Abstract: Viruses, particularly hepatitis viruses, in blood clotting enzyme compositions are inactivated with little enzyme activity loss by heating the compositions in the dry state. The novel products which result are therapeutically and diagnostically useful.

Abstract: Biological indicators are used to evaluate the effectiveness of virus inactivation conducted on virus-contaminated, protein-containing compositions. The indicators comprise dry protein and a predetermined titer of infectious virus.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for purifying elastase by precipitating elastase from an aqueous, elastase-containing solution, in which the electroconductivity of said aqueous solution is adjusted to 3 millimhos per centimeter or less and the pH of the solution is adjusted to a value of from 2 to 5. The electroconductivity of said aqueous solution is preferably adjusted to 3 millimhos per centimeter or less by means of ultrafiltration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the purification or enrichment of biologically active proteins by the addition of a selective precipitation agent, wherein an aqueous solution containing the desired protein is mixed at a pH value below its isoelectric point with such an amount of an arylsulphonic acid azo dyestuff with two sulphonate groups, which are separated from one another by 8 to 10 double bonds standing in resonance relationship, among which there is present at least one N.dbd.N double bond, that at least the greater part of the biological activity of the desired active protein is present in the precipitate, the precipitate is separated off and the active protein is again brought into solution at a pH value above its isoelectric point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the enzymatic production of ethanol from fermentable sugars. A complete sequence of enzymes for catalyzing the conversion of fermentable sugars to ethanol is retained in a plurality of reaction zones. Fermentable sugar solution is sequentially passed through the zones, and ethanol is recovered from the last zone. Necessary coenzymes and cofactors are added to the solution in the various zones, and means are provided for recovering and, if necessary, modifying the coenzymes prior to reintroduction in the various zones.

Abstract: A method of preparing a purified glucosyltransferase (GTF) for use in immunization against dental caries, which method comprises: culturing a Streptococcus mutans in a medium containing glucose and dialyzable nutrients to form a mixture of culture cells and supernatant; recovering the supernatant by the removal of the culture cells; admixing the recovered supernatant with a water-insoluble, polymerized polysaccharide as solid particulate material for a period of time, to provide a GTF, solid particulate complex; recovering the GTF complex in solid particulate form by filtration; washing the solid GTF complex to remove unbound GTF and medium components; removing GTF from the solid particulate material by a denaturing solvent; recovering the water-insoluble particulate material for reuse in the method; and recovering the GTF from the water-insoluble polysaccharide and purifying the recovered GTF.

Abstract: A method for isolating superoxide dismutase. The method involves contacting red blood cells containing proteinaceous impurities with a water-miscible organic solvent at a pH in the range of 5 to 8 and a temperature of from 15.degree. to 50.degree. C., removing the impurities and obtaining purified superoxide dismutase.

Abstract: Combining active alcohol oxidase with sufficient amount of an azide compound has been found to form a red absorbing combination. Formation of the red absorbing combination enables determining the presence of active alcohol oxidase by adding the azide compound to a preparation and observing the resultant color. Additionally, alcohol oxidase may be purified by adding the azide compound to a preparation containing active alcohol oxidase in an amount effective to produce a red absorbing complex and separating the red absorbing complex from the preparation.

Abstract: A process for the production of amine oxidase, which comprises culturing an amine-oxidase-producing microorganism belonging to the genus Talaromyces, genus Eupenicillium, genus Petromyces, genus Neosartorya or genus Eurotium, and isolating the thus-prepared amine oxidase from the cultured medium. The preferred strains of microorganisms under these genera are Talaromyces flavus var. flavus M 4175 FERM-P No. 5866, Eupenicillium parvum M 5051 FERM-P No. 5870, Petromyces alliaceus M 4648 FERM-P No. 5867, Neosaytorya fischeri M 4690 FERM-P No. 5868 and Eurotium chevalieri M 4805 FERM-P No. 5869.

Abstract: A method for separating isoenzymes is disclosed. The method involves polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in a buffer solution of a salt of 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol at a pH of about 6.4 to 7.3 and an electrolyte buffer of 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol taurine at a pH of about 8.0 to 10.0. After separation of the isoenzymes, the amount of individual isoenzymes present is determined.

Abstract: A method is provided for purifying uricase by decreasing the amount of active catalase present. The method involves adjusting the pH of a catalase-containing uricase preparation to a pH in the range of about 11 to 13 to inactivate the catalase and recovering a uricase preparation substantially free of active catalase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the selective separation of endoproteases from aqueous solutions, wherein an aqueous solution containing proteases is treated with a complex, present in the solid phase, of alpha.sub.2 -macroglobulin with a divalent metal selected from zinc, cobalt, nickel and copper and the solid phase then separated off.The present invention also provides an agent for carrying out this process, wherein it comprises a solid carrier material which is loaded with a complex of alpha.sub.2 -macroglobulin and of a divalent metal selected from zinc, cobalt, nickel and copper.

Abstract: Novel fibrinolytic factors obtained from the salivary glands of Haementeria ghilianii. Proteins having molecular weights under about 100,000 are isolated from the salivary glands of H. ghilianii. The proteins show cathodic mobility in electrophoresis and uninhibited peptidase activity with fibrinogen in plasma.

Abstract: Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) is isolated from aqueous solutions containing said enzyme together with accompanying proteins by chromatography of the solution at a pH of 4.7 to 5.0 on a cation exchange resin of the same polarity as SOD in the pH range used. As cation exchange resin may particularly be used carboxymethyl celluloses, cross-linked dextrans substituted with carboxymethyl groups or sulfopropyl groups or cross-linked agaroses substituted with carboxymethyl groups.The process lends itself to use on an industrial scale and provides a high yield of pure SOD.

Abstract: Proteases derived from E. coli, and a method for preparing a proteinaceous mixture having proteolytic activity.

Abstract: Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) is isolated from aqueous solutions containing said enzyme together with accompanying proteins by chromatography of the solution at a pH of 4.7 to 5.5 on a cation exchange resin of the same polarity as SOD in the pH range used. As cation exchange resin may particularly be used carboxymethyl celluloses, cross-liked dextrans substituted with carboxymethyl groups or sulfopropyl groups or cross-linked agaroses substituted with carboxymethyl groups.The process lends itself to use on an industrial scale and provides a high yield of pure SOD.

Abstract: Polynucleotides and Polypeptides are immobilized and/or isolated by using a triphenylmethyl ether derivative of polysaccharides in hydrated form.

Abstract: Low calorie beer is prepared by introducing into the brewing process a debranching enzyme (pullulanase) obtained from rice, a traditional brewing material. The debranching enzyme reduces the real extract of the beer by cleaving alpha 1,6 linkages of unfermentable limit dextrins to form alpha 1,4 dextrins which can be converted by alpha 1,4 carbohydrases to sugars that can be fermented by brewer's yeast. The enzyme may be introduced into the brewing process by adding rice or the enzyme extracted from rice to the mash or to the wort before or during fermentation. The debranching enzyme may be obtained from polished dry milled rice by extraction with an aqueous buffer solution. When malted rice is used as the enzyme source a particularly useful mixture of the debranching enzyme and alpha 1,4 carbohydrases is obtained.

Abstract: A debranching enzyme (pullulanese) useful in the preparation of a low calorie beer may be obtained from rice by extraction of the rice with an aqueous buffer system having a pH of about 6. A preferred buffer system is 0.1 M potassium phosphate-0.2 M-sodium chloride. Extraction is preferably carried out at a temperature of about 50.degree. C. for about 3 hours. When malted rice is used as the enzyme source a particularly useful mixture of the debranching enzyme and alpha 1,4 carbohydrases is obtained.

Abstract: A partially purified NADP specific thermostable alcohol, aldehyde/ketone oxidoreductase is prepared which can react with a wide range of alcohols, ketones and aldehydes. The enzyme has a unique preference for secondary over primary alcohols. The thermostability, broad range of operating temperatures and lack of sensitivity to metal ions and complexing agents, in addition to the absolute specifity for the coenzyme, increase the utility of the enzyme in asymmetric organic synthesis and NADPH regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process which comprises recovering proteinaceous materials from nucleoprotein complexes by derivatizing the proteinaceous material with a cyclic anhydride, thereby disassocating the complex, separating the derivatized proteinaceous material from the nucleic acids and subsequently regenerating the proteinaceous material. The recovery of the proteinaceous material is accomplished by maintaining the separated derivatized proteinaceous material at a suitable acidic pH, which is a function of the reaction time and the temperature, until the derivatized proteinaceous material is disassociated into the proteinaceous material and the cyclic anhydride or most usually the equivalent acid and the proteinaceous material is recovered.

Abstract: A process for the release of lactase from yeast cells comprising contacting the cells with an alkyl alcohol or a dialkyl ketone, followed by extraction of the lactase in an aqueous solution at a pH in the range 5.5 to 8.0 is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for the selective reduction of protease activity in lactase preparations comprising heating an aqueous solution of lactase containing protease impurities in the presence of glycerol. Lactase stability during the heating process can optionally be enhanced by addition of manganous ion.

Abstract: There are disclosed an enzyme, long-chain acyl-coenzyme-A synthetase which is specific for fatty acids having 14 to 18 carbon atoms and a process for the purification of the enzyme which involves solubilizing the enzyme with a surfactant and subjecting the solubilized enzyme to affinity chromatography.

Abstract: A method to inactivate the proteolytic enzyme(s) contained in commercial heat stable bacterial alpha-amylase under conditions which retain full alpha-amylase activity. Use of thus purified alpha-amylase enzyme plus surfactants that are approved for use in bread to inhibit firming and improve the keeping quality of bread and other bakery products.

Abstract: A method for producing a thrombolytic preparation characterized in that among treatment conditions in the urokinase production pH is maintained within the neutral or weakly alkaline range throughout each treatment step to produce a thrombolytic preparation containing urokinase having a molecular weight of 54,000.+-.10,000 as major ingredient.

Abstract: A process for the production of xylose by enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan wherein an aqueous solution containing xylan is treated with a carrier having bonded thereto xylanase enzyme and a carrier having bonded thereto .beta.-xylosidase and, optionally, uronic acid-splitting enzyme.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for isolating the enzymatic protein ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase from the green leaves of plants. In the process, which is particularly suited to obtaining the protein from tobacco, the leaves are ground or otherwise pulverized in the presence of a reducing agent, followed by heating the resulting pulp to about 50.degree. C. A liquid portion containing the desired protein is separated from the pulp and then cooled to cause the crystallization of the ribulose 1,5-diphosphate carboxylase. After separation of the crystalline material, the supernatant is acidified to yield lower molecular weight proteins.

Abstract: An enzyme preparation is prepared having terminal non-polar groups incorporated therein so that the enzyme preparation has affinity for a water-immiscible liquid. The enzyme preparation can be separated from an aqueous reaction mixture by contacting the mixture with the water-immiscible liquid, permitting the enzyme preparation to become associated with the water-immiscible liquid and separating the water-immiscible liquid containing the associated enzyme from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A process for purifying an enzyme such as glucose isomerase which comprises precipitating nucleic acids from a cell-free, heat-treated enzyme solution in a suitable buffer and chromatographing the supernatant on a cellulosic medium. Subsequent chromatography on a hydrophilic, molecular-sieve medium affords enzyme of about 90% purity.

Abstract: A composition comprising intracellular or extracellular glucose isomerase may be purified by a method comprising heat treatment at a temperature from about 40.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. The resultant enzyme solution, when utilized to prepare an immobilized enzyme system, is operationally equivalent to glucose isomerase purified by the traditional physico-chemical methods.

Abstract: A process for purifying glucose isomerase comprises the steps of acid treatment and salt fractionation. An enzyme solution is treated with an acid, such as acetic acid, to a pH from about 3.5 to about 5.0. The proteinaceous solids are collected and extracted with a buffer, such as imidazole, whose solution has a pH of about 6 to about 8. The solution is then collected and a salt, such as ammonium sulfate, is dissolved therein from about 40% to about 50% of its saturation point. The proteinaceous solids which form are removed and additional ammonium sulfate is dissolved to attain from about 41% to about 60% of its saturation point, followed by collection of the solids containing purified enzyme. A composition which preserves enzyme activity upon storage of glucose isomerase and which imparts resistance to thermal deactivation of said enzyme comprises an aqueous solution of glycerol, a buffer whose solution is at a pH of about 6 to about 8, divalent cobalt ions and magnesium ions.

Abstract: Unitary test means, such as a composition or device, purified uricase for use therein, method of making the test device and process for determination of uric acid therewith are disclosed. More particularly, there is provided in test means for the detection of uric acid comprising a uricase-active substance, at least one chromogen, and a peroxidatively active substance, the improvement wherein the uricase active substance is animal-originated uricase which is free of pH sensitive contaminants having a molecular weight of less than about 6000. The test means can take the form of a composition which can further include at least one coupling agent and at least one stabilizing agent. The compositions can optionally be incorporated with a carrier, such as a tablet or matrix, to provide a test device.

Abstract: The novel condensation product of 1,3-phenylenediamine and glutardialdehyde has high activity to fix or insolubilize proteins, including enzymes.

Abstract: A process for the production of xylose by enzymatic hydrolysis of xylan wherein an aqueous solution containing xylan is treated with a carrier having bonded thereto xylanase enzyme and a carrier having bonded thereto .beta.-xylosidase and, optionally, uronic acid-splitting enzyme.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for purifying a carbohydrate containing enzyme which is a desired enzyme preferred to be separated from a mixture. The method comprises the steps of mixing a solution containing the carbohydrate containing enzyme with a carbohydrate modifying reagent. The carbohydrate modifying reagent reacts with the carbohydrate attached to the enzyme, thereby modifying its chemical structure. The modified enzyme is then separated from the other undesirable enzymes or proteins in the mixture by a suitable chemical separation method, for example, gel filtration chromatography. The method was used in the separation of glucose oxidase from catalase, a separation which by previous methods was very inefficient.