Abstract: A method of synthesis of a material corresponding to the general formula: R3—X—H characterized in that it comprises a material corresponding to the following general formula: being cleaved as indicated enzymatically or non-enzymatically using acid catalysis in the presence of a nucleophile, wherein: R1 represents a group providing the site for exo-enzyme or acid hydrolysis; R2 represents an intermediate linked to a solid support; R3 represents a carbohydrate, (oligo-)saccharide, (glyco-)peptide, (glyco-)lipid or an organic molecule which is at least one of heterocyclic and aromatic in structure; X represents O, N(H), N(R″), C(O)O, S, C(O)N(H) or C(O)N(R″), R″ being a non-interfering group; and Support represents a solid support.

Abstract: The amount of glycated proteins in a sample can be quantified by reacting the sample with first a reagent which is a combination of a protease and a peroxidase and second with a ketoamine oxidase. A kit which contains the combined peroxidase/protease enzyme reagent and also the ketoamine oxidase is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a glycolipid of formula (I): [(sac).sub.m+n ]--O--CH.sub.2 --CHX--CH(OQ)--Y wherein Q is H or a blocking group; X is N.sub.3 or NH.sub.2 ; Y is a lipid residue; each sac is a saccharide; and m and n are each integers; comprises reacting a corresponding glycolipid of formula (II): (sac).sub.n --O--CH.sub.2 --CHX--CH(OQ)--Y with the corresponding saccharide (sac).sub.m or a reactive derivative thereof, in the presence of an enzyme that catalyses the reaction. Compounds of formulae (I) and (II) are suitable for elaboration to a variety of saccharide ceramides.

Abstract: A process for preparing substantially dry GPC (glycerophosphocholine in enantiomeric form) from wet GPC without racemisation, comprises subjecting the wet GPC to reduced pressure and elevated temperature, to reduce the water content and give highly viscous GPC; adding ethanol or another suitable solvent and crystallising GPC therefore with cooling; filtering the crystalline GPC and removing solvent therefrom under reduced pressure; characterised in that the elevated temperature is at least 45.degree. C.; and the solvent is added to the highly viscous GPC. This process produces an apparently new form of L-.alpha.-Glycerophosphocholine, m.p. 148.degree.-152.degree. C.

Abstract: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) characterized by a specific activity of at least 40 units/mg; and/or by no more than 50% loss of activity after 60 days in 167 mM Tricine/HCl buffer, pH 8.0, and 15 mM MgCl.sub.2 ; and/or, at pH 6.5, an activity of at least 40% relative to the activity at optimum pH is disclosed. Such enzymatic activity can be obtained from serine pathway methylotrophs such as Hyphomicorbium, and is very suitable for use in measuring bicarbonate in biological samples.

Abstract: A method for the controlled molecular weight reduction of a polymer which comprises subjecting the polymer to pressure homogenization is disclosed. The preferred polymers are polysaccharides, particularly hyaluronic acid.