Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for conveniently and efficiently producing high purity thioredoxin from yeast. In the production of thioredoxin using yeast, thioredoxin is produced through the following steps (i) to (iii): (1) culturing the yeast; (2) stressing the yeast obtained in step (1) to cause a release of thioredoxin from a cell of the yeast; and (3) collecting the thioredoxin released from the yeast cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enzymatically producing optically active mandelic acid derivatives. An optically active mandelic acid derivative (shown as Formula II) is produced by reacting a culture or cell body of a microorganism, or processed products thereof, with a phenylglyoxylic acid derivative, and then recovering the obtained optically active mandelic acid derivative, wherein the microorganism has the ability to stereo-selectively reduce the phenylglyoxylic acid derivative. An optically active mandelic acid obtained according to the present invention is useful as an intermediate for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat hyperlipemia (e.g., regulate triglyceride and/or beta-lipoprotein levels) in a subject as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making such compositions.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to increase secretion of gastric juice or alleviate gastric ulcer in a mammal, said ability resulting from their having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making and using these compositions.

Abstract: The present invention solves the need for non-toxic forms of selenium which is an essential part of the human diet. This invention provides novel dried-yeast products containing selenium as well as a method of producing the dried yeast products. The method uses selenium having high biological activity but low toxicity. The invention also provides nutritional supplements containing the novel selenium containing dried yeast products and methods of administering these products and supplements to improve human health. The invention also provides a practically non-toxic yeast selenium product having increased intracellular selenium concentrations and methods to reduce tumor cell growth by administration of a selenium yeast product in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. In particular, selenium yeast product of strain ATCC 74366.

Abstract: A bioengineered synthesis scheme for the production of shikimic acid from a carbon source is provided. Methods of producing shikimic acid from a carbon source based on the synthesis scheme are also provided.

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 invention relates to low-molecular weight, metabolism-activating mixtures of active ingredients from yeast fungi of the order Saccharomycetes and is characterized in that they are obtained from yeasts of the said order of Saccharomycetes, which are cultivated for some hours at temperatures starting at 37° C., are heated to a maximum of 45° C. and, following cooling, are subsequently processed in a manner known per se.

Abstract: Recombinant yeast expression vectors with the features indicated in the patent claims are described. These recombinant yeast expression vectors can be used for the preparation of HBeAg in yeast host organisms. Appropriate expression systems, transformed host organisms, diagnostic aids and medicinal agents are additionally described.

Abstract: A method of producing arabitol by continuous fermentation of at least one sugar by micro-organisms producing arabitol, characterised in that arabitol is produced in a first fermentation area including at least one fermenter in such a manner that some of the sugar introduced into the fermentation medium is consumed by said micro-organisms, some of the fermentation medium obtained in this way is transferred into a second fermentation area including at least one fermenter, the volume being maintained constant in the first fermentation area by adding sugar, production of arabitol continues in said second fermentation area in such a manner as to consume the residual sugar of the fermentation medium, the fermentation medium thus obtained from said second fermentation area is separated a continuously into a fraction concentrated in micro-organisms and another, soluble fraction enriched in arabitol, and the arabitol thus obtained is collected.

Abstract: The present invention solves the need for non-toxic forms of bioactive chromium which is an essential part of the human diet. This invention provides novel dried-yeast products containing chromium as well as a method of producing the dried yeast products. The method uses organochromium complexes comprised of trivalent chromium, nicotinate, and glycine having high Glucose Tolerance Factor chromium activity. The invention also provides nutritional supplements containing the novel chromium-containing dried-yeast products and methods of administering these products and supplements to increase glucose uptake and insulin binding.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of glycogens or an extract rich in glycogens from yeast cells, and a cosmetic composition containing them. A given quantity of yeast cells, from a specific culture or recovered as residues of a fermentation process, is subjected to an operation of enrichment in intracellular glycogens by culturing in two phases in the presence of a carbon source. The metabolism of the yeast cells is then stopped. The membranes of the yeast cells are then at least partially disintegrated to free intracellular substances, and the freed intracellular substances are subjected to at least one precipation to precipitate glycogens. A cosmetic composition comprising the glycogens is formulated in admixture with a dermatologically acceptable excipient.

Abstract: Compositions useful in the treatment of dietary disorders, and as dietary additives to provide a source of fiber and of short chain fatty acids, to reduce the level of serum cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol levels and as bulking agents in humans and animals, as well as methods of use therefor are described. The compositions and methods are based on whole .beta.-glucans.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-molecular, metabolism-activating mixtures of active ingredients from yeast fungi of the order Saccharomycetes and is characterized in that they are obtained from yeasts of the said order of Saccharomycetes, which are cultivated for some hours at temperatures starting at 37.degree. C., are heated to a maximum of 45.degree. C. and, following cooling, are subsequently processed in a manner known per se.

Abstract: The present invention includes a novel yeast strain of the genus Saccharomyces boulardii sequela PY31 ATCC 74366 that is able to process certain metallic compounds into biologically active forms suitable for supplementing the human diet. The present invention also includes methods for isolating such yeast, nutritional supplement compositions containing such yeast, and methods of administering the nutritional supplement compositions to humans.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an improved process for the production of alcohol which obviates the drawbacks and limitations of the hitherto known process, comprises growing a yeast in a conventional growth medium, fermenting the medium containing carbon and nitrogen source along with other conventional nutrient ingredients and fruit supplement in whole or in fractions like husk, pulp, powder of seeds and mixture thereof used at least 0.25% by weight allowing the resultant broth to ferment for at least 15 hours at temperature in the range of 15-37.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-molecular, metabolism-activating mixtures of active ingredients from yeast fungi of the order Saccharomycetes and is characterized in that they are obtained from yeasts of the said order of Saccharomycetes, which are cultivated for some hours at temperatures starting at 37.degree. C., are heated to a maximum of 45.degree. C. and, following cooling, are subsequently processed in a manner known per se.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing folic acid, comprising incubating yeast having the ability to produce folic acid of 0.3 mg or more or incubating bacteria having the ability to produce folic acid of 1 mg or more per liter of the culture, thereby accumulating folic acid in the culture.

Abstract: A process for preparing strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing at least 4,000 ppm of organically bound germanium based on the dry weight of the yeast is described.

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: A metabolite, e.g., ethanol, is continuously produced from low cost carbohydrate substrates by a process which comprises pulverizing the carbohydrate substrate; liquefying and saccharifying the pulverized substrate; continuously fermenting the lique-saccharified substrate in a fermentor equipped with a moving filter, in the presence of flocculent biological cells maintained at a concentration ranging from 90 to 160 g/l by using the moving filter and a culture medium to produce a fermentation product mixture; and recovering the desired metabolite from the fermentation product mixture.

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: The present invention provides a human polyfuctional protease chracterized in that the protease has unique enzymological and physicochemical properties:

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of the production of (S)-.gamma.-halogenated-.beta.-hydroxybutyric acid esters at a high accumulation and a high yield. A microorganism belonging to the genus Stemphylium, Alternaria, Corynespora or Torulaspora is used to asymmetrically reduce a .gamma.-halogenated-acetoacetic acid ester into an (S)-.gamma.-halogenated-.beta.-hydroxybutyric acid ester, and the (S)-.gamma.-halogenated-.beta.-hydroxybutyric acid ester produced is recovered from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: One chiral form of a 1-aryl-2-aminopropane is produced in preference to its enantiomer by allowing a 1-arylpropan-2-one to react with a 1-amino-1-phenylethane of predominantly one chiral form and reducing the resultant 1-(1-arylprop-2-ylideneimino)-1-phenylethane to yield phenylethane and a mixture of 1-aryl-2-aminopropanes in which one chiral form thereof is present in preference to its enantiomer. The mixture of 1-aryl-2-aminopropanes then is subjected to the action of an omega-amino acid transaminase which converts one of the two chiral forms of 1-aryl-2-aminopropane into the corresponding arylpropanone which can be separated from the remaining chiral form of the 1-aryl-2-aminopropane.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided relating to yeasts capable of improved fermentation of sugars. Particularly, genes from the MAL locus are used for transformation of yeast hosts, where the genes are under the wild-type promoter or a strong promoter which provides for regulatable or constitive expression under the conditions of fermentation. Particularly, the yeast hosts find use in the leavening of dough.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for the bioconversion of toxic substrates with increased yields of product. The invention makes use of immobilized cells as biocatalyst and complexing agent in either dissolved or solid form. The invention also employs various schemes and apparatus for separating immobilized cells and complexing agent for recycle and re-use in bioconversion reactions. A preferred embodiment of the invention produces improved yields and titers of L-phenylacetyl carbinol by the bioconversion of acetaldehyde using yeast cells.

Abstract: A method of designing or modifying protein structure at the protein or genetic level to produce specified amino-termini in vivo is described. The method is used to alter the metabolic stability and other properties of the protein or, alternatively, to artificially generate authentic amino-termini in proteins produced through artificial means. The method is based upon the introduction of the use of artificial ubiquitin-protein fusions, and the discovery that the in vivo half-life of a protein is a function of the amino-terminal amino acid of the protein.

Abstract: A method of designing or modifying protein structure at the protein or genetic level to produce specified amino-termini in vivo are described. The method can be used to alter the metabolic stability and other properties of the protein or, alternatively, to artificially generate authentic amino-termini in proteins produced through artificial means. The method is based upon the introduction of the use of artificial ubiquitin-protein fusions, and the discovery that the in vivo half-life of a protein is a function of the amino-terminal amino acid of the protein.

Abstract: A yeast promoter inducible by the appropriate pheromone and a method of expressing a gene of interest in substantial quantities by placing it under the control of the inducible promoter. DNA encoding a protein of interest is fused or linked to a pheromone - inducible yeast promoter, such as the FUSI or the FUS2 promoter, and the fusion is inserted onto a high copy vector; the resulting product is introduced into wild type yeast cells. Stimulation of these yeast cells by the appropriate pheromone results in induction of transcription of the yeast promoter and expression of the protein of interest in substantial quantities.

Abstract: In a packaging container (1a) provided with a distribution valve (7), a chamber is provided enclosing the starting components of a system (9) for the anaerobic fermentation of sugars using yeasts, which produce the carbon gas forming said propulsive product. The chamber is composed either of a flexible, gas-tight, hermetically closed pocket (8) or of a small rigid reservoir, which is normally closed by a valve calibrated to open only when the pressure which is established in said reservoir exceeds by a given value the pressure reigning in the interior space of the packing container.

Abstract: A method of feeding fry, shellfish or mollusks comprising directly feeding the fry, shellfish or mullusks a dried yeast feed of enhanced nutritive value comprising active yeast and up to, but not exceeding, 20% by dry weight of fish oil.

Abstract: A yeast expression and secretion vector is described. The vector carries a nucleotide sequence coding for a precursor polypeptide which includes the signal sequence of amylo-alpha-1-,-4-glucosidase from Saccharomyces diastaticus.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seed dressing material for application to seeds of plants adapted to be grown in an environment with or without legume-growth-factor, to enhance the trace mineral uptake or growth of the plants. This material comprises effective amounts of fungal spores of the family Coprinus, preferably spores of Coprinus comatus, and a further ingredient selected from GTF chromium and yest, or combinations thereof. The plants resulting from the growth of seeds treated with the dressing material of this invention reach maturity faster, and have increased contents of zinc and chromium, both necessary dietary trace elements for mammals.

Abstract: In a packing container (1a) provided with a distribution valve (7), a chamber is provided enclosing the starting components of a system (9) for the anaerobic fermentation of sugars using yeasts, which produce the carbon gas forming said propulsive product. The chamber is composed either of a flexible, gas-tight, hermetically closed pocket (8) or of a small rigid reservoir, which is normally closed by a valve calibrated to open only when the pressure which is established in said reservoir exceeds by a given value the pressure reigning in the interior space of the packing container.

Abstract: Shuttle vectors including a DNA sequence of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae including ars 1.2 micron ori and a marker gene for transformed yeast permitting synthesis of leucine by the transformant; adjacent to said ars 1 a DNA sequence of Escherichia coli which is either in EcoR1--PvuII or EcoR1--TthIII--I fragment of plasmid pBR322; and adjacent to the yeast marker gene the expression control region of the repressible acid phosphatase gene of yeast.

Abstract: A modified protein (i) derived from a hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein and (ii) having hepatitis B virus surface antigen activity and the ability to bind polymerized human serum albumin, wherein the modification comprises rendering at least one trypsin-like protease sensitive site of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen P31 protein insensitive. The modified protein can be used in the production of a vaccine for prevention of hepatitis B virus infections and as an antigen for diagnosis of hepatitis B virus infections.

Abstract: The freezing of foodstuffs and other biological materials such blood products as sperm, ova, embryos and other tissues may be facilitated by applying thereto a non-toxic microorganism having an INA.sup.+ phenotype or a biogenic ice nucleating agent or a functionally equivalent protein.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with the specific processing of secreted proteins in genetically modified yeast cells. The yeast KEX1 gene was cloned and the KEX1 product was shown to be a serine protease, evidently a carboxypeptidase B-like protease. A probable site of processing of polypeptides by the KEX1 gene product is at the C-terminus of the .alpha. subunit of the killer toxin, where the mature toxin subunit is followed in the precursor by a pair of basic amino acid residues. Processing likely involves an endoprotease cut following these basic residues, and their subsequent C-terminal trimming by a carboxypeptidase. Consistent with the KEX1 product being this carboxypeptidase is the finding that it is also involved in .alpha.-factor pheromone production. In wildtype yeast, KEX1 is not essential for .alpha.-factor production, as the final hormone repeat in the prepro .alpha.-hormone precursor does not need C-terminal processing to form one copy of the active hormone. However, in a mutant strain where .

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method for maintaining and selecting recombinant DNA-containing host cells wherein the DNA encoding a selectable phenotype and the DNA encoding a useful polypeptide are the same. The aforementioned DNA is useful for expressing .delta.-aminolevulinic acid synthetase (ALAS) for the ultimate expression of .delta.-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in yeast and related organisms. The invention further comprises plasmids pIT300, pIT301, pIT302, pIT304, pIT305, pIT306 and related Saccharomyces ALA deficient transformants. ALA is a five carbon amino acid that is useful as a light dependent herbicide.

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: DNA strand having an ability in biotechnological production of .alpha.-acetolactate decarboxylase is disclosed. The DNA strand is characterized in that it has a nucleotide sequence coding for a polypeptide whose amino acid sequence is substantially from A to B of FIG. 1 and which has .alpha.-acetolactate decarboxcylase activity. Also disclosed is a yeast which belongs to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and which has been transformed by the DNA strand. The yeast is characterized by the face that its .alpha.-acetolactate producing ability is reduced, and will thus produce an alcoholic liquor such as beer which contains no or little diacetyls which have come from their precursor, namely .alpha.-acetolactate.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol having the general formula [I*]: ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen atom, by asymmetrically reducing 2-halo-acetophenone having the general formula [II]: ##STR2## wherein X is as above, to give optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol, (R)-form or (S)-form, employing the microorganism. ##STR3## According to the present invention, optically active 2-halo-1-phenyl ethanol can be prepared with a good optical purity and yield in a simple process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is described for the microbiological production of single-cell protein making use of ethanol as a base material thereby allowing the protein produced to be used for human consumption.The process involves the cultivation of ethanol activated yeasts at temperatures between 20.degree. and 40.degree. C. under aerobic conditions in a fermentation column containing a dilute nutrient medium having a pH value in the range 2.5 to 5 containing nutrient salts, acid phosphate and nitrogen-containing substances in which the nutrient medium is continuously circulated into and through and out of the fermentation column and at each re-entry into the column is introduced tangentially into a zone which is oxygen enriched using oxygen gas molecules in the range 1 to 7 mu to form a bio-mass which can be separated and dried to form a protein product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable, allopolyploid, somatic fusion product useful in the fermentation arts and especially in the production of fuel alcohols. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel allopolyploid yeast strain, Saccharomyces diastaticus NCYC 1460, which is the product of the spheroplast fusion of:(a) a hybrid, diploid strain of Sacch. diastaticus; and(b) a fusion partner which is a polyploid brewing yeast strain of the species Saccharomyces uvarum (carlsbergensis).The fusion product of the present invention is capable of an enhanced rate of fermentation and a generally higher degree of final attenuation than is typical of either of the fusion partners. Moreover the fusion product also evidences enhanced osmo- and thermo-tolerances and its multiple, non-allelic DEX gene complement renders the organism well suited to the fermentation of substrates containing dextrins and oligosaccharides.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of optically pure D- or L-lactic acid by fermentation of an aqueous nutrient medium, which contains nitrogen, vitamins, aminoacids, sugars and trace elements, by means of a microorganism, at pH 4-6, wherein the nutrient medium contains brewers' yeast as the source of nitrogen, vitamins, aminoacids and trace elements.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a sterile, apyrogenic product for promoting oxidative phosphorylation and suitable for therapeutic or cosmetic compositions, starting from yeast, in which any type of yeast is subjected to a process of plasmolysis, followed by treatment with proteolytic enzymes and then with diamine oxidase, after which the proteins present in the solution are precipitated by alcohols, the solution pH is stabilized, and the solution concentrated at low temperature under vacuum.

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: Monoclonal antibodies recognizing the difucosyl-type-2-H antigen on human cells and a method of producing said antibodies are disclosed. The monoclonal antibodies are useful in blood typing and in diagnosis of blood disorders and malignancies involving loss or gain of this H antigen.

Abstract: S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine is produced by contacting adenosine with D-homocysteine in an aqueous medium in the presence of cells or treated cells of a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas having the ability to racemize D-homocysteine to DL-homocysteine and in the presence of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase, to synthesize S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine, and thereafter collecting it.