Abstract: A method for regulating enzyme activity, which entails contacting one or more enzymes with a gas containing one or more noble gases or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for passivating a metal surface to enhance the stability of a gas mixture containing one or more gaseous hydrides in low concentration in contact therewith, which comprises:a) purging gas in contact with said metal surface with inert gas to remove the purged gas,b) exposing the metal surface to an amount of a gaseous passivating agent comprising an effective amount of a gaseous hydride of silicon, germanium, tin or lead and for a time sufficient to passivate said metal surface, andc) purging said gaseous passivating agent using inert gas.

Abstract: A method for regulating enzyme activity, which entails contacting one or more enzymes with a gas containing one or more noble gases or mixtures thereof. The activity of an enzyme on a substrate can be improved by contacting the enzyme with a noble gas under specific temperatures and pressures. The preferred noble gases are krypton, neon, xenon, argon or mixtures of these gases. The enzymes whose activity can be improved are hydrolases, lyases, isomerases and ligases.

Abstract: A process for drying a metal surface to enhance the stability of a gas mixture containing one or more gaseous hydrides in low concentration in contact therewith, which comprises: a) purging gas in contact with the metal surface with inert gas to remove the purged gas, b) exposing the metal surface to an amount of a drying agent comprising an effective amount of gaseous hydride of silicon, germanium, tin or lead, and for a time sufficient to dry the metal surface, and c) purging the drying agent using inert gas.