Abstract: A process and apparatus for reducing the volume and mass of solid waste (A) by initially subjecting the solid waste to a digestive enzymatic solution (20) agitated by fluid jets (28) under conditions which convert substrate (12) into a liquid waste which is discharged through a conventional sewage system (30). Non-biodegradable plastic shells (10) may be collected in a strainer basket (24) to be removed for further solid waste treatment such as shredding and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of filamentous microorganisms. The method includes the steps of adding effective amounts of a biocide and an enzyme. The enzyme of the present invention enhances the leakiness of the protective sheath around the filamentous microorganisms to allow the penetration of the biocide into the cells of the filamentous microorganisms.

Abstract: Method for removing radically-polymerisable unsaturated monomer from a dispersion of a polymer, made by non-enzymic polymerisation, by treating the polymer dispersion with a peroxide-generating enzyme (such as an oxidase) and an enzyme substrate(s), and usually oxygen, optionally with a reducing agent, under conditions to effect a reduction in the level of the residual monomer.

Abstract: A high rate multi-stage bubble separation process is developed for: (a) initially generating coarse gas bubbles with diameters greater than 80 microns in turbulent hydraulic condition to mix an influent water with chemicals, enzymes, microorganisms, or combinations thereof, to produce chemical flocs, biological flocs or both, and to strip volatile contaminants from water; (b) subsequently terminating coarse gas bubbles and generating extremely fine gas bubbles with diameters smaller than 80 microns in laminar hydraulic condition to float suspended, oily and surface-active contaminants together with said chemical flocs and said biological flocs from water, to settle heavy contaminants from water, and to produce a clarified effluent water, a floating scum, and a sludge; (c) terminating the fine gas bubbles and discharging the clarified effluent water; (d) discharging the floating scum and the sludge upon demand; and (e) optionally collecting and treating an emitted gas stream resulting from said coarse gas bubb

Abstract: Chromium containing protein materials are treated by processes which include the steps of: combining the material to be treated with sufficient water to effect the solubilization of the gelable protein recovered therefrom, and an alkali additive. The mixture is thereafter held at a temperature of from about 60.degree. C. to about 85.degree. C. for a period of time of from about 0.5 hour to about 8 hours. The mixture is then filtered to remove the aqueous phase, which contains solubilized gelable protein. Subsequently, water is again added to the resultant chrome-containing proteinaceous cake and at least one enzyme is utilized to hydrolyze the remaining protein thus producing a product containing solubilized partially hydrolyzed protein and insoluble chromium. After separation, the chrome in the insoluble residue may be recycled into the pickling or tanning process, and the essentially chrome-free protein components may be used as ingredients in feeds, fertilizers, and cosmetics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the determination of the average molecular weight, average chain length or dextrose equivalent of starch and related carbohydrates containing glucose units. The starch is analyzed by determining the free glucose amount (Gf) contained in starch or related carbohydrate sample, determining a gross glucose amount (Gt) rendered by hydrolysis of starch or related carbohydrates, and further determining a glucose amount (Gr) rendered by hydrolysis of a reduced product which is obtained by reduction of reducing terminals contained in starch or related carbohydrate.The average molecular weight, average chain length or dextrose equivalent of the starch is determined using the formulas stated below from the measured amounts of the free glucose amount (Gf), and the glucose amount (Gr).

Abstract: A method for treating the microbial slime that is generated in industrial water systems by adding to the water a combination of enzymes specific to the numerous saccharide units that make up the exopolysaccharide layer. These enzymes comprise galactosidase, galacturonidase, rhamnosidase xylosidase, fucosidase, arabinosidase and .alpha.-glucosidase.

Abstract: A process for the production of the enzyme cyanide hydratase which comprises continuously cultivating a microorganism strain under specified conditions of temperature, pH and dilution rate whilst continuously supplying cyanide ions and/or hydrogen cyanide and/or compounds which generate cyanide ions and/or hydrogen cyanide under fermentation conditions to the culture. A method for the treatment of a cyanide-containing material to degrade the cyanide therein which uses cyanide hydratase produced by the process of the invention is also claimed. Preferably the microorganism is a Fusarium strain, in particular Fusarium lateritium Naas CM1 300533 deposited at The Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, Richmond Surrey, England under the terms of the Budapest Treaty.

Abstract: A system and method of achieving both convective and diffusive transport of plasma across a membrane accompanied by the selective removal of plasma components using sorbents followed by reinfusion of the purified plasma in a blood circulation system is achieved by pumping blood through a filter comprising a bundle of "U" shaped hollow fibers immersed in a closed plasma chamber containing sorbents in an electrolyte solution. As blood flows through the entry arm, due to positive transmembrane pressure difference, plasma filtration into the plasma chamber occurs. The entering plasma causes an increase in the chamber pressure but does not exceed the pressure in the entry arm. The increase in chamber pressure exceeds the pressure in the exit arm of filter where the transmembrane pressure difference is negative and the direction of filtration reverses causing reverse filtration/reinfusion of plasma from the chamber into the blood in the exit arm.

Abstract: Substituted cyclodextrins of the general formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.2 and R.sup.6 mean straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl groups with 1 to 8 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl groups with 5 to 8 carbon atoms which can be the same or different, andR.sup.3 represents a straight-chain or branched alkyl or alkenyl group, which can be the same or different to the residues R.sup.2 and R.sup.6, with 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group with 5 to 8 carbon atoms, oran acyl group with an optionally substituted, saturated or olefinically unsaturated aliphatic or cycloaliphatic or with an aromatic hydrocarbon residue with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, andn=6 or 7,a process for their production, and a process for the separation of chiral organic compounds by chromatographic separation processes in which the substituted cyclodextrins are used as stationary phase.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is provided for removing low molecular weight contaminants from a contaminant-containing material. This contaminant-containing material can include alcohol compounds, aldehyde compounds and peroxide compounds. The method comprises providing an alcohol oxidase enzyme-based catalyst system including coimmobilized transition metals comprising platinum and copper for catalytically oxidizing the contaminant-containing material. Then, the contaminant-containing material is catalytically oxidized in the presence of the alcohol oxidase enzyme-based catalyst system to form organic acid compounds. The organic acid compounds can then be removed.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing organic and/or heavy metal contaminants in wastewaters, sludges, or soils containing such contaminants by contacting the wastewaters, sludges, or soils with soybean peroxidase and a peroxide.

Abstract: The method for avoiding pitch troubles includes the treatment with an acylglycerol lipase. The method of the present invention overcomes the pitch troubles in a process for the production of mechanical pulp and/or mechanical pulp-containing paper.

Abstract: A chemical product and method for accelerated biodegradation of petroleum on water. The chemical product includes a fermentation product portion and a surfactant containing emulsifier portion which has a monosodium glutamate additive.

Abstract: A soil bioremediation material. A material for improvement of soil conditions includes a mixture of about 85-92% by weight water, about 5-9% by weight molasses from raw sugar, about 2-4% by weight unrefined sugar, about 0.5-1.5% by weight malt, about 0.05-0.2% by weight yeast with the malt to yeast ratio being in the range of 8:1 to 12:1.

Abstract: Contaminants containing non-polar neutral lipid are removed from a solvent that has been used for dry cleaning by placing used solvent in contact with a lipase, which is stable and exhibits an activity in the solvent, or with an immobilized product of said lipase, and with an adsorbent.

Abstract: Drilling mud is rapidly decomposed by admixing one or more enzymes with the mud to selectively degrade one or more polymeric organic viscosifiers therein. A method of cleaning up a well site drilling mud pit containing drilling mud is provided. Also provided are a composition and method of removing residual drilling mud from a wellbore and around the well face.

Abstract: A novel cyanide converting enzyme, a "cyanidase" is described.The enzyme is extremely efficient in reducing substantial concentrations of cyanide to very low levels in a broad pH, and temperature range, and in the presence of organics and metal ions.

Abstract: For extraction of juice from fruits and vegetables a process is used in which first the raw material is crushed in a crushing device (1) and separated in a screening device (2) from the solid components, then liquefied by physical cell breakdown, and the raw juice is clarified in a filtration device (9). In this connection, device (8, 27, 32) for the physical cell breakdown can be integrated into filtration device (9) or into filtration module (13) of a membrane filtration device.

Abstract: Polypeptides have been discovered which exhibit high specific VIII:C coagulant activity. Monoclonal antibodies to the polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Materials containing both chromium and protein and treated by processes which include the steps of: combining a material to be treated (i.e. containing both chromium and protein) with sufficient water to produce a mixture having from about 75 wt. % water to about 95 wt. % water, and an additive which both provides an alkaline pH and provides calcium or magnesium as an enzyme cofactor. The mixture is thereafter held at a temperature of from about 60.degree. C. to about 75.degree. C. for a period of time of from about 0.5 hour to about 4 hours. Subsequently, at least one enzyme is utilized to hydrolyze the protein, thus producing a product containing solubilized hydrolyzed protein and insoluble chromium. After separation of the soluble fraction from the insoluble fraction, the chrome in the insoluble residue may be recycled into the pickling or tanning process, and the essentially chrome-free protein hydrolyzate is potentially useful as an ingredient in feeds, fertilizers, and cosmetics.

Abstract: Disclosed is extracorporeal plasma perfusion over a therapeutic immobilized protein A (staphylococcal), SPA. The perfused plasma is returned to the host or can be taken off one person and used to treat another and stored in perfused plasma banks. Immobilized protein A quantities, volumes of plasma perfused and the rate of administration based on clinical and toxicity evaluations are set forth. A non-toxic drug infusion during the immediate postperfusion period obtains an observed tumoricidal response far exceeding those due to the extracorporeal plasma perfusion or drug infusion alone representing an in vivo synergism between the perfused plasma and the drug. Also disclosed are the therapeutic protein A cartridge, its loading and delivery system, and a miniaturized immunoabsorbent apparatus enabling the processing of serum samples for testing small quantities of plasma.

Abstract: A cocktail reagent preparation for the rapid production of serum contains thrombin, snake venom, and protamine sulfate. The preparation employs very small quantities of clot promoting substances which behave in a synergistic manner such that rapid clotting of highly heparinized blood is achieved without altering the chemical analysis of the blood enzymes, proteins, sugars, or electrolytes. Thus, clinicians who rely upon the results of such tests can more closely monitor organ and tissue function and adjust patient therapies accordingly.

Abstract: The method for removing molecules bound to proteins in body fluid comprising positioning said body fluid in contact with one side of an albumin-dimensioned bottle-neck pore membrane and positioning proximate the opposite side of said membrane aqueously suspended adsorbent. The apparatus comprises an albumin-dimensioned bottle-neck pore membrane and means associated therewith for positioning body fluid to be treated in contact with one side of said membrane and aqueously suspended adsorbent located proximate the opposite side of said membrane.

Abstract: An organic two-phase system useful for the separation and purification of chemicals, biochemicals and optical isomers. The two-phase system can be formed with water soluble polymers as one phase, and chiral compound as the other phase together with a water-miscible organic solvent and/or water.

Abstract: In a diagnostic apparatus system, a one piece porous substrate is located in a container. The substrate serves both to extract an antigen in or on a top layer with the remainder of the substrate serving as a reservoir. The pores in the top surface of the substrate are microscopic for entrapment of microspheres carrying antibodies. A target antigen in a test sample attaches to the antibodies when the test sample is poured through the top layer. The pores in all but the top layer of the substrate have a much greater pore size to define the reservoir portion of the substrate. The invention also includes a method of casting a microporous matrix in surfaces of a plurality of macroporous slugs.

Abstract: An enzyme reactor system is provided based on the entrapment of a coenzyme-requiring enzyme, a coenzyme, and a regeneration enzyme in a hydrogel layer coated on a support, and confined by an ultraporous thin film semipermeable membrane. The diffusion barrier confines the coenzyme-requiring enzyme, coenzyme, and regeneration enzyme but lets substrate and reaction products, exclusive of coenzyme, diffuse freely into and out of the hydrogel layer. In an alternate embodiment, the support is formed of an ultraporous thin film semipermeable membrane on a microporous or macroporous support, through which the reaction products, exclusive of coenzyme, can diffuse freely, but through which neither coenzyme-requiring enzyme, coenzyme, regeneration enzyme, nor substrate can pass. In this embodiment, the product is recovered in high purity, free of substrate, coenzyme-requiring enzyme, coenzyme, and regeneration enzyme.

Abstract: A process for the removal of aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions using an oxidatic enzyme, such as a peroxidase enzyme, is described. The enzyme is immobilized on a surface so that preferably multiple passes of the aqueous solution with the aromatic compound can be made over the immobilized enzyme. Higher enzyme utilization with a lower oxidative substrate, such as hydrogen peroxide, requirement is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to the conditioning of liquid organic substances and biomass, particularly of municipal sewage sludge, with the help of chelating agents and enzymes, by breaking the organic substance down in an aerobic-conditioning reactor by addition of chelating agents and enzymes, this is discontinued prior to the complete dissolution of the organic matter after a time period of 0.5 to 20 hours. The mixture of substances is then subjected to an open-top non-aerated postreaction phase of 5 to 15 hours during which biogenous flocculation takes place. A solid-liquid separation follows.

Abstract: Addition of alkaline proteolytic enzymes derived from Bacillis licheniformis in the anaerobic stage of bacterial digestion processes to improve the settling properties of the bacterial biomass.

Abstract: An aqueous two-phase system useful for the separation and purification of biochemicals and optical isomers. The two-phase system can be formed with water soluble polymers as one phase, and chiral compound as the other phase.

Abstract: The rate of mass transfer in liquid/liquid extractions can be increased by the appropriate selection of a solubilizing liquid to wet a microporous membrane. A solute is transferred between immiscible liquids across the membrane where and interface between the liquids is immobilized at a surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A new therapy for cancer which involves removal from circulation of several nonessentials amino acids, some essential amino acids and folic acid simultaneously and continuously for long-term therapy is disclosed. The therapy uses extracorporeal blood circulation using a multi-enzyme bioreactor without any of the side effects associated with the direct intravenous infusion of these enzymes. The combined depletion of folates and essential and nonessential amino acids produces a synergistic effect in treating the cancerous tissue, and serves to minimize or reduce the adaptation process of cancer cells, especially over a longer range continuous therapy.

Abstract: An enzyme reactor system is provided based on the entrapment of an enzyme in a hydrogel layer coated on a support, and confined by an ultraporous thin film membrane diffusion barrier. The diffusion barrier confines the enzyme, but lets substrate and reaction products diffuse feeely into and out of the hydrogel layer. In an alternate embodiment, the support is formed of an ultraporous thin film membrane diffusion barrier on a microporous or macroporous support, through which the reaction products can diffuse freely, but through which neither enzyme nor substrate can pass. In this embodiment, the product is recovered in high purity, free of substrate and enzyme.

Abstract: A grease trap construction comprising a housing having an inlet to receive waste water containing grease and foreign material and having an outlet. An air conduit having a plurality of outlet ports spaced along its length is located in the lower end of the housing and is connected to a source of air under pressure, so that air will be discharged through the ports into contact with the waste water. The waste water within the housing is heated by an electric heating element which is immersed in the waste water and the heating element is controlled by a thermostat to maintain the temperature of the waste water within a given range. An aqueous composition containing a mixture of enzymes and bacterial spores is introduced into the housing into contact with the waste water.

Abstract: A method of attacking and removing microbial slime in slime covered surfaces and maintaining a slime-free surface as in exposed cooling tower surfaces and in waste water treatment and paper making. This method comprises utilizing an enzyme blend in 2 to 100 parts per million (ppm) of cellulase, alpha-amylase and protease. Such enzyme blends have been found specifically to digest microbial slime and reduce microbial attachment and biofilm. A specific combination of polysaccharide degrading enzymes is a ratio of 2 parts cellulase to 1 alpha-amylase to 1 protease utilized in 2-100 parts per million. Broadly, the alpha-amylase must be at least 1 and the protease may vary from 0.5 to 1 part.

Abstract: A process for degrading environmentally persistent organic pollutant compounds by reacting those pollutant compounds with fungal enzymes containing a lignin-degrading enzyme and hydrogen peroxide. This reaction preferably takes place under aerobic conditions such that the organic pollutant compounds are degraded. Using the present invention, degradation to carbon dioxide and water is possible. Alternatively, the reaction may be halted to leave desirable reaction intermediates.The enzyme and hydrogen peroxide system of the present invention is found to be ideal for degrading various types of orgaic pollutants. Moreover, the reaction system is nonspecific. As a result, only a single type of fungus or fungus-generated enzyme system is required in order to degrade a wide spectrum of pollutants.One embodiment of the present invention relates to a preferred process where the enzyme (peroxidase) and hydrogen peroxide are provided by a lignin-degrading fungi or fungi mixed with the pollutant organic compound.

Abstract: A method for solubilizing particulate or colloidal materials in wastewater treatment comprising the steps of cultivating aerobic bacteria in the presence of oxygen in an activator solution containing a food source until the level of the food source drops below 50 mg/l of soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) and said bacteria begin producing increased amounts of enzymes which solubilize particulate or colloidal materials thereby producing activated bacteria and thereafter contacting said activated bacteria or enzymes with said particulate or colloidal materials under conditions which solubilize said particulate or colloidal materials. The method is particularly useful for solubilizing particulate and/or colloidal materials containing insoluble starch, grease, fat and protein with enzymes such as amylase, lipase and/or protease.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane(urea) compositions which contain foam and which are preferably cationically modified, contain non-abrasively bonded fillers and have a very high water absorbability (WAF).Production is effected by reacting isocyanate-terminated prepolymers with a quantity of water far exceeding the stoichiometric quantity in the presence of foams in particle or film form. The reaction mixture may also contain lignite powder and/or peat, other inorganic and organic fillers and/or biomasses (living cells, living bacteria, enzymes).The polyurethane(urea) compositions contain up to 95% by weight of foam particles and may contain further fillers (preferably lignite and/or peat). The compositions are swollen and have a high water content during production. Their water absorbability (WAF) when suspended in water is 33 to 97% by weight of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for oxidizing bilirubin which comprises reacting a solution containing bilirubin with hemoglobin, either in free or immobilized form, in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide. This process if useful in reducing bilirubin levels in the blood of severely jaundiced patients. It also provides a basis for determining bilirubin levels in a fluid.

Abstract: A process for automatically treating a drain system to prevent or at least minimize clogging problems particularly in grease traps of the type provided in restaurants and other food preparation establishments. The process employs an apparatus which includes a valve for directing fresh water into the grease trap for pretreating the trap in preparation for the injection of bioactive liquid cultures by the pump. The liquid cultures liquify and digest contaminants in the grease trap which are flushed therefrom by fresh water. The apparatus is controlled by a system which cyclically operates the apparatus in accordance with a preferred operational sequence and at adjustably variable time periods.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water containing both phenolic compounds being toxic for methanogenic organisms and degradable non-phenolic compounds prior to its anaerobic purification as well as a process for detoxifying waste water containing phenolic compounds being toxic for aquatic organisms by subjecting said waste water to an oxidative treatment in such a way that no or virtually no precipitation is formed of the polyphenol compounds produced and virtually no influence is executed on the biochemical oxygen demand and the chemical oxygen demand of the waste water.

Abstract: Two kinds of hydrolyzed protein having different characteristics respectively are obtained by hydrolyzing soy protein with protease and separating the mixture of hydrolyzed products using their solubilities in a 5% trichloro acetic acid aqueous solution as the guidance of the separation.The hydrolyzed protein of the low solubility possesses excellent emulsifying properties, and the one of the high solubility possesses excellent foaming properties.

Abstract: This invention is an improved enzymatic process for the removal of nitrite ons from an aqueous solution resulting from the denitration of a nitrate ester. The aqueous solution is treated with an enzyme nitrite reductase resulting from inducement under faculatative anaerobic conditions of pseudomonas sp.

Abstract: A process for facilitating the separation of fat from a waste stream composition comprising water, fat, fatty acids and solids produced in food processing plants and animal rendering plants. In one embodiment, an alkaline pH control composition and an aluminum salt flocculant composition are added to the waste stream composition for subsequent separation in a clarifier of the waste stream composition into an essentially fatty layer, an essentially water layer, and an essentially solids layer. In a second embodiment, a conventional dissolved air flotation system is employed. An acidified aluminum salt flocculant composition is added to the waste stream composition prior to dissolved air introduction. The resulting waste stream composition subsequently separates in a clarifier into the three layers described above.

Abstract: Waste water from fat rendering and meat processing plants is treated in a conventional clarifier to produce better separation of suspended solids and fat from waste water by the addition of a first solution of pH controlling agent in combination with a surfactant and a second solution of a flocculating agent into the waste water streams entering the clarifier.

Abstract: A process for cleaning fouled separation membranes such as ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and microfiltration membranes is provided comprising: removing a separation membrane having a fouled surface from operation; effecting reaction on the fouled surface of said membrane of an inorganic peroxide and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hypohalite; and thereafter, substantially removing the foulant and the reaction products thereof from the membrane surface.

Abstract: Paramagnetic metals are separated from aqueous media containing them in low concentration by first fixing the metals on bacterial yeast or other cells so as to render the cells magnetic, and then recovering the cells by a high gradient magnetic separation technique. The metal and the cells are contacted in the presence of a compound which is converted by the cells into a product which interacts with the metal and causes it to become bound to the cells. The process is particularly useful for removing low concentrations of highly toxic metals, e.g. uranium, from industrial effluents containing them.

Abstract: A method of use of a two component biocidal preparation suitable for controlling slime, microbial organisms such as bacteria, and fungi in industrial waters is disclosed. The preparation includes a biocide and a polysaccharide degrading enzyme effective against those polysaccharides typically found in industrial waters.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for eliminating grease, sewage odor and hydrogen sulfide from restaurant grease traps and municipal sewage systems using xeronine. Xeronine works by stimulating the metabolism of the resident anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.