Abstract: I provide a non-toxic protein and protein compound conversion coated metal article, a painted or plated non-toxic protein and protein compound conversion coated metal article, the aqueous coating solution to provide the in-situ conversion protective coating, and a process of preparing the article. The article is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum and aluminum alloy. The solution has a pH of 3.0 to 12.0 and preferably 4.0 to 10.0 and a protein and protein compound concentration of 0.1 to 10% by weight and the protein and protein compound have a molecular mass of 16,700 to 1,000,000.

Abstract: Red blood cells are purified by defibrinating whole blood and then filtering the defibrinated whole blood, whereby at least a portion of a plasma component is separated from the red blood cells to form a suspension of red blood cells, thereby purifying the red blood cells. Whole blood is defibrinated by, for example, using a chemical coagulating agent or mechanical agitation. Separation of the plasma component from red blood cells can be completed by, for example, diafiltration. The suspension of red blood cells can then be employed to produce a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant gelatins and compositions thereof, and methods of producing and using the same.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable medical devices comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue. The triggerable bioadhesive property of the polymer can be triggered or activated by exposure to a stimulus. Also, the present invention pertains to methods of making an implantable medical device comprising a biocompatible polymer comprising a triggerable bioadhesive property that allows the device to adhere to body tissue.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an anti-adhesion membrane that has no toxicity to a living body, has flexibility allowing itself to fit an affected part as a hydrated gel, is uniformly crosslinked, and is immediately absorbed in a living body after maintaining its shape in the living body for a certain period of time. The present invention provides anti-adhesion material, which comprises a thermally crosslinked gelatin film, and has a water content of 60 to 85% calculated by the following formula (1): water content (%)=[(Ws?Wd)/Ws]×100(%)??(1), in the formula (1), Ws representing a weight (wet weight) of the anti-adhesion material immersed in a phosphate buffered saline solution at a temperature of 25° C. for one hour, and Wd representing a weight (dry weight) of the anti-adhesion material dried completely using a vacuum drying apparatus.

Abstract: Conjugates of hydroxyalkyl starch and a protein are provided herein. The conjugates are formed by a convalent linkage between the hydroxyalkyl starch or a derivative of the hydroxyalkyl starch and the protein. Methods of producing the conjugates and the use of the conjugates also are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to make a gelatine hydrolysate, a gelatine hydrolysate and gelatine compositions comprising gelatine hydrolysates. More specifically, the invention provides gelatine compositions having improved cross-linking and dissolution properties.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide highly safe nanoparticles made from highly biocompatible materials without the use of a surfactant or synthetic polymer. The present invention provides a protein nanoparticle which is obtained by enzymatic crosslinking during and/or after the formation of protein nanoparticle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cell support comprising an RGD-enriched gelatine that has a more even distribution of RGD sequences than occurring in a natural gelatine and with a minimum level of RGD sequences. More precise the percentage of RGD sequences related to the total number of amino acids is at least 0.4 and if the RGD-enriched gelatine comprises 350 amino acids or more, each stretch of 350 amino acids contains at least one RGD motif. Preferably the RGD-enriched gelatines are prepared by recombinant technology, and have a sequence that is derived from a human gelatine or collagen amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to RGD-enriched gelatines that are used for attachment to integrins. In particular The RGD-enriched gelatines of the invention are suitable for coating a cell culture support for growing anchor-dependant cell types.

Abstract: A process for extracting gelatin from a marine invertebrate, comprising the steps of: 1) pre-treating a collagen-containing portion of the marine invertebrate with an alkali; and 2) extracting gelatin from the pre-treated collagen-containing portion with a weak acid solution at a temperature sufficient for conversion of collagen to gelatin to be effected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant gelatins and compositions thereof, and methods of producing and using the same.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing gelatin with reduced endotoxin content. The method comprises processing a starting material gelatin-containing solution containing gelatin and an endotoxin with an ultrafiltration film having a molecular weight cut-off falling within a range of from 20,000 to 300,000 and having a molecular weight cut-off capable of passing at least a portion of the gelatin contained in the starting material gelatin-containing solution to obtain a permeate that is a gelatin-containing solution with a reduced endotoxin content. A gelatin having an average molecular weight falling within a range of 1,000 to 300,000 and an endotoxin content of less than 1 EU/mL per 1.0 percent of protein.

Abstract: Dried hemoactive materials comprise both a cross-linked biologically compatible polymer and a non-cross-linked biologically compatible polymer. The cross-linked polymer is selected to form a hydrogel when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer is chosen to solubilize relatively rapidly when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer serves as a binder for holding the materials in desired geometries, such as sheets, pellets, plugs, or the like. Usually, the cross-linked polymer will be present in a particulate or fragmented form. The materials are particularly suitable for hemostasis and drug delivery.

Abstract: A cartilage and bone morphogenetic repairing composition which contains a bone morphogenetic protein and a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol is disclosed. It is preferable that the molecular weight of a polyoxypropylene, i.e., a component of said polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol, is in the range of about 1,500-4,000 and the weight ratio of ethylene oxide is in the range of 40-80%/molecule, and a concentration of said polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene glycol in an aqueous solution is about 10-50%. The composition may be applied in a cartilage and bone morphogenetic method without a surgical operation and comprises a bone morphogenetic protein and a carrier which has a high bio-absorption, a good affinity to the bone morphogenetic protein and is capable of temperature dependent gel-sol reversible transition. The composition may conveniently be applied locally to the site of a bone fracture or bone defect.

Abstract: Gels and polymers comprising a polypeptide bound to a polysaccharide are disclosed. Specific polypeptides include, but are not limited to, polypeptides that comprise glutamine or tyrosine residues. Specific polysaccharides include, but are not limited to, chitosan. Gels and polymers of the invention can be used for the in vitro and in situ formation of protein-polysaccharide conjugates. Methods of making polypeptide/polysaccharide gels and polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive sealant includes a cross-linkable protein in a solution that when combined with a cross-linking agent solution including an aldehyde and amino acid containing species reactive with the aldehyde cross-links to form a seal. The sealant is well suited for bonding tissue alone or in combination with a patch. The ratio between the aldehyde and the amino acid containing species is between 20:1 and 1:1 on an aldehyde moiety:amino acid or peptide subunit molar basis. Particularly strong seals are formed when the protein and cross-linking agent are present in a molar ratio of between 15:1 and 1:1.

Abstract: A method of preparing a collagen sponge comprises mixing air into a collagen gel, so as to obtain a collagen foam which is dried. From the dried product thereby obtained, collagen sponge is obtained by isolating parts of sponge with a chamber diameter of more than 0.75 mm and less than 4 mm, or parts with an average chamber diagonal dimension of 3 mm. The collagen sponge may be used as a material for sealing wounds, possibly with a coating comprising a fibrin glue, such as a combination of fibrinogen, thrombin and aprotinin. A device for extracting a part of a collagen foam and for degenerating another part of the collagen foam to a collagen gel is disclosed. An elongated collagen sponge having a through-going hole or bore and a flexible wall may be used for re-establishing walls in a mammalian gastrointestinal funnel or trachea system.

Abstract: A method of perlecan isolation (from the EHS tumor) which produces “clean” (i.e. substantially “pure”) perlecan is disclosed. Clean perlecan is thus produced in sufficient quantities for use in a number of different in vitro and in vivo assays. In addition, this isolation method exploits a newly discovered aggregating property of a ˜220 kDa heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) observed during gel filtration chromatography, which allows it to be effectively separated from non-aggregating perlecan. The method employs specific cation exchange, anion exchange, molecular sieve chromatography and immobilized GAG affinity chromatography. It is demonstrated that there are no other contaminating proteins in the perlecan and HSPG preparations, and that the perlecan core protein is intact. Improved, clean perlecan based, rodent models of fibrillar amyloid protein deposition, accumulation and/or persistence in tissues are disclosed.

Abstract: Antagonists of mammalian interleukin-15 (“IL-15”) are disclosed and include muteins of IL-15 and modified IL-15 molecules that are each capable of binding to the IL-15R?-subunit and that are incapable of transducing a signal through either the ?- or ?-subunits of the IL-15 receptor complex. Also included are monoclonal antibodies against IL-15 that prevent IL-15 from effecting signal transduction through either the ?- or ?-subunits of the IL-15 receptor complex. Methods of treating various disease states are disclosed, including treating allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract: A method of extracting and fractionating collagen-rich proteinaceous materials and derivatives from poultry skin tissue and the development of the proteinaceous materials to collagen-based protein ingredients that can function as meat replacer, texturizer, binder/filler, stabilizer, or protective colloids in processed meat products. The insoluble and soluble collagen products, collagen-based protein ingredients, water-dispersible collagen-based protein ingredients are produced by heating, separating, and rapidly cooling the solid-phase below its melting temperature to exploit reformation of the helical forms which produces a high concentration of coils, a phenomenon that accounts for its ability to form cold-set thermal reversible gels and gel strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant gelatins and compositions thereof, and methods of producing and using the same.

Abstract: The use of screening assays based on the role of human stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (“hSCD1”) in human diseases, disorders or conditions relating to serum levels of triglyceride, VLDL, HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, or production of secretions from mucous membranes, monounsaturated fatty acids, wax esters, and the like, is disclosed. Also disclosed are conventions useful in the prevention and/or treatment of such diseases.

Abstract: Red blood cells are purified by defibrinating whole blood and then filtering the defibrinated whole blood, whereby at least a portion of a plasma component is separated from the red blood cells to form a suspension of red blood cells, thereby purifying the red blood cells. Whole blood is defibrinated by, for example, using a chemical coagulating agent or mechanical agitation. Separation of the plasma component from red blood cells can be completed by, for example, diafiltration. The suspension of red blood cells can then be employed to produce a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. In one embodiment, the poultry gelatin is located preferably in at least one layer in the upper half of said imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. Another embodiment provides an aqueous coating composition comprising poultry gelatin.

Abstract: A cartrilage and bone morphogenetic repairing composition comprising a collagen-free aqueous solution of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene and an effective amount of a bone morphogenetic protein, the molecular weight of polyoxypropylene as a constituent of said polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene molecular is 900 to 4,000 in a unit of Dalton (D) and the ethylene oxide content is 5 to 90% by weight of the polyoxyethylene-propoxypropylene molecule whereby the solution is liquid at 1 to 30° C. and gelatinizes at about 37° C. and a method of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crosslinked gelatin gel preparation containing a basic fibroblast growth factor hereinafter referred to as bFGF wherein a crosslinked gelatin gel is used as a sustained release carrier, and which have different water content, i.e. in vivo degradation and absorption by varying the condition for preparing the crosslinked gelatin gel. By the crosslinked gelatin gel preparation of the present invention, the sustained release rate of bFGF can be varied as required and the durability of in vivo activity of bFGF can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention concerns Gelatin compositions for the use in pharmaceutical, veterinary, food, cosmetic or other products like films for wrapping food, aspics or jellies, preferably for predosed formulations like soft or hard gelatin capsules wherein the gelatin used is of non-bovine and non-pig origin and preferably derived from fish, poultry or plant sources. Especially preferred are film compositions for hard gelatine capsules prepared from fish gelatin.

Abstract: Methods of forming electrostatically charged gelatin are provided. Gelatin is extracted by an acid extraction method (12) thereby producing a gelatin dispersion (14), the pH of which is adjusted to the isoelectric point of the gelatin. The pH of the gelatin dispersion (14) is then further adjusted (22) so as to cause the gelatin to assume an electrostatic charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising partly-hydrolysed fish gelatin and a method for treatment of a patient suffering from arthrosis, osteoporosis and other diseases.

Abstract: A composition which comprises human mesenchymal stem cells which have the potential to differentiate into cells of more than one connective tissue type and a composition which induces cells from the mesenchymal stem cell population to differentiate into the adipogenic lineage, and a process for inducing such differentiation. The composition for inducing such differentiation comprises a glucocorticoid, a compound which stimulates cAMP production or inhibits cAMP degradation (such as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor), and/or a compound which upregulates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor &ggr; (PPAR &ggr;) expression and/or increases its binding affinity to its DNA binding site. The process can further include isolating the adipocytes from remaining hMSCs.

Abstract: Dried hemoactive materials comprise both a cross-linked biologically compatible polymer and a non-cross-linked biologically compatible polymer. The cross-linked polymer is selected to form a hydrogel when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer is chosen to solubilize relatively rapidly when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer serves as a binder for holding the materials in desired geometries, such as sheets, pellets, plugs, or the like. Usually, the cross-linked polymer will be present in a particulate or fragmented form. The materials are particularly suitable for hemostasis and drug delivery.

Abstract: An aqueous coating fluid is described comprising gelatin at a concentration of at least 1 wt % and a colloidal particle dispersed material phase at a volume fraction of at least 0.01, wherein at least 20% of the gelatin comprises a gelatin prepared from hydrolysis of ossein using sodium or potassium hydroxide. The present invention enables increasing the concentrations of a coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed sub-micron colloidal materials, reducing the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials in such a coating fluid, and/or including higher molecular weight gelatin in such a coating fluid without detrimentally increasing the viscosity of such fluids. The invention further enables reducing the viscosity of an aqueous coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed insoluble colloidal material, without needing to reduce the concentration of gelatin or colloidal materials, increase the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials, and/or reduce the molecular weight of the gelatin.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a continuous process for gelatines production and chromium recovery from tanned hides and skins shaving, containing trivalent chromium. The claimed process consists in an acid hydrolysis followed by separations of the various products, wherefrom three major components are obtained: gelatine from collagen, tanning chromium salt, used for hides and skins tanning, and the hydrolysing agent. The gelatines obtained can be used as adhesives in various industrial sectors, i.e. from the industry of abrasives to the paper and cardboard industry, to bookbinding, to the industry of dyes and plasters, to the production of matches. The chromium salts obtained can be recovered and reused in the tanning industry; the hydrolysing agent may be recycled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and readily reproducible process for stabilizing biologically active substances by combining the biologically active substance witha a stabilizingmixture and drying the resulting mixture into a dry, amorphous product by means of convection drying. The invention also relates to the amorphous, microscopically homogeneous products which are obtained by this process, are in the form of powders and have a uniform geometric, in particular spherical, shape. The invention furthermore relates to the use of substance mixtures for stabilizing biologically active material, in particular proteins by means of spray drying.

Abstract: Protein macromolecular dyes, A(B)b are disclosed, wherein A are protein macromolecules including natural protein macromolecules and modified natural protein macromolecules such as casein, gelatin and fur-protein; B are dyes including azo dyes, azo metal complex dyes and anthraquinone dyes which can react with the amino groups of the natural and modified protein macromolecules; b are integers between 1˜2500. The protein macromolecular dyes have excellent properties of crosslinking ability, better dyeing fastness, fixation ration than conventional dyes and the function of normal macromolecules such as compatibility, abilities of filling and forming membranes. They may be used in dyeing protein materials such as leather, wool and silk.

Abstract: The present invention provides animal collagens and gelatins and compositions thereof, and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors and down-regulators, to a process for the preparation of these inhibitors, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these inhibitors/down-regulators, to the use of the novel MMP inhibitors for the manufacture of pharmaceutical and research preparations, to a method for inhibiting and down-regulating MMP-dependent conditions either in vivo or in vitro, to a method for inhibiting formation, synthesis, expression activations, and/or functions as well as actions of matrix metalloproteinases, and to the use of the novel MMP inhibitors and down-regulators in biochemical isolation and purification procedures of matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: An aqueous coating fluid is described comprising gelatin at a concentration of at least 1 wt % and gelatin hardener at a level from 1-200 effective &mgr;mole hardener per gram of coating fluid, wherein at least 20% of the gelatin comprises a gelatin prepared from hydrolysis of ossein using sodium or potassium hydroxide. Relative improvements are obtained in reducing the rate of chemical gelation of a coating fluid containing gelatin and a hardener, without the need for chemically modifying functional groups of the gelatin. The invention further enables an increase in coating fluid concentration, increase in the fluid viscosity, reduction in the ratio of added anionic polymer to gelatin, and/or increase in the pH of a coating fluid containing gelatin and a hardener, without detrimentally increasing the rate of chemical gelation of the coating fluid.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a new method for producing different types of cross-linked hyaluronic acid—protein bio-composites. In the process of manufacture, polysaccharide and protein solution are mixed under moderate pH values and salts, and the well mixed solution can be prepared to various types, such as membrane, sponge, fiber, tube or micro-granular and so on. After then, with the bio-compatibility, biodegradation, prolong enzymatic degradation and good physical of bio-composite is formed in the little acid of organic solution that with the cross-linked reagent.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a recombinant nucleotide sequence containing a cDNA coding for one or several mammal collagen chains or derived proteins and elements enabling a plant cell to produce the collagen chain(s) or derived proteins, coded by said cDNA, particularly a transcription promoter and terminator identified by the transcription machinery of the plant cells, for transforming the plant cells so as to obtain from these cells, or plants obtained from them, the collagen chain(s) or derived proteins.

Abstract: This invention provides gelatin and gelatin hydrolysate peptide for food, medical and cosmetic use derived from such raw materials as poultry skins, bones and/or tendons, with an isoelectric point at pH 7-10, and characterized by no or low antigen-antibody reactivity to the serum of gelatin-allergic individuals. Since the gelatin and its hydrolysate peptide of the invention are hypoallergenic, they can safely be used for gelatin-allergic individuals and for food, medicine and cosmetics, for which the safety is particularly required.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of gelatine from the skins of marine animals and residues of connective tissue from fasciae and muscles, by means of several production stages. After washing the skins and/or connective tissue several times by strongly shaking them in a cold sodium chloride solution, they are treated with a diluted alkali and then neutralized and washed with water. Treatment with organic acid is of fundamental importance, the application of acetic or lactic acid being of interest in order to obtain high rheological properties and yield. After washing, the gelatine is extracted in water by means of heat treatment. Subsequent drying is performed by heat, spraying or lyophilization. Several compounds are added to this proteic material to form the final product or gelatine.

Abstract: A range of products and methods are based on a creamy base of cream, artificial cream, thickened cream, cream cheese, mixtures thereof and mixtures with compatible incidental ingredients, the creamy base being aerated while cold and intimately mixed with a hot aqueous gelatin solution typically around 80° C. and providing 1-3% gelatin in the mixed product and the overrun in the aeration being typically in the range of 10-40%. Various further components are included or introduced with further processing selected from methods including heating the product with a further component to boiling point whereby de-aeration and enhanced shelf life is found in the resultant product. An alternative method is where flavor components are added prior to de-aeration. Another application is as a carrier for a pharmaceutical agent which is incorporated into the creamy base and protected with the gelatin matrix, a powder being formed ready for packaging in pharmaceutical doses.

Abstract: The invention relates to gelatins with improved gliding power, to processes for their preparation and their applications in particular in the manufacture of capsules.

Abstract: The invention relates to gelatins with improved gliding power, to processes for their preparation and their applications in particular in the manufacture of capsules.

Abstract: An imaging support comprising: a polyester support; an adhesive layer superposed to said support; and on the adhesive layer: an amine modified gelatin subbing layer, the amine modified gelatin having the formula: 1

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for simplified recombinant production of fibrillar collagens. DNAs encoding fibrillar collagen monomers lacking the N propeptide, the C propeptide, or both propeptides are introduced into recombinant host cells and expressed. Trimeric collagen is recovered from the recombinant host cells.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for simplified recombinant production of fibrillar collagens. DNAs encoding fibrillar collagen monomers lacking the N propeptide, the C propeptide, or both propeptides are introduced into recombinant host cells and expressed. Trimeric collagen is recovered from the recombinant host cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a nonantigenic stabilizer that can be obtained with a high yield, inducing no anaphylaxis, and has an effect of stabilizing a physiologically active substance, and provides a physiologically active substance stabilized thereby.

Abstract: Dried hemoactive materials comprise both a cross-linked biologically compatible polymer and a non-cross-linked biologically compatible polymer. The cross-linked polymer is selected to form a hydrogel when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer is chosen to solubilize relatively rapidly when exposed to blood. The non-cross-linked polymer serves as a binder for holding the materials in desired geometries, such as sheets, pellets, plugs, or the like. Usually, the cross-linked polymer will be present in a particulate or fragmented form. The materials are particularly suitable for hemostasis and drug delivery.