Abstract: The present invention particularly discovered strains that are capable of producing a long-chain dicarboxylic acid by culturing microorganisms belonging to Candida vini Candida entamophila, Candida blankii and Pichia farinosa which has the ability to produce a long-chain dicarboxylic acid in a liquid medium containing a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon (tridecane) as substrate.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a yeast of the species Pichia anomala (WRL-076). The yeast is identified as NRRL Y-30842 and is applied to a site containing a deleterious microorganism. Further disclosed is a growth medium for increasing the viablility of yeast organisms.

Abstract: The invention concerns the application of compositions of micro-organisms in biological control of vine cryptogamic diseases. Said composition comprises a mixture of at least one bacterium and at least one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant. The invention also concerns bacterial and yeast strains, as well as biofungicide formulations containing an efficient amount of at least one composition of micro-organisms including in mixture at least one bacterium and one yeast, the bacterium or bacteria and the yeast(s) being non-toxic for the plant, and a composition of filamentous fungi, in particular of the genus Pichia, Pythium, Trichoderma, Gliocladium, Ampelomyces, Talaromyces, Epicococcum, combined with an inert carrier. The invention is useful for treating cryptogamic plant diseases, in particular crop plants and vine.

Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a yeast of the species Pichia anomala (WRL-076). The yeast is identified as NRRL Y-30842 and is capable of inhibiting growth of a deleterious microorganism on a plant or portion thereof to which a biologically effective amount of a culture of the yeast is applied. Further disclosed is a composition for use in protection of agricultural crops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the simultaneous production of xylitol and ethanol from a hydrolyzed lignocellulose-containing material starting. The starting material is fermented with a yeast strain, the ethanol produced is recovered, a chromatographic separation is carried out on the remaining xylitol solution, and pure xylitol is crystallized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel stereoselective processes for the preparation of (S)-1-arylethanols by the reduction of the corresponding keto group containing compounds by microorganisms. (S)-1-arylethanols are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of compounds that are inhibitors of &ggr;-secretase useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to biological control of plant pathogens (e.g. either preharvest or postharvest diseases) on agricultural commodities (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, seeds and silage) by use of at least one microorganism which is an antagonist against plant pathogens.

Abstract: Strains of the yeast Pichia stipitis NPw9 (ATCC PTA-3717) useful for the production of ethanol using oxygen for growth while fermenting normally toxic lignocellulosic prehydrolysates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of xylitol. Specifically the process comprises two reaction steps. The first step is the fermentative conversion of a hexose to a pentitol. The second step is the catalytic chemical isomerisation of the pentitol to xylitol. Optionally, the xylitol is separated from the other pentitols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process to have a high productivity with a novel mutant of Pichia sp., more specifically, for preparing erythritol under optimal fermentation conditions for maximum erythritol production by optimizing the environmental conditions of culture such as pH, temperature and by controlling osmotic pressure. A two-stage fermentation was performed to control osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure was adjusted to a low level during growth phase and to a relatively high level during production phase by adding continuously glucose and NaCl or KCl. Therefore, erythritol production could be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbiological process for preparing sphingolipids, especially, tetraacetylphytosphingosine(TAPS), using novel yeast cell Pichia ciferrii DSCC 7-25 under optimal fermentation conditions. Further, this invention concerns a novel yeast cell Pichia ciferrii DSCC 7-25 and it's isolation method from wild type of Pichia ciferrii strain.

Abstract: The isolation and characterization of genes involved in proteolytic processing in species of the genus Pichia is described. The availability of such genes has enabled the generation of strains of Pichia which are deficient in proteolytic activity, which strains are useful as hosts for the expression of proteolytically sensitive recombinant products. The isolation and characterization of additional genes from species of the genus Pichia is also described, as well as uses therefore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process to have a high productivity with a novel mutant of Pichia sp., more specifically, for preparing erythritol under optimal fermentation conditions for maximum erythritol production by optimizing the environmental conditions of culture such as pH, temperature and by controlling osmotic pressure. A two-stage fermentation was performed to control osmotic pressure. Osmotic pressure was adjusted to a low level during growth phase and to a relatively high level during production phase by adding continuously glucose and NaCl or KCl. Therefore, erythritol production could be increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbiological process for preparing sphingolipids, especially, tetraacetylphytosphingosine(TAPS), using novel yeast cell Pichia ciferrii DSCC 7-25 under optimal fermentation conditions. Further, this invention concerns a novel yeast cell Pichia ciferrii DSCC 7-25 and it's isolation method from wild type of Pichia ciferrii strain.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating compositions of alcohol oxidase to inactivate catalase therein, which comprises aging the composition comprising alcohol oxidase and catalase at a temperature and for a time period sufficient to inactivate catalase while maintaining the alcohol oxidase activity.

Abstract: Microbial strains capable of producing enhanced levels of sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, phytosphingosine and/or derivatives thereof are disclosed. Additionally, there are disclosed methods based on mutagenesis, or other selection techniques, whereby such strains can be produced. As a preferred example thereof, mutant strains of Pichia are provided that are capable of producing about 50% more of such compounds than wild type strains.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to biological control of plant pathogens (e.g. either preharvest or postharvest diseases) on agricultural commodities (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, seeds and silage) by use of at least one microorganism which is an antagonist against plant pathogens.

Abstract: A process for producing recombinant human serum albumin (HSA) which comprises culturing an HSA producing host prepared by gene manipulation techniques at a temperature of from 21.degree. to 29.degree. C. Culturing the HSA producing host under such a specified temperature condition makes it possible to increase productivity of HSA production, improve the growth yield of an HSA producing host, and reduce the degree of coloring in the HSA preparation.

Abstract: Methylotrophic yeast have been transformed with a heterologous gene encoding glycolate oxidase. The transformed methylotrophic yeast are useful as a catalyst for transforming glycolate to glyoxylate.

Abstract: An (S)-1-phenyl-2-substituted propane derivative shown by the following formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent a lower alkyl group, etc., or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may form together an alkylene group, etc.; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 represent a hydrogen atom, etc.; and X represents a hydroxyl group which may be protected with a protective group, or a halogen atom etc., can readily be produced (i) by permitting a microorganism belonging to the genus Torulaspora, the genus Candida, the genus Pichia or the like to act on a phenylacetone derivative and asymmetrically reducing the compound, or (ii) by sterically inverting an (R)-enantiomer. (R,R)-1-phenyl-2-?(2-phenyl-1-methylethyl)amino!ethanol derivative having a high optical purity can easily be obtained from the compound of the formula (I). The ethanol derivative is useful as an anti-obesity agent and the like.

Abstract: DNA encoding porcine Pro-carboxypeptidase B, vectors comprising the DNA and host cells transformed with the vectors are useful for production of porcine carboxypeptidase B

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to biological control of plant pathogens (e.g. either preharvest or postharvest diseases) on agricultural commodities (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, seeds and silage) by use of at least one microorganism which is an antagonist against plant pathogens.

Abstract: Two novel linear DNA plasmids are described. Also, novel fragments of the plasmids containing the autonomous replication sequence (ARS), and thus capable of self-maintenance as extra chromosomal elements are provided. These novel DNA sequences of the present invention are useful in a vector for self-maintenance in Pichia pastoris and are also useful as plasmid vectors which can be shuttled between yeast and bacteria.

Abstract: Gamma lactones with 9 carbon atoms, saturated or unsaturated and mixtures thereof, in natural form, are obtained by:A) culturing a microorganism selected from the group comprising Pichia ohmeri and Pichia stipitis or both of these in a substrate comprising an unsaturated C.sub.18 hydroxy-acid with the hydroxyl in position C.sub.13 to obtain a mixture comprising gamma nonanolide;or, alternatively,B) subjecting to lipoxygenation a substrate comprising an acid selected from the group comprising linoleic acid and linolenic acid or mixtures thereof anddistilling the product of lipoxygenation in a current of steam to obtain a mixture comprising an unsaturated gamma lactone that is gamma-2-nonenolide, gamma-2,6-nonadienolide or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing tetraacetylphytospingosine (TAPS) using F-60-10 mating type strain of Pichia ciferrii. Such strain is subjected to mutagenesis and the high TAPS producing strains are selected by a special procedure. These strains are grown in a fed batch mode on a non-fermentative carbon source at a temperature above 26.degree. C and the TAPS collected from the fermentation medium. Glycerol is a preferred carbon source and preferably L-serine is added to the culture medium.

Abstract: A high concentration of DL-alanine can be supplied in a culture medium and D-alanine can be efficiently obtained with high yield for a short time by cultivating a yeast which belongs to the genus Candida, the genus Cryptococcus, the genus Hansenura or the genus Trichosporon and has an ability to assimilate L-alanine and not to assimilate substantially D-alanine in a culture medium containing substantially DL-alanine as a single carbon source and a single nitrogen source under an acidic condition. Moreover, because very little other organic by-product and organic impurity exists in the culture medium when the cultivation is completed, it becomes easy to separate and refine the D-alanine.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to biological control of plant pathogens (e.g. either preharvest or postharvest diseases) on agricultural commodities (such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, seeds and silage) by use of at least one microorganism which is an antagonist against plant pathogens.

Abstract: Microorganisms or reductases derived therefrom reduce a diketo ester ##STR1## to form the associated 3-hydroxy, 5-hydroxy, or 3,5-dihydroxy esters.

Abstract: The isolation and characterization of genes involved in proteolytic processing in species of the genus Pichia is described. The availability of such genes has enabled the generation of strains of Pichia which are deficient in proteolytic activity, which strains are useful as hosts for the expression of proteolytically sensitive recombinant products. The isolation and characterization of additional genes from species of the genus Pichia is also described, as well as uses therefore.

Abstract: A method of producing a growth promoting factor for Bifidobacterium species from lactose which comprises contacting lactose with resting cells of a lactose-utilizing yeast strain having activity to rearrange lactose to galacto-oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the Pichia pastoris acid phospbatase gene, which includes the 5' regulatory region, signal sequence, structural gene, and 3' transcription termination sequence. Also disclosed are methods of using these fragments, which include but are not limited to the secretion of proteins from cells and the regulation of the transcription of DNA. DNA vectors containing the acid phospbatase gene or fragments thereof and hosts transformed with these vectors are also disclosed. Additionally, integrative vectors which direct integration at the Pichia pastoris PHO1 locus and a method of identifying these disruptants is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is proposed for manufacturing (-)-2-bromo-1-(3'-chlorophenyl) ethanol by bringing a 2-bromo-1-(3'-chlorophenyl) ethanone into contact with a microorganism belonging to 9 genuses including Ashbya genus and Brettanomycess genus to thereby reduce it asymmetrically into (-)-2-bromo-1-(3'-chlorophenyl) ethanol, and for manufacturing (-)-substituted styrene oxide by cyclizing the obtained alcohol under alkaline conditions. The (-)-substituted styrene oxide can be manufactured efficiently.

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: Process for manufacture of D-xylose characterized by the fact that:in a first step, syrup of D-xylulose is subjected to an enzymatic isomerization in M.sub.3 providing a mixture of D-xylose and D-xylulose,in a second step, the abovesaid mixture is subjected to chromatographic treatment in M.sub.4 leading to at least two fractions of which one is highly enriched in D-xylose (fraction X.sub.1) et of which the other is highly enriched in D-xylulose (fraction X.sub.2),in a third step, the fraction X.sub.2 is recycled through a pipe P to M.sub.3,the D-xylose being recovered from the fraction X.sub.1, the latter can also be subjected directly to a hydrogenation step.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for enzymatically converting lower alkyl alcohols to corresponding aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of oxygen under process conditions which increase the catalytic capacity of alcohol oxidase enzymes. Such process conditions involve low temperatures, high substrate concentrations and an enriched supply of oxygen. Enzymes may be used in the form of whole cells, a soluble cell free extract or a highly purified fraction, and the process may be employed in batch or continuous operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel NADH kinase which has high stability and is specific for NADH, and a process for producing the NADH kinase by culturing a yeast belonging to the genus Pichia in a culture medium, and this enzyme permits highly sensitive determination of NADH alone and hence is useful in the field of clinical medicine.

Abstract: An optically active 1,3-butanediol can be produced by either (1) treating a mixture of 1,3-butanediol enantiomers with a microorganism, which has been optionally treated, capable of asymmetrically assimilating said mixture, or (2) preparing a microorganism, which has been optionally treated, capable of asymmetrically reducing 4-hydroxy-2-butanone, and collecting optically active 1,3-butanediol.

Abstract: A growth medium is provided for mutant mixtures of Pichia stipitis or Candida shehatae that permits the growth of mutants which are the best xylose-to-ethanol fermenters in the mixture while inhibiting the growth of inefficient fermenters. The medium comprises a mixture of two compounds, the first compound selected from the group consisting of L-xylose, L-arabinose, D-arabinose, glycerol, erythritol, erythrose, 5- and 6-carbon polyols such as xylitol, L-arabinitol, D-arabinitol and mannitol, and wherein the second compound is ammonium tartarate or an inorganic nitrogen source compound such as ammonium chloride or ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: An enzyme electrode possessing an immobilized enzyme membrane or an immobilized enzyme layer composed by applying a solution containing alcohol oxidase and a crosslinking agent, in which the solution further contains reduced glutathione.According to the invention it is possible to immobilize alcohol oxidase stably, and an excellent immobilized enzyme electrode for alcohol measurement is obtained. Furthermore, by this invention, a highly sensitive and stable measuring method is conducted quite easily.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising endo-.beta.-N-acetylglucosaminidase and/or endoglycopeptidase, and ruminant stomach lysozyme is presented. A method for destroying or removing microbes by treatment with these enzymes is also presented.

Abstract: Whole cells of methylotrophic yeasts are able to oxidize benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde in aqueous reaction media. However, the low water solubility of the reactant and product of this bioconversion, combined with the ability of both to strongly inhibit the reaction, suggested to us the use of non-aqueous reaction fluids. Using non-aqueous systems, it was found that Pichia pastoris can be used to oxidize higher alcohols. The alcohol oxidase from such yeast had been previously reported unable to oxidize such alcohols. Purified alcohol oxidase was shown to function in a number of two-phase systems of varied aqueous to organic phase concentrations. The stability and biocatalyst recovery of the enzyme was improved by immobilization.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing optically active (S)-1,2-diols, wherein (R)-1,2-diols represented by the general formula [I] ##STR1## (where: R represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, alkenyl group, aryl group or aralkyl group) or a mixture of diols of the general formula [I] and (S)-1,2-diols represented by the general formula [II] ##STR2## (Where: R represents the same as above) having an opposite configuration to the general formula [I] is subjected to the action of a microorganism capable of selectively metabolizing the diols of the general formula [I], or capable of converting the diols of the general formula [I] into the diols of the general formula [II], or having the both capabilities, and the formed and accumulated (S)-1,2-diols of the general formula [II] is collected. According to the present invention, optically active (S)-1,2-diols can be produced commercially and advantageously.

Abstract: A process for the purification of alcohol oxidase from whole cells of Pichia pastoris grown on methanol by the sequential steps of autolysis, crossflow filtration, ultrafiltration and recrystallization.

Abstract: The process for the microbiological production of gamma (R) decanolide and/or gamma (R) octanolide involves the culture of a micro-organism selected from the group comprising Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium suaveolens, Phanerochaete chrysosporium and Pichia etchellsii in a culture medium that includes a vegetable oil, particularly castor oil, sunflower oil and coconut oil and their hydrolysates.

Abstract: Methylotrophic yeasts of the genera Pichia, Torulopsis, Candida and Hansenula when grown on methanol, make use of an enzyme, alcohol oxidase, to catalyse the initial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. Non-growing whole cells of such methylotrophic yeasts were used in place of purified alcohol oxidase for the production of flavoring aldehydes from their respective alcohols. To reduce end product inhibition a number of amine buffers, which chelate the aldehydes, were studied and an increase in aldehyde production was demonstrated with selected buffers which maintain a weakly alkaline pH.

Abstract: Yeast strains are transformed with, and selected for, using DNA fragments encoding a gene function not present in the wild-type yeast strains. The invention requires transforming the yeast with DNA fragments which comprise the gene function which the wild-type yeast strain is lacking; regeneration of the transformants on a non-selective regeneration medium; then selection of those colonies which are capable of growth on a carbon and energy source which requires expression of the gene function provided by the DNA fragment. Thus, transformation with such DNA fragments allows for positive selection of transformed strains.

Abstract: Novel autonomous replication sequences which are capable of maintaining plasmids as extrachromosomal elements in host strains of the genus Pichia are provided. In addition, novel constructs including these DNA sequences, as well as transformed organisms therewith are provided. Processes for producing the DNA sequences and constructs of the invention, as well as method for isolating such sequences from any source, are provided.

Abstract: Novel DNA sequences which code for the production of the Pichia protein argininosuccinate lyase are provided. Novel constructs including these sequences, as well as organisms transformed therewith are provided. In addition, novel strains of Pichia defective in argninosuccinate lyase activity are also provided.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of double auxotrophic mutants of Pichia pastoris are provided, as well as novel double auxotrophic mutant strains produced thereby.

Abstract: A process to recover proteins, such as enzymes, from yeast cells, which comprises forming an admixture of yeast cells, water, and a minor effective amount of a polychloro aliphatic hydrocarbon, at a suitable pH, and incubating for a suitable time and temperature, such as at room temperature, of about 16 to 90 hours. The resulting supernatant is separated as an aqueous liquid containing a high enzyme activity. Enzymes can be recovered, if desired. Typical applications include Kluyveromyces fragilis for lactase, Pichia pastoris for alcohol oxidase. Typical solvents include methylene dichloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and chloroform.