Abstract: A method is provided for encapsulating sperm in a particle wherein the particle provides for the timed release of the sperm. In particular, the method uses a gel forming polymer to form the particle and a medium for maintaining most of the sperm in a non-capacitated stage while it is encapsulated. Further provided is a method for artificial insemination using the encapsulated sperm wherein the sperm is naturally or artificially capacitated after the artificial insemination. In an embodiment, capsules containing a core of sperm in a semen extender are formed as a mixture having membranes of different thicknesses to provide varying time of sperm release. In another embodiment, the sperm and extender are dispersed throughout solid beads that vary in chemical property and diameter to provide varying time of sperm release. The extender may be free of glucose, xanthine oxidase and H2O2, and contain fructose, fructose-6-phosphate, pyruvate, lactate or mixtures thereof as a carbohydrate source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological method for dechlorinating polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by inoculating a polychlorinated biphenyl containing sample with PCB dechlorinating anaerobic methanogenic granules. The granules are made by coculturing particles of a PCP-dechlorinating methanogenic microbial consortia and a PCB-dechlorinating microorganism under anaerobic conditions in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (USAB) reactor.

Abstract: Material such as biological material is encapsulated within a semi-permeable hybrid membrane bead by suspending the material in a medium which comprises an effective amount of a gelling inducer; forming said suspension into a droplet of a size sufficient to envelop said material, suspending a second material in a gelling solution comprising an effective amount of a gel forming polymer which gels upon contact with said gelling inducer forming a discrete bead by contacting the outer surface portion of the droplet with a gelling solution, and allowing the gelling solution to thicken sufficiently for the second material to become entrapped therein.

Abstract: A thermostable lipase is produced by aerobically culturing a microorganism having the identifying characteristics of Bacillus sp.A30-1 ATCC No. 53841 on a nutrient medium under growth conditions until a recoverable lipolytic activity is detectable and thereafter isolating the thermostable lipase. The thermostable lipase has an optimum temperature of about 60.degree. C. and an optimum pH of about 9.5.

Abstract: A thermostable lipase is produced by aerobically culturing a microorganism having the identifying characteristics of Bacillus sp. A30-1 ATCC No. 53841 on a nutrient medium under growth conditions until a recoverable lipolytic activity is detectable and thereafter isolating the thermostable lipase. The thermostable lipase has an optimum pH of 9.5, an isoelectric point of 5.15, a molecular weight of about 65,000 and retaining approximately 100% of its original activity upon being heated at 75.degree. C. for 30 minutes.

Abstract: A system for measuring dissolved oxygen in a fluid employs a galvanic electrode operated in a transient mode. In operation, the galvanic electrode is intermittently coupled and decoupled, under computer control, to and from a sampling system. The sampling system samples the transient current which results from the intermittency, and generates a current-time curve. Prior to the first use of the galvanic electrode, however, the galvanic electrode is calibrated, a theoretical current-time curve is generated, and the residual current of the galvanic electrode is recorded. Such calibration and residual current data is used to generate simulation data corresponding to a simulation curve. The concentration of dissolved oxygen in the test fluid is determined using the simulation data.

Abstract: Cellular adsorbents for removing viral contaminants from whole blood and protein solutions are prepared by immobilizing and stabilizing cells or portions thereof cellular receptors for the target contaminants. Removal of the viral contaminants from solution is effected by affinity binding of viral proteins of the contaminant and their corresponding immobilized cellular receptors.