Abstract: An emulsion-derived particle comprises a lattice of polymeric strands cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent, and interstitial openings adjacent and around the strands. Functional groups are provided on the lattice and proteins and/or modified proteins can react with these, thereby to be bonded to the lattice and hence immobilized.

Abstract: An emulsion-derived particle comprises a lattice of polymeric strands cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent, and interstitial openings adjacent and around the strands. Functional groups are provided on the lattice and proteins and/or modified proteins can react with these, thereby to be bonded to the lattice and hence immobilised.

Abstract: An emulsion-derived particle includes a lattice of polymeric strands cross-linked by means of a cross-linking agent, and interstitial openings adjacent and around the strands. Functional groups are provided on the lattice and proteins and/or modified proteins can react with these, thereby to be bonded to the lattice and hence immobilized.

Abstract: A process of separating a single desired stereoisomer from a racemic mixture of eight stereoisomers of a compound of formula (III), wherein R1 represents an isopropanol group, an isopropyl group or an isopropylene group, includes the steps of: contacting the racemic mixture in a suitable organic solvent with an esterifying agent and a stereospecific enzyme which stereoselectively esterifies the —OH group of the desired stereoisomer, for a time sufficient to convert a desired percentage of the desired stereoisomer to a compound of formula (IV), wherein R1 is as defined above and R4 is an alkyl or an aryl group, to give a first reaction product including the compound of formula (IV), the organic solvent, the unconverted stereoisomers of the compound of formula (III), excess esterifying agent and by-products of the reaction; and separating the compound of formula (IV) from the first reaction product.

Abstract: A process of separating a desired (−) stereoisomer which is selected from (−) menthol or an equivalent (−) compound where the isopropyl group is replaced with an isopropanol or an isopropylene group, from a starting material comprising: 40 to 100 m/m % of a mixture of (−)-menthol and (+)-menthol; up to 30 m/m % of a mixture of (−)-isomenthol and (+)-isomenthol; up to 20 m/m % of a mixture of (−)-neomenthol and (+)-neomenthol; and up to 10 m/m % of a mixture of (−)-neoisomenthol and (+)-neoisomenthol or an equivalent (+) mixture where the isopropyl group is replaced with an isopropanol or an isopropylene group, includes the steps of: contacting the starting material with an esterifying agent and a stereospecific enzyme which is a Pseudomonas lipase enzyme which stereoselectively esterifies the —OH group of the desired (−) steroisomer, for a time sufficient to convert a desired percentage of the desired (−) stereoisomer to a de

Abstract: A process of separating a single desired stereoisomer from a racemic mixture of eight stereoisomers of a compound of formula (III), wherein R1 represents an isopropanol group, an isopropyl group or an isopropylene group, includes the steps of: contacting the racemic mixture in a suitable organic solvent with an esterifying agent and a stereospecific enzyme which stereoselectively esterifies the —OH group of the desired stereoisomer, for a time sufficient to convert a desired percentage of the desired stereoisomer to a compound of formula (IV), wherein R1 is as defined above and R4 is an alkyl or an aryl group, to give a first reaction product including the compound of formula (IV), the organic solvent, the unconverted stereoisomers of the compound of formula (III), excess esterifying agent and by-products of the reaction; and separating the compound of formula (IV) from the first reaction product. The process is of particular application for the production of (−)-menthol.

Abstract: A process for the production of disubstituted propionic acid derivatives which are intermediates in the synthesis of .alpha.-arylpropionic acids such as naproxen, involves the reaction of a naphthalene derivative such as 2-methoxynaphthalene, with an alkylating agent such as an alkyl pyruvate in the presence of a catalyst, and then dehydrating and hydrogenolising, or directly hydrogenolising, or derivatising and then hydrogenolising the product thereof, to produce the desired compound.