Abstract: This invention provides processes to convert biomass into energy-dense biomass for combustion, alone or in combination with another solid fuel. Some embodiments provide processes for producing energy-dense biomass from cellulosic biomass, comprising extracting the feedstock with steam and/or hot water to produce an extract liquor containing hemicellulosic oligomers, dissolved lignin, and cellulose-rich solids; separating the extract liquor, to produce dewatered cellulose-rich solids; hydrolyzing the dewatered cellulose-rich solids, thereby removing a portion of the cellulose, to produce intermediate solids (with higher energy density) and a hydrolysate; drying the intermediate solids to produce energy-dense biomass; and optionally recovering fermentable sugars from the hydrolysate. The energy-dense biomass may be pelletized into biomass pellets, which may have a similar energy density as torrefied pellets from wood.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the fermentation of cellodextrins and ?-D-glucose. Host cells and recombinant polypeptides having glucose mutarotase activity are provided. Additionally, methods for improving cell growth, production of chemicals, and consumption of cellodextrins and ?-D-glucose during fermentation of mixtures containing cellodextrins and ?-D-glucose are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a strain of Bacillus subtilis and applications using the strain to raise the efficiency and/or yield of generation of glucose produced by the hydrolysis of cellulose.

Abstract: Glycoside hydrolases having at least two different hydrolytic activities are provided. In one embodiment, an isolated recombinant hydrolase having at least two activities selected from a group including asparagine derivatives, glutamine derivatives, and histidine derivatives is provided. Further, a method of generating free sugars from a mixture comprising asparagine derivatives, glutamine derivatives, and histidine derivatives is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enzymatic hydrolysis of a lignocellulosic material, comprising the steps of: a) pretreating the lignocellulosic material to obtain a slurry having a pH of less than 6; b) adding NaOH, Ca(OH)2 and/or CaO to the slurry to increase its pH to at least 8, said addition being carried out at a slurry temperature of at least 60° C.; c) reducing the pH of the slurry to below 7; and optionally cooling the slurry from step b) to a temperature below 60° C.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, microbial, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as food products and amino acids.

Abstract: A process for the fermentative production of at least one organic compound having at least 3 C atoms or having at least 2 C atoms and at least one 1 N atom, comprising the following steps: a1) milling a starch feedstock, thus obtaining a millbase which comprises at least part of the nonstarchy solid constituents of the starch feedstock; a2) suspending the millbase in an aqueous liquid and hydrolysis of the starch portion in the millbase by enzymatic liquefaction and, if appropriate, subsequent saccharification, whereby a first liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides is obtained; and b) addition of the liquid (1) which comprises mono- or oligosaccharides together with metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharides or together with a composition which comprises metabolizable mono-, di- or oligosaccharide in a concentration of at least 50% by weight and which is essentially free from solids which are insoluble in water to a fermentation medium comprising a microorganism which is capable of overproduc

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity, catalytic domains, cellulose binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains. 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, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for pre-treating cellulosic material and processes for improving hydrolysis thereof. In particular, cellulosic material such as woody biomass is contacted with one or more enzymes in a re-pulping step. The cellulosic material is then contacted with one or more enzymes to improve hydrolysis of the cellulosic material. The hydrolysis is also enzymatically enhanced by use of an amylase and/or mannanase.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to variant CBH I polypeptides that have reduced product inhibition, and compositions, e.g., cellulase compositions, comprising variant CBH I polypeptides. The variant CBH I polypeptides and related compositions can be used in variety of agricultural and industrial applications. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acids encoding variant CBH I polypeptides and host cells that recombinantly express the variant CBH I polypeptides.

Abstract: In various embodiments a system is provided that displays heterologous proteins on the surface of a Gram-positive microorganism. In certain embodiments the system displays proteins using a sortase transpeptidase to covalently anchor proteins to the cell wall of the microbe. Novel bacterial strains are provided to exploit this system to display cellulase enzymes and multi-enzyme complexes on the surface of Gram-positive microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus subtilis) through their non-covalent interaction with a scaffoldin protein that is covalently anchored to the cell wall by the sortase transpeptidase. The surface displayed protein complexes contain enzymes capable of degrading cellulose into its component sugars at accelerated rates as compared to solutions of purified enzymes.

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 methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing substances from the cellulosic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for converting plant cell wall polysaccharides into one or more products, comprising: treating the plant cell wall polysaccharides with an effective amount of a spent whole fermentation broth of a recombinant microorganism, wherein the recombinant microorganism expresses one or more heterologous genes encoding enzymes which degrade or convert the plant cell wall polysaccharides into the one or more products.

Abstract: The invention relates to xylanases and to polynucleotides encoding the xylanases. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: A method for the enzymatic saccharification of a lignocellulosic raw material, including adding a pretreated lignocellulosic raw material as a material suitable for an enzymatic saccharification reaction, together with an electrolyte containing a water-soluble salt, to water that contains a celluolose saccharification enzyme; saccharifying the raw material by an enzymatic saccharification reaction, as a suspension of the raw material having an electrical conductivity adjusted to 5-25 mS/cm; separating and recovering a reaction product and an enzyme-containing solution from the enzymatically saccharified treatment suspension; and recycling the recovered enzyme-containing solution as the enzyme for the enzymatic saccharification step.

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 invention relates to a method for producing at least one organic compound comprising at least 3 C-atoms or at least 2 C-atoms and at least 1 N-atom by fermentation. Said method comprises the following steps: i) a starch source is ground in order to obtain a grinding material which contains at least one part of the non-starch containing solid components of the starch source; ii) the grinding material is suspended in an aqueous liquid in an amount such that the dry mass content in the suspension is at least 45 wt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that can be used in hydrolyzing biomass such as compositions comprising a polypeptide having glycosyl hydrolase family 61/endoglucanase activity, methods for hydrolyzing biomass material, and methods for reducing viscosity of biomass mixture using a composition comprising a polypeptide having glycosyl hydrolase family 61/endoglucanase activity.

Abstract: A process for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to produce a hydrolysis product from a pre-treated cellulosic feedstock is provided. The process comprises introducing an aqueous slurry of the pre-treated cellulosic feedstock at the bottom of a hydrolysis reactor. Axial dispersion in the reactor is limited by avoiding mixing and maintaining an average slurry flow velocity of about 0.1 to about 20 feet per hour, such that the undissolved solids flow upward at a rate slower than that of the liquid. Cellulase enzymes are added to the aqueous slurry before or during the step of introducing. An aqueous stream comprising hydrolysis product and unhydrolyzed solids is removed from the hydrolysis reactor. Also provided are enzyme compositions which comprise cellulase enzymes and flocculents for use in the process. In addition, a kit comprising cellulase enzymes and flocculent is provided.

Abstract: A method of processing stillage by hydrothermally fractionating stillage to create unique product fractions, by heating the stillage to a temperature of 250 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., and recovering a stickwater fraction from the stillage. Stickwater, oil, biomass, bio-products, extracts, metabolites, and treated water obtained from the method above. A method of performing ethanol fermentation by hydrothermally fractionating stillage to create unique product fractions by heating the stillage to a temperature of 250 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., separating the stillage into a ProFat fraction and a stickwater fraction, and recovering oil from the ProFat fraction.

Abstract: Described are variants of alpha (?)-amylases having altered starch hydrolysis profiles. The variants have improved thermostability and increased specific activity, resulting in reduced peak viscosity and altered final viscosity during starch liquefaction. The amylase variants are useful, e.g., in liquefaction and other starch degradation processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing substances from the cellulosic material under high temperature conditions.

Abstract: A reactor vessel including: a mixing chamber having a vertical length, an upper inlet, and a lower outlet; and a vertically oriented paddle within the mixing chamber and having a cross-sectional shape of a hydrofoil, wherein the paddle moves with respect to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the co-expression and production of a heterologous alpha amylase and an endogenous glucoamylase in an Aspergillus strain and enzyme compositions including the same.

Abstract: Methods to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material are provided, as well as novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass.

Abstract: A ?-glucosidase exhibits high activity in the presence of biomass and has high thermal stability compared to conventional enzymes. The ?-glucosidase includes substitutions and/or deletions of amino acids, at least three amino acids selected from the group consisting of Glu39, Asp169, Arg170, Arg220, Tyr227, and Glu330, of the parent ?-glucosidase with other amino acids and exhibits a decomposition activity.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fermentable sugars derivable from biomass that contains polysaccharide, such as cellulose, made increasingly accessible as a substrate for enzymatic degradation or other methods of depolymerization. These fermentable sugars are subsequently able to be fermented to produce various target chemicals, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones or acids.

Abstract: A method of producing corn starch by enzymatic process involving: soaking the corn; crushing the corn, separating and washing embryo; fine grinding; washing and drying fiber; separating and drying protein; washing, dewatering and drying the starch. An enzyme preparation is added before the step of washing, dewatering and drying the starch; the enzyme preparation is cellulose, or xylanase, or combination of the cellulose and the xylanase; and addition of the enzyme preparation is from 0.001% to 0.08% by weight of the corn. Based on the technology of traditional wet process, the method of the present invention comprises a step of adding enzyme preparation in the process of separating the corn, which improves the effect and the efficiency of mechanical separation, and further improves the purity and yield of the substance separated while also reducing the energy consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides comprising a carbohydrate-binding module amino acid sequence and an alpha-amylase amino acid sequence as well as to the application of such polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel polypeptides and enzyme preparations containing them, which improve the efficiency of cellulose and lignocellulose degradation even at elevated temperatures. The polypeptides can be produced using conventional recombinant DNA technologies. The related polynucleotides, vectors and host cells are also disclosed. The polypeptides and the enzyme preparations containing them are particularly useful in improving the efficiency of cellulose and lignocellulose degradation, in improving the quality of animal feed, in machine dishwashing applications, in detergent compositions, in pulp and paper, textile, food, baking or beverage industry.

Abstract: A process for production of fermentable sugars from biomass using multi-enzyme multi-step system is provided herein. The process disclosed in the present invention provides high yielded sugars in less time period. The multi-enzyme system disclosed in the present invention converts celluloses, hemicelluloses and/or mixture thereof to fermentable sugar with higher efficiency and better economics than the process known in the prior art. Cellulose and hemicelluloses fractions derived from natural sources such as any lignocellulosic biomass are saccharified in a shortened time with higher conversion rates of intermediates with modified enzymatic compositions/groups of the Multi-enzyme system to enhance the rate thus providing an economical cellulose and hemicellulose saccharification process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity 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.

Abstract: This invention provides novel variant cellulolytic enzymes having improved activity and/or stability. In certain embodiments the variant cellulotyic enzymes comprise a glycoside hydrolase with or comprising a substitution at one or more positions corresponding to one or more of residues F64, A226, and/or E246 in Thermobifida fusca Cel9A enzyme. In certain embodiments the glycoside hydrolase is a variant of a family 9 glycoside hydrolase. In certain embodiments the glycoside hydrolase is a variant of a theme B family 9 glycoside hydrolase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and 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.

Abstract: A method to treat a lignocellulosic material including: pretreating the lignocellulosic material to produce a slurry; adding an alkali material to the slurry in a first conveyor; adding a first portion of an enzyme solution to the slurry while the slurry is in, entering or passing through the discharge of a second conveyor; transferring the slurry with the enzyme solution from the second conveyor slurry to a mixer; mixing the slurry with a second portion of the enzyme solution, and transferring the slurry with the enzyme solution mixed with the first and second portions of the enzyme solution to a first reactor vessel for enzymatic hydrolysis, wherein the viscosity of the slurry is reduced in the first reactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity 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.

Abstract: Chimeric alpha-amylases having the characteristics of high thermostability and good performance in starch degradation, especially high-temperature liquefaction processes, are provided. The alpha-amylases are chimeras of AmyL and AmyS enzymes, and are useful in starch degradation processes. Methods of making the chimeric enzymes, and methods of using the chimeric alpha-amylases for liquefaction, cleaning starch residue from a surface, and treating woven material to remove coatings. Kits for practicing the methods are provided. Polynucleotides encoding the chimeric amylases, vectors, and expression hosts also are provided.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing non-specific binding of an enzyme to lignin to enhance an enzymatic processing of a lignocellulosic material. The enhancements provide economic and process advantages to any process that converts a lignocellulosic biomass into a product using an enzyme. Systems are provided comprising a reaction vessel; a lignocellulosic feedstock comprising a component selected from the group consisting of a hardwood, a softwood, or a non-wood material; an enzyme component including a cellulase, a hemicellulase, or a combination thereof; and, water. The reaction vessel can contain a combination of the lignocellulosic feedstock, the water, and the enzyme component at a pH ranging from about 5.2 to about 6.2; and, the lignocellulosic feedstock can be saccharified in the reaction vessel. Moreover, the systems can include a lignosulfonate, with or without a pH of about 5.2 to about 6.2, to also reduce non-specific binding and enhance enzymatic activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that can be used in hydrolyzing biomass such as compositions comprising a polypeptide having glycosyl hydrolase (GH) family 61/endoglucanase activity and/or a ?-glucosidase polypeptide, methods for hydrolyzing biomass material, and methods for using such compositions.

Abstract: A method of processing stillage by hydrothermally fractionating stillage to create unique product fractions, by heating the stillage to a temperature of 250 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., and recovering a stickwater fraction from the stillage. Stickwater, oil, biomass, bio-products, extracts, metabolites, and treated water obtained from the method above. A method of performing ethanol fermentation by hydrothermally fractionating stillage to create unique product fractions by heating the stillage to a temperature of 250 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., separating the stillage into a ProFat fraction and a stickwater fraction, and recovering oil from the ProFat fraction.

Abstract: A process for extracting carbohydrates from biomass and creating bioalcohol from the extracted carbohydrates. Subjecting the biomass to acid or alkali hydrolysis in a first hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the first cavitated biomass to separate a first filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the first filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. Subjecting the biomass to enzymatic hydrolysis in a second hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the second cavitated biomass to separate a second filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the second filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. The first and second filtrates may be combined and fermented in a single step.

Abstract: Novel fungal endoglucanases Cel5 and Cel12 are disclosed. The endoglucanases are conveniently produced by recombinant technology, and means for their production are described. The endoglucanases are used for treating cellulosic material, especially in textile industry, e.g. in biofinishing or biostoning. They may also be used in detergents, in animal feed and/or in pulp and paper industry, or in hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material for, e.g. bioethanol production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity, beta-xylosidase activity, or beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activity 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.

Abstract: The GreenBox+ technology is suitable to extract hemicellulose sugars prior to pulping of biomass into pulp products. The revenue obtainable from the sugar stream can significantly improve the economics of a pulp and paper mill. An initial extraction and recovery of sugars is followed by production of a pulp product with similar or better properties. Other co-products such as acetates and furfural are also possible. Some variations provide a process for co-producing pulp and hemicellulosic sugars from biomass, comprising: digesting the biomass in the presence of steam and/or hot water to extract hemicellulose into a liquid phase; washing the extracted solids, thereby generating a liquid wash filtrate and washed solids; separating the liquid wash filtrate from the washed solids; refining the washed solids at a refining pH of about 4 or higher, thereby generating pulp; and hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to generate hemicellulosic fermentable sugars.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to methods for improved production of proteins from a cell culture, particularly to culture components and conditions that can preferentially increase the expression of proteins produced from genes under the control of xylanase gene promoter sequences. The improved methods can be used for the production of enzyme compositions with enhanced xylanase and hem icellulolytic activity.

Abstract: To provide a pectin lyase and a gene for a pectin lyase which can be used in an enzyme preparation for processing plant tissue, and which possesses sufficient maceration activity even under highly acidic conditions. Isolation and purification of a pectin lyase and a gene for a pectin lyase having a molecular weight of 39,500 produced by an Aspergillus filamentous fungus, and possessing a maceration activity and a pectin lyase activity. The pectin lyase has a specified amino acid sequence, an optimal pH of 3.5 for maceration activity, an optimal pH of 4.5 for pectin lyase activity, and deactivates with boiling treatment for 15 minutes at 121° C. Sterilizing heat treatment are unnecessary, because the present invention possesses sufficient maceration activity at pH 3.0-4.0, and the resulting pectin lysate possesses a bactericidal activity and a potent antibacterial activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material. The present invention further provides for pretreated lignocellulosic material that can be used to produce useful products, such as fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material. The present invention further provides for pretreated lignocellulosic material that can be used to produce useful products, such as fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and 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.