Abstract: Methods of producing clean (e.g., low sulfur and metal ion content, and free of fermentation inhibitors) sugar and lignin-rich streams, and downstream conversion products, from lignocellulosic biomass, may include obtaining non-chemically pretreated, milled lignocellulosic biomass, reacting the milled lignocellulosic biomass with an enzymatic agent to produce a slurry that includes converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and lignin-rich residuals, and separating the slurry into a sugar stream that includes the converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and a lignin-rich stream that includes the lignin-rich residuals. The sugar stream, not including water, includes at least 75% monomeric lignocellulosic sugar, less than 0.20% sulfur, and less than 3.0% metal ion content, and the lignin-rich stream includes at least 35% lignin and less than 0.50% sulfur.

Abstract: A process for mechanical destructuring of starch-based biomass was developed that makes use of a short application of high compression, impact, and shearing forces. The biomass may be destructured using a specific energy input that is less than 40% of the total combustible energy of the biomass. The destructured starch-based biomass, with or without saccharification and/or in-feed glycosyl hydrolase enzymes, may be used in feed applications. The destructured starch-based may saccharified to produce syrups and fermentable sugars, and for production of products including ethanol using a biocatalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of saccharifying biomass, such as algae or agricultural by-products by performing a high-pressure extrusion pulverization process for the biomass, such as algae or agricultural by-products, and more particularly to a method of saccharifying biomass, which includes homogenizing and crushing algae or agricultural by-products, and extruding the algae or agricultural by-products through a micro-diameter tube to pulverize the algae or agricultural by-products. Non-biodegradable polymers, such as cellulose, which is a polysaccharide included in biomass, such as algae or agricultural by-products, hemicelluloses, starch, and complex polysaccharide, are hydrolyzed at high glycosylation efficiency through an eco-friendly pretreatment process using water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enzymatic hydrolysis of granular starch into a soluble starch hydrolysate at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said granular starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a syrup which is rich in maltose. The process is comprising the successive steps of liquefaction of a starch milk and saccharification of the liquefied starch milk in the presence of alpha-amylase, beta-amylase and a debranching enzyme selected from the group of pullulanase, iso-amylase and mixtures thereof, preferably pullulanase and further adding maltogenic alpha-amylase and/or iso-amylase, for obtaining a maltose containing syrup comprising at least 85% maltose based on dry matter and less than 1.5% glucose based on dry matter, preferably less than 1% glucose based on dry matter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing wastewater after de-sizing. The method includes the step of executing a preliminary treatment on the wastewater to intercept slurry and to stabilize the quality of the wastewater, the step of reducing the pH of the wastewater to a range between 6.0 and 7.5, the step of providing a refractory degradation material 30 for hydrolyzing and hence liquidating starch slurry in the wastewater, the step of separating solids from liquid of the wastewater; and the step of recycling the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a syrup which is rich in maltitol. The process is comprising the successive steps of liquefaction of a starch milk and saccharification of the liquefied starch milk in the presence of alpha-amylase, beta-amylase and a debranching enzyme selected from the group of pullulanase, iso-amylase and mixtures thereof, preferably pullulanase and further adding maltogenic alpha-amylase and/or iso-amylase, for obtaining a maltose containing syrup comprising at least 85% maltose based on dry matter and less than 1.5% glucose based on dry matter, preferably less than 1% glucose based on dry matter, followed by molecular sieving of the maltose containing syrup to obtain a fraction (A) comprising at least 95% maltose based on dry substance of fraction (A), and further hydrogenating catalytically fraction (A) for obtaining a liquid maltitol enriched product (B).

Abstract: This invention provides novel enzyme compositions using newly identified and isolated C. lucknowense enzymes, including CBH Ib CBH IIb, EG II, EG VI, ?-glucosidase, and xylanase II in conjunction with previously identified enzymes CBH Ia, CBH IIa (previously described as Endo 43), and EG V. These enzyme compositions demonstrate an extremely high ability to convert lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., Avicel, cotton, Douglas fir wood pretreated by organosolv) to glucose. CBH Ia and IIb, which both have a cellulose-binding module (CBM) displayed a pronounced synergism with three major endoglucanases (EG II, EG V, EG VI) from the same fungus in hydrolysis of cotton as well as a strong synergy with each other. The enzyme compositions are effective in hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having isoamylase activity derived from Dyella japonica and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. The invention also relates to the use of said polypeptide having isoamylase activity for producing glucose syrup, fructose syrup, maltose syrup or maltitol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having isoamylase activity derived from Dyella japonica and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. The invention also relates to the use of said polypeptide having isoamylase activity for producing glucose syrup, fructose syrup, maltose syrup or maltitol.

Abstract: To provide novel ?-amylase derived from a microorganism and a gene thereof. ?-amylase derived from Bacillus flexus is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having isoamylase activity derived from Dyella japonica and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. The invention also relates to the use of said polypeptide having isoamylase activity for producing glucose syrup, fructose syrup, maltose syrup or maltitol.

Abstract: A glucan biopolymer obtained from Manihot esculenta as a cosmetic active principle for instant skin tightening, and a cosmetic skincare method using the same. Also, a specific active principle provided in the form of a glucan polymer obtained from Manihot esculenta, the method for obtaining the active principle and the cosmetic compositions including same.

Abstract: The invention provides variants of the Azospirillum irakense CelA ?-glucosidase that have improve ?-glucosidase activity, particularly improved thermoactivity, compared to the wild type enzyme. The invention further provides related polynucleotides, vectors, host cell, and methods for making and using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having isoamylase activity derived from Dyella japonica and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. The invention also relates to the use of said polypeptide having isoamylase activity for producing glucose syrup, fructose syrup, maltose syrup or maltitol.

Abstract: A method for producing starch hydrolysate that includes processing in a high shear device a hydrolytic solution having a component selected from the group consisting of acids, hydrolytic enzymes, and combinations thereof, and an aqueous starch solution to produce a dispersion, wherein the high shear device is configured with a rotor and a stator; and transferring the dispersion from the high shear device to a reactor from which a starch hydrolysate product comprising dextrose is removed, wherein the operating temperature within the reactor is maintained at a temperature of less than about 160° C.

Abstract: An improved saccharification process comprises the use of a glucoamylase and at least one cellulase. The improved saccharification process results in improved yields of fermentations products, such as ethanol. In one embodiment, the improved saccharification process results in an increased yield of up to 0.5% to 1% ethanol using commercially available cellulases. Also provided are improved simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) processes, and compositions comprising a liquefied starch slurry, a glucoamylase, and a cellulase.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars. In one aspect, the invention provides delayed release compositions comprising a desired ingredient coated by a latex polymer coating.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel starchy substance having a retrogradation-resistance, a process for producing the starchy substance efficiently from a material starch by enzymatic reaction, and uses thereof. The present invention attains the above object by providing branched starch having 6-?-maltosyl- and/or 6-?-maltotetraosyl-structure(s) with a marked retrogradation-resistance, a process for producing the branched starch without lowering the molecular weight of material starch, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enzymatic hydrolysis of granular starch into a soluble starch hydrolysate at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said granular starch.

Abstract: A starch-based biodegradable material composition includes: an enzyme-hydrolyzed starch; and a biodegradable polyester selected from at least one of an aliphatic polyester of polybutylene succinate and an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester. The enzyme-hydrolyzed starch is prepared by hydrolyzing a native starch using a starch-hydrolyzing enzyme. The starch-hydrolyzing enzyme has an activity unit ranging from 15000 to 40000.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enzymatic hydrolysis of granular starch into a soluble starch hydrolysate at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said granular starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enzymatic hydrolysis of granular starch into a soluble starch hydrolysate at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said granular starch.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a process for preparing maltitol enriched products and said process is chromatographically fractionating a maltose syrup followed by hydrogenating it into a liquid maltitol enriched product and optionally solidification or crystallization of maltitol. Liquid, solid and crystalline maltitol of different purities are obtainable by a single process.

Abstract: To provide novel ?-amylase derived from a microorganism and a gene thereof. ?-amylase derived from Bacillus flexus is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid absorber, a method for preparing a fluid absorber, and a method for absorbing fluid from the skin. The disclosed method for preparing a fluid absorber generally comprises the steps of selecting a starch and an enzyme for hydrolysis of the starch, determining a fluid absorption optimum hydrolysis level for the starch, and enzymatically hydrolyzing the starch to approximately the optimum level thus determined. The starch alternatively may be hydrolyzed with acid hydrolysis without the use of an enzyme catalyst. The disclosed method for absorbing fluid from the skin includes the step of applying a fluid absorbing effective amount of a fluid absorber thus prepared. Absorption properties of the fluid absorber of the invention are comparable to or exceed those of commercially available skin fluid absorbers, such as talc and unmodified corn starch.

Abstract: The use of an enzyme preparation comprising type C feruloyl esterase or type D feruloyl esterase in the manufacture of biofuels from plant cell wall materials. A method for manufacturing biofuels from plant cell wall materials by converting lignocellulosic materials in said plant cell walls to sugars suitable for use as a fermentation feedstock, which method comprises (i) contacting said plant cell wall material with an enzyme preparation comprising type C feruloyl esterase or type D feruloyl esterase and plant cell wall degrading enzymes and (ii) separating any soluble sugars therefrom for bioconversion to biofuel. A slurry prepared by converting lignocellulosic materials in plant cell walls to sugars using an enzyme preparation comprising type C feruloyl esterase or type D feruloyl esterase, and optionally plant cell-wall degrading enzymes.

Abstract: A process for extracting phytochemicals from plants. The process generally comprises controllably slurrying a selected plant material in a volume, adding a selected enzyme the slurry while it is controllably agitated, then heating the controllably agitated slurry-enzyme mixture to a temperature from the range of 40° C. to 110° C., and then maintaining the slurry-enzyme mixture at that temperature for a selected period of time. The slurry is then separated into a solids fraction and a liquids fraction that contains extracted phytochemicals. The liquids fraction is controllably de-watered to produce a fluid extract concentrate. The liquids fraction may optionally be dried to produce a dried extract concentrate. Suitable enzymes for use with this process include ?-amylases, ?-amylases, endo-?-1,4-glucanases, cellobiohydrolases, cellulases, hemicellulases, ?-glucosidases, ?-xylosidases, xylanases, pullulases, esterases and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enzymatic hydrolysis of granular starch into a soluble starch hydrolysate at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said granular starch.

Abstract: A process for preparing saccharide oligomers uses an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight. The feed composition is heated to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and is contacted with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds, such as enzyme or acid, for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers. A product composition is produced that contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing downstream products, such as fermentable sugars (e.g., glucose) and alcohols (e.g., ethanol) from starch-containing material (e.g., grain) without a pH adjustment before or after the starch liquefaction step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making high molecular weight, reduced viscosity starch pastes by enzymatic conversion. The methods provide a process for producing enzyme-thinned starch pastes that have improved molecular weight distributions, i.e., starch pastes having a more mid to high molecular weight content and less low molecular weight sugars than traditional enzyme converted pastes at similar solids and viscosity. In some embodiments, the methods utilize an enzyme capable of producing longer-chain oligosaccharides rather than low-molecular weight sugars. Other embodiments utilize a combination of enzymes to provide low viscosity pastes that are stabilized against setback and retrogradation. Furthermore, the methods may utilize a continuous starch enzyme cooker for the production of the high molecular weight, reduced viscosity starch pastes.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrolysate from lignocellulosic materials generally includes fiberizing the lignocellulosic materials, separating the lignocellulosic materials into at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein at least the first portion includes lignin, treating the first portion to deactivate at least a portion of the lignin in the first portion, re-combining the first and second portions after treating the first portion, and hydrolyzing the lignocellulosic materials with enzymes to produce a hydrolysate.

Abstract: This invention contemplates improved methods of enzymatic production of carbohydrates especially fucosylated carbohydrates. Improved syntheses of glycosyl 1- or 2-phosphates using both chemical and enzymatic means are also contemplated. The phosphorylated glycosides are then used to produce sugar nucleotides that are in turn used as donor sugars for glycosylation of acceptor carbohydrates. Especially preferred herein is the use of a disclosed method for fucosylation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid absorber, a method for preparing a fluid absorber, and a method for absorbing fluid from the skin. The disclosed method for preparing a fluid absorber generally comprises the steps of selecting a starch and an enzyme for hydrolysis of the starch, determining a fluid absorption optimum hydrolysis level for the starch, and ezymatically hydrolyzing the starch to approximately the optimum level thus determined. The starch alternatively may be hydrolyzed with acid hydrolysis without the use of an enzyme catalyst. The disclosed method for absorbing fluid from the skin includes the step of applying a fluid absorbing effective amount of a fluid absorber thus prepared. Absorption properties of the fluid absorber of the invention are comparable to or exceed those of commercially available skin fluid absorbers, such as talc and unmodified corn starch.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid absorber, a method for preparing a fluid absorber, and a method for absorbing fluid from the skin. The disclosed method for preparing a fluid absorber generally comprises the steps of selecting a starch and an enzyme for hydrolysis of the starch, determining a fluid absorption optimum hydrolysis level for the starch, and ezymatically hydrolyzing the starch to approximately the optimum level thus determined. The starch alternatively may be hydrolyzed with acid hydrolysis without the use of an enzyme catalyst. The disclosed method for absorbing fluid from the skin includes the step of applying a fluid absorbing effective amount of a fluid absorber thus prepared. Absorption properties of the fluid absorber of the invention are comparable to or exceed those of commercially available skin fluid absorbers, such as talc and unmodified corn starch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for economically producing N-acetylneuraminic acid without using expensive materials such as pyruvic acid and phosphoenolpyruvic acid. The process comprises: allowing (i) a culture of a microorganism having N-acetylneuraminic acid aldolase activity or N-acetylneuraminic acid synthetase activity, or a treated matter of the culture, (ii) a culture of a microorganism capable of producing pyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, or a culture of a microorganism capable of producing phosphoenolpyruvic acid or a treated matter of the culture, (iii) N-acetylmannosamine, and (iv) an energy source which is necessary for the formation of pyruvic acid or phosphoenolpyruvic acid to be present in an aqueous medium to form and accumulate N-acetylneuraminic acid in the aqueous medium; and recovering N-acetylneuraminic acid from the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant DNA molecule which comprises genes for biosynthesizing acarbose and homologous pseudo-oligosaccharides; to oligonucleotide primers for the PCR amplification of the molecule; to proteins which can be obtained by expressing the genes located on a molecule; to vectors and host cells which comprise the above-mentioned DNA molecule; to proteins which are encoded by the DNA molecule; to proteins which are expressed by means of said vectors in said host cells; to processes for preparing acarbose by introducing the characterized genes into appropriate host organisms and/or eliminating these genes from the host organisms; to processes for completing the gene cluster of genes for biosynthesizing acarbose, to processes for isolating analogous gene clusters in organisms other than Streptomyces glaucescens GLA.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay, preferably immunoassay, is provided for the detection and determination of MGP in a human serum sample, which comprises the use of one or more antibodies, in particular monoclonal antibodies, specifically recognising epitopes on and/or conformations of human Matrix Gla-Protein. Also, a method is provided for using MGP-related antigens as biomarkers for certain diseases, for example, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, and angiogenesis/neogenesis in tumor development. Further, monoclonal antibodies of class IgG are provided for use in the assay, which are defined herein as mAb3-15 and mAb35-49.

Abstract: Dextrins are prepared by hydrolyzing starch with an enzyme that consists essentially of a beta-amylase enzyme. The product prepared thereby will include a dextrin, such as beta-limit dextrin. Upon ultrafiltration of this product, a dextrin-rich fraction may be recovered. If desired, the dextrin-rich fraction may be further purified via diafiltration. Retrograded amylose may be separated from the product of enzymatic hydrolysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid absorber, a method for preparing a fluid absorber, and a method for absorbing fluid from the skin. The disclosed method for preparing a fluid absorber generally comprises the steps of selecting a starch and an enzyme for hydrolysis of the starch, determining a fluid absorption optimum hydrolysis level for the starch, and ezymatically hydrolyzing the starch to approximately the optimum level thus determined. The starch alternatively may be hydrolyzed with acid hydrolysis without the use of an enzyme catalyst. The disclosed method for absorbing fluid from the skin includes the step of applying a fluid absorbing effective amount of a fluid absorber thus prepared. Absorption properties of the fluid absorber of the invention are comparable to or exceed those of commercially available skin fluid absorbers, such as talc and unmodified corn starch.

Abstract: Dextrins are prepared by hydrolyzing starch with an enzyme that consists essentially of a beta-amylase enzyme. The product prepared thereby will include a dextrin, such as beta-limit dextrin. Upon ultrafiltration of this product, a dextrin-rich fraction may be recovered. If desired, the dextrin-rich fraction may be further purified via diafiltration. Retrograded amylose may be separated from the product of enzymatic hydrolysis.

Abstract: There is provided a method of production of an immunostimulatory &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation, comprising the step of autolysis of cells of a microorganism at a pH of 5 to 6 and a temperature of 35 to 60° C. for 6 to 48 hours, and separating solid material roam the autolysed product. The &bgr;-glucan-mannan preparation may be incorporated as a food component or be used as a pharmaceutical for treatment of conditions such as immuno-suppression, hypercholesterolaemia, hypoglycaemia and heavy metal excretion.

Abstract: Maltose products are prepared by hydrolyzing starch with an enzyme that consists essentially of a beta-amylase enzyme. The product thus prepared may be spray dried, or a high purity maltose product may be obtained therefrom via ultrafiltration. The high purity maltose product has a low content of glucose and saccharides in the DP 3-10 range.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid absorber, a method for preparing a fluid absorber, and a method for absorbing fluid from the skin. The disclosed method for preparing a fluid absorber generally comprises the steps of selecting a starch and an enzyme for hydrolysis of the starch, determining a fluid absorption optimum hydrolysis level for the starch, and ezymatically hydrolyzing the starch to approximately the optimum level thus determined. The starch alternatively may be hydrolyzed with acid hydrolysis without the use of an enzyme catalyst. The disclosed method for absorbing fluid from the skin includes the step of applying a fluid absorbing effective amount of a fluid absorber thus prepared. Absorption properties of the fluid absorber of the invention are comparable to or exceed those of commercially available skin fluid absorbers, such as talc and unmodified corn starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a maltose-rich syrup comprising the steps of (a) carrying out liquefaction of a starch milk; (b) carrying out saccharification of the liquefied starch milk in the presence of a &bgr;-amylase and at least one debranching enzyme selected from the group comprising pullulanases and isoamylases; (c) carrying out molecular sieving of the liquefied and saccharified starch milk so as to collect a fraction enriched with maltose and a fraction enriched with glucose; and (d) bringing said fraction enriched with maltose into contact with a maltogenic &agr;-amylase with a view to obtaining a maltose-rich syrup.

Abstract: An in-vitro method for producing water-insoluble &agr;-1,4-glucan is described, wherein saccharose is reacted in a buffer-free system using an amylosaccharase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a maltose-rich syrup comprising the steps of (a) carrying out liquefaction of a starch milk; (b) carrying out saccharification of the liquefied starch milk in the presence of a &bgr;-amylase and at least one debranching enzyme selected from the group comprising pullulanases and isoamylases; (c) carrying out molecular sieving of the liquefied and saccharified starch milk so as to collect a fraction enriched with maltose and a fraction enriched with glucose; and (d) bringing said fraction enriched with maltose into contact with a maltogenic &agr;-amylase with a view to obtaining a maltose-rich syrup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing oligosaccharide syrups, in particular to the production of syrups having a high concentration of saccharides with a degree of polymerization of at least 2, comprising the steps of: enzymatic reaction of a substrate at a temperature in the range of 50° C. to 100° C. obtaining a saccharide solution comprising monosaccharides and disaccharides, trisaccharides and higher saccharides; nanofiltration of the saccharide solution at a temperature in the range of 60° C. to 100° C. obtaining a syrup essentially comprising disaccharides, trisaccharides and higher saccharides; recovering said syrup; optionally recycling the permeate resulting from the nanofiltration step to the enzymatic reaction.

Abstract: Dextrins are prepared by hydrolyzing starch with an enzyme that consists essentially of a beta-amylase enzyme. The product prepared thereby will include a dextrin, such as beta-limit dextrin. Upon ultrafiltration of this product, a dextrin-rich fraction may be recovered. If desired, the dextrin-rich fraction may be further purified via diafiltration. Retrograded amylose may be separated from the product of enzymatic hydrolysis.