Abstract: Process for disintegrating cell tissue and releasing cells or groups of cells contained therein by incubating the cell tissue with a recombinant neutral protease from Clostridium histolyticum which is coded bya) a DNA of nucleotides 1027-1965 from SEQ ID NO:3 or a DNA which is complementary thereto,b) nucleic acids which hybridize with a DNA of nucleotides 1027-1965 from SEQ ID NO:3,c) nucleic acids which, without the degeneracy of the genetic code, would hybridize with one of the nucleic acids mentioned in a) or b)and is the product of a prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression of an exogenous nucleic acid, until the cells or groups of cells have been released to the desired extent and separating the cells or groups of cells from the cell tissue fractions.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided containing a supporting material having a surface of noble metal such as gold or palladium to which is bound an enzyme such as glucose oxidase via binding molecules. The binding molecules are in the form of a homogenous monolayer and are bound to the metal surface by anchor groups such as thiol, disulphide or phosphine groups. The enzyme is linked to the binding molecules by an ionic bond, a covalent bond or a metal-chelate bond. The binding molecules may contain a spacer such as an alkylene chain. Coverage of the binding molecules on the metal surface is less than the maximum coverage to optimize enzyme coverage, decrease response time of the sensor and increase signal yield per surface area. The monolayer may contain diluent molecules which are not linked to an enzyme and which are bound to the metal surface via anchor groups.