Abstract:
A purified heparinase I, II and III free of lyase activity and each having a molecular weight of 42,800 84,100, 70,800, respectively, are produced by culturing Flavobacterium heparinum. The kinetic properties of the heparinases have been determined as well as the conditions to optimize their activity and stability.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for making the 3R-3'R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin as a sole detectable or heavily dominant (more than about 90%) stereoisomer, for human ingestion. Zeaxanthin, a yellowish pigment which is naturally present in macular cells in the center of the human retina, absorbs blue and near-ultraviolet light radiation, thereby protecting the retinal cells against phototoxic damage. Zeaxanthin preparations which contain only the desired R--R isomer can be produced by a strain of Flavobacterium multivorum cells (ATCC accession number 55238). These cells (and other cells transformed with their zeaxanthin-producing genes) do not create any detectable quantities of the undesired S--S or S-R isomers of zeaxanthin, and they do not synthesize significant quantities of other carotenoids which might compete against zeaxanthin for alimentary uptake after oral ingestion. After synthesis using cell fermentation, the zeaxanthin can be concentrated to about 5-20% by simple and inexpensive steps such as solvent extraction, and can be purified to much higher levels by other methods if desired. The isomerically pure preparations can be taken orally, either as a therapeutic drug by patients suffering from macular degeneration, or as a nutritional supplement by anyone who wants to reduce his or her risk of suffering from age-related macular degeneration, which is widespread among people over the age of about 50 or 60.
Abstract:
A microorganism belonging to the genus Flavobacterium possessing the capacity to decompose hydrocarbons, tolerance to sulfurous acids, tolerance to salinity, tolerance to organic solvents, and tolerance to pressure. The microorganism is a strain of the genus Flavobacterium DS-711 (FERM BP-4010).
Abstract:
Zeaxanthin is produced using Flavobacterium multivorum. The process and the nutrient medium used in the process provide greater zeaxanthin and cell yields per liter, at a lower cost, and more rapidly than known methods and microorganisms. Biomass compositions containing the microorganism of this invention are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Ethyl carbamate in an alcoholic liquor is decomposed by contacting the alcoholic liquor with a culture broth or processed matter thereof obtained from a microorganism which belongs to the genus Gluconobacter, Flavobacterium, Arthrobacter, Achromobacter, Alcaligenes, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Rhodotorula, Rhodosporidium, Trichosporon or Candida, and is capable of decomposing ethyl carbamate. The alcoholic liquor is improved in quality, and has a low ethyl carbamate content.
Abstract:
Optically active cephalosporin analogs are produced by optically selective deacylation of an optically inactive acylated analog. The compounds are useful as intermediates in the preparation of optically active acylated antimicrobial agents.
Abstract:
Disclosed are optically active acylated cephalosporin analogs which are useful as antibacterial agents and methods for preparing such compounds.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of obtaining selected bacterial strains which can convert an assimilable carbon source selected from carbohydrates, methanol, ethanol, glycerin, carbon dioxide and spent lyes from caprolactam synthesis into poly-(D-3-hydroxybutyric acid), selected bacterial strains obtained thereby and their use in producing poly-(D-3-hydroxybutyric acid).
Abstract:
Microorganisms which produce isoamylase are propagated under aerobic conditions in an aqueous nutrient medium having present maltitol. The presence of the maltitol induces the microorganisms to produce greater amounts of isoamylase as compared to the amounts of isoamylase produced by propagating the microorganisms without the presence of maltitol.
Abstract:
A process for the preparation of zeaxanthin which comprises culturing a microorganism of the genus Flavobacter producing this pigment in a nutrient medium containing at least one carbohydrate as assimilable carbon source, at least one source of assimilable amino nitrogen containing free amino acids, mineral salts, oligoelements and vitamins, the composition of the medium being modified by adding pyridoxine to it, and continuing culturing until a substantial quantity of intracellular zeaxanthin has been obtained.