Abstract: Polysaccharide matrices, including polyfunctional macromolecular spacer "arms" coupled to the backbones of such matrices in multipoint attachment, are useful as adsorbents in affinity chromatography techniques to "separate" the matrix from the specific liquid being chromatographed. Exemplary preferred polyfunctional macromolecules include [1] poly-L-lysine, [2] the graft copolymer, poly(L-lysyl-DL-alanine), [3] native albumin and [4] denatured albumin.

Abstract: A sample, e.g. serum, containing an antigen, hapten or other biological substance is mixed with antibodies raised against that substance which have been tagged with biotin, and with a known amount of that substance labelled with an enzyme. After the competitive complexation of the antibody with the labelled substance and the substance to be detected, avidin, immobilised on an inert support is added. The avidin binds to the biotin and causes the complex to be precipitated. The solid and liquid phases are separated by centrifugation and the amount of biological substance in the original sample is determined by measuring the activity of the enzyme in either phase.

Abstract: Columns of polysaccharide, e.g., agarose, derivatives comprising covalently bonded gangliosides quantitatively adsorb the .sup.125 I-labeled cholera toxin of chromatographed samples. The most preferred derivatives are those wherein the gangliosides are coupled to "macromolecules" [native albumin, denatured albumin, poly(L-lysine) and poly(L-lysyl-DL-alanine) graft copolymers] which themselves are covalently bonded to the, e.g., agarose. The soluble ganglioside polymers can prevent the binding of .sup.125 I-labeled toxin to liver membranes as well as block completely the lipolytic activity of cholera toxin on fat cells, and thus are useful in the management of the manifestations of clinical cholera.

Abstract: Columns of polysaccharide, e.g., agarose, derivatives comprising covalently bonded gangliosides quantitatively adsorb the .sup.125 I-labeled cholera toxin of chromatographed samples. The most preferred derivatives are those wherein the gangliosides are coupled to "macromolecules" [native albumin, denatured albumin, poly(L-lysine) and poly(L-lysyl-DL-alanine) graft copolymers] which themselves are covalently bonded to the, e.g., agarose. The soluble ganglioside polymers can prevent the binding of .sup.125 I-labeled toxin to liver membranes as well as block completely the lipolytic activity of cholera toxin on fat cells, and thus are useful in the management of the manifestations of clinical cholera.

Abstract: Polysaccharide matrices, e.g., agarose, for use in certain affinity chromatography procedures, are activated with sodium metaperiodate, derivatized with a symmetrical dihydrazide and thence reductively stabilized, preferably with sodium cyanoborohydride. Moreover, intermediate Schiff bases formed from the NaIO.sub.4 -oxidized polysaccharide are selectively, reductively stabilized with said sodium cyanoborohydride.