The present invention relates to endoglucanase variants and methods for obtaining endoglucanase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Methods and compositions are provided for isolating protoplasts from plants and other multicellular, cell-wall containing organisms with high efficiency.

This invention generally relates to compositions comprising thaumatin-like proteins (TLP) and chitinases for use as laboratory reagents or biofungicides. The invention further relates to methods of detecting and inducing pathogen resistance in plants.

Methods for decreasing harmful effects of blue light on skin are disclosed that include topically administering to a subject in need thereof a composition of an effective quantity of a purified, enzymatic hydrolysate of Theobroma cacao L. beans comprising peptides and saccharides having a molecular weight between 200 Da and 10 kDa in a physiologically acceptable medium. The hydrolysate of Theobroma cacao L. beans is present in the composition at a concentration from 0.001 to 20% with respect to the total weight of the composition. The composition can be a cosmetic composition.

The application relates to an enzyme composition, a process for the preparation thereof and the use of the enzyme composition in enzymatic hydrolysis.

The membrane bioreactor for simultaneous enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis and product separation is a vessel having a lower hydrolysis reaction chamber and an upper distilled water chamber separated by a semipermeable membrane attached to the top of the lower reaction chamber. The membrane is supported on a stainless steel mesh and sealed to the mesh by epoxy glue to prevent leakage. A peristaltic pump is connected to the reaction chamber and maintains a flow of distilled water through the membrane and the upper chamber, the effluent being collected in a beaker or other product collection vessel. The reaction chamber is agitated at a moderate rate by a magnetic stirrer, and the upper chamber is agitated more rigorously by a mechanical stirrer. A thermocouple and temperature controller and a buffer solution, respectively, maintain temperature and pH in the reaction chamber optimal for enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.

The present invention provides an endoglucanase having excellent heat resistance. Specifically, the present invention provides an endoglucanase satisfying characteristics (A) and (B) below: (A) having an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and (B) having at least one amino acid substitution selected from the group consisting of K214E, D254E, and S309P.

Detergent compositions comprising a deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and uses of DNase in the detergent are provided. The use of DNase in the detergent provides improved whiteness and anti-redeposition effects, and may reduce the use level of conventional anti-redeposition polymers.

The present invention relates to mannanase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Methods and compositions for treating Gaucher disease are described.