Abstract: Novel compounds for use in inhibiting fatty acid synthesis are disclosed. The compounds can be used for the treatment of tumors or microbial infections.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and compositions are presented for ligating ligands together which bind to a common target. One embodiment includes polynucleotide probes having photoreactive functional groups. The probes are capable of assuming substantially contiguous reactive positions on a target polynucleotide placing the photoreactive groups in juxtaposition. Activation of the photoreactive functional groups with radiant energy form a probe reaction product in which the probes are bound to each other.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and compositions are presented for ligating ligands together which bind to a common target. One embodiment includes polynucleotide probes having photoreactive functional groups. The probes are capable of assuming substantially contiguous reactive positions on a target polynucleotide placing the photoreactive groups in juxtaposition. Activation of the photoreactive functional groups with radiant energy form a probe reaction product in which the probes are bound to each other.

Abstract: An immobilized biocatalyst suitable for fermenting to produce ethanol is prepared by mixing a biocatalyst such as a microorganism with a reaction product of a homogeneous dispersion of an anionic polysaccharide such as alginate and a cationic polymer such as polyethyleneimine, and combining the resultant dispersion with an oil phase to form beads. A surtactant may be present when combining the dispersion with the oil phase. A water soluble-oil insoluble curing powder includinga salt of a multivalent cation such as calcium chloride is mixed with the beads in the oil phase to gell and dehydrate the beads and to prevent the beads from adhering to one another until individual bead surfaces become hardened.

Abstract: Binding assay methods involving determining the presence of analytes in samples through enzymatic formation of detectable substances in amounts related to the amount of analyte present in the sample and monitoring for the presence of the substances in distinct phases. Methods according to the invention include use of labelled materials which associate with the analyte to be determined or compete with the analyte for association with an added binder. The labelled materials employed include label portions which enzymatically form substances from substrates provided in or existing as a first phase, or, upon enzymatic treatment in a first phase, disassociate into substances capable of existing in or as a second distinct phase. Formation of the detectable substances is monitored by determining the transfer of the substance to a second distinct phase in contact with the first phase or by determining formation of a second distinct phase.

Abstract: Implants, microbeads and microcapsules suitable for injection into an animal body comprise cross-linked but physically-native albumin and a non-albumin substance, for example a steroid or an enzyme. The microcapsules are formed under mild conditions (not above 37.degree. C. and pH 4-10) from either a native albumin and a non-denaturing bi-functional cross-linking agent or a self-polymerizable albumin derivative. The method may be used to immobilize living cells such as yeast.

Abstract: A polymeric carrier is disclosed having a particle size such that the largest dimension thereof is less than about 8 mm and the smallest dimension is at least about 0.1 mm. The carrier comprises a plurality of polymeric segments containing chemically modifiable groups on the surface. The segments are united into a coherent, stable porous matrix by means of cross-links between segments. The matrix defines at least one cavity of predetermined size, and the particle size of the carrier, the porosity of the matrix and the presence of the cavity combine to provide desirable liquid compatibility and diffusional characteristics.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for synthesizing a peptide chain involving reacting, in aqueous solution, an amino acid containing a blocked alpha amino or carboxyl group with a polynucleotide handle to form a covalently bonded complex. The complex is separated from unreacted acid by reversible coupling to a complementary polynucleotide adsorbent immobilized on an insoluble support, and then the complex is eluted from the support as an aqueous solution. The complex is then enzymatically deblocked and used as the precursor for repeating the reaction with a further acid and the process reiterated. During the process, those chains which failed to react with a given acid can be removed by enzymatic degradation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for synthesizing a peptide chain involving reacting, in aqueous solution, an amino acid containing a blocked alpha amino or carboxyl group with a polynucleotide handle to form a covalently bonded complex. The complex is separated from unreacted acid by reversible coupling to a complementary polynucleotide adsorbent immobilized on an insoluble support, and then the complex is eluted from the support as an aqueous solution. The complex is then enzymatically deblocked and used as the precursor for repeating the reaction with a further acid and the process reiterated. During the process, those chains which failed to react with a given acid can be removed by enzymatic degradation.

Abstract: A new selective adsorbent for use in affinity chromatography. This adsorbent comprises, as one part, a water soluble covalently bonded complex of an affinity ligand and a biospecific handle. The other part thereof is an insoluble matrix or solid support which has covalently immobilized on its surface an adsorbent which has specific affinity for the biospecific handle of the complex. Attachment between the complex, containing the ligand, and the support is achieved by reversible coupling between the adsorbent and the biospecific handle and, as a result thereof, the ligand is not covalently bonded to the support. In turn, substantially complete recovery of the enzyme from the column can be effected.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of the monoalkyl polyethyleneglycol derivatives of enzymes containing free amino groups. The process involves reductively alkylating the free amino groups of the enzyme with the aldehyde derivative of a monoalkyl polyethyleneglycol.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing an enzyme is presented which comprises (1) providing an active support member which is capable of reacting with an enzyme to thereby cause the enzyme to become chemically bonded thereto and (2) contacting the active support member with an enzyme-substrate complex which has been formed by mixing together an enzyme and a specific substrate while minimizing the transformation of the substrate to product, whereby the enzyme component of the enzyme-substrate complex becomes chemically bonded to the support member. Subsequently, the substrate is removed from the enzyme-substrate complex by conventional means, such as water washing, thereby leaving the active enzyme chemically bonded to the support member.