Abstract: Modified enzymes are prepared for use in skin care products by covalently coupling to the enzymes from 4 to 70 polymeric molecules with or without a linker such as a triazine ring. Molecular weight of the polymeric molecules may be from 1 to 35 kDa and of the enzymes from 15 to 100 kDa. The number and weight of polymeric molecules coupled is balanced with the weight and/or surface area of the enzymes. Enzymes include proteases such as subtilisins, lipases and oxidoreductases such as laccases and superoxide dismutase, and polymeric molecules include polysaccharides such as dextran or pullulan and polyalkylene oxides such as polyethylene glycol. The polymeric molecules may be coupled to the enzymes at the N-terminal amino group and/or lysine residues, and preferably at a position more than 5 Å from the active site of the enzymes. A preferred modified enzyme is a protease having from 5 to 13 coupled polymeric molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptide conjugates with reduced allergenicity comprising a polymeric carrier molecule having two or more polypeptide molecules coupled thereto. The invention also provides methods for producing the conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates, and the use of the conjugates in industrial applications, including personal care products and detergent compositions.

Abstract: The concentration of glycated hemoglobin, HbA.sub.1c, in hemoglobin from diabetic patients is regarded as a useful means of assessing the adequacy of diabetes control. This invention comprises a monoclonal antibody which, due to its specific binding of HbA.sub.1c, can be used for the determination of HbA.sub.1c in the absence of prior denaturation, in blood samples by such analytical methods as radioimmuno assay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The invention also comprises hybridoma cell lines which produce monoclonal antibodies of the invention.