Abstract: Method and device, including a uniquely operative applicator, and pharmaceutical compositions, for the controlled, non-surgical removal and retrieval of cells from a variety of skin lesions and tissue surfaces are disclosed. A synergistic effect of proteolytic digestion of the intracellular matrix and “stripping” flow is achieved by treating a defined area with a controlled, continuous stream of proteolytic enzyme solution, causing gentle but effective tissue erosion. Isolated cells from the skin lesion and/or tissue surface may be collected from the protease solution stream for histological analysis and/or cell culture, affording a method of “enzymatic biopsy”. The protease solution may be supplemented with anesthetics, coagulants, anticoagulants and antibiotics to decrease the discomfort, erythema, bleeding, risk of infection and scarring traditionally associated with surgical treatment of skin lesions.

Abstract: Rapid electrochemical verification of the amplification of DNA by a polymerase chain reaction in a small sample of the PCR product.

Abstract: Methods, devices and pharmaceutical compositions for the controlled, non-surgical removal and retrieval of cells from a plurality of skin lesions and tissue surfaces are disclosed. A synergistic effect of proteolytic digestion of the intracellular matrix and “stripping” flow is achieved by treating a defined area with a controlled, continuous stream of proteolytic enzyme solution, causing gentle but effective tissue erosion. Isolated cells from the skin lesion and/or tissue surface may be collected from the protease solution stream for histological analysis and/or cell culture, affording a method of “enzymatic biopsy”. The protease solution may be supplemented with anesthetics, coagulants, anticoagulants and antibiotics to decrease the discomfort, erythema, bleeding, risk of infection and scarring traditionally associated with surgical treatment of skin lesions.

Abstract: Rapid electrochemical verification of the amplification of DNA by a polymerase chain reaction in a small sample of the PCR product.

Abstract: A method for screening large cell populations for isolation of mutants that express a target activity. The products of the screening method are disclosed. Various activities, including enzymatic activities can be selected.

Abstract: A biomaterial with a thromboresistant surface and a method for forming same are provided. The thromboresistant surface is comprised of a distinct coating layer of a chitosan-based membrane and a biologically active material. The biologically active material is capable of converting the chitosan membrane coating from a highly thrombogenic to an essentially non-thrombogenic one. The biologically active material can be a polymeric substance, such as polyvinyl alcohol, forming a polymeric blend with the chitosan, or, can be a biological substance, such as serum albumin, embedded in or attached to the chitosan membrane which has been activated with a treatment of glutardialdehyde. The thromboresistant biomaterial is suitable for use in vascular grafts having an inside diameter of less than 6 millimeters.

Abstract: Encapsulation of active materials in chitosan beads of uniform size and improved mechanical and chemical stability. The active material is suspended in an acidic aqueous solution of a chitosan having a molecular weight of less than 250,000, the suspension is added dropwise to a crosslinking solution of diphosphate and glyoxal hydrate and the resulting beads are cured. It is possible to coat the active material with oil prior to suspension.

Abstract: A bioreactor is provided for production of products by biosynthesis or biotransformation using a biofilm of immobilized cells. The bioreactor includes a horizontal cylindrical housing and a central rotatable shaft which extends along the axis of the housing. Connected to the central shaft are one or more screens which are oriented parallel to the shaft, with a small gap between the shaft and the screen. The bioreactor further includes a slidable blade which is mounted onto the shaft, through a set of poles, and which is located at a fixed distance from the screen so that the blade is made to pass over the screen by the force of gravity as the shaft rotates, as by the action of a rotating external magnet. An example of use of the bioreactor is the production of .UPSILON.-decalactone from castor oil using Tyromyces sambuceus.

Abstract: Enzymes are stabilized by encagement in a double layer having a polyaldeh base coat linked to the amino groups of the enzyme, and an outer polymer coat crosslinked therewith. The outer coat is made of a polymer which in the unlinked state has free amino and/or acyl hydrazide groups.Optionally the stabilized enzyme is immobilized within a matrix.Processes for the preparation of the encaged and optionally immobilized enzymes are described.

Abstract: A film or membrane containing a biologically active protein such as an enzyme is prepared from a polymer substituted with acyl hydrazide groups. Preferably, the polymer is an acrylamide/methacrylamide copolymer in the ratio of about 70/30, and the film or membrane is about 30-100 microns thick. The film or membrane is prepared on an electrode and crosslinked to produce an enzyme electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel key intermediates for the production of biologically active compounds coupled to polymers, of the general formula P--NCX.sub.2, wherein X designates a halogen atom selected from chlorine and bromine, and wherein P designates the polymer backbone of a polymer of the polyamide, polyester and ureaformaldehyde type. The invention further relates to compounds obtained by the reaction of the above compound P--NCX.sub.2 with a bifunctional or polyfunctional nucleophile. Suitable nucleophiles are hydrazides of dicarboxylic acids and amongst these there may be mentioned polyacrylamides partially substituted with acylhydrazide groups; polyfunctional amines selected from alkylamines, aralkylamines, arylamines and macromolecular compounds containing amino groups. The key intermediate PNCX.sub.2 may be coupled directly to biologically active macromolecules and amongst the preferred compounds of this type there are the various biologically active proteins and enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel isocyano derivatives of linear or cross-linked, natural or synthetic macromolecules, the derivatives being of the general formula P--O--Q--NC, wherein P is the macromolecular backbone, the oxygen atom is part of the hydroxy group, Q is a group --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --wherein n is an integer of at least 3 carbon atoms, and up to about 20 carbon atoms, or Q is an aralkyl group, to a process for preparing such derivatives and to a process of linking to same biologically active proteins and to the products thus obtained.

Abstract: Novel substituted polyamides of the general formula ##EQU1## wherein A and B, which may be identical or different, are the hydrocarbon backbone groups of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --, where n is an integer, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are the residues of an aldehyde R.sub.2 --CHO or of an isocyanide R.sub.3 --N.tbd.C, where R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic residues of the respective aldehyde or isocyanide, or where R.sub.3 is a chromophoric moiety. R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can be substituted, and amongst the possible substituents there may be R.sub.3 designating --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --NHCO--CHR.sub.2 --N(CO)(R.sub.4)--X, where R.sub.4 is the residue of a monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acid and X is the lysyl residue of a protein, which may be biologically active, or the residue of a low-molecular weight compound containing a primary amine moiety. Preferred polyamides are various types of nylons.