Abstract: A method for providing aerogels, and aerogels produced according to the method, is described. As one aspect, antiperspirant compounds that are in aerogel form, and antiperspirant and deodorant compositions including such salts, are described. The method involves contacting a solution containing material to be processed with a species selected to precipitate the material and selected so as to be miscible with the solvent system of the solution. After the material is precipitated, the material may be washed with the precipitating species until it is substantially free of solvent system. Then, the precipitating species containing the material precipitate is taken above its critical point, and the supercritical fluid is exhausted above its critical temperature. Alternately, a separate isolating species is introduced to displace the precipitating species, or the precipitating species/solvent system mixture. The isolating species then is taken above its critical point, and exhausted above its critical temperature.

Abstract: A method for providing aerogels, and aerogels produced according to the method, is described. As one aspect, antiperspirant compounds that are in aerogel form, and antiperspirant and deodorant compositions including such salts, are described. The method involves contacting a solution containing material to be processed with a species selected to precipitate the material and selected so as to be miscible with the solvent system of the solution. After the material is precipitated, the material may be washed with the precipitating species until it is substantially free of solvent system. Then, the precipitating species containing the material precipitate is taken above its critical point, and the supercritical fluid is exhausted above its critical temperature. Alternately, a separate isolating species is introduced to displace the precipitating species, or the precipitating species/solvent system mixture. The isolating species then is taken above its critical point, and exhausted above its critical temperature.

Abstract: An enzyme-free diagnostic reagent, methods of its use and diagnostic systems containing that reagent are disclosed. The enzyme-free diagnostic reagent comprises an enzyme-free catalyst coupled by a linking group to a first binding agent, binds in aqueous medium to a second binding moiety to form a binding complex, and indicates the amount of second binding moiety present in the complex by means of its catalytic reactivity with co-reactant molecules.