Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a method of facilitating the bioconversion of glycerol by microorganisms. In one embodiment, biodiesel derived crude glycerol is purified by removing fatty acids through acid precipitation. The fatty acid-free crude glycerol is then utilized as a carbon source for the culture of microorganisms and the production of value added substances. Additionally, the unsaturated fatty acids within the biodiesel-derived crude glycerol are converted to saturated fatty acids, allowing for fermentation behavior similar to that of pure glycerol. Both the cultured microorganisms and the culture media containing the purified crude glycerol may be analyzed for crude glycerol bioconversion products. The disclosure also relates to a method of increasing product yield through the addition of a second carbon source to the microorganism culture media.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to a method of facilitating the bioconversion of glycerol by microorganisms. In one embodiment, biodiesel derived crude glycerol is purified by removing fatty acids through acid precipitation. The fatty acid-free crude glycerol is then utilized as a carbon source for the culture of microorganisms and the production of value added substances. Additionally, the unsaturated fatty acids within the biodiesel-derived crude glycerol are converted to saturated fatty acids, allowing for fermentation behavior similar to that of pure glycerol. Both the cultured microorganisms and the culture media containing the purified crude glycerol may be analyzed for crude glycerol bioconversion products. The disclosure also relates to a method of increasing product yield through the addition of a second carbon source to the microorganism culture media.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for preparing metal-free, mono-dispersed polymers of amino acids. The polymers include homopolymers, random copolypeptides, block copolypeptides, block copolymers with at least one peptidyl block, grafted copolypeptides, and polypetidyl dendrimers. The disclosed process does not make use of a heavy metal catalyst, inter alia, copper or nickel containing reagents. The disclosed process encompasses a “living polymerization” such that the growth of each polymer chain is not truncated or otherwise halted by undesirable side reactions or limitations due to the length or size of the growing polymer chain, provides amino acid comprising polymers having a narrow polydispersity, is conducted at lower temperatures, and avoids the premature secondary folding that inhibits the formation of polymers having a low polydispersity index.

Abstract: A variety of neural stimulation devices are disclosed. The devices comprise an uptake component comprising means for selectively transporting a stimulating species into the device; a release component comprising means for releasing the stimulating species; and means for producing a concentration gradient of a second species. The concentration gradient of the second species provides energy to transport the stimulating species into the device. The stimulating species may be an ion, e.g., a potassium ion, or a neurotransmitter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the stimulating species is a potassium ion. In a second preferred embodiment the stimulating species is dopamine. In certain embodiments of the invention countertransport across an uptake component comprising a synthetic ABA polymer membrane is achieved using a carboxylic acid crown ether. The gradient of the second species may be provided by means of a chemical reaction that takes place inside the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a heterotelechelic oligomer or polymer which is represented by formula below: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 form an acetal, or, combined with each other, denote oxy (.dbd.O),p, m, n and q each denote a certain integer,L is a group which forms an ester, andZ denotes a certain functional group.This invention a so provides a process to produce the above oligomer or polymer by means of living polymeri-zation. Since this oligomer or polymer forms a high- molecular micelle which is stable in an aqueous solvent, said oligomer or polymer will be useful as a carrier for drug delivery.