Abstract: Memory enhancing thermal proteins were synthesized from heating aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline and tryptophan above 100.degree. C. Two hydrophobic and one non-hydrophobic polymer were injected intracerebroventricularly into the brains of mice after the mice had undergone partial training in footshock avoidance conducted in a T-maze. When retention of footshock avoidance was tested one week later, the hydrophobic polymers enhanced retention while the non-hydrophobic polymer did not.

Abstract: Thermally polymerized copolyamino acids are used to make a biologically compatible self-sealing skin.

Abstract: Glucose, and separately a 1:1 mixture of glucose and fructose, were thermally polymerized in the presence of glutamic acid to yield artificial carbohydrates with chemical linkages different from starch, cellulose, or chitin.

Abstract: Thermally polymerized copolyamino acids are used to microencapsulate a chemotherapeutic compound for more efficient drug delivery.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device has as its photoactive electron-donor component a thermal condensation polymer of at least one monoaminodicarboxylic acid and has as its photoactive electron-acceptor component a thermal condensation polymer of at least one basic amino acid, e.g., a diaminomonocarboxylic acid, said polymers containing photoactive flavin and pterin pigments.

Abstract: Artificial gelatins containing higher proportions of methionine than are found in natural gelatin are made by thermal polymerization of methionine with various proportions of other .alpha.-amino acids, including some proportion of aspartic acid, glutamic acid or lysine. Artificial gelatins containing as much as 40 mole percent methionine can be obtained. Proportions in the polymer can be adjusted by control of proportions in the reaction mixture. Photographic silver halide emulsions containing these artificial gelatins and photographic films employing the emulsions are also disclosed.