Abstract:
The invention relates to an imprinted polymer imprinted with an organic molecule or a metal ion wherein the matrix of the polymer has been prepared from one or more monomers including bilirubin or an analogue thereof. The imprinted polymers may be prepared by polymerising one or more monomers including bilirubin or an analogue or derivative thereof in the presence of the molecule or metal ion to be imprinted or an analogue or derivative thereof, and subsequently at least partly removing the molecule or ion to be imprinted or its analogue or derivative. The polymers may be used in a method for detection and/or assay of the imprinting molecule or metal ion.
Abstract:
A hapten-linker-large group conjugate for use in a rapid assay, wherein the assay is kinetic-based not approaching equilibrium, the hapten-linker-large group conjugate being of the general formula: X - W - Y - Zwherein:X is a hapten;W is an optional thioether or ether group;Y is a linker of 10 or more atoms in length; andZ is a large group of sufficient size to provide steric hindrance with respect to the binding of X to a ligand in the absence of Y.Also provided are processes for the production of the conjugates, assay methods and kits. The assays of the invention utilising conjugates of the invention [(5)-OVA] provide a better sensitivity than the same assays with conjugates with shorter linkers [(2)-OVA and 3-OVA].
Abstract:
The present invention provides an isolated alpha-farnesene synthase and polynucleotide sequences encoding the enzyme. The invention also provides nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells incorporating the polynucleotide sequences. It further relates to the production of alpha-farnesene using the enzyme and modulation of alpha-farnesene synthesis in plants and selection of plants with altered alpha-farnesene synthase activity.
Abstract:
This invention relates to polynucleotides encoding novel transcription factors and to the encoded transcription factors, that are capable of regulating anthocyanin production in plants. The invention also relates to constructs and vectors comprising the polynucleotides, and to host cells, plant cells and plants transformed with the polynucleotides, constructs and vectors. The invention also relates to methods of producing plants with altered anthocyanin production and plants by the methods.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for the detection and/or measurement of a phenol comprising: (a) contacting the sample to be tested with a polymer imprinted with the phenol or an analogue thereof; and (b) measuring binding of the phenol to the polymer. The polymer may be prepared by polymerising a polymerisable monomer, to which a phenol is covalently bound by a hydrolysable linker, and subsequently removing the phenol by hydrolysis. Propofol is a preferred phenol for use in the invention.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a multifunctional germacrene-D synthase and a polynucleotide encoding it. Included also are genetic constructs, transgenic organisms, plant selection methods and biofermentation methods. The enzyme may be used to prepare germacrene-D and/or other sesquiterpenes such as germacrene-D, delta-cadinene, gamma-cadinene, gamma-muurolene, gamma-elemene, delta-elemene, elemol or germacrene-B.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the use of Ulocladium oudemansii as a biological control agent. Processes and compositions for the biological control of Botrytis species using Ulocladium oudemansii are also provided.
Abstract:
A transudate extraction device (1) for non-invasive extraction of transudate through a target area of a skin barrier of an organism subjected to sufficient ultrasonic energy from a generator (2) to induce transudation therethrough, the device including at least: a contacting means (3) for contacting said target area to receive transudate therefrom, a transudate collection chamber (6) in open communication with said contacting means to receive transudate therefrom, circulating means for circulating transudate within said collection chamber by, for example having a fluid flow (12) through an inlet port (8) and out an outlet port (9) to thereby create and maintain a concentration gradient through the skin of a said test subject, said collection chamber having a discharge opening (9) through which exudate collected therein can be discharged.