Abstract: This invention provides a novel anti-microbial system suitable for formulation in a wide variety of ophthalmic solutions. In particular the composition comprises an antimicrobial peptide that is an indolicidin and a buffer compatible with application to a mammalian eye, wherein the buffer is a Good's buffer or the buffer has a halide ion concentration less than 0.85 wt %. The compositions are useful for storing, cleaning, or disinfecting a contact lens. In particular the compositions are self-preserving upon lengthy storage, effective in cleaning and sterilizing contact lenses upon exposure of the lens to the composition, do not require the need for physical or thermal treatment of the lens and enable the immediate application of the lens to the eye without the need for neutralization, deactivation or washing.

Abstract: Substantially pure, pyrogen-free beta-1,3-glucan is produced by cultivating Euglena cells in a defined growth medium and under specified conditions that provide a cell mass comprising 70% to 90% beta-1,3-glucan on a dry weight basis, separating the cell mass from the supernatant, extracting the cell mass with methanol and chloroform, acid-washing the extracted cell mass, and washing the acid-treated material with water.

Abstract: Non-phytotoxic roots coating compositions comprising a polymer, VAM propagules, and a fungicide that selectively inhibits pathogenic fungi are provided. Also provided are methods of coating plant roots with the aforesaid composition and plants comprising roots coated with a polymer containing VAM propagules and a fungicide.In an alternative approach, the roots are first rolled in a dried polymer composition and then dipped in a suspension of VAM propagules, or attached to a film which is a dried polymer containing a spore suspension.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for effecting plant root infection with microorganisms, especially vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi are disclosed. The method relies on a root baiting concept whereby the roots of a plant are caused to grow towards and/or through a material which contains an inoculum of the microorganism. Typically bead-like materials are produced which are comprised of (1) a bait material for which roots have a natural affinity; (2) an inoculum of a microorganism which can infect plant roots and improve their growth and/or health; and (3) a carrier material that supports and localizes the bait and the inoculum. The bait may be water or another suitable material such as a plant growth regulator and the carrier is typically a non-phytotoxic crosslinked polymer especially a water absorbing polymer. The compositions are placed in the vicinity of the plant roots. The bait draws the roots towards the composition to permit infection of the roots with the microorganism.

Abstract: Substantially pure, pyrogen-free beta-1,3-glucan is produced by cultivating Euglena cells in a defined growth medium and under specified conditions that provide a cell mass comprising 70% to 90% beta-1,3-glucan on a dry weight basis, separating the cell mass from the super-natant, extracting the cell mass with methanol and chloroform, acid-washing the extracted cell mass, and washing the acid-treated material with water.