Compositions and methods are provided comprising acetolactate decarboxylase (ALDC) enzyme variants having higher specific activity. Composition and method are provided where the ALDC variants are used in combination with metal ions to further increase stability and/or activity.

Phenotypically modified bioengineered microbial spores are provided. The microbial spores may be used in various spore-based technologies such as probiotics, biomaterials and vaccines.

Disclosed herein are compositions including cells of defined sets of microbial species (for example, 3, 16, 18, 19, 21, or 22 microbial species). Also disclosed are methods of using the microbial compositions that include contacting soil, plants, plant parts, or seeds with the composition. The microbial compositions are also used in methods of degrading biological materials, such as chitin-containing biological materials.

A spore germination composition and method to produce a bioaugmentation solution that is added to an anaerobic digester or partially aerobic digester to increase biogas production. A nutrient-germinant composition comprises L-amino acids a phosphate buffer, an industrial preservative, and an optional source of potassium. The composition and spores of one or more Bacillus species are heated to a preferred elevated temperature range of 35° C. to 60° C. for an incubation period of around 20 to 60 minutes to form a bioaugmentation solution that is dispensed to the digester, preferably to the hydrolysis stage of the digester. A dose of bioaugmentation solution is added to the digester around once per day in an amount to provide at least 1000 CFU per mL of the full volume capacity of the digester, which can increase methane production by around 5 to 10% over operation of the digester without the bioaugmentation solution.

The present invention relates to an animal feed or an animal feed additive comprising Bacillus strains which improve the health and performance of production animals, and the use of such.

A preparation comprising probiotic strains belonging to the genera Bacillus sp., Lactobacillus sp., optionally Pediococcus sp. as viable cells or cytoplasmic extract thereof, and proteases, wherein the strains can degrade peptide sequences of gliadins. The preparation can be used to produce gluten-free foods from gluten-containing cereals or to treat gluten-related disorders.

The invention relates to treatment of a plant with one or more microorganisms for inhibiting a plant pathogen. More particularly, the invention relates to isolated Bacillus strains, and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, and combinations thereof, for a use comprising the above-mentioned use.

An improved bacterial oil treatment composition or pool for handling a decommissioned oil cable, which may be laid in particular as part of a power grid in the ground. The invention further relates to a bacteria growth culture medium containing the bacterial oil treatment composition for refurbishing an oil cable and a corresponding use.

The present invention relates to a feed additive comprising a Bacillus subtilis strain and a Bacillus licheniformis strain, a feed composition comprising the feed additive, and a method for producing the feed additive.

The present invention relates to an animal feed or an animal feed additive comprising Bacillus strains which improve the health and performance of production animals, and the use of such.