Abstract: Expression vector for expressing the E. coli a polypeptide other than E. coli malate dehydrogenase coded for by a DNA coding sequence. The vector includes a DNA coding for the polypeptide and also includes an initiation codon wherein the DNA sequence is operatively linked to an upstream sequence located upstream of the initiation codon and which is capable of controlling expression of the polypeptide. The upstream sequence consists on the 285 base pair sequence defined by SEQ ID NO:3. A process for expressing a polypeptide by culturing a host strain of E. coli transformed with an expression vector of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A chromatographic packing useful for the separation of oligonucleotides is disclosed. The packing includes an insert porous support particle and a silane bonded phase comprising a weak anion exchange group in close proximity to at least one polar non-ionic group.

Abstract: A process for the production of an aryl acylamidase enzyme involves culturing bacteria of one of the strains Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 39005 (or suitable mutants or variants thereof) or Pseudomonas putida ATCC 39004 (or suitable mutants or variants thereof) in a culture medium in which the bacterial strains produce aryl acylamidase and collecting the enzyme containing material, generally the cell material. Preferably the resulting cells are then disrupted, especially by enzymatic treatment, and the aryl acylamidase is separated from the other unwanted substances, generally the other cell constituents.Preferably the culture medium contains N-acylaniline, especially N-acetyl aniline. The N-acylaniline may form part of a complex or defined salts medium.

Abstract: A method for the estimation of an anilide in which the anilide is first hydrolyzed enzymatically to an aniline and then the quantity of the aniline produced is estimated spectrophotometrically preferably colorimetrically.The hydrolysis of the anilide may be catalyzed by any enzyme of the type, EC 3.5.1.13, known as aryl acylamidases. Preferably enzymes isolated from the cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 39005 or Pseudomonas putida ATCC 39004 are employed.The aniline may be analyzed, for example, by conversion to an indamine, an indophenol or an indoaniline, followed by colorimetric analysis of the colored quinone-type compound produced. This conversion may take place in the presence of an oxidizing agent, such as a copper (II) salt, and/or a base, such as ammonia.A diagnostic kit to allow the routine use of the above method is also provided.