Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of assaying or evaluating the antioxidizing activities of a living organism or a potentially aggressive agent, said method, which comprises using free radicals as a means of inducing cell lysis, being characterized in that1) a free radical generator is brought into contact, in an appropriate liquid biological medium, with a cell material selected from the group consisting of(a) human, animal and plant cells,(b) fragments of said cells, and(c) synthetic walls and fragments thereof containing liposomes, said cell material having first been contaminated with a potentially aggressive agent;2) the release of free radicals from said free radical generator is induced; and3) the lysis of the cell material by the free radicals is evaluated by comparison with a control containing said cell material which has not been contaminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to differential carbon source metabolism in the genus Listeria, metabolic, biochemical, immunological and genetic procedures to measure said differential carbon source metabolism and the use of these produces to detect, isolate and/or distinguish species of the genus Listeria as well as detect, isolate and/or distinguish strains of species of Listeria. The present invention also contemplates test kits and enrichment media to facilitate these procedures.

Abstract: A method and a device for separating certain microorganisms from fecal matter are described. The method is effective in relatively fast detection and identification of bacterial pathogens in e.g. chicken feces, thus making it possible to diagnose certain diseases within a short period of time. The method comprises inducing the bacteria (microorganisms) containing matter through a sequence of basically non-absorbent screens with selected, gradually decreasing pore sizes. Factors important in optimizing the separation process are discussed.

Abstract: A method of inducing aggregate formation of animal cells is carried out by forming a nutrient medium suspension of animal cells and introducing itno the suspension microspheres of a derivatized diameter of not more than about 60 .mu.m, when measured in a suitable buffer saline or cell culture media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of using a tubular membrane to deliver a gaseous fluid to a surrounding cell culture medium. The tubular membrane has an irregular exterior surface to facilitate the diffusion of gas from the lumen to the exterior.

Abstract: A device for maintaining, in situ, the viability of an organ of a non-heart beating cadaver includes a container for receiving a supply of solution, and a submersible pump contained in the container. An inflow catheter is partially inserted into the abdominal cavity of the cadaver. A first conduit is connected between the pump and the inflow catheter. A return catheter is inserted at least partially into the abdominal cavity. A second conduit is provided between the container and the return catheter. Solution is suctioned from the abdominal cavity by a third conduit connected to the pump and the second conduit and a venturi-type device connected in series with the third conduit and situated in proximity to the point at which the third conduit is connected to the second conduit. The third conduit provides solution to the venturi-device, which causes solution in the cavity to be drawn into the return catheter and the second conduit and to be returned to the container.

Abstract: Cholesterol auxotrophy of myeloma cells is used as the basis for selecting hybridomas. The outgrowth of nascent hybridomas in a cholesterol-free medium was 3- to 9-fold more efficient than that in HAT medium and resulted in 3- to 13-times as many antigen-reactive hybridoma cells. This method of hybridoma selection can be applied with any sterol-dependent parent cell line. The nutrient medium is also preferably free of Ham's F-12 nutrient mixture.

Abstract: A multienzyme system capable of reducing waste products and synthesizing nutrients in a cell culture system is disclosed. In one embodiment, lactic dehydrogenase and leucine dehydrogenase are employed in conjunction with amino acid precursors and a recycling co-factor to achieve the synthesis of amino acids and a reduction in the levels of ammonia and lactic acid. The multienzyme system of the invention may be added directly to the cell culture system or it may be microencapsulated. Alternatively, the invention may be utilized in conjunction with a container unit in which cell culture medium contacts the multienzyme system external to the main culture vessel compartment.

Abstract: A mutant Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC No. 53968 which has the property of sulfur removal and sulfur metabolism by selective cleavage of C-S bonds in organic carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: A biotechnological process for the production of betacyanin pigments is disclosed which comprises cultivating calli, induced from a plant which belongs to Beta vulgaris L. and which is capable of producing betacyanin pigments, in a liquid culture medium containing a reducing agent such as glutathione.