Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing chitin or chitosan by culturing a Rhizopus azygosporus fungus or an Actinomucor taiwanensis fungus and isolating chitosan or chitin from the culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing optically active 3-quinuclidinol or derivatives, wherein a racemic 3-quinuclidinol ester represented by the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl group, and (H.sup.+) represents that said ester may be in the form of a salt formed with a mineral acid or an organic acid, is reacted with a microorganism belonging to the genus Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Candida or Pseudomonas having the ability to asymmetrically hydrolyze said ester linkage, a culture of said microorganism, a treated material from said microorganism, an enzyme produced by said microorganism, or an enzyme derived from swine or cattle.According to the present invention, there is provided a process for easily producing optically active 3-quinuclidinol derivatives which are important synthetic intermediates for pharmaceutical preparations etc.

Abstract: A process for preparing acrylic or methacrylic acid amides functionalized with a cationizable tertiary amine, by aminolysis of acrylic or methacrylic acid esters with the aid of enzymes.

Abstract: Methods for the enzymatic resolution of mixtures of enantiomers, such as .beta.-lactam compounds, which may be employed as intermediates in the preparation of taxanes bearing a C-13 sidechain containing a heterocyclic or cycloalkyl group, the latter useful in the pharmaceutical field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a family of phospholipid binding and transporting proteins, a method for preparing same from fungi, and their use in cosmeticology, the agri-foodstuffs industry and pharmacology Phospholipid proteins are capable of binding, transporting and/or rearranging lipids between membranes, optionally in combination with active principles. Furthermore, the phospholipid proteins are hydrophobic and acidic, have a molecular weight of under 50 kDa, and may be prepared from a non-toxic filamentous fungus capable of developing on a lipid-enriched medium, particularly from raw extracts of fungi.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes and primers are described for detecting fungi that cause disease in humans and animals, as well as spoilage of food and beverages. These probes can detect rRNA, rDNA or polymerase chain reaction products from a majority of fungi in clinical, environmental or food samples. Nucleic acid hybridization assay probes specific for Acremonium sp., Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus glaucus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus unguis, Aspergillus ustus, Beauveria sp., Bipolaris sp., Blastoschizomyces sp., Blastomyces dermatitidis, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida guilliermondii, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Chrysosporium sp., Cladosporium sp., Coccidioides immitis, Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii serotype B, Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus terreus, Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp.

Abstract: An enantiomeric mixture of a 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid is treated with an enzyme which can asymmetrically hydrolyze the mixture, for example, a lipase originating in a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas, Aspergillus, Candida or Chromobacterium to form a mixture of an optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propanol with an optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid, and the optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propanol or a derivative thereof and the optically active 3-chloro-1-(substituted) phenyl-1-propyl ester of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid or a derivative thereof are each separately recovered from the mixture. The process allows simple and easy preparation of the above optically active compounds having a high optical purity, thus being extremely industrially advantageous.

Abstract: 2-O-.alpha.-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascrobic acid is crystallizable in its supersaturated solution. Crystalline 2-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid is substantially nonhygroscopic, free flowing, free of deliquescence, consolidation and direct reducing activity, but is readily soluble in water. Because of these characteristics, crystalline 2-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid is handleable with an ease, and superiorly high in stability and physiological activities. Thus, crystalline 2-O-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl-L-acorbic acid is favorably useful in vitamin C-enriching agents, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active 3-phenylglycidic acid esters comprising reacting a racemic trans-3-phenylglycidic acid with an alkanol in the presence of a hydrolase to esterify preferentially either (2S, 3R) isomer or (2R, 3S) isomer of said racemic compound and isolating and collecting the resulting optically active 3-phenylglycidic acid ester from the reaction mixture, whereby the optically active ester can be produced in a single step and in a highly pure form. The optically active 3-phenylglycidic acid esters are useful for the preparation of 1,5-benzothiazepine derivatives having pharmacological activities such as platelet aggregation inhibitory activity.

Abstract: A method of producing an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-containing composition, which is of value as an antihypertensive agent or diet, from natural resources. According to the method, proteins are hydrolyzed with a protease elaborated by a microorganism of the genus Bacillus, Aspergillus or Rhizopus or a protease of papaya origin.

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: A process for reacting(1) a component selected from the group consisting of sterols and branched aliphatic primary or secondary alcohols having 14 to 32 carbon atoms, and(2) a component selected from the group consisting of fatty acids and fatty acid estersin contact with an enzyme selected from the group consisting of lipase and cholesterol esterase or with the selected enzyme in an immobilized form, in a system selected from the group consisting of an aqueous medium and water-containing organic solvent to prepare a fatty acid ester of the component (1).

Abstract: A process of an enzymatic interesterification in a low water content condition, which comprises subjecting a reaction liquid containing (a) a fat or oil and (b) a member selected from the group consisting of (i) another fat or oil, (ii) a fatty acid ester with a lower alcohol and (iii) a fatty acid to the action of a lipase in the form of dried Rhizopus cells while maintaining the water concentration between 5 and 1000 ppm in the reaction liquid during the reaction. In accordance with the process of the present invention, an interesterification of fat or oil can be carried out efficiently in a high yield.

Abstract: There is disclosed a monophosphorylated cyclic lipopeptide compound obtained by biophosphorylating a cyclic lipopeptide related to echinocandins and having a peptide skeleton bearing several hydroxy groups wherein in the phosphorylated cyclic lipopeptide, the phosphate group is attached to the hydroxy group of the 4-hydroxyproline component of the lipopeptide. The compounds are useful for the control of fungi and parasites.

Abstract: A process for preparing (+)-homopilopic acid and the salts thereof which comprises hydrolyzing a mixture of (+)-homopilopic acid ester of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 denotes straight or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon, and (-)-homopilopic acid ester of the general formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R.sub.2 denotes straight or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon, in the presence of a microorganism belonging to the genus Arthrobacter, Aspergillus, Escherichia, Cunninghamella, Xanthomonas, Candida, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Cellulomonas, Nocardia, Bacillus, Brevibacterium, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, Rhizomucor, Rhodotorula or Rhodococcus, or a treated matter thereof.

Abstract: An immobilized lipolytic enzyme for esterification and interesterification of fats and oils is prepared by adsorbing a fatty acid or a derivative thereof onto an insoluble carrier and then adsorbing a lipolytic enzyme onto the carrier in an aqueous medium. The resultant immobilized lipolytic enzyme can be dried to a water content of 2 wt. % or less. Preferably, the carrier is a phenol/formaldehyde resin, the lipolytic enzyme is from Rhizopus japonicus and the fatty acid is linoleic acid, lauric acid, stearic acid, ricinoleic acid or isostearic acid. A reaction column can be charged with the dried immobilized lipolytic enzyme and reaction continuously carried out without the use of a solvent. Preferably, starting materials have a water content of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and residence time in the column is 2 hours or shorter.

Abstract: A microbiological process for sterospecific monoketo reduction of racemic 3-keto-bicyclic carbacyclin intermediates to the corresponding optically active 30.alpha. hydroxy compounds is provided.

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: A process for the transesterification of substrates comprising (a) fat and oil and (b) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of fatty acid, fatty acid ester and other fat and oil with the use of a lipase, wherein said transesterification is effected in the presence of a monohydric lower alcohol.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing ethanol from a starchy material, wherein the starchy material is simultaneously subjected to saccharification and subsequent fermentation by use of a yeast host which has been transformed by an expressible recombinant vector comprising a glucoamylase gene derived from a fungus of the genus Rhizopus.

Abstract: An enzyme electrode for measuring malto-oligosaccharides having a co-immobilized enzyme membrane containing glucoamylase and a glucose oxidizing enzyme such as glucose oxidase or pyranose oxidase.The glucoamylase and glucose oxidizing enzyme are immobilized at a ratio of ##EQU1## where Va is the maximum reaction rate of glucoamylase as expressed in the glucose formation rate from maltose, and Vo is the maximum reaction rate of glucose oxidizing enzyme as expressed in the hydrogen peroxide formation rate from glucose.In such enzyme electrode, malto-oligosaccharides are detected at the response value proportional to their degree of polymerization. Therefore, the malto-oligosaccharides can be measured at the glucose converted concentration.

Abstract: L(+)-lactic acid is produced in high yield by a direct one step fermentation of renewable biomass such as ground corn using Rhizopus oryzae in the presence of calcium carbonate. A kilogram of crushed corn yields over 350 grams high purity L(+)-lactic acid.

Abstract: 6-C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 acyl-1-C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 alkylglucosides are a new group of surface active compounds useful in particular as emulsifiers in cosmetics, pharmaceutical compositions and foodstuffs. They are prepared by reacting a 1-C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 alkyl glucoside with a C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 fatty acid in the presence of a lipolytic enzyme and in a reaction medium containing at most 30% and preferably 0.01 to 5% water.

Abstract: A relatively solid, stable biomass reaction product is provided produced from microorganisms having metal uptake properties when contacted by an aqueous solution containing metal cations. The biomass reaction product is produced by treating cells thereof with a caustic solution, whereby the biomass reaction product after drying is characterized in the particulate state of having substantially enhanced uptake of metal cations from aqueous solutions as compared to the metal uptake property of the microorganism before treatment. The biomass reaction product in the particulate state is preferably immobilized in an insoluble binder.

Abstract: This invention provides monoclonal antibodies useful for the detection of Rhizoctonia infection of plants. Hybridoma producing the antibodies as well as materials and kits for carrying out the detection of the organisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved fermentation process for producing carboxylic acids is disclosed. The improvement comprises growing fungi of the genus Rhizopus in a culture medium containing a carbon source, a nitrogen source and inorganic salts, under conditions of controlled oxygen availability wherein the dissolved oxygen concentration for the cell growth phase is between 80% and 100% and where the dissolved oxygen concentration for the acid production phase is between 30% and 80%.

Abstract: Process for carrying out an enzymatic reaction, in which the substrate treated is in an organic liquid which is a fluorinated hydrocarbon, which can include halogens other than fluorine.

Abstract: Production of .gamma.-linolenic acid, by growth of a diffused mycelial inoculum of Rhizopus arrhizus in a stirred, aerated nutrient medium containing a carbohydrate energy source and an inorganic nitrogen source at a carbon:nitrogen ratio of 20:1 to 60:1 maintained at a temperature of 25.degree. C..+-.2.degree. C. and a pH of 3.75 to 6.25 in the presence of a foam breaker, until a .gamma.-linolenic concentration of at least 1.0 g/liter of medium is reached, harvesting the organism, and extraction of lipid containing the .gamma.-linolenic acid.

Abstract: New tetra-alkyl-2,2,5,5-cyclohexanone-4-ol-1-compounds and their sulphonyl derivatives with the general formula: ##STR1## in which: each of R and R', identical or different, represents an alkyl radical (1-5 carbons) and R" represents a hydrogen atom or a radical SO.sub.2 R"' in which R"' represents an alkyl radical (1-5 carbons) or an aryl radical (6-14 carbons), the process and the intermediates for their preparation, as well as their use in the synthesis of cyclopropane lactones of cis structure.

Abstract: A relatively solid, stable biomass reaction product is provided produced from microorganisms having metal uptake properties when contacted by an aqueous solution containing metal cations. The biomass reaction product is produced by treating cells thereof with a caustic solution, whereby the biomass reaction product after drying is characterized in the particulate state of having substantially enhanced uptake of metal cations from aqueous solutions as compared to the metal uptake property of the microorganism before treatment.

Abstract: A novel lipase characterized in that at least 95% of its original activity is maintained after being treated at a temperature of 30.degree. to 80.degree. C. for 15 minutes, which may be produced by cultivating Rhizopus chinensis FERM BP-936 in a culture medium and recovering the produced enzyme from the medium.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of starch to syrups having a dextrose equivalent (D.E.) value of at least 90 and is achieved by treating liquid starch with glucoamylase for a period of not more than three hours.

Abstract: An improved fermentation process for producing carboxylic acids, especially fumaric acid, is disclosed. The improvement comprises growing fungi of genus Rhizopus in the presence of an effective amount of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of fatty acid esters having fatty acid residues of 12 to 24 carbons, and triglyceride mixtures.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of acid stable protease having a broad activity spectrum by culturing selected mutants of Rhizopus rhizopodiformis CBS 227.75 under aerobic conditions in a nutrient medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources, at a pH between 3 and 7 and at a temperature between 25.degree. C. and 50.degree. C., and separating the resulting protease enzyme; the mutants used in the process together with a process for preparation of the mutants.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is prepared by subjecting a dialkyl ester of .beta.-protected aminoglutaric acid to the action of a culture broth, cells, or treated cells of a microorganism capable of stereoselectively hydrolyzing only one of the ester groups in the above-mentioned dialkyl ester to produce an optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-protected (S)-aminoglutaric acid, and then removing the amino-protecting group from the product. An optically active monoalkyl ester of .beta.-(S)-aminoglutaric acid is useful as a starting material for synthesizing .beta.-lactam antibiotics of carbapenem type such as thienamycin.

Abstract: Novel fat compositions are provided suitable for use as cocoabutter substitutes, which consist substantially of symmetrical disaturated triglycerides of C.sub.16 and C.sub.18 fatty acids. They may be obtained by interesterification in the presence or absence of the free fatty acids, using a 1,3-selective lipase enzyme catalyst to effect a limited degree of randomization in these positions.

Abstract: Biologically active hollow fungal mycelial pellets are prepared by media manipulation. Initially fungal spores are innoculated under conditions limiting growth to formation of tiny cell aggregates of less than about 2 mm. Thereafter, the aggregates are subjected to conditions supportive of vigorous vegetative growth and agitation to produce hollow pellets having a porous spherical webbed mycelial layer and hollow core.

Abstract: A novel process is described for hydrolyzing protein-bound cholesterol esters such as are found in blood serum. The method comprises contacting sample containing protein-bound cholesterol esters with a compatible mixture of an enzyme preparation which demonstrates cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and, as an effector, a surfactant which is an alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol comprising a polyoxyethylene chain of less than about 20 oxyethylene units.Hydrolysis compositions comprising compatible mixtures of an enzyme preparation which demonstrates cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and an effector which is a surfactant as described are also disclosed, as are analytical elements comprising at least one layer which includes such a hydrolysis composition.

Abstract: A novel process is described for hydrolyzing protein-bound cholesterol esters such as are found in blood serum. The method comprises contacting sample containing protein-bound cholesterol esters with a compatible mixture of an enzyme preparation which demonstrates cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and, as an effector, a surfactant which is an alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol comprising a polyoxyethylene chain of less than about 20 oxyethylene units.Hydrolysis compositions comprising compatible mixtures of an enzyme preparation which demonstrates cholesterol ester hydrolase activity and an effector which is a surfactant as described are also disclosed, as are analytical elements comprising at least one layer which includes such a hydrolysis composition.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a textured protein-containing material in which an amylolytic fungus is grown on a moist starch based substrate which includes a nitrogen source assimilable by the fungus the substrate being provided in the form of small, partially gelatinized particles. During growth, the fungus degrades and utilizes a large proportion of the starch, resulting in a dense matrix of closely interwoven mycelia, randomly dispersed with substances containing the residual starch or starch degradation products. On the denaturation of the fungal mycelium, the product assumes a tough but resilient texture and when diced or minced has a similar appearance to meat.

Abstract: Antioxidants and antioxidant compositions useful as stabilizers for food compositions, including edible fats and oils, and other compositions have been prepared and recovered from a natural source, tempeh, a fermented soybean product. An ergostadientriol which possesses antioxidative properties and which in combination with mixtures of isoflavones provides compositions having exceptional antioxidative properties has been produced. This new sterol, either alone or in combination with mixtures of isoflavones or other compounds, would appear to be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of various diseases including atherosclerosis. The ergostadientriol is recovered from other constituents of a methanol extract of tempeh by a separation process based upon its molecular size and adsorptive properties. Two novel isoflavones have also been produced and recovered from tempeh.