Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of chemical compounds and more particularly to the synthesis of organic compounds, for example, peptides and oligonucleotides.The invention provides a composite material for use in the synthesis of organic compounds comprising a support material and, supported on the support material, an organic compound synthesizing substance.It is preferred that the organic compound synthesizing substance is a gel (e.g. a dimethylacrylamide co-polymer gel).The invention also provides a method for preparing a composite material for use in the synthesis of organic compounds and a method for the synthesis of organic compounds.

Abstract: Plant cells containing intra-cellular chemical compounds are induced to excrete the compounds by maintaining the cells in a sufficiently high cell density. A sufficiently high cell density is preferably maintained by immobilizing the cells in a modified polyacrylamide gel containing polyacrylamide and a minor amount of xanthan gum or sodium alginate. Vinca plant cells can be immobilized to produce the chemical compounds, ajmalicine and serpentine. Alternative to immobilizing the cells, a sufficiently high cell density can be provided by maintaining the cells in a permeable enclosure such as a woven nylon bag.

Abstract: Biologically active material is immobilized by forming a gel precursor containing the biologically active material, a polymerizable material and a viscosity enhancing agent, applying the gel precursor to a support material and gelling the gel precursor by polymerization to form a hydrogel containing the biologically active material on the support material. A least some of the hydrogel is enmeshed with the support material. By use of the viscosity enhancing agent, the gel precursor is provided with preferred rheological properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite materials. A composite material is disclosed for the selective retention of chemical species from a fluid substance. The composite material comprises a support material, a permeable gel retained on the support material and, in the permeable gel, an active material capable of selectively retaining the chemical species.At least some of the permeable gel is enmeshed with the support material.A method for the preparation of the composite material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of discrete particles containing a biologically active substance comprising discrete particles of support material having immobilized in the pores thereof a biologically active substance (e.g. an enzyme). The method includes precipitating a biologically active substance in the pores of the particles of support material, by use of a precipitating agent comprising or including a water miscible organic liquid, and treating the biologically active substance precipitated in the pores to cause cross-linking so as to immobilize biologically active substance in the pores of the particles or porous support material.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process for the selective separation of a chemical component from a fluid substance which comprises contacting the fluid substance with a composite material having affinity chromatography properties, said composite material comprising an affinity chromatography agent retained within the pore structure of a porous rigid support material and said affinity chromatography agent being capable of selectively sorbing the chemical component from the fluid substance.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composite material comprising a deformable gel retained within the pores of a porous rigid support material. The deformable gel comprises an affinity chromatography agent such that the composite material has affinity chromatography properties.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composite material comprising a deformable gel retained within the pores of a porous rigid support material. In one example of a composite material in accordance with the invention the deformable gel is an organic polymeric material and the support material comprises discrete porous particles of inorganic material.A method for preparing composites in accordance with the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Biologically active substances such as enzymes are immobilized in the pores of a porous support material by introducing a solution of the biologically active substance into the pores of the support material, treating the active substance in the pores to temporarily retain the active substance in the pores and immobilizing the active substance in the pores by crosslinking. Temporary retention of the active substance in the pores may be carried out by precipitation with a precipitating agent or by freeze-drying.