Abstract: The present invention relates to rhamnogalacturonases derived from a strain of Aspergillus japonicus which (a) has a pH-optimum between 6.5 and 7.0; (b) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the pH range of 5.5-12; (c) has a temperature optimum of about 40.degree. C.; and (d) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the temperature range of 20-60.degree. C. The present invention relates to rhamnogalacturonases derived from a strain of Aspergillus aculeatus which (a) has a pH-optimum of about 5.0; (b) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the pH range of 3-6.5; (c) has a temperature optimum of about 40.degree. C.; and (d) retains at least 80% of the maximal activity throughout the temperature range of 5-50.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step method for disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses of the type using hydrogen peroxide as the disinfecting agent and a protease as the cleaning agent, comprising the following steps: a) disinfection of the contact lenses in an aqueous disinfecting solution comprising from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. % hydrogen peroxide at a pH not acceptable to the eyes, b) cleaning the contact lenses by subjecting the contact lenses to a protease being inactivated within a period of time at a pH level not acceptable to the eyes, c) neutralization of the hydrogen peroxide in the aqueous disinfecting solution with a microbial catalase being substantially active at pH 3.0 to 7.0, d) adjusting the pH in the aqueous disinfecting solution to a pH level acceptable to the eyes.