Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate.

Abstract: It has been found that certain cells in culture can convert more than about 0.002 percent of the carbon available in the cell culture medium into isoprene. These cells have a heterologous nucleic acid that (i) encodes an isoprene synthase polypeptide and (ii) is operably linked to a promoter. In some cases, these cells are cultured in a culture medium that includes a carbon source, such as, but not limited to, a carbohydrate, glycerol, glycerine, dihydroxyacetone, one-carbon source, oil, animal fat, animal oil, fatty acid, lipid, phospholipid, glycerolipid, monoglyceride, diglyceride, triglyceride, renewable carbon source, polypeptide (e.g., a microbial or plant protein or peptide), yeast extract, component from a yeast extract, or any combination of two or more of the foregoing. The isoprene produced in such a cultured medium can then be recovered and polymerized into synthetic rubbers and other useful polymeric materials.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for the production of isoprene from biological materials.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, compositions and systems using bioisoprene derived from renewable carbon for production of a variety of hydrocarbon fuels and fuel additives.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for producing polymers of isoprene derived from renewable resources such as isoprene produced from cultured cells that use renewable carbon sources. A starting isoprene composition, such as a bioisoprene composition, is distinguished from petroleum based isoprene by the purity profile (such as lower levels of certain C5 hydrocarbons other than isoprene, presence of certain compounds associated with the biological process for production) and the relative content of the carbon isotopes. Polymers obtained by polymerization of such starting isoprene composition according to this invention, such as a polyisoprene homopolymer or a copolymer having repeat units that are derived from isoprene, are distinguishable from isoprene containing polymers from petrochemical resources.

Abstract: The invention features methods producing isoprene and a co-product, such as ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, or hydrogen from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides compositions comprising isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen. Additionally, the invention provides methods of co-producing isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen by culturing cells under conditions suitable for co-production of isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing the amount of isoprene produced by cultured cells with only a minimal increase in carbon dioxide emitted, thereby resulting in process having a greater yield of isoprene relative to carbon dioxide. In addition, the present invention provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene produced there from.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing derivatives from cultured cells. In addition, the present invention provides methods for conversion of prenyl deerivatives, obtained from biological or petrochemical sources, to isoprene by employing chemical or biological catalysts. The present invention also provides compositions that include the cultured cells or isoprene or prenyl derivatives produced there from.

Abstract: The invention features methods for producing isoprene from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for the production of desired end-products of in vitro and/or in vivo bioconversion of biomass-based feed stock substrates, including but not limited to such materials as starch and cellulose. In particularly preferred embodiments, the methods of the present invention do not require gelatinization and/or liquefaction of the substrate.

Abstract: A heterogeneous, competitive binding immunoassay is conducted with a dry analytical element. The immunoassay is useful for determining a ligand (e.g. a therapeutic drug) and includes contacting a finite area of the element spreading layer with a sample of a liquid in the presence of a labeled ligand analog and an immobilized receptor. An immobilized ligand-receptor complex is formed within the finite area. Simultaneously, the uncomplexed ligand migrates horizontally away from the immobilized complex which remains in the center of the finite area. At least five seconds after the completion of the contacting, the amount of immobilized complex is measured in the center of the finite area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assay for determination of albumin in a liquid sample. This assay involves the use of a dye of the structure: ##STR1## wherein n is zero or a positive integer up to 3; R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aroxy, hydroxy, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, amino or a nonaromatic heterocyclic group; and Z and Z.sub.1 independently represent the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atoms needed to complete a substituted or unsubstituted 5- to 7-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring. This dye has a high affinity for albumin over a wide pH range. When the dye is bound to albumin, a shift in the dye spectral absorption occurs. Analytical elements containing this dye and an assay method are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Enzymes which are activated by pyridoxal phosphate are assayed in a dry analytical element which includes a high coverage of pyridoxal phosphate. The coverage of pyridoxal phosphate is such that the multiplication product of the coverage and the spreading coefficient of the element results in a reagent mixture concentration of at least about 0.9 mmole per liter when a liquid sample is contacted with the element thereby eliminating the need for a preincubation of the sample with a solution containing pyridoxal phosphate. The reactions for the determination of the enzymes are initiated by contact of the dry elements with a liquid sample.

Abstract: Analytical elements and methods for the selective determination of an analyte in aqueous fluids containing the analyte. These elements and methods feature means for continuously releasing chromogenic indicator reagent from a reagent zone to a reaction zone. The continuous release means is responsive to the application of a sample of the fluid to continuously release reagent into the reaction zone at a rate producing color response corresponding to interaction of the indicator with the analyte and reduced interaction of the indicator with interferents. In preferred embodiments, albumin is determined in the presence of interfering proteins such as globulins using buffered chromogenic indicator reagent. In such embodiments, when protein interferents are present, their interference can be substantially eliminated for up to three minutes, during which time color response is substantially only from the interaction of albumin and reagent. The determination of albumin follows from such color response.

Abstract: The activity of an isoenzyme in a sample is determined by assaying for the isoenzyme in the presence of a predetermined concentration of an ionic amphiphile having a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic portion that has a discriminating effect on the activity of the isoenzyme and determining the activity of the isoenzyme present in the sample.

Abstract: A multi-zone analytical element for the analysis of a proteinaceous or protein-bound substance contained in an aqueous liquid and a method of using the same are disclosed. The multi-zone element contains a spreading zone and a reagent zone in fluid contact. The reagent zone of the element contains an interactive composition. Incorporated in the spreading zone of the element is an immobilized polymeric material containing charge-bearing functional groups that, under conditions of use of the element, exhibit an electric charge opposite to that of said proteinaceous substance or the protein portion of said protein-bound substance.

Abstract: An improved analytical element for the detection of a predetermined analyte in an aqueous liquid under highly alkaline conditions is disclosed. The element features a stable, alkaline-providing composition.Preferably, the analytical element is a multi-zone element. The element is particularly useful in total protein analysis and, when so used, an improved biuret reagent composition for use therein is also provided. Methods of using the aforementioned analytical and biuret reagent composition are also disclosed.