Abstract: The current invention relates to a multimeric capture agent for binding a ligand, the multimeric capture agent comprising at least first and second peptide chains, wherein said first and second peptide chains each comprise a chain of 2 to 50 amino acids, each of said amino acids being substantially enantiomerically pure, and wherein said at least first and second peptide chains are covalently linked.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method of functionalising a substrate comprising immobilising at least one multimeric peptide on the substrate, wherein, the at least one multimeric peptide comprises at least first and second peptide chains, the first peptide chain comprising at least one hydrophobic amino acid residue and at least one functionalising moiety, wherein the at least one hydrophobic amino acid residue and at least one functionalising moiety are positioned in the peptide primary structure so as to result in a hydrophobic face, and a substantially non hydrophobic face comprising the functionalising moiety, and wherein, contacting the peptide with the substrate causes the peptide to be immobilised thereon.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method of fabricating a multimeric capture agent for binding a ligand, the capture agent comprising at least first and second monomers units, the first monomer unit further comprising a first ligand-binding moiety, a first reactive group and an attachment moiety, the second monomer unit further comprising a second ligand-binding moiety, and a second reactive group, wherein the reactive groups may be the same or different for each monomer unit, the method comprising the steps of; a) reacting the first monomer unit with the second monomer unit such that reactive groups present on the monomer units react to form a multimeric capture agent. b) immobilising the first monomer unit on a substrate via the attachment moiety, wherein, step a) can be performed before, simultaneously with, or subsequently to step b).

Abstract: A method of recovering a biopolymer from solution involves the use of magnetically attractable beads which do not specifically bind the polymer. The beads are suspended in the solution. Then the polymer is precipitated out of solution and becomes non-specifically associated with the beads. When the beads are magnetically drawn down, the polymer is drawn down with them. The polymer can subsequently be resolubilized and separated from the beads.

Abstract: Biological assay systems often involve suspending magnetically attractable particles in a liquid, and later bringing down the particles from suspension and separating the formed pellet from the supernatant liquid. The invention provides magnetic systems for this purpose, shaped to form an annular or part-annular pellet close to the bottom of the vessel. The systems are suitable for automation.

Abstract: An airless, solenoid-operated applicator having a high speed non-contact extrusion valve, wherein the time required for opening and closing the plunger assembly of the valve, as well as for the applicator to recycle, is minimized by concentrating an electromagnetic field on pole pieces made of magnetically soft material. The electromagnetic field is generated by a coil having windings with a length substantially equal to the distance between their inner and outer diameter. Further, the dynamic pole has a length relative to the length of the windings since the plunger assembly is spring-loaded within the static pole instead of the dynamic pole. An annealing process may also be performed on the pole pieces, as well as various magnetically conductive and corrosion resistant coatings or platings applied thereto, in order to further enhance the susceptibility of the pole pieces to magnetism.