Abstract: Purification of &agr;-1 proteinase inhibitor (&agr;-1 PI) from aqueous solutions, such as human plasma, is accomplished by precipitation of contaminating proteins from the aqueous solution, followed by dilution of the solution to adjust its conductivity, and passing of the solution through an anion exchange resin. The conductivity of the solution is adjusted so that the &agr;-1 PI binds to the anion exchange resin, while other contaminating proteins and solvent pass through the resin. Further purification may be accomplished by cation chromatography, which takes advantage of the fact that &agr;-1 PI does not bind to the cation column under certain conditions. Some embodiments of the invention also include virus removal and/or inactivation by methods such as nanofiltration and such as contact with a non-ionic detergent. The methods of the present invention result in greater yield, purity, and pathogenic clearance of plasma fractions than known methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating prions from biological materials. The method includes adding a polyalkylene glycol, such as polyethylene glycol, to a solution of the biological material such that a precipitate containing the prion is formed. This precipitate is then separated from the solution of biological material, thereby removing prions. Biological materials include biologically derived fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, biological samples, such as brain homogenates, blood plasma fractions, and aqueous solutions of recombinantly produced products. The disclosed method provides an effective process for the removal of these infectious materials from the biological materials, which may be further processed to provide the therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to concrete compositions with improved characteristics which contain glass, including ordinary recycled glass. The invention also relates to methods of producing the concrete compositions of the invention. In particular, the invention relates to a cement composition containing glass particles, including recycled glass, a substance to mitigate alkali-silica reaction such as lithium-containing glass, and cement. The compositions provided exhibiting improved characteristics and are particularly useful for applications such as forming surfaces adjacent to swimming pools. The present invention also relates to compositions containing E-glass (also known as electric glass). Such compositions are particularly useful as pool plasters for finishing surfaces associated with swimming pool construction. The present invention also relates to processes for producing E-glass-containing compositions.