molecules also are described. The molecules are useful for treating or preventing infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target nucleic acid A is disclosed, comprising hybridizing the target nucleic acid A with a probe nucleic acid B which contains a sequence B1 which base pairs with a part of the target nucleic acid A and a sequence B2, cleaving the hybridized probe nucleic acid B to produce a cleavage product B' containing the sequence B2, hybridizing the cleavage product B' with a template nucleic acid C containing a sequence C2 which base pairs with a part of the cleavage product B' and a sequence C1 which does not hybridize with the sequence B1 of the probe nucleic acid B, extending the hybridized cleavage product B' with an extension sequence B3 which is template-specific to a part of the sequence C1, hybridizing a probe D with the extension product, wherein the probe D contains a sequence D1 which base pairs with the extension sequence B3 and a sequence D2, and detecting any of the various products formed throughout the method. Products for performing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of the invention involves providing a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The first receptacle contains a sterile aqueous broth and the second receptacle contains an aqueous broth including a carbon source. The method then includes placing into the first receptacle a first support surface having a paraffin wax coating thereon and placing into the second receptacle a second support surface having a hydrophobic material coating thereon. A body specimen, such as sputum, is then introduced into each of the first and second receptacles. The presence of a nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism in the body specimen is determined by observing (i) a lack of microorganism growth on the paraffin coated material of the first support surface and (ii) a presence of microorganism growth on the hydrophobic material coating of the second support surface. The presence of the nonparaffinophilic hydrophobic microorganism can be further confirmed by performing a DNA extraction.

Abstract: A strain of Pseudomonas Sp. bacterium (NRRL B-18602) has been discovered which is capable of converting oleic acid to the novel compound, 7,10-dihydroxy-8-octadecenoic acid (DOD). The production of DOD is unique in that it involves a hydroxylation at two positions and a rearrangement of the double bond of the substrate molecule. The new multifunctional, long-chain aliphatic acid has potential utility as a plasticizer and as a source of intermediates in the synthesis of specialty chemicals.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of .delta.-decalactone by the microbial reduction of massoia lactone, characterized in that a bacterium having the ability to reduce massoia lactone is used as the microorganism. The .delta.-decalactone produced according to this process has a highly tastable, mild creamlike scent and flavor, and is hence suitable for use in flavor compositions.

Abstract: A rapid, on-site method for indicating the degree of spoilage, if any, of finfish by the level of bacteria present therein. A small quantity of flesh is cut from a representative fish and kneaded in a bacterial nutrient broth to extract any bacteria present. A triphenyl tetrazolium dye is added as an indicator reagent, followed by an anionic surfactant and a lower alkyl alcohol. The developed color, if any, is compared to a control color chart representative of acceptable and unsatisfactory degrees of bacterial contamination or spoilage.

Abstract: A target-specific, cytotoxic, recombinant Pseudomonas exotoxin is described. Such toxins are made by inserting specific recognition molecules at specific cloning sites in at least domain III near the carboxyl terminus of the PE molecule. Various modifications of the carboxyl terminus of the PE molecule to increase cytotoxicity are set forth. Multifunctional, recombinant, cytotoxic fusion proteins containing at least two different recognition molecules are provided for killing cells expressing receptors to which the recognition molecules bind with specificity. Methods for producing novel recombinant PE molecules with specific properties are described.

Abstract: Process for the biotechnological preparation of L-thienylalanines in enantiomerically pure form from 2-hydroxy-3-thienylacrylic acidsL-Thienylalanines are prepared via the hydantoin or the azlactone route. The starting substances used for the biotransformation are 2-hydroxy-3-thienylacrylic acids. The innovative step consists in the transamination of the enol form of the 2-hydroxy-3-thienylacrylic acids to give L-thienylalanines with the aid of biotransformation. The transaminiation is carried out in the presence of L-aspartic acid or L-glutamic acid as amino donor.

Abstract: A microorganism or a preparation thereof is permitted to act on a mixture of enantiomers of an epoxide such as 3-chlorostyrene oxide and the product optically active epoxide is recovered. The microorganism able to produce an optically active (S)-epoxide from the mixture of enantiomers of the epoxide include, for example, a microorganism strain belonging to the genus Candida, the genus Rhodosporidium, the genus Rhodococcus and the genus Nosardioides. Examples of the microorganism capable of producing an optically active (R)-epoxide from said mixture include a microorganism strain belonging to the genus Trichosporon, the genus Geotrichum, the genus Corynebacterium, the genus Micrococcus and the genus Brevibacterium. The objective optically active epoxide can efficiently be obtained with ease and simplicity from the corresponding mixture of enantiomers of the epoxide.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for detecting the conversion to mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are disclosed. Chronic respiratory infections with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the leading cause of high mortality and morbidity in cystic fibrosis. The initially colonizing strains are nonmucoid but in the cystic fibrosis lung they invariably convert into the mucoid form causing further disease deterioration and poor prognosis. The molecular basis of this conversion to mucoidy is also disclosed. The algU gene encodes a protein homologous to an alternative sigma factor regulating sporulation and other developmental processes in Bacillus, and along with the negative regulators mucA and mucB comprises the gene cluster controlling conversion to mucoidy. The switch from nonmucoid to mucoid state is caused by frameshift deletions and duplications in the second gene of the cluster, mucA. Inactivation of mucA results in constitutive expression of genes, such as algD, dependent on algU for transcription.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting a racemic mixture of 3,3-diethyl-4-[(4-carboxy)phenoxy]-2-azetidinone esters into the corresponding (S)-acid using lipase derived from Pseudomonas sp. The process provides the target acid in high enantiomeric excess.

Abstract: Improved Pseudomonas exotoxins of low animal toxicity and high cytocidal activity are described. Substitution of positively charged amino acid residues with an amino acid residue without a positive charge provides markedly changed exotoxins. Conjugation of the new exotoxins with suitable targeting agents provides cytocidal specificity for killing desired cellular entities.

Abstract: A method for producing an optically active norborneol is provided, which includes the step of bringing a microorganism or treated cells thereof into contact with (.+-.)-exo-norbornane type ester represented by Formula (I), wherein the microorganism is selected from the group consisting of the genus Pseudomonas, the genus Acetobacter, the genus Arthrobacter, the genus Rhodotorula, and the genus Saccharomyces. According to this method, (+)- and/or (-)-exo-norbornane type alcohol can be obtained with high yield and high purity by a simple treatment.

Abstract: Described is a process for preparing phenylacetic acid using phenylalanine as a starting material by means of first culturing one or more organisms from the genus Pseudomonas or from the genus Comamanas or mutants thereof; then intimately contacting the organism culture with racemic phenylalanine or L-phenylalanine or a mixture thereof in the presence of a gaseous oxygen-containing composition such as air and in aqueous media; and finally recovering phenylacetic acid from the fermentation broth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbiological process for the production of polyesters and utilizes bacteria of the Pseudomanas fluorescens rRNA branch according to the phylogenetic classification of De Vos and De Ley. These bacteria are cultured under aerobic fermentation conditions in a nutrient medium comprising an excess of at least one assimilarable acylic aliphatic hydrocarbon compound having 6-18 carbon atoms and a limiting quantity of at least one of other nutrients essential for growth to form poly-3-hydroxyalkanaoates.

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: 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 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 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 process for biotechnological upgrading of shale oil in selectively removing damaging nitrogen-containing compounds comprising treating the raw shale oil with special microbial cultures having specific ability to degrade the harmful nitrogen-containing compounds, such as the amines, nitriles and heterocyclics as the quinolines and pyridines, and converting them into non-damaging components.

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: 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: N-Acetylhexosamine-dehydrogenase which takes off hydrogen from N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine to convert them to N-acetylglucosaminolactone or N-acetylgalactosaminolactone, respectively, and, at the same time, reduces co-enzymes NAD.sup.+ to NADH is provided herein.The enzyme of this invention can be obtained by culturing, in a medium, a strain belonging to Genus Pseudomonas and having an ability to produce N-acetylhexosamine-dehydrogenase, followed by collecting the enzyme from the cultured product.Herein is also provided a method for quantitatively analyzing N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine which comprises reacting N-acetylglucosamine-dehydrogenase upon a sample containing N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine and measuring the quantity of the resulting NADH.

Abstract: A process for biotechnological upgrading of shale oil in selectively removing damaging nitrogen-containing compounds comprising treating the raw shale oil with special microbial cultures having specific ability to degrade the harmful nitrogen-containing compounds, such as the amines, nitriles and heterocyclics as the quinolines and pyridines, and converting them into non-damaging components.

Abstract: A novel strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, designated as strain SB-1, is capable of growth on hydrocarbon substrates having 10 to 32 or more carbon atoms, during which growth there is secreted into the culture medium an emulsifier which can be recovered and used for such applications as reducing the viscosity of crude oil in secondary recovery methods, as well as in oil spill management and the cleaning of oil-contaminated vessels and pipelines. A novel mutant strain of P. aeruginosa SB-1, designated SB-3, has the property of growing on solid (C.sub.20 +) paraffins but not on liquid alkanes. The selective degradation by strain SB-3 of the solid paraffinic components in crude oil is advantageous in reducing the viscosity of the oil for improving the recovery thereof from oil wells. A novel revertant strain of P.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous bioconversion process in which a non-growth toluene substrate is bio-oxidized by a specific microbe mutant strain to accumulated extracellular muconic acid at a bioreactor production rate of at least about 5 grams of muconic acid per liter of fermentation medium per hour.Essential features of the invention process include a continuous feed of whole cell-containing fermentation broth from an auxiliary cell growth and enzyme induction fermentation zone into the main fermentation zone, and a purge stream of whole cell-containing fermentation broth from the main fermentation zone.

Abstract: In processes for recovery of biologically active polypeptides from fermentation cultures of recombinant host organisms, cell death is frequently a prerequisite for isolation processing of the recombinant product outside the fermentation vessel. Disclosed are improved methods for effecting efficient host cell death inside the fermentation vessel through uniformly contacting host cells in culture with microbicidal concentrations of benzyl alcohol. Illustratively, E. coli, B. subtilis, and P. aeruginosa cultures are advantageously treated with from 0.5 to 10.0% (v/v) of benzyl alcohol in the absence of pH or temperature changes within the fermentor.

Abstract: A method for large-scale production of rhamnose and 3-hydroxydecanoic acid is disclosed comprising the steps of growing microorganisms of Pseudomonas sp. capable of production of high levels of rhamnolipid in a defined culture medium containing vegetable oil. Additional steps include isolating the rhamnolipid from the culture medium, hydrolyzing the rhamnolipid to produce rhamnose and 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, and separating the rhamnose from the acid. Corn oil is the preferred vegetable oil and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the preferred Pseudomonas sp. Non-limiting concentrations of nitrogen compounds and magnesium compounds and limiting concentrations of iron compounds are additionally preferably included in the culture medium.

Abstract: A process for controlling algal growth in wastewater, lagoons and ponds which comprises treating the algae containing water with a high concentration of a selected actively growing species of pseudomonas product which products an exudate which exhibits antialgal characteristics.

Abstract: Cell lines have been produced that secrete monoclonal antibodies capable of binding to the flagellar proteins of selected Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Some of these antibodies have been found to be protective against lethal challenges of P. aeruginosa. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these antibodies, which can be in combination with other monoclonal antibodies, blood plasma fractions and antimicrobial agents, and the prophylactic and therapeutic use of such compositions in the management of infections, are included.Prior to filing this application, the continuous transformed cell lines PaF4 IVE8, FA6 IIG5, 20H11, and 21B8, described herein, were deposited in the America Type Culture Collection and given the designations HB9129, HB9130, CRL 9300, and CRL 9301, respectively.

Abstract: Ice nucleation bacteria are modified in vitro to confer an ice nucleation deficient phenotype. Modification is accomplished by deletion, substitution, insertion, inversion, or transversion of a DNA segment within the gene locus responsible for the INA phenotype. By limiting such mutations to the particular gene locus, the modified microorganisms are genetically stable and free from random mutations which might adversely affect their competitive fitness. The modified microorganisms are useful for prevention of frost damage to susceptible plant hosts.

Abstract: Process for preparing a detoxified polysaccharide-outer membrane protein complex from bacterial envelopes; the so-obtained products which are useful as vaccines against infection by the same bacteria and method for protecting animals against the same infection by administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing the detoxified polysaccharide-outer membrane protein complexes.

Abstract: For the production of rhamnolipids which can be used as surfactants, microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas are cultivated in a aqueous medium suitable for the growth of the microorganisms under growth conditions; in this process the microorganisms are cultivated in a continuous submerged culture under aerobic conditions, with a continuous supply of fresh culture medium and with continuous removal of a culture solution and microbial cells (biomass); the culture medium has a composition suitable for limiting growth by means of at least two-fold limitation of essential growth substances; a solution of the rhamnolipids produced as metabolite of the microorganisms is separated from the culture broth. For this purpose a continuously operated bioreactor (11) is suitable.

Abstract: Provided herein are two kinds of toxoid of elastase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa origin, one of which is obtained by treating a purified elastase produced from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a synthetic peptide for chloroacetyl-N-hydroxy-L-leucyl-L-alanylglycinamide and the other of which is obtained by treating at first with formalin, then, with the synthetic peptide. The present invention also contemplates a method for preparing the toxoids and the use of such toxoids for preventing and treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa on human beings and mammalian animals. Acute toxicity of the toxoids is inspected.

Abstract: An improved gene splicing and recombinant plasmid transformation method is described. The method includes mechanical fragmenting of chromosomal DNA followed by conventional digestion with a restriction enzyme and gene splicing into a vector to provide recombinant plasmids in a bank of at least about 100 different plasmids. The plasmids in the bank are provided for transformation into a suitable host, particularly a plasmid free bacterium of the same species from which the chromosomal DNA or the vector is derived. The method provides high transformation frequencies because of the presence of multiple "super coiled" or closed coiled recombinant plasmids in the bank. The method also allows for the direct selection of many different phenotypic traits in a pool of the transformed hosts. The selected hosts are useful for the production of various gene products.

Abstract: Improved cloning vectors derived from pRO1614 are described. One of these vectors, pRO1727, is suitable for cloning using DNA cleaved with the restriction endonuclease, PstI, and allows selection for the recovery of recombinant plasmids using tetracycline resistance. The cloning efficiency observed for pRO1727 is higher than described previously for pRO1614 and the host range of this vector is now restricted to Pseudomonas bacteria. Another vector, designated pRO1729, is described and developed from pRO1727 by deletion of a portion of its DNA and incorporation of a segment of DNA which encodes for resistance to the antibiotic, chloramphenicol. The chloramphenicol resistance determinant has a cleavage site for restriction endonuclease EcoRI within its chloramphenicol resistance determinant. Thus, DNA cloned into this site results in the loss of chloramphenicol resistance which can be detected subsequent to a cloning experiment. Both pRO1727 and pRO1729 are more useful in Pseudomonas for cloning than pRO1614.