Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating one or more components of interest from a sample containing particulates and soluble materials. The method comprises the steps of: (a) filtering a sample through silica filter media whose surface silanol groups have reacted with one or more silanes, and (b) simultaneously capturing particulates and binding a soluble component to the silica filter media. The bound soluble component of interest is subsequently eluted from the silica filter media. In one embodiment of the invention, unwanted soluble materials are captured by the treated silica filter media and desired component of interest is recovered from the flow-through. In another embodiment, different components of interest are recovered from both the eluate and the flow-through. Preferred treated silica filter media are silane-treated rice hull ash or diatomaceous earth with functional quarternary ammonium group or functional sulphonate group.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating one or more components of interest from a sample containing particulates and soluble materials. The method comprises the steps of: (a) filtering a sample through silica filter media whose surface silanol groups have reacted with one or more silanes, and (b) simultaneously capturing particulates and binding a soluble component to the silica filter media. The bound soluble component of interest is subsequently eluted from the silica filter media. In one embodiment of the invention, unwanted soluble materials are captured by the treated silica filter media and desired component of interest is recovered from the flow-through. In another embodiment of the invention, different components of interest are recovered from both the eluate and the flow-through. Preferred treated silica filter media are silane-treated rice hull ash or diatomaceous earth with functional quaternary ammonium group or functional sulphonate group.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for enhancing the dissolution of a solid material in an aqueous solution incorporate an effervescent system into the material. Effervescent systems include (i) the combination of one or more enzymes and one or more substrates for said enzymes and (ii) a metal ion catalyst and a substrate for that metal ion catalyst. The combination of either (i) the enzyme and the substrate or (i) metal ion catalyst and substrate is capable of producing a gas when the material is in an aqueous solution. The effervescent system is particularly suited for incorporation into laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, antacids, vitamins, contact lens cleaners, denture cleaners and other household products. It is believed that the gas produced by the interaction of the enzyme or metal ion catalyst and the appropriate substrate enhances and facilitates dissolution of the material by increasing the surface area of the material that is in contact with the aqueous medium.