Abstract: A high quality soy protein concentrate (SPC) was produced by a process of enzyme treatment combined with ultrafiltration. Soy flour, the starting material, was enzymatically treated with commercial pectinases and diafiltered with a porous stainless steel ultrafiltration system. The resulting product had reduced levels of physic acid and nucleic acids due to contaminant phytase and nuclease activity in the pectinase enzymes. The functionality of the SPC was improved due to increased solubility compared to conventional soy isolates produced by acid precipitation. High performance liquid chromatography gel filtration profiles indicated that the proteins in the SPC remained intact. The SPC also had reduced flavor when compared to the original soy flour according to gas chromatography flavor profiles and sensory evaluation.

Abstract: Methods for maintaining, improving or increasing the synthesis of mucins by administering a nutritional composition or supplement that contains a therapeutically effective amount of threonine are provided. The present invention further provides methods for treating a variety of disease states characterized by alterations to the mucin levels, such as, intestinal inflammatory and bacterial infections or other like disease states.

Abstract: This invention relates to a (1→3, 1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase (glucanase EII endohydrolase) enzyme, whose amino acid sequence has been modified in order to provide an enzyme whose three-dimensional structure confers improved thermostability and/or pH stability. Specific modifications are based upon a comparison between the three-dimensional structure (1→3, 1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase and that of (1→3)-&bgr;-glucanase. The (1→3, 1→4)-&bgr;-glucanase gene has been modified by site-directed mutagenesis, and modified enzymes have been expressed in E. coli. Modified sequences, DNA molecules encoding them, plasmids, expression vectors and transgenic plants are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of reducing cystine containing animal and plant proteins, and improving dough and baked goods' characteristics is provided which includes the steps of mixing dough ingredients with a thiol redox protein to form a dough and baking the dough to form a baked good. The method of the present invention preferably uses reduced thioredoxin with wheat flour which imparts a stronger dough and higher loaf volumes. Methods for reducing snake, bee and scorpion toxin proteins with a thiol redox (SH) agent and thereby inactivating the protein or detoxifying the protein in an individual are also provided. Protease inhibitors, including the Kunitz and Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitors of soybean, were also reduced by the NADP/thioredoxin system (NADPH, thioredoxin, and NADP-thioredoxin reductase) from either E. coli or wheat germ. When reduced by thioredoxin, the Kunitz and Bowman-Birk soybean trypsin inhibitors lose their ability to inhibit trypsin.

Abstract: Amaranthin, a new lectin isolated from the seeds of Amaranthus caudatus, is purified and characterized. Amaranthin, designated ACA (Amaranthus caudatus agglutinin), has a high affinity for the T-antigen glycoconjugate and variants thereof expressed by proliferating colorectal epithelium. ACA selectively binds glycoconjugates in the lower half of the colonic crypt and is useful as a marker of colonic epithelial cell differentiation in the human colon. ACA also binds to glycoconjugates in neoplastic colonic tissues, and binds to preneoplastic polypoid and flat colonic tissue from patients with familial polyposis coli. ACA is also readily adapted for quantitative measurement of lectin-binding sites. ACA binding assays can thus be used for detecting early stage abnormalities of proliferation and differentiation in normal-appearing preneoplastic colorectal epithelium and to diagnose neoplastic premalignant and malignant colorectal lesions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dietary compositions for treating patients having phenylketonuria and methods for making the dietary compositions. The compositions comprise a natural protein modified to eliminate phenylalanine from the protein's amino acid sequence. These modified proteins are synthesized from genes modified to eliminate phenylalanine codons from the reading frame of the native genes.

Abstract: Plant cell expansion is regulated by wall relaxation and yielding, which is thought to be catalyzed by elusive "wall loosening" enzymes. By employing a reconstitution approach, we initially found that a crude protein extract from the cell walls of growing cucumber seedlings possessed the ability to induce the extension of isolated cell walls. This activity was restricted to the growing region of the stem and could induce the extension of isolated cell walls from various dicots and monocots, but was less effective on grass coleoptile walls. Sequential HPLC fractionation of the active wall extract revealed two proteins with molecular masses of 29 and 30 kD, as measured by SDS-PAGE, associated with such activity. Each protein, by itself, could induce wall extension without detectable hydrolytic breakdown of the wall We proposed the name "expansins" for this class of proteins.

Abstract: Derivatives of .alpha.-hordothionin made by position-specific substitution with lysine residues provide lysine enrichment while retaining the antifungal activity of the parent compound.

Abstract: A plurality of polypeptides derived from intercellular spaces of plant cells having frost tolerance. Some of the polypeptides are ice nucleators for developing ice crystals in extracellular spaces of plant tissue, some of the polypeptides are antifreeze components which control ice crystal growth in extracellular spaces and some of the polypeptides are enzymes which adapt plant cell walls to function differently during formation of ice crystals in plant intercellular spaces.

Abstract: A new class of proteins and methods related thereto are presented. The proteins, which can be characterized as catalysts of the extension of plant cell walls and the weakening of the hydrogen bonds in pure cellulose, are referred to as expansins. Two proteins have been isolated by fractionation techniques from washed wall fragments of cucumber hypocotyls, referred to as "cucumber expansin-29" and "cucumber expansin-30" (abbreviated cEx-29 and cEx-30, with respect to their apparent relative masses as determined by SDS-PAGE). Moreover, three peptide fragments from the purified cEx-29 protein were sequenced, then oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a portion of the expansin cDNA using polymerase chain reaction with a cDNA template derived from cucumber seedlings, and then the PCR fragment was used to screen a cDNA library to identify full length clones.

Abstract: A plurality of polypeptides derived from intercellular spaces of plant cells having frost tolerance. Some of the polypeptides are ice nucleators for developing ice crystals in extracellular spaces of plant tissue, some of the polypeptides are antifreeze components which control ice crystal growth in extracellular spaces and some of the polypeptides are enzymes which adapt plant cell walls to function differently during formation of ice crystals in plant intercellular spaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general to protein that is a seed storage protein having high nutritional value. In particular, the invention relates to the protein AmA1 and to a DNA sequence encoding same. The invention further relates to a recombinant molecule comprising the AmA1 encoding sequence and to a host cell transformed therewith. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing transgenic plants with high nutritionally rich amino acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering polyhydroxyalkanoate from a biological source material comprising the polyhydroxyalkanoate, the process comprising: a) comminuting the biological source material; b) air classifying the biological source material such that the polyhydroxyalkanoate particles are separated from other components of the biological source material; and c) recovering the polyhydroxyalkanoate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chimeric isoprenoid synthase polypeptide including a first domain from a first isoprenoid synthase joined to a second domain from a second, heterologous isoprenoid synthase, whereby the chimeric isoprenoid synthase is capable of catalyzing the production of isoprenoid reaction products that are not produced in the absence of the second domain of the second, heterologous isoprenoid synthase. Also disclosed is a chimeric isoprenoid synthase polypeptide including an assymetrically positioned homologous domain, whereby the chimeric isoprenoid synthase is capable of catalyzing the production of isoprenoid reaction products that are not produced when the domain is positioned at its naturally-occurring site in the isoprenoid synthase polypeptide.

Abstract: In the method described, a protein-containing substance is first taken up in an alkaline solvent to give a solution. Insoluble constituents of the substance are separated off, the solution is neutralized and desalinated, and then the proteins contained in the solution are concentrated. The solubilization or disintegration of the protein-containing substance is carried out at room temperature using homogenization equipment. The heat dissipated into the protein-containing substance during homogenization is simultaneously removed. The pH of the alkaline solvent during the decomposition is over 11.5 and/or decomposition is carried out in the presence of a detergent, in particular sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS).

Abstract: The invention concerns the removal of various allergologically irrelevant low-molecular weight components from the usual aqueous extracts of allergenically active proteins of plant pollens. Described are the desorption and subsequent elimination, from traditionally prepared allergenic pollen protein extracts, of low-molecular weight pigment and other compounds which are normally retained by strong electrostatic and/or hydrophobic forces. The preparation of such depigmented pollen proteins does not impair their allergenic potency or immunological specificity. The invention enables the production of fully active allergenic pollen proteins devoid of adhering low-molecular weight substances interfering with their safety, diagnostic accuracy and clinical efficacy. The purified pollen proteins represent improved starting materials for chemical derivatization, i.e. the preparation of attenuated vaccines for immunotherapy.

Abstract: Novel plant proteins (SAFPs) which synergize the activity of antifungal antibiotics are identified. SAFPs are demonstrated to synergize antifungal antibiotics, such as nikkomycins, polyoxins and amphotericins. SAFPs alone also display antifungal activity against several species of fungi, including strains of Candida, Trichoderma, Neurospora and strains of the plant pathogens Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Chaetomium. Synergistic antifungal compositions containing SAFP and antifungal antibiotics are provided. In particular, synergistic compositions of corn-SAFP (zeamatin), sorghum-SAFP (sormatin) or oat-SAFP (avematin) and nikkomycin are found to be effective as antifungal compositions, especially against the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Method for employing SAFPs and synergistic compositions containing them for the inhibition of fungi are provided. In addition, a method for purifying SAFP from grain meal is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general to protein that is a seed storage protein having high nutritional value. In particular, the invention relates to the protein AmA1 and to a DNA sequence encoding same. The invention further relates to a recombinant molecule comprising the AmA1 encoding sequence and to a host cell transformed therewith. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing transgenic plants with high nutritionally rich amino acids.

Abstract: Improved rye-derived bread improvers are provided which can be incorporated into otherwise conventional wheat-based doughs to give increases in loaf volume and crumb quality. The improvers include a water soluble alkaline proteinaceous specie derived from rye and having a pI of greater than about 7.5; the improvers are prepared by aqueous extraction from whole rye meal and subsequent separation of the alkaline proteinaceous species.

Abstract: A high quality soy protein isolate with a significant reduction in phytate and aluminum is prepared via ultrafiltration. Defatted soy flour slurry is prepared and adjusted to a pH such that the protein becomes solubilized. The solubilized protein can pass through the ultrafiltration membrane. The ultrafiltration system rejects phytate and aluminum. Once the soluble protein passes through the ultrafiltration system the soy protein isolate is then precipitated from the clear permeate stream by adjusting the pH within the isoelectric range of soy proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for making crosslinked zein, comprising heating zein in the presence of water to a temperature of at least 130.degree. C., with or without pressure, to induce crosslinking.

Abstract: Novel plant proteins (SAFPs) which synergize the activity of antifungal antibiotics are identified. SAFPs are demonstrated to synergize antifungal antibiotics, such as nikkomycins, polyoxins and amphotericins. SAFPs alone also display antifungal activity against several species of fungi, including strains of Candida, Trichoderma, Neurospora and strains of the plant pathogens Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Chaetomium. Synergistic antifungal compositions containing SAFP and antifungal antibiotics are provided. In particular, synergistic compositions of corn-SAFP (zeamatin), sorghum-SAFP (sormatin) or oat-SAFP (avematin) and nikkomycin are found to be effective as antifungal compositions, especially against the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Method for employing SAFPs and synergistic compositions containing them for the inhibition of fungi are provided. In addition, a method for purifying SAFP from grain meal is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable, thermoplastic compositions made of the reaction product of soybean protein and a carbohydrate filler, a reducing agent, a plasticizer, water, and optional additives as desired. The composition has a high degree of flowability for processing by extrusion and injection molding into solid articles that are biodegradable with a high degree of tensile strength and water resistance.

Abstract: Novel plant proteins (SAFPs) which synergize the activity of antifungal antibiotics are identified. SAFPs are demonstrated to synergize antifungal antibiotics, such as nikkomycins, polyoxins and amphotericins. SAFPs alone also display antifungal activity against several species of fungi, including strains of Candida, Trichoderma, Neurospora and strains of the plant pathogens Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Chaetomium. Synergistic antifungal compositions containing SAFP and antifungal antibiotics are provided. In particular, synergistic compositions of corn-SAFP (zeamatin), sorghum-SAFP (sormatin) or oat-SAFP (avematin) and nikkomycin are found to be effective as antifungal compositions, especially against the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans. Method for employing SAFPs and synergistic compositions containing them for the inhibition of fungi are provided. In addition, a method for purifying SAFP from grain meal is provided.

Abstract: A process in which treatment conditions in the extraction steps of the corn protein, zein, are stabilized and by which decolorized and purified zein can be provided in a stable manner through continuous treatment steps, while simultaneously providing techniques for the concentration and recovery of corn pigment components. Corn gluten meal is treated with a hydrocarbon solvent having 5 to 9 carbon atoms. Zein and pigment components are extracted from the treated corn gluten meal with a solvent, such as about 91 to 96% by volume ethanol, and zein and the pigment components are separated from the resulting extract solution. Oil and fat components and pigment components may be extracted from corn gluten meal prior to the zein extraction steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of novel crosslinked polymers. The compounds of the present invention are prepared by the reaction of chloracetic acid with a pendant hydroxyl group which is present on a polyoxyalkylene polymer, followed by the reaction of the halo-ester with a protein or amino acid to give a crosslinked protein compound. In a preferred embodiment the polyoxyalkylene glycol has been prepared by the reaction of both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. In a more preferred embodiment, the ethylene oxide is at the terminal portion of the molecule and the propylene oxide is in the center. The proteins of the present invention plate out on the surface of hair skin and once dry act as humectants, trapping moisture to the hair. This results in hair which is fuller, has less static and is cosmetically more appealing. This combination of properties makes these polymers ideally suited for use in personal care applications.

Abstract: The protein/starch bond is broken mechanically by wet attrition milling rather than by cooking or with chemicals alone. The grain particles are milled to a particle size sufficiently small to break the bond between starch and protein and sufficiently large to retain substantially all of the starch granules intact. The protein is then extracted with ethanol and alkali solvents, separated and dried to form protein and/or protein isolate. The intact starch granules are cleaned and dried.

Abstract: Selected plant lectins have been found to be larvicidal against a number of common insect pests of agricultural crops. In a preferred embodiment, plant resistance to these insects is produced by inserting into the cells of a plant a gene whose expression causes production of one or more of these lectins in larvicidal amounts.

Abstract: A multi-functional physiologically active substance can be obtained from the residue of saccharified malt which has been worthless other than feed for cattle. The isolation of the active substance is performed by an extraction of the residue with water or an aqueous solvent and removal of a low molecular weight fraction from the extract.

Abstract: Processes for treating a zein containing material to decrease inherent color and smell as well as for obtaining zein component therefrom, which is decreased in color tone and smell. The removal of color and smell is carried out by contacting the material with an aqueous acetone solution having acetone concentration which causes almost no dissolution of the zein component. An extraction of zein component from the raw material is carried out in a conventional manner, for instance, with use of an aqueous ethyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method for forming a stabilized aqueous dispersion which is useful for reducing viscosity of a stabilized aqueous dispersion wherein various water-insoluble or sparingly soluble inorganic and/or organic particles for food stuffs are suspended, accelerating suspension and dispersion of the various particles, and preventing sedimentation of the suspended particles.

Abstract: A method for separating phytate and manganese from protein and dietary fiber involves treatment of an aqueous slurry of phytatecontaining material at a low pH with insoluble alumina. In a batch treatment process the pH of the solution is increased, leaving phytate units attached to the alumina while freeing the protein and dietary fiber. In a column treatment process, the column containing alumina is rinsed, after the low pH treatment, with dilute acid and water to recover the protein and/or dietary fiber. This method may be employed either during the manufacture of protein and fiber isolates from flour or flakes, or for removing phytate from commercially available protein and fiber commodities. The spent alumina may be readily regenerated and reused. A method of separating manganese from rice protein using this same technology is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of isolating cystine rich acid-stable, biologically active proteins comprising the steps of co-precipitation by acidification of said proteins together with at least one acid-sensitive protein; isolation of said proteins from the co-precipitate by its resuspension in aqueous solution and the subsequent recovery of the proteins from the supernatant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a carbohydrate-binding lectin derivative for use as immune modulators or immunoconjugates. The polymer-lectin conjugate produced in accordance with the process is polyethylene glycol Ricinus communis agglutinin I (PEG-RCAI). The lectin is coupled to the polymer by activating the polymer with a coupling agent such as 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole. The polymer-lectin conjugate is biologically active, biocompatible and is expected to be substantially non-immunogenic.

Abstract: Novel protein partial degradation products obtainable from grain proteins such as wheat protein, maize protein, soya bean protein, etc., by specific degradation treatments, which are useful as a quality-improving agent for various food stuffs, a surface active agent, a dispersing agent for particles, etc.

Abstract: A high quality soy protein isolate with a significant reduction in phytate and aluminum is prepared via ultrafiltration. Defatted soy flour slurry is prepared and adjusted to a pH such that the protein becomes solubilized. The solubilized protein can pass through the ultrafiltration membrane. The ultrafiltration system rejects phytate and aluminum. Once the soluble protein passes through the ultrafiltration system the soy protein isolate is then precipitated from the clear permeate stream by adjusting the pH within the isoelectric range of soy proteins.

Abstract: New protein hydrolyzates are produced by treating an aqueous solution of a protein hydrolyzate with an adsorptive resin functional to remove from the protein hydrolyzate bitter taste components, color and odor components and aromatic amino acids. The treated protein hydrolyzate solutions can be concentrated and dried if desired to powder form.

Abstract: A method for separating phytate and manganese from protein and dietary fiber involves treatment of an aqueous slurry of phytate-containing material at a low pH with insoluble alumina. In a batch treatment process the pH of the solution is increased, leaving phytate units attached to the alumina while freeing the protein and dietary fiber. In a column treatment process, the column containing alumina is rinsed, after the low pH treatment, with dilute acid and water to recover the protein and/or dietary fiber. This method may be employed either during the manufacture of protein and fiber isolates from flour or flakes, or for removing phytate from commercially available protein and fiber commodities. The spent alumina may be readily regenerated and reused. A method of separating manganese from rice protein using this same technology is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the functional properties of denatured proteinaceous material of vegetable origin. The enhanced properties include at least one property selected from the group consisting of water absorption, water binding capacity, oil binding capacity, fat binding capacity, and the ability to produce viscous aqueous suspensions. The process includes the steps of obtaining the denatured proteinaceous material by treating undenatured proteinaceous material with aqueous alcohol and maintaining a slurry of the denatured proteinaceous material in warm aqueous ammonia in which the weight ratio of the aqueous phase to solids is between 3:1 and 15:1 at a temperature between 75.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. and within a pH range of from 8.0 to 9.5.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a new and improved means of modifying gluten. The modification process consists of acid hydrolysis at relatively low temperatures for short periods of time to produce a modified gluten having improved physical characteristics of solubility, high water holding capacity, good emulsifying properties and the formation of stable foams.

Abstract: The chlorohydrin content of a liquid containing hydrolyzed protein obtained by hydrolysis of protein with hydrochloric acid is reduced in an apparatus system by introducing alkali into the liquid flowing under pressure in a piping system to increase the pH of the liquid, after which the pH-increased flowing liquid is heated, and then the heated flowing liquid is held for a time sufficient in a holding piping section to reduce the chlorohydrin content of the hydrolyzed protein contained in the liquid. The flowing liquid under pressure then is cooled before or after addition of hydrochloric acid which is employed to adjust the pH of the liquid.

Abstract: A glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 38 kD, isolated from the grain of Avena sativa, exhibits surprising pharmacological properties, including immunomodulating activity. The glycoprotein can be used to treat viral and bacterial infections, and can also be used to counter susceptibility to infection arising from a genetic or temporary immunodeficiency. A process for isolating the glycoprotein from Avena sativa is disclosed.

Abstract: Novel protein partial degradation products obtainable from grain proteins such as wheat protein, maize protein, soya bean protein, etc., by specific degradation treatments, which are useful as a quality-improving agent for various food stuffs, a surface active agent, a dispersing agent for particles, etc.

Abstract: The .alpha.-chlorohydrin content of liquid hydrolysed protein obtained by acid hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid is reduced by adjusting the pH of the liquid hydrolysed protein to a pH of from 8 to 14 and holding the liquid for a time sufficient for the .alpha.-chlorohydrin content of the liquid hydrolysed protein to be reduced.

Abstract: Food grade protein and dietary fibre concentrates are prepared from wheat millfeed. The process utilizes an efficient alkali extraction to obtain in excess of 75% w/w of the protein present in the millfeed in a solution which is further treated to separate the suspended starch and fat. The clarified liquid containing the protein is passed over a semipermeable membrane during which it is further purified and concentrated. Hydrogen peroxide and heat are introduced to the liquid thereby reducing its color prior to spray drying. The resulting residue from the extraction is dried or further treated with hydrogen peroxide and heat to produce a light colored dietary fibre concentrate.

Abstract: Glycoprotein (GPIR) the ribosome-inhibiting activity of the native GPIR and having a prolongedaction in vivo which is obtained by oxidation of its osidic units by the action of periodate ions, and simultaneous blocking of the oxidation product by formation of a Schiff's base with a suitable primary amine. Said modified glycoprotein may be coupled to an antibody or a fragment thereof in order to form an immunotoxin.

Abstract: Glycoprotein (GPIR) having the ribosome-inhibiting activity of the native GPIR and having a prolonged-action in vivo which is obtained by oxidation of its osidic units by the action of periodate ions, and simultaneous reduction with cyanoborohydride ions. Said modified glycoprotein may be coupled to an antibody or a fragment thereof in order to form an immunotoxin having a prolonged-action in vivo.

Abstract: A novel procedure for the preparation of a protein which is an inhibitor of alpha-amylase II is described. The protein may be prepared by extracting barley meal with a Tris-HCl buffer and purifying the crude inhibitor thus obtained by a chromatographic procedure. Alternatively, the protein may be prepared by recombinant DNA techniques. The protein can be applied as an additive to sprout-damaged wheat flour which can then be used to provide improved quality bread.

Abstract: New calcium and magnesium complexes of phytohemagglutinin-polyheteroglycans are distinguished inter alia by cytoprotective, antiinflammatory and immunostimulating properties. They have characteristic molecular weights and distribution thereof, infrared spectra and compositions in respect of calcium and/or magnesium, phosphorus, glycans and amino acids. The preparation is carried out by extraction of the phytohemagglutinin-polyglycans with water of weakly alkaline pH from plants, in particular of the families Compositae, Malvaceae, Cucurbitaceae and Gramineae, and precipitation with an alcohol which is miscible with water. The complexes can be used for the treatment of ulcers, inflammations or viral infections, or as immunostimulant.

Abstract: A method for fraction fractionation of a vegetable protein such as soybean protein which comprises subjecting a source of the vegetable protein in an aqueous system to reduction conditions such as treatment with a sulfite compound, a glutathione compound or cysteine compound, or electrolytic reduction at pH within a neutral or alkaline range and then bringing the system to pH of 5.5 to 7.0 at a temperature of 20.degree. C. or lower to fractionate the system into a soluble or dispersing fraction and an insoluble or precipitate fraction.