Abstract: Variants of the transglutaminase enzyme of Streptomyces mobaraensis are provided. The disclosed variants exhibit at least about 2-fold increased enzymatic activity versus the wild-type enzyme. Methods and compositions are provided for biocidal applications of use and for covalently binding small organic molecules to a protein or material of interest. Methods are provided for increasing the self-life of products, such as personal care, household and industrial products, by incorporating an effective amount of the disclosed variant enzymes into the product. The transglutaminase variants may also be used to covalently bind functional ingredients, such as UV-blocking molecules, dyes, or pigments to proteins. The transglutaminase enzymes and functional ingredients may be incorporated into a cosmetic formulation for modifying skin, hair, or nail proteins or skin-derived proteins, such as collagen, keratin, and/or elastin.

Abstract: Sunscreen compositions and sunscreen active ingredients are disclosed herein which comprise at least one ketone-containing UV filter and at least one primary or secondary amine wherein at least one ketone-containing UV filter and at least one primary or secondary amine react to form an imine analog of the ketone-containing UV filter wherein the imine analog has at least one property selected from the group consisting of a) is capable of extending UV protection into a visible region equal to or greater than 400 nm, b) is water resistant, and/or c) prevents or decreases skin penetration. This imine analog may be further modified to provide a substrate capable of reacting with transglutaminase or any variant thereof and/or a lysyl oxidase to bind the sunscreen composition or sunscreen active ingredient to a target of interest.

Abstract: A system for monitoring batteries comprises a current control element coupled in parallel to a diode and across a battery. The current control element measures current on the cathode end of the diode. Once the voltage potential reaches a threshold, the current control element routes the current from the cathode end of the diode to the anode end of the diode thereby reducing the voltage potential across the battery terminal. Accordingly, a battery sensing element is prevented from falsely sensing a presence of an operable battery due to leakage current of the diode.