Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising physiologically stressed Arthrospira maxima for use as a biocide and/or therapeutic. The invention also concerns a method for preventing or treating an infection or infestation of a subject by an organism, wherein the method comprises the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising physiologically stressed Arthrospira.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising physiologically stressed Arthrospira maxima for use as a biocide and/or therapeutic. The invention also concerns a method for preventing or treating an infection or infestation of a subject by an organism, wherein the method comprises the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising physiologically stressed Arthrospira.

Abstract: A composition including a dose of flavonoids extracted from pine bark extract is described that decreases the rate of senescence of a mammal after onset of senescence. The same compound also increases mammal lifespan and increases neuromuscular performance after onset of senescence. Methods of treatment and use of this composition are also described. The composition has the advantage of being a useful general aging remedy to avoid many common age related decreases in performance.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a treated Spirulina compound includes the steps of rehydrating desiccated Spirulina, stressing the culture and freeze drying to a powder. The resultant compound has activity as an anti-viral compound and an anti-bacterial compound. It is capable of effecting repair of skin defects in mammals and acting as a preventative agent to skin defects.

Abstract: A method of disrupting biological material includes drying particulate material, mixing the material with a gas under pressure, releasing the pressure explosively and collecting the resultant product. The biological starting material is any particulate material and includes: cells with membranes, cells with rigid cell walls, non-cellular biological material, intra-cellular material, and unbounded homogenous material. Apparatus for batch, semi-continuous and continuous operation of the method is provided. Included is a chamber with at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve and collection means. The chamber is capable of withstanding at least 800 bar, preferably 30 bar pressure. The particle size of the starting material is in the range 0.1 to 2000 &mgr;m and of the resultant product, less than 2 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method of biological control and inhibit and suppress the growth and effects of fungal contaminants by the use of a treated Spirulina compound includes the steps of preparing the Spirulina compound and applying it to a target site. This site can be a horticultural product, mushroom spawn, an agricultural product or a combination thereof. This method can also be used to inhibit, suppress or remove biological pests where the target site is a fluid containing the pests or a bait station adjacent the source of the pests or along a known flight path of the pests.

Abstract: A method of disrupting biological material includes drying particulate material, mixing the material with a gas under pressure, releasing the pressure explosively and collecting the resultant product. The biological starting material is any particulate material and includes: cells with membranes, cells with rigid cell walls, non-cellular biological material, intra-cellular material, and unbounded homogenous material. Apparatus for batch, semi-continuous and continuous operation of the method is provided. Included is a chamber with at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve and collection means. The chamber is capable of withstanding at least 800 bar, preferably 30 bar pressure. The particle size of the starting material is in the range 0.1 to 2000 &mgr;m and of the resultant product, less than 2 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method for extraction and isolation of proanthocyanidins from biological material. The method includes the steps of hot water extraction of the material after comminution using deoxygenated water, separation of the solids from the liquor, concentration of liquor into a concentrated solution and waste streams,and drying the concentrated solution to a solid product. The hot water can be recycled. The residue results in a usable by-product and the tannins can be extracted from the tannin-rich waste stream. The most preferred biological material is bark from Pinus radiata trees which are 15 years old, the bark most optionally coming from the upper portion of the tree.