Abstract: A process for the preparation of an adventive embryo of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum, comprising the steps of preparing cells of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum, incubating the cells in a sugar free medium or a medium containing up to 2% by weight sugar, and then incubating the cells in a medium containing more than 2% by weight of sugar to generate an adventive embryo; a process for the production of a podophyllotoxin compound comprising the steps of preparing an adventive embryo of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum, culturing the adventive embryo to generate an adventitious organ, culturing the adventitious organ to produce a podophyllotoxin compound, and recovering the podophyllotoxin compound; and a process for the production of a podophyllotoxin compound, comprising the steps of preparing de-differentiated cells or tissue of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum culturing the de-differentiated cells or tissue in a liquid medium to generate a differentiated organ, cu

Abstract: An agent for stimulating growth of animal cells in vitro comprises ginseng or an active ingredient extracted from ginseng Serum-free culture media containing the agent are disclosed. The present serum-free media contain less impure protein than serum-containing media, so that isolation and purification of substances produced by animal cells cultured therein is facilitated. The present serum-free media enhance the growth of lymphocytes in vitro, and can be used for vital cell transplant therapy, particularly for adoptive immunotherapy.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an adventive embryo of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum, comprising the steps of preparing cells of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum, incubating the cells in a sugar free medium or a medium containing up to 2% by weight sugar, and then incubating the cells in a medium containing more than 2% by weight of sugar to generate an adventive embryo; a process for the production of a podophyllotoxin compound comprising the steps of preparing an adventive embryo of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum, culturing the adventive embryo to generate an adventitious organ, culturing the adventitious organ to produce a podophyllotoxin compound, and recovering the podophyllotoxin compound; and a process for the production of a podophyllotoxin compound, comprising the steps of preparing de-differentiated cells or tissue of a plant belonging to the genus Podophyllum culturing the de-differentiated cells or tissue in a liquid medium to generate a differentiated organ, cu

Abstract: A selective gas separation membrane comprising a fumaric diester polymer having a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein X and Y are each independently an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, trialkylsilylalkyl or siloxane-containing alkyl group.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of immobilizing an enzymatically active material to a water-insoluble polyanion which comprises bringing a polycation-containing aqueous medium and the enzymatically active substance into contact with the water-insoluble polyanion having any desired form. This method is characterized in that the enzymatically active substance is adsorbed on the surfaces of the water-insoluble polyanion and, at the same time, a strong complex is formed by the interaction of the polycation and the polyanion to produce a water-insoluble film. As a result, the enzymatically active substance so adsorbed is securely fixed to the surfaces of the water-insoluble polyanion and scarcely released therefrom.

Abstract: A process for producing a water-insoluble polymer of uniform shape having high strength and a desired geometric form is disclosed. This process comprises the steps of dissolving or partially suspending in water (a) a water-soluble salt of alginic acid, (b) a hydrophilic, crosslinkable vinyl monomer having two or more radical-polymerizable vinyl groups per molecule, and (c) optionally a hydrophilic, radical-polymerizable vinyl monomer; bringing the resulting aqueous solution or suspension into contact with an aqueous solution capable of causing gelation of the water-soluble salt of alginic acid and thereby forming an water-insoluble gel of uniform shape; and subjecting the gel to radical polymerization to produce a water-insoluble polymer.

Abstract: A process for the continuous separation and recovery of isobutene from an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture, comprising the steps of contacting the mixture with water to obtain a tertiary butanol-containing mixture, separating this mixture into hydrocarbon and aqueous layer, distilling the hydrocarbon layer to obtain a tertiary butanol-rich stream, dehydrating the thus obtained stream to obtain an isobutene-containing gaseous mixture and then introducing the thus obtained mixture into a distillation means to recover isobutene as the product therefrom.

Abstract: A continuous method for producing tert-butyl alcohol from water and isobutylene in the presence of a strongly acidic cation exchange resin as a catalyst is characterized by: said catalyst particles being filled in a reactor, a liquid isobutylene being continuously brought into contact with water such that said liquid isobutylene is filled in a continuous phase in the gaps between said catalyst particles, and that water streams downwardly along the surface of said catalyst particle and subsequently the reaction mixture being continuously taken out from the reactor. According to the method of this invention, tert-butyl alcohol is obtained in a high yield with little formation of by-products.