Abstract:
The present invention relates to an enzyme sensor for measuring the concentration or activity of an analyte of a test fluid. The sensor has at least one enzyme layer comprising an immobilised enzyme for which the analyte is a substrate. The immobilised enzyme is obtained by formation of one or more covalent link(s), optionally by using a cross-linking agent, between the enzyme and at least one type of macromolecule in the presence of a competitive inhibitor for said enzyme. The present invention also relates to a membrane for an enzyme sensor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for stabilising the enzymatic activity of an enzyme sensor.
Abstract:
An enzymatic array is provided, which composition comprises one or more enzymes non-covalently bound to a peptide backbone, wherein at least one of the enzymes is heterologous to the peptide backbone and the peptide backbone is capable of having bound thereto a plurality of enzymes. The array is useful, for example, in recovery systems, targeted multi-enzyme delivery systems, soluble substrate modification, quantification type assays, and other applications in the food industry, feed, textiles, bioconversion, pulp and paper production, plant protection and pest control, wood preservatives, topical lotions and biomass conversions.
Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided rapidly crosslinkable polypeptides which are obtained upon introduction of unsaturated group(s) into the polypeptide via linkage to amino acid residues on the polypeptide directly through one of three types of linkages, namely, an amide linkage, an ester linkage, or a thioester linkage. Each of these linkages are obtainable in a single step by use of a single derivatizing agent, acrylic anhydride. Also provided are methods for preparing such modified polypeptides and various uses therefor. It has unexpectedly been found that proteins with the above-described chemical modifications have the ability to rapidly crosslink to themselves under suitable conditions. This cross-linking occurs in the absence of any external crosslinking agents (indeed, in the absence of any extraneous agents), resulting in the formation of a solid gel material. Solid crosslinked gels are formed in seconds, starting from a freely flowing solution of polypeptide. Applications of such materials are broad ranging, including the encapsulation of living cells, the encapsulation of biologically active materials, the in situ formation of degradable gels, the formation of wound dressings, the prevention of post-surgical adhesions, gene delivery, drug targetting, as a microcarrier for cultrure of living cells, and the like.
Abstract:
This invention relates to plasma grafting methods and compounds. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel plasma grafting process compound for producing a surface suitable for immobilizing bioactive substances.
Abstract:
A granular enzyme composition is disclosed, having reduced tendencies to form dust and leave residue, and exhibiting improved stability and delayed release characteristics. The granular composition comprises a core, an enzyme layer and an outer coating layer. The enzyme layer, and optionally the core and coating layers, contain a vinyl polymer. Also disclosed are methods for making such enzyme-containing granules, the methods having greatly reduced processing time.
Abstract:
An immobilized enzyme preparation obtained by contacting an enzyme which hydrolyzes an N-carbamyl-D-α-amino acid into a D-α-amino acid with a solid carrier in the presence of an antioxidant; and a process for producing a D-α-amino acid by contacting the above preparation with an N-carbamyl-D-α-amino acid.
Abstract:
Dried, rotary disc microencapsulated capsules of bacteria and process of preparing said microencapsulated bacteria being fatty acid microencapsulated.
Abstract:
Apparatus for catalysis in multiphase reaction systems is provided in which catalysts are confined within various membranes without the use of covalent coupling. Confinement of the catalysts is achieved by a combination of a small-pore skin on one side of the membrane and the use of a solvent in which the catalysts are not appreciably soluble on the other. Methods are also provided for the preparation of such apparatus and for their regeneration by incorporation of fresh catalyst.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the resolution of racemic mixtures of optically active compounds, including but not limited to the stereochemical purification of chiral organic esters, amides, carboxylic acids, alcohols, and amines. Novel methods utilizing multiphase and extractive enzyme membrane bioreactors are disclosed that selectively produce pure or substantially purified optically active compounds from achiral precursors or mixtures of isomers in which one or several of those isomers are biologically inactive or otherwise lack desirable characteristics. The invention involves the use of fluids immiscible with one another on the opposite sides of the enzyme membrane.
Abstract:
Weighted microsponges preferably having a highly crosslinked collagen matrix suitable for use in culturing organisms in motive reactor systems. The microsponges have an open to the surface pore structure, and pore sizes and volumes suitable for immobilizing a variety of bioactive materials. The microsponges also have an average particle size in the range of about 100 to about 1000 microns and a specific gravity above about 1.05. Also described is an in vitro method for culturing organisms immobilized on a microsponge comprising a highly crosslinked, porous collagen matrix prepared by crosslinking Type I, II or III type collagen using a carbodiimide or a succinimidyl active ester and/or severe dehydration conditions.