Abstract: Disclosed are detergent compositions containing a combination of exo-cellobiohydrolase I type cellulase components and endoglucanase type components wherein the exo-cellobiohydrolase I type cellulase components are enriched relative to the endoglucanase type components. The detergent compositions of this invention provide cleaning and softening of cotton garments while also providing substantially reduced degradation of the cotton fabric in the garment.

Abstract: A detergent composition and additive comprising a protease and a reversible protease inhibitor of the peptide or protein type, wherein the ratio of the dissociation constant to the protease concentration in the range from 0.006 to 6. When the protease is subtilisin, the protease inhibitor is preferably a modified subtilisin inhibitor of Family VI.

Abstract: An alkaline serine protease is disclosed which is obtainable from Bacillus sp. JA16-38A, NCIMB No. 40263 and which (a) has a pH optimum in the range of 9-11 determined at 25.degree. C.; (b) has a temperature optimum in the range of 40.degree.-50.degree. C. determined at pH 9.5; (c) is active in the presence of ethylene-diamine tetraacetate; and (d) has a mass of about 28 kD determined by SDS-PAGE. Detergent additives and detergent compositions comprising said protease and methods for producing said protease are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of reducing the rate at which a cotton-containing fabric becomes harsh or of reducing the harshness of a cotton-containing fabric, comprising treating the cotton-containing fabric with a cellulase preparation obtained from a fungus, wherein the cellulase preparation comprises a substantially homogeneous endoglucanase component which: (a) has a pH optimum of about 7.5-10.0; (b) exhibits a CMC endoase activity of at least about 10 CMC-endoase units per mg of total protein; (c) exhibits a CAVU activity of at least about 50% at a pH of 7.0-12.0; and (d) has essentially no cellobiohydrolase activity; wherein at least about 50% by weight of the total cellulase content of the cellulase preparation is the endoglucanase component.

Abstract: This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermostable protease from Thermococcus celer, Thermococcus stetteri or Thermococcus litoralis, to a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and to detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. The enzyme has a temperature optimum in the range of from 75.degree. to 100.degree. C. and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.0-10.

Abstract: A method for the isolation and expression of a gene coding for dextranase of the fungus Penicillium minioluteum. This enzyme of fungal origin is produced by expression at high levels in yeast. For this purpose, a cDNA copy of the mRNA coding for dextranase enzyme of the Penicillium minioluteum fungus was isolated and sequenced. This cDNA was transfered into Pichia pastoris cells. Recombinant yeasts capable of secreting dextranase to the culture medium were obtained thereby. The dextranase enzyme obtained can be used, e.g. in the sugar industry to hydrolyze the dextran in cane juices to increase the sugar production.

Abstract: This invention relates to enzymes, to rDNA techniques applicable for example to their production, to mutated genes, vectors and mutant and transformed microorganisms useful in their production, and to their uses including for example enzymatic detergent and cleaning compositions containing them.

Abstract: There is provided a detergent composition comprising conventional detergent components characterized in that it contains polygalacturanase enzymes substantially free of other pectic enzyme. The polygalacturanase enzyme is preferably incorporated into the compositions at a level of from 0.0001% to 2% active enzyme by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Enzyme products are disclosed. The enzyme products include an enzyme-bearing matrix formed by subjecting a feedstock containing enzyme(s) and carrier materials to conditions which alter the physical and/or chemical structure of the carrier. The matrix suspends the enzyme for protection, delivery, dispersion and activation at the desired time and under selected conditions. Methods of producing the enzyme carrying matrix and enhanced enzyme products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous fabric conditioning compositions containing a quaternary ammonium compound and/or amine precursor thereof of the formulae (I) or (II) herein, and a cellulase, said compositions having a neat pH at 20.degree. C., of from about 2.0 to about 4.5.

Abstract: A stable, enzyme-containing aqueous laundry prespotting composition. The composition includes at least one detergent enzyme in an amount effective to reduce fabric stains; an enzyme stabilizing system effective to preserve the detergent enzyme for at least 12 weeks at at least 90.degree. F. in an amount effective to reduce fabric stains, the enzyme stabilizing system including at least one chelating agent and at least one nonionic surfactant, with no additional enzyme stabilizer; and an aqueous carrier.

Abstract: Dye transfer inhibiting compositions are disclosed, comprising an enzyme exhibiting peroxidase activity, a hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide precursor or an enzymatic system capable of generating hydrogen peroxide, an additional oxidizable substrate, and a cellulase, characterized in that the cellulase provides at least 10% removal of immobilized radioactive labelled carboxymethyl cellulose according to C14CMC method at 25.times.10.sup.-6 % by weight of the laundry test solution.According to the present invention, a preferred cellulase consists essentially of a homogeneous endoglucanase component which is immunoreactive with a monoclonal antibody raised against a partially purified=43 kD cellulase derived from Humicola insolens DM1800.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent, and complexing agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fabric softening compositions comprising fabric softening active(s) and a cellulase formulated so as to provide limited lower levels of cellulase activity, below about 50 CEVU's per liter of rinse solution, during use conditions of addition to the rinse cycle of machine laundry washing processes. Also a process for machine treatment of fabric, especially cotton fabrics, said process comprising treating fabric during the rinse cycle of a machine washing process with one or more cationic and/or nonionic fabric softening agents and cellulase at a level below about 50 CEVU's per liter of rinse solution.

Abstract: An alkaline protease has been isolated from Bacillus sp. PD 498 which has a mass of 34 kD by SDS-PAGE, a pH optimum of 9-11, a pI of 9.3, and a temperature optimum of 40.degree.-55.degree. C. The protease has been formulated into detergent additives and detergents and is suitable for washing processes.

Abstract: The invention provides a high water liquid enzyme prewash composition essentially free of hydrotropes, solvents and dispersants other than nonionic surfactants, and combines: a) effective amounts of a hydrolase enzyme stabilized with a soluble alkaline earth salt; b) a more hydrophilic, first nonionic surfactant having an HLB of greater than about 11; c) a more hydrophobic, second nonionic surfactant having an HLB of less than or equal to about 11; d) at least 80% or greater water; wherein the difference in HLB between said first and second nonionic surfactants is at least about 2, and said nonionic surfactants interact with said water to form an opalescent, structured liquid, said structured liquid both suspending said hydrolase and protecting said hydrolase against deactivation with said water. Suitable adjuncts, such as mildewstats/bacteristats, fragrances and dyes can be included.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid detergent compositions are described which comprise a proteolytic enzyme wherein the proteolytic activity is reversibly inhibited by a peptide aldehyde.

Abstract: Compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme of high purity and integrity in a liquid medium and methods involving the use of these compositions for cleaning a contact lens, and in combination with an antimicrobial agent for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens are disclosed.

Abstract: An alkaline protease which is suitable for detergent formulations is produced by three strains of a species of Bacillus proteolyticus. The alkaline protease has the amino acid terminal sequence of Seq. ID NO.: 1 as follows: Ala-Gln-Ser-Val-Pro-Trp-Gly-Ile-Ser-Arg-Val-Gln-Ala-Pro-Ala-Ala-His-Asn-Ar g-Gly-. In addition, the alkaline protease has a molecular weight of 28 kdaltons, an isoelectric point from 10-11.5, an optimum pH for proteolytic activity at a pH in the range of 8.5 and 11.5, and retains at least 70% of its original activity after being held at a pH of 8.0 at a temperature of 43.degree. C. for a period of 11 days.

Abstract: Automatic dishwashing detergents are provided in convenient, compact form without chlorine bleaches or phosphate builders. Thus, monopersulfate bleach such as 2KHSO.sub.5.KHSO.sub.4.K.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is used in combination with protease or amylase enzymes and acrylate organic dispersants to provide good cleaning of tableware. Weak builders such as citrate and pH-adjusting agents such as carbonate, bicarbonate and silicate can be present in the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteases obtained from a strain of Bacillus sp. PD138, detergent additives and compositions comprising a Bacillus sp. PD138 protease, and methods of making and using a Bacillus sp. PD138 protease.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an agent for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme by adding a surfactant to a solution containing an effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme, the production of a lyophilized agent for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme, which comprises subjecting an aqueous composition containing a proteolytic enzyme to a lyophilizing treatment in the presence of a surfactant, and a lyophilized agent for contact lenses which contains a proteolytic enzyme and a surfactant. The method of the present invention enables stable preservation of a proteolytic enzyme in a liquid form. In addition, cleaning, sterilization and preservation can be simultaneously performed with a single solution, wherein an efficient removal of soil is achieved by only immersing contact lenses in the agent in a solution state. Accordingly, the agent of the present invention is advantageously used with ease by simple handling.