Abstract: A device for assaying biological fluids for molecules contained therein comprising a container, material situated in the container for absorbing fluid and in communication with an antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, wherein the matrix is accessible to the exterior of the container through a funnel shaped aperture in the roof of the container. Further features include a chemical drying agent associated with the container for absorbing moisture, thereby preventing inactivation of the assay reagents, and a filter situated above the antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, and in communication with the matrix through the aperture in the roof of the container. The filter removes interfering substances present in the biological fluids, and provides protein blocking agents to the matrix material for decreasing the background of the assay.

Abstract: The invention concerns an in vitro process for altering the insect host range (spectrum) of pesticidal toxins. The process comprises recombining in vitro the variable region(s) (non-homologous) of two or more genes encoding a pesticidal toxin. Specifically exemplified is the recombining of the variable regions of two genes obtained from well-known strains of Bacillius thuringiensis var. kurstaki. The resulting products are chimeric toxins which are shown to have an expanded and/or amplified insect host range as compared to the parent toxins.

Abstract: A device for assaying biological fluids for molecules contained therein comprising a container, material situated in the container for absorbing fluid and in communication with an antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, wherein the matrix is accessible to the exterior of the container through a funnel shaped aperture in the roof of the container. Further features include a chemical drying agent associated with the container for absorbing moisture, thereby preventing inactivation of the assay reagents, and a filter situated above the antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, and in communication with the matrix through the aperture in the roof of the container. The filter removes interfering substances present in the biological fluids, and provides protein blocking agents to the matrix material for decreasing the background of the assay.

Abstract: A device for assaying biological fluids for molecules contained therein comprising a container, material situated in the container for absorbing fluid and in communication with an antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, wherein the matrix is accessible to the exterior of the container through a funnel shaped aperture in the roof of the container. Further features include a chemical drying agent associated with the container for absorbing moisture, thereby preventing inactivation of the assay reagents, and a filter situated above the antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, and in communication with the matrix through the aperture in the roof of the container. The filter removes interfering substances present in the biological fluids, and provides protein blocking agents to the matrix material for decreasing the background of the assay.

Abstract: The invention concerns an in vitro process for altering the insect host range (spectrum) or increasing the toxicity of lepidopteran active B.t. crystal protein toxins. The process comprises recombining in vitro the variable region(s) (non-homologous) of two or more genes encoding lepidopteran active B.t. crystal protein toxins. Specifically exemplified is the recombining of the variable regions of two genes obtained from well-known strains of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki. The resulting products are chimeric toxins which are shown to have an expanded and/or amplified lepidopteran insect host range as compared to the parent toxins.

Abstract: A device for assaying biological fluids for molecules contained therein comprising a container, material situated in the container for absorbing fluid and in communication with an antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, wherein the matrix is accessible to the exterior of the container through a funnel shaped aperture in the roof of the container. Further features include a chemical drying agent associated with the container for absorbing moisture, thereby preventing inactivation of the assay reagents, and a filter situated above the antibody or antigen impregnated matrix, and in communication with the matrix through the aperture in the roof of the container. The filter removes interfering substances present in the biological fluids and provides protein blocking agents to the matrix material for decreasing the background of the assay.