Abstract: A method and composition for bioremediation of environmental material. In one embodiment, material to be bioremediated is debris is obtained from a metropolitan street cleaning operation. An environmentally safe all natural non-pathogenic microbial composition is used under conditions sufficient to bioremediate the material.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: Novel strains of isolated and purified bacteria have been identified which have the ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons including a variety of PAHs. Several isolates also exhibit the ability to produce a biosurfactant. The combination of the biosurfactant-producing ability along with the ability to degrade PAHs enhances the efficiency with which PAHs may be degraded. Additionally, the biosurfactant also provides an additional ability to bind heavy metal ions for removal from a soil or aquatic environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant strains of Pseudomonas putida and their use in the detoxification of industrial and/or toxic waste products.

Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol, the method comprising the step of allowing at least one microorganism selected from the group consisting of microorganisms belonging to the genus Morganella and others, to act on an enantiomeric mixture of an &agr;-aminoketone or a salt thereof having the general formula (I): to produce an optical active &bgr;-amino alcohol with the desired optical activity having the general formula (II) described below in a high yield as well as in a highly selective manner:

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate type polyester that comprises one unit % or more of 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)alkanoic acid units. A microbial production method is also provided.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate characterized by having in the molecule a unit represented by Chemical Formula (1): wherein n may assume any one integral value within the range of from 1 to 8. Also disclosed are a process for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate by the use of a microorganism having the ability to produce the polyhydroxyalkanoate and accumulate it in the bacterial body; a charge control agent, a toner binder and a toner which contain this polyhydroxyalkanoate; and an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus which make use of the toner.

Abstract: A composition useful for cleaning and bioremediation applications is provided which comprises a Pseudomonas species, an alkali metal nitrate, an ethoxylate nonionic surfactant, and optionally monoammonium phosphate as a buffer in an aqueous solution. The Pseudomonas sp. is stable during storage of the composition.

Abstract: PHA containing a novel 3-hydroxy-thioalkanoic acid unit having a highly reactive thienyl group in a side chain thereof, and a method of producing the same are provided. Specifically, 5-(2-thienyl-sulfanyl)valeric acid represented by Chemical Formula [4] below and 6-(2-thienylsulfanyl)hexanoic acid represented by Chemical Formula [5] below are provided. Further, a method of producing PHA, comprising the step of collecting PHA from cells of a microorganism cultured in a medium containing the valeric acid or hexanoic acid, and a novel PHA represented by Chemical Formula [1] below are provided.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) having a desired configuration is produced using a raw material containing &ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoic acid and (&ohgr;-substituted alkanoic acid in which a group having a ring structure selected from phenyl, thienyl, and cyclohexyl structures substitutes therefor on the end thereof by producing a PHA copolymer containing the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-(4-vinylphenyl)-alkanoate unit and the corresponding 3-hydroxy-&ohgr;-substituted alkanoate unit by making use of a microorganism capable of producing the PHA or by oxidizing a predetermined portion of the corresponding PHA.

Abstract: Transgenic microbial strains are provided which contain the genes required for PHA formation integrated on the chromosome. The strains are advantageous in PHA production processes, because (1) no plasmids need to be maintained, generally obviating the required use of antibiotics or other stabilizing pressures, and (2) no plasmid loss occurs, thereby stabilizing the number of gene copies per cell throughout the fermentation process, resulting in homogeneous PHA product formation throughout the production process. Genes are integrated using standard techniques, preferably transposon mutagenesis. In a preferred embodiment wherein mutiple genes are incorporated, these are incorporated as an operon. Sequences are used to stabilize mRNA, to induce expression as a function of culture conditions (such as phosphate concentration), temperature, and stress, and to aid in selection, through the incorporation of selection markers such as markers conferring antibiotic resistance.

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: Microorganisms capable of synthesizing novel polyhydroxyalkanoate having 3-hydroxythienylalkanoic acid as monomer unit, using thienylalkanoic acid as a stock are cultured on a culture medium containing thienylalkanoic acid, and the polyhydroxyalkanoate produced in the cultured cell is extracted and

Abstract: This invention relates to the isolation of a novel putative efflux gene from Pseudomonas mendocina. The putative efflux gene is useful for probing an organism's efflux system to gain an understanding of the mechanisms of solvent tolerance. The invention further provides a Pseudomonas mendocina strain deficient in this gene. This strain is unable to grow in the presence of chloramphenicol and, compared to the wildtype strain, grows slowly in the presence of high concentrations of PHBA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the microbial oxidation of 2-methylquinoxaline to 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid which comprise contacting 2-methylquinoxaline with a microorganism, or a suitable mutant thereof, and incubating the resulting mixture under conditions sufficient to yield an amount of said 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid. The present processes optionally further comprise the isolation and purification of 2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process produces a water-soluble, naturally folded eukaryotic polypeptide containing two or several cysteines linked by disulfide bridges. This process involves culturing prokaryotic cells, a) in which the prokaryotic cells contain an expression vector which encodes the polypeptide which contains a prokaryotic signal sequence at the N-terminus, b) under conditions under which the polypeptide is secreted into the periplasm or the medium, c) cleaving the signal sequence and isolating the polypeptide from the periplasm or the medium. In this process, the culturing is carried out in the presence of arginine or a compound of the formula I R2—CO—NR1 (I) in which R and R1 represent hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated branched or unbranched C1-C4 alkyl chain and R2 represents hydrogen, NHR1 or a saturated or unsaturated branched or unbranched C1-C3 alkyl chain, is suitable for the recombinant production of polypeptides in prokaryotes in a high yield.

Abstract: A process for biodegradation of a xenobiotic. A process for biodegradation of a xenobiotic comprising the steps of: contacting an organic phase comprising the xenobiotic and at least one substantially water-immiscible organic solvent with an aqueous phase comprising water and a microorganism capable of metabolizing the xenobiotic; partitioning a portion of the xenobiotic from the organic phase to the aqueous phase such that the concentration of the xenobiotic in the aqueous phase is substantially non-toxic to the microorganism; and causing the microorganism to metabolize the xenobiotic in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Lipase is immobilized on surfaces to facilitate oil removal from the surfaces and to alter wettability of the surfaces. The lipase is isolatable from a Pseudomonas organism such as Pseudomonas putida ATCC 53552 or from an organism expressing a coding region found in or cloned from the Pseudomonas. A particularly preferred lipase has a molecular weight of about 30 to 35 kd and is resolvable as a single band by SDS gel electrophoresis. Lipase sorbed on fabric forms a fabric-lipase complex for oil stain removal. The lipase may be sorbed on fabric before or after an oil stain, and the lipase is active to hydrolyze an oil stain on dry fabric or fabric in laundering solutions. The sorbed lipase has enhanced stability to denaturation by surfactants and to heat deactivation, is resistant to removal from fabric during laundering, retains substantial activity after drying fabric at an elevated temperature, and retains activity during fabric storage or wear.

Abstract: A process for resolution of a mixture of dihydroxydihydroindene enantiomers comprising treating the mixture of enantiomers with a Pseudomonas putida species microorganism.Resolved dihydroxydihydroindenes are valuable intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active compounds such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel strains of Pseudomonas putida, more specifically, to a novel strain of Pseudomonas putida which are tolerant to organic solvents including hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, ketones and their derivatives or mixtures thereof, and a mutant strain of said microorganism having the availability of genetic manipulation. The said Pseudomonas putida strains can be used in biotransformation in the presence of organic solvents and bioremediation of toxic organic compounds. Furthermore, they are useful as supply sources of resistance genes and cell fusion of organic solvent-tolerant microorganisms producing useful substances and the breeding of said microorganisms can be practiced in the art, which allows their universal use in the fields of bioreactor, liquid-waste treatment, protein engineering, etc.

Abstract: 350 The present invention provides a nitrile hydratase nucleic acid fragment isolated from Pseudomonas putida which encodes a nitrile hydratase activity capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of certain racemic nitriles to the corresponding R- or S-amides. Also provided are transformed microorganisms capable of the active expression of said nitrile hydratase activity. Additionally, the invention provides a transformant harboring the nitrile hydratase gene in conjunction with an amidase gene, both of which may be co-expressed producing active nitrile hydratase and amidase enzymes respectively. Methods for the production of such enantiomeric materials are also provided.

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 composition and method for preserving Pseudomonads is described. The composition includes an alkali metal nitrate, and optionally monoammonium phosphate as a buffer in an aqueous solution to preserve the bacteria. The compositions are useful for bioremediation.

Abstract: An enzyme, which has a molecular weight of about 57,000-120,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE and a pI of about 3.8-5.1 on isoelectrophoresis using ampholyte, converts maltose into trehalose and vice versa. The enzyme was isolated from microorganisms of the genera Pimelobacter, Pseudomonas and Thermus. By using the enzyme, trehalose is readily formed from a commercially available maltose in an industrial scale and a relatively-low cost. Trehalose and saccharide compositions containing the same, which are preparable with the enzyme, are suitably used in food products, cosmetic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of Pseudomonas putida NRRL B-30041 is described which is highly effective as a biological control agent against replant disease in tree fruits. The invention also encompasses methods of biologically controlling replant disease using the bacterium of the invention, and agricultural compositions which incorporate the strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nitrile hydratase nucleic acid fragment isolated from Pseudomonas putida which encodes a nitrile hydratase activity capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of certain racemic nitrites to the corresponding R- or S-amides. Also provided are transformed microorganisms capable of the active expression of said nitrile hydratase activity. Additionally, the invention provides a transformant harboring the nitrile hydratase gene in conjunction with an amidase gene, both of which may be co-expressed producing active nitrile hydratase and amidase enzymes respectively. Methods for the production of such enantiomeric materials are also provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that bioconverts indene to (1S)-amino-(2R)-indanol substantially free of any of its stereoisomers, by the action of a strain of P. putida or Rhodococcus sp., followed by various chemical step(s), e.g., chiral specific crystallization, treatment with strong acid in the presence of acetonitrile.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that bioconverts indene to (1S)-amino-(2R)-indanol substantially free of any of its stereoisomers, by the action of the enzyme dioxygenase, followed by various chemical step(s), e.g., chiral specific crystallization, treatment with strong acid in the presence of acetonitrile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nitrile hydratase nucleic acid fragment isolated from Pseudomonas putida which encodes a nitrile hydratase activity capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of certain racemic nitriles to the corresponding R- or S-amides. Also provided are transformed microorganisms capable of the active expression of said nitrile hydratase activity. Additionally, the invention provides a transformant harboring the nitrile hydratase gene in conjunction with an amidase gene, both of which may be co-expressed producing active nitrile hydratase and amidase enzymes respectively. Methods for the production of such enantiomeric materials are also provided.

Abstract: A process for resolution of a mixture of cis-dihydroxydihydroindene enantiomers comprising treating the mixture of enantiomers with a Pseudomonas putida species microorganism.Resolved dihydroxydihydroindenes are valuable intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active compounds such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining organic solvent resistant microorganisms which comprises subjecting a microbial parent strain to mutagenesis and then to selective cultivation in the presence of 0.1% to 10% by volume (v/v) of concentrations of a toxic organic solvent, and the organic solvent resistant microorganisms obtainable by the method. In addition according to the present invention, a microorganism which is natively hydrophilic and has useful functions but does not show resistance to organic solvents and can not express the useful functions in the organic solvents may be converted into a microorganism capable of growing in the presence of such toxic organic solvents and expressing the useful functions that the hydrophilic parent strain bears natively.

Abstract: Microorganisms of interest are capable of utilizing .alpha.-imino carboxamides, in the form of the racemate or of its optically active isomers, of the general formula ##STR1## wherein A together with --NH-- and --CH-- is an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, as sole nitrogen source, and converting (RS)-.alpha.-imino carboxamides of Formula I into an S-.alpha.-imino carboxylic acid of the general formula ##STR2## These microorganisms are useful also for biconversion of an (RS)-.alpha.-imino carboxamide of Formula I into an S-.alpha.-imino carboxylic acid.

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: An enzyme, which has a molecular weight of about 57,000-120,000 daltons on SDS-PAGE and a pI of about 3.8-5.1 on isoelectrophoresis using ampholyte, converts maltose into trehalose and vice versa. The enzyme was isolated from microorganisms of the genera Pimelobacter, Pseudomonas and Thermus. By using the enzyme, trehalose is readily formed from a commercially available maltose in an industrial scale and a relatively-low cost. Trehalose and saccharide compositions containing the same, which are preparable with the enzyme, are suitably used in food products, cosmetic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Applicants have provided methods for obtaining aliphatic omega-cyanocaboximides of Formula INC--CH(R.sub.1)(CH).sub.n CH(R.sub.2)C(O)NH.sub.2whereinn=1-8 and R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 are either H or CH.sub.3,from dinitriles of Formula IINC--CH(R.sub.1)(CH).sub.n CH(R.sub.2)CNwhereinn=1-8 and R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 are either H or CH.sub.3,using biocatalysts which have regioselective nitrile hydratase activity and which are derived from members of the bacterial species Pseudomonas putida.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which a chloroorganic compound is decomposed by means of a microorganism. The relevant microorganisms are induced to do so by contact with an aromatic compound which may be extracted from a plant containing lignocellulose or may be p-coumaric acid. It is believed that these compounds stimulate the microorganism to express oxygenase, and that the presence of oxygenase in the microroganism enables it to decompose the chlororoganic compound.

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: Microorganisms of interest are capable of utilizing .alpha.-imino carboxamides, in the form of the racemate or of its optically active isomers, of the general formula ##STR1## wherein A together with --NH-- and --CH-- is an optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, as sole nitrogen source, and converting (RS)-.alpha.-imino carboximides of Formula I into an S-.alpha.-amino carboxylic acid of the general formula ##STR2## These microorganisms are useful also for biconversion of an (RS)-.alpha.-imino carboxamide of Formula I into an S-.alpha.-amino carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an optically active 4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutaric acid, by mixing glyoxylic acid, pyruvic acid and a microorganism to form the optically active 4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutaric acid in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing D-lactic acid and L-lactamide, comprising allowing a culture broth of a microorganism capable of asymmetric hydrolysis of DL-lactamide belonging to the genus Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Brevibacterium, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, Enterobacter, Micrococcus or Rhodococcus, the microorganism itself, a material obtained therefrom or an immobilized material thereof to act on DL-lactamide, and recovering the resulting D-lactic acid and the remaining L-lactamide. The present invention enables sufficient production of D-lactic acid and L-lactamide by the present microorganism.

Abstract: A process for the activation of disulphide linked recombinant proteins expressed in prokaryotes is described. The process includes cell digestion, solubilization under denaturing and reducing conditions and activation under oxidizing conditions in the presence of GSH/GSSG and a non-denaturing amount of a denaturing agent.

Abstract: Salicylate hydroxylase isolated from Pseudomonas bacteria can be used to determine the level of salicylate in a body fluid by reacting a sample of the fluid with the enzyme and monitoring the conversion of salicylate to catechol. A method of purifying the enzyme from crude bacterial extract using a salicylate affinity column is also disclosed.

Abstract: The mixture of natural microorganisms causes a biodegradation of mineral oils and mineral oil products. It contains Pseudomonas putida and Geotrichum candidum in a ratio of the cell-numbers of 5:1 to 1:1. The mixture is induced by a cultivation in the presence of oil-acid. Afterwards, one works with it on hydrocarbons under the supply of oxygen as well as in the presence of stimulation-substances at a pH-value of 4.5 to 7.5 and at a temperature of 5.degree.+C. to 35.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing the effect of agricultural chemicals comprising treating a plant with a plant depolymerase enzyme that will degrade plant surface polymers either prior to, or concurrently with administration of the agricultural chemical enzyme.

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

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

Abstract: A process for the activation of t-PA or IgG after expression in prokaryotes is described. The process includes cell digestion, solubilization under denaturing and reducing conditions and activation under oxidizing conditions in the presence of GSH/GSSG.

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