Abstract: A polarity-reversal electrolysis process. The process uses a reactor that has at least one pair of spaced electrodes, and a controlled polarity-reversing power supply that is constructed and arranged to provide polarity-reversed power to the electrodes. An electrically-conductive liquid reaction medium that includes precursor reactants is provided to the reactor. The electrodes are at least partially immersed in the reaction medium. The power supply is operated such that the polarity of the electrodes of the pair of electrodes reverses at a frequency rate, so as to produce reactive intermediates and products.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants in water under anaerobic conditions is disclosed. The method includes adding to contaminated water a composition including an aqueous mixture of at least one carbohydrate and at least one alcohol and/or bacteriastat. The apparatus includes a source of growing nitrifying bacteria effective for treating contaminants under aerobic conditions, a source of growing bacteria effective for denitrification under anaerobic conditions, and a controller for introducing the growing bacteria in a predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Systems for treating water containing unwanted contaminants. More particularly, the present invention relates to waste water treatment systems including biological media used to aerobically or anaerobically treat solid and liquid waste in water for large and small-scale waste water systems in a way that minimizes the size of the system required to output high-quality, environmentally suitable water that is depleted of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and other contaminants.

Abstract: Systems for treating water containing unwanted contaminants. More particularly, the present invention relates to waste water treatment systems including biological media used to aerobically or anaerobically treat solid and liquid waste in water for large and small-scale waste water systems in a way that minimizes the size of the system required to output high-quality, environmentally suitable water that is depleted of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and other contaminants.

Abstract: Systems for treating water containing unwanted contaminants. More particularly, the present invention relates to waste water treatment systems including biological media used to aerobically or anaerobically treat solid and liquid waste in water for large and small-scale waste water systems in a way that minimizes the size of the system required to output high-quality, environmentally suitable water that is depleted of ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and other contaminants.

Abstract: Filter devices for simultaneously removing leukocytes and methylene blue from whole blood or blood fractions are disclosed. One type of device comprises (1) a housing surrounding (2) activated carbon and (3) a mechanically stable polymeric material which may optionally be modified to attach a ligand for leukocytes. General methods for removing leukocytes and methylene blue from blood and plasma are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrophobic polymer such as polysulfone or polyethersulfone is modified to contain an increased number of functionalizable chain ends such as by treating with an alkali hydroxide to provide hydroxyl groups. A linker is covalently bonded to a chain end of the polymer and a macromolecule is covalently bonded to the linker. A ligand may be covalently bonded to the macromolecule. The macromolecule can be a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer or a biologically active species. The hydrophobic polymer is preferably in the form of a microporous membrane. By the use of a four-component dope composition, substantially isotropic microporous structures in the form of flat sheets or hollow fibers are produced. An improved spinnerette assembly is provided for the production of hollow fibers.

Abstract: A filter and a hollow-fiber or flat-sheet membrane for removing hemoglobin from whole blood or blood fractions are disclosed. The filter comprises a laid textile web which has been modified to attach a ligand for hemoglobin. The membrane comprises a polyethersulfone membrane that has been similarly modified. Methods for removing hemoglobin, cellular components and debris from blood are also disclosed.

Abstract: Reagents and methods for intracellular staining of anionic materials as provided. The inherent staining characteristics of a fluorescent molecule may be suitably altered by covalently linking a plurality of said molecules to a nonimmunoglobulin derived cationic polymer having the desired staining specificity. By careful selection of the net charge and size of the dye polymer complex, diffusion through the cellular membrane can be enhanced and an enhanced fluorescent signal obtained by localization of a plurality of fluorescent molecules at the site of interest.

Abstract: An immunological substance detecting reagent is provided which, in the preferred embodiment, employs an immunological homolog specific for the immunological substance to be detected coupled to a water-soluble polymer having a net charge not greater than zero. The water-soluble polymer further has associated a plurality of marker substances such as fluorophore molecules thereby providing a reagent of increased sensitivity for the detection of an antigen-antibody immunological reaction.