Abstract: Methods for the isolation of certain biologically important polymers from parenchymal cell-containing plant materials, especially sugar beet and citrus pulp, are disclosed. Hydrolysis under extremes of pH and under elevated temperatures for short reaction periods with physical shearing are disclosed which lead to the isolation of hemicellulosic and cellulosic components of such plant materials without substantial degradation thereof. Novel cellulosic products and vegetable gums are provided having unique physical, chemical and rheological properties.

Abstract: Circulating and non-circulating well-drilling fluids are provided comprising parenchymal cell cellulose. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, improved viscosity and fluid loss control in circulating well-drilling fluids are obtained from the inclusion of parenchymal cell cellulose in such fluids. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, certain polymers, especially anionic polymers, and polymers derived from hemicellulosic materials are admixed with parenchymal cell cellulsoe in well fluids to provide synergistic fluid loss control and other beneficial properties. Methods for the employment of circulating and non-circulating well fluids employing parenchymal cell cellulose are also disclosed.

Abstract: A metabolic conversion of L-galactonic acid into 2-Keto-L-galactonic acid by cultivating a microorganism in the presence of an L-galactonate. This reaction is an important step in synthesis of Vitamin C from substances that can be obtained from pectin.

Abstract: An enzymatic intralenticular cataract treatment for removal of nuclear cortical and subcapsular regions of the cataractous lens through enzymatic digestion thereof which comprises introduction of a concentrated solution of a trypsin enzyme into the nuclear and cortical regions of a cataractous lens, and after enzymatic digestion removing the liquefied cataractous material. The procedure allows subsequent removal of the nuclear, cortical and subcapsular portions of a cataractous lens through a very tiny incision in the eye and lens capsule, leaving all other structures within the eye intact. Bovine and porcine trypsins are preferred.

Abstract: A novel plasminogen activating enzyme-specific competitive inhibitor is disclosed consisting of an amino-terminated .alpha.-N-substituted aminocarboxylic acid, such as .alpha.-N-benzylsulfonyl-p-aminophenylalanine, or the acid derivatives thereof. The competitive inhibitor ligand, when covalently coupled to the surface of a water-insoluble solid support material through a spacer chain of at least 4 carbon atoms, is useful as a biospecific extracting agent for use in affinity chromatography of plasminogen activating enzymes, such as urokinase, cytokinase, and the like, from crude aqueous preparations thereof, such as mammalian urine, mammalian body tissue preparations, mammalian plasma and spent tissue culture growth medium.

Abstract: An enzymatic intralenticular cataract treatment method for removal of nuclear cortical and subcapsular regions of the cataractous lens through enzymatic digestion thereof, which comprises introduction of a concentrated solution of proteinase into the nuclear and cortical regions of a cataractous lens by way of a cannula inserted through a very tiny incision in the cornea and puncture opening into the lens capsule, leaving all other structures within the eye intact, after which a gas bubble is introduced from the cannula into the lens, the gas bubble serving to maintain the enzyme compartmentalized within the subcapsular region.As illustrated in FIG. 4, a preferred embodiment of the apparatus involved with the method comprises an enzyme reservoir connected through a delivery means and a four port, two channel valve to a cannula. The cannula is filled with enzyme solution then the delivery means and valve are operated by the surgeon so as to carry out the above described treatment method.

Abstract: An enzymatic intralenticular cataract treatment for removal of nuclear cortical and subcapsular regions of the cataractous lens through enzymatic digestion thereof which comprises introduction of a concentrated solution of mixed exogenous enzymes into the nuclear and cortical regions of a cataractous lens, and after enzymatic digestion removing the liquefied cataractous material. The procedure allows removal of the nuclear, cortical and subcapsular portions of a cataractous lens through a very tiny incision in the eye and lens capsule, leaving all other structures within the eye intact.