Abstract: The superparamagnetic monodispersed particles comprise a core of a first polymer, an internal layer of a second polymer coating the core and in which a magnetic material is distributed, and an external layer of a third polymer coating the magnetic layer and capable of interacting with at least one biological molecule. At least the second polymer is heat sensitive and has a predetermined lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of 15-65.degree. C. These particles may be used to isolate at least one biological molecule from a liquid specimen.

Abstract: A stable protein-coated nickel particle useful in biological assays contains a nickel particle having removed from the surface thereof nickel oxide; a linker attached to said nickel particle, the linker having a free amino group; and a protein attached to said linker by covalently bonding to the free amino group. Methods of producing and using these oxide-free nickel-protein conjugates are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to medical devices having a drug-releasing coating and methods for making such coated devices. The coating permits timed or prolonged pharmacological activity on the surface of medical devices through a reservoir concept. Specifically, the coating comprises at least two layers: an outer layer containing at least one drug-ionic surfactant complex overlying a reservoir layer containing a polymer and the drug which is substantially free of an ionic surfactant. Upon exposure to body tissue of a medical device covered with such coating, the ionically bound drug in the outer layer is released into body fluid or tissue. Following release of such bound drug, the ionic surfactant binding sites in the outer layer are left vacant.

Abstract: A method for making a medical device having at least one biomolecule immobilized on a substrate surface is provided. The method may include combining a biomolecule comprising a 1,2 dicarbonyl moiety with a material comprising a guanidino moiety to form an immobilized biomolecule on a medical device biomaterial surface through covalent bonds. Another method of the present invention may include combining a biomolecule comprising a guanidino moiety with a material comprising a 1,2 dicarbonyl moiety to form an immobilized biomolecule on a medical device biomaterial surface through covalent bonds. Additionally, one method of the present invention may be employed to crosslink biomolecules, located in solution or on a medical device biomaterial surface, thereby forming a crosslinked biomaterial or a crosslinked medical device coating.

Abstract: A biomimetic approach utilizing biomolecular self-assembly is described to form nanometer particle size composites for uses, such as, nonlinear optical media. Yeast tRNA was utilized as an ion-exchange/nucleation site within a polymeric matrix (polyacrylamide). Cadmium ion-exchange and subsequent sulfide precipitation resulted in formation of nanometer particle size composites. Illumination of samples with an Argon laster (514 nm) utilizing the Z-scan measurement method resulted in third order nonlinearity .chi..sup.3 values of +2.7.times.10.sup.-6 esu.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming bands of reduced coat weight of a coating on a coated web that is moving through a laminating machine includes a supply of fluid and a nozzle for directing a stream of fluid from the supply toward the web, said nozzle having a relatively small outlet aperture for directing a relatively narrow width stream of fluid toward the web compared to the width of the web to impinge on the web to reduce the coat weight over a relatively narrow width band. The bands may be formed in the machine direction of travel of the web, across the width of the web in a direction other than the machine direction and may be of various width and may be precisely or randomly placed. The reduced coat weight areas may be narrow bands or broader areas of the web.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.

Abstract: A method for making a medical device having at least one glycoprotein and/or glycopeptide immobilized on a substrate surface is provided. The method may include oxidizing 1,2 dihydroxy moieties with a periodate to form an aldehyde-functional material; combining the aldehyde-functional material with an amino-functional material to bond the two materials together through an imine moiety; and reacting the imine moiety with a reducing agent to form a secondary amine. Another method of the present invention may be employed to crosslink glycoproteins and/or glycopeptides immobilized on medical device surfaces. Additionally, one method of the present invention may be employed to crosslink glycoproteins and/or glycopeptides, thereby forming a crosslinked biomaterial or a crosslinked medical device coating.

Abstract: A process for coating of an intraocular lens to impart tissue compatibility thereto, comprising the steps: a) priming said lens using a solution of a polyamine; b) coating the lens treated in step a) above with a solution of a periodate-oxidized polysaccharide selected from heparin, heparain sulphate, and chondroitin sulphate to stabilize said polyamine by covalent and/or ionical cross-linking; c) coating the lens treated in step b) above with a solution of a polyamine; and d) coating the lens treated according to step c) above with a solution of a periodate-oxidized polysaccharide selected from heparin, heparain sulphate, and chondroitin sulphate in the presence of a cyanoborohydride to convert formed labile Schiff's bases to stable secondary amines.

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising:(1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations;(2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode;(3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and(4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioactive conjugate adapted to coat a metal implant outer surface, which has the following structural formula I:--R--X--P Iwherein,R is O or S, adapted to be covalently attached to an implant surface;X is selected from a bond, linear or branched chains of 1 to 30 covalently attached atoms of at least C, N, O Si or S, rings of 1 to 20 covalently attached atoms of at least C, N, O Si or S, and a combination thereof; andP is a bioactive molecule moiety which promotes tissue growth, stabilization and integration, and wherein said moiety retains its biological activity.

Abstract: A method of applying chemical charge-modifiers to a permeable sheet including the steps of: providing a permeable sheet having a plurality of individual exposed surfaces, at least a portion of which having relatively low surface energies; providing an aqueous solution containing amphiphilic macromolecules, the solution having a relatively high surface tension; contacting the solution containing amphiphilic macromolecules under shear stress conditions with the permeable sheet so that at least a portion of the amphiphilic macromolecules are adsorbed onto at least some individual exposed surfaces to form a coated permeable sheet; and contacting the coated permeable sheet with a solution containing chemical charge modifiers to incorporate chemical charge modifiers onto at least a portion of the amphiphilic macromolecules.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the stability and increasing the activity of polymer particle reagents by incubating a polymer particle which has been covalently bound to a compound of biological interest, such as a drug, with a modifying agent that will place a negative charge on the surface of the polymer particle and reduce residual functional groups. The modifying agent is preferably an anionic nucleophile selected from the group consisting of .beta.- mercaptoacetic acid and the thiosulfates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the covalent coating of implants with a bioactive conjugate, which comprises the steps of: a) cleaning a metal implant surface from contaminants by deoxidation with potentiostatic electrochemical polishing in a solution selected from ethanol, perchloric acid-butanol-methanol solution, H.sub.2 O.sub.2 --NaCl--NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 or by chemical cleaning with a solution selected from the group consisting of HF/HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 O.sub.2 /H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and H.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A process of making a coated paper comprises the following steps: 1) providing a paper layer composed of a blend of pulp fibers and particulate material containing polyvalent metal cations, 2) applying a acidified alginate solution of a material selected from salts and derivatives of alginic acid to cover at least a portion of the paper, 3) reacting the salts and/or derivatives of alginic acid with polyvalent metal cations in the paper to form a polymer coating, and 4) drying the paper and polymer coating. The permeability of the coated paper is generally at least about 75 percent less than the permeability of an identical uncoated portion of the paper. The solution of alginate material may be partially cross-linked. The alginate solution may be deposited utilizing gravure printing techniques. Also disclosed is a coated paper and a wrapper for a smoking article.

Abstract: An improved method for increaseing the hardening in a photographic element is described. The hardener is an imidazolium compound of formula: ##STR1## and the imidazolium is used in conjunction with a hardening accelerator defined by: ##STR2## the substituents are listed in the specification.

Abstract: A test plate for an agglutination test which comprises a plate with a plurality of wells formed thereon, each of the wells having adhered to a surface thereof a protein A and/or a protein G. The agglutination test plate, according to the present invention, when used in an agglutination test, can ensure a clear judgment concerning the formation of an agglutinative image or a non-agglutinative image, along with a good determination sensitivity. A process for the production of such an agglutination test plate is also provided.

Abstract: Functional fiber products are provided.The functional fiber products are those adhered thereto a protein containing 20% to 40% by weight of serine as an amino acid component and those adhered thereto sericin and deacetylated chitin.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis comprising an expanded polytetraethylene member having pores present in its wall structure wherein said pores contain a solid insoluble biocompatible, biodegradable material of natural origin. A process of preparing said prostheses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming fibrin coatings on a substrate, such as device for implantation in a body. The fibrin coatings are dried to provide a fibrin coating having the ability to be stored for extended periods before use. To provide coatings having high shear force resistance, the substrate is contacted first with thrombin and second with fibrinogen.

Abstract: Method for optimizing an optical assay device for an analyte, including the steps of: providing a substrate having a chosen thickness of an optically active layer thereon; providing an attachment layer of a chosen thickness on the optical coating; providing a receptive layer of a chosen thickness for the analyte, wherein at least one of the thicknesses of the optically active layer, attachment layer and receptive layer is varied to provide a plurality of thicknesses of that layer; contacting analyte with the receptive layer under conditions in which an increase in mass on the receptive layer results; and determining the optical thickness of the layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of applying finishes to garments. More particularly, this invention relates to improved methods for applying specialty finishing on the garments using a cellulose-type based carrier and to a carrier/finish composition for practicing the method which achieves a smooth and even coating of the finishing onto fabric without having to recover unused finishing and which can be accomplished using standard garment production equipment.

Abstract: An improved method of hardening a hydrophilic colloid is detailed. The hardening results in a stronger matrix and less water pickup. These and other advantages are obtained by hardening with a combination of at least one hardener chosen from Formula I either alone or in combination with at least one hardener chosen from Formula II: ##STR1## The substituents are defined.

Abstract: Stable suspensions of coated magnetic particles, preferably resuspendable bioactive particles particularly useful in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, are produced by disrupting, what are presumed to be, crystalline agglomerates of a parent particulate magnetic starting material in the presence of a coating material, such that coating can take place during the disruption. The particles are generally coated in suspension yielding a stable suspension of subdivided particles. With the proper selection of a coating material, preferably a protein or other biochemically or biologically active polymer such as an antibody, a resuspendable (colloidal) bioactive product is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optionally fiber-reinforced foodstuff casing based on cellulose hydrate, which is impregnated on the inside with a mixture containing 40 to 200 mg/m.sup.2 of an adhesive component and 20 to 2000 mg/m.sup.2 of a non-stick component. The ratio by weight of adhesive to non-stick component is between 4:1 and 1:4. The foodstuff casing is used as sausage casing, in particular for keeping sausage, which has a second packaging in the form of a film or is provided with a dip coating. The casing shows improved peelability.

Abstract: A method for forming vascular graft prostheses is described. In particular, the method relates to determining the carrying volume of a gelable material to fill the interstices of a fabric prosthesis, applying that carrying volume of gelable material to the prosthesis, and crosslinking the gelable material to form uniform gel-coated prostheses having low porosity.

Abstract: In the method for casein finishing of leather, transglutaminase is added to a casein solution, whereafter the thus formed solution is applied to leather, which is dried. Transglutaminase, which is not toxic, functions as a hardening agent in the method.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for making arrays of functionalized binding sites on a support surface. The invention further provides apparatus and methods for sequencing oligonucleotides and for identifying the amino acid sequence of peptides that bind to biologically active macromolecules, by specifically binding biologically active macromolecules to arrays of peptides or peptide mimetics.

Abstract: A method for imparting a hydrophilic nature to a contact lens, which comprises dipping a contact lens in a solution containing a water-soluble amino group-containing polymer in an amount effective to impart a hydrophilic nature to the contact lens and a crosslinking agent in an amount effective to crosslink the amino group-containing polymer, and forming a hydrophilic layer of the amino group-containing polymer crosslinked on the surface of the contact lens.

Abstract: An analysis element for the determination of an analyte in a liquid sample, especially for medicinal uses. A carrier layer (2) contains, in a reagent domain (4), a reagent applied in a defined pattern by an ink-jet process. The pattern comprises several sets (A, B, C) of compartments (11-20), the compartments (e.g. 11, 13, 15, 17, 19) of the same set (e.g. A) having the same chemical composition, the compartments (11, 13, 15, 17, 19 or 12, 16, 20) of different sets (A or B) containing different reagents and the compartments of different sets being arranged in alteration so that the compartments containing different reagents are close together but nevertheless spatially separated.

Abstract: Hydrophilic organic colloids such as collagen or gelatin are modified for use in photographic elements such as film or paper, or for use as reagents in automated dry chemical analyzers. The modification comprises reaction of some of the carboxy groups attached to the polypeptide with (i) a amide bond forming agent, e.g. 1-pyrrolidinylcarbonylpyridinium chloride, and (ii) a di- or triamine, such as piperazine, diethylenetriamine or ethylenediamine. Such modification enables that colloid to react faster with a gelatin hardener such as bis(vinylsulfonyl)methane (BVSM). When coated over an equal amount of unmodified gelatin, and both layers imbibed with BVSM, a modified gelatin layer showed an enzyme resistance greater than that of the unmodified gelatin. This demonstrates that the modified gelatin hardened preferentially.

Abstract: A process for producing a protein-oriented membrane which is enhanced physically and chemically by orienting protein and cross linking the oriented protein together, is described. The proteinaceous membrane which is subjected to orientation treatment alone is weak physically and chemically, and its processing and handling are therefore difficult. However, according to the present invention, the protein after the process of orientation is cross linked together to produce a protein-oriented membrane remarkably enhanced physically and chemically.

Abstract: A reagent coating material has been developed to modify the surface of articles used in assay procedures. Polymers of chitosan solubilized with an organic acid form into thin films when contacted to glass, plastic, metal or cellulose articles. The coated article may be used directly for immobilizing agents for assay, or may be further modified to increase the range of usefulness. The reagent coating solution itself may also be reacted to produce an activated reagent with surface coating properties. The invention embodies a kit of use in immunoassay procedures.

Abstract: A process for preparing solid perfluorocarbon polymer supports permitting uniform and secure attachment of perfluorocarbon-substituted ligands or binders to carriers is provided utilizing pretreatment of the carriers with water miscible organic solvents.

Abstract: A transparent, hydrophilic, non-fogging coating is applied to the surface of an object. The coating includes a bilaminar graft formed of two films. The first film, denoted the matrix, adheres to the surface of the object, and contains functional groups capable of chemically reacting with a mucopolysaccharide. The second film, denoted the hydrophil, contains the mucopolysaccharide. A quantity of ethylenedinitrilo-tetrakis-(2-hydroxypropane) is added to the matrix and to the hydrophil. Also added to the hydrophil are dimethyl sulfoxide (1%) and desulfated heparin (0.5%). The result is a permanent, transparent, hydrophilic, non-fogging coating. The coating can be formed on an intra-ocular lens or a contact lens, or on other objects. Also, the coating can be formed on a substrate to which the coating does not adhere permanently. The coating can then be separated from the substrate, stored, and later adhered to another surface.

Abstract: A high security crypto-marking method for protecting valuable objects in which a target chemical compound suitable for subsequent detection by an appropriate detection means is applied to an object to be marked, wherein the method comprises the following operations:a) preparing a solution of a target nucleic acid having a sequence selected to form a marking pattern and possessing a selected degree of fluidity;b) incorporating a chosen quantity of the solution in each object of a class of objects to be marked;thereby making it possible, subsequently, and should the occasion arise, to perform the following operation:c) identifying or authenticating the object by using means for detecting the nucleic acid in order to reveal the marking.The invention can be used, where required, to provide irrefutable proof of ownership of an object in the event of theft, resale, or forgery.

Abstract: A thin film diagnostic device capable of detecting the presence of a specific organic material in a sample solution. The device comprises a layer of an anodizable color-generating metal (e.g. tantalum), a porous anodic film containing aluminum oxide overlying the color generating metal, and a reagent capable of binding with the specific organic material forming a coating on the anodic film. The porous anodic film and the coating have a combined thickness such that a color change is produced when the specific organic material binds to the reagent. The device can be used to test the biological or synthetic products in samples taken from patients or other sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing method for producing synthetic fiber and vegetable fiber, by which it is possible to add soft feeling of silk to synthetic fiber and vegetable fiber and a new type of fiber can be produced, which is provided with the advantages of both synthetic fiber or vegetable fiber and silk and can be used as the fiber for clothings and also as industrial materials.

Abstract: Interlaminar grafting of coatings, particularly grafting of a lubricious outer coating upon an anchor coating supported upon glass or plastic, for example, to provide anti-fogging or lubricating characteristics. The method is characterized by its ability to anchor permanently the highly lubricious coating to the glass or plastic.

Abstract: Layers containing proteinaceous binders, in particular gelatin layers of the kind used, for example, in photographic recording materials, are hardened by means of an instant hardener by casting a hardening system composed of at least two layers over the layer of binder, the lower of these two layers containing the instant hardener while the upper layer, which may be applied together with or immediately after the lower layer, contains a protein-containing binder but no hardener. The hardened layers have improved surface properties (wet scratch resistance, antifriction properties).

Abstract: Plastics, particularly a method of hydrophilic coating of plastics, for example, a contact lens, with a lubricating and visually acute mucopolysaccharide film which is immobilized upon the surface of the plastic for the lifetime of the plastic. A preferred method includes first coating the plastic with an aqueous solution of a mucopolysaccharide, drying by applying a water-miscible solvent, then crosslinking and permanently immobilizing the first coating upon the plastic by applying a solution of catalyzed organic soluble aliphatic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Plastics, particularly a method hydrophilic coating of plastics, for example, a contact lens, with a lubricating and visually acute mucopolysaccharide film which is immobilized upon the surface of the plastic for the lifetime of the plastic. A preferred method includes first coating the plastic with an aqueous solution of a mucopolysaccharide, drying by applying a water-miscible solvent, then crosslinking and permanently immobilizing the first coating upon the plastic by applying a solution of catalyzed organic soluble aliphatic polyisocyanate.

Abstract: A moisture-permeable waterproof coating is formed by coating a fabric with a water-based coating composition containing a film forming polymer and a water-soluble polymer in a proportion of 5 to 70% based on total solids, drying or heating the fabric to form a film thereon; and then treating the resulting film with an aqueous solution of an enzyme which selectively degrades the water-soluble polymer, thereby enzymatically degrading the water-soluble polymer and extracting the degraded water soluble polymer from the film, whereby the film on the fabric is rendered microporous.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a substrate (16) of glass, a plurality of elongated electrodes (17) which are provided in parallel with each other on the glass substrate, a first electron transport protein film (18) prepared by cytochrome c formed on the electrodes, a second electron transport protein film (19) of flavodoxin adhered and joined on the first electron transport protein film and a plurality of elongated electrodes (20) provided in parallel with each other on the second electron transport protein film. Cytochrome c is different in redox potential from flavodoxin, whereby rectifying characteristics are attained in the device in a molecular level by junction of the first electron transport protein film (18) and the second electron transport protein film (19).

Abstract: A method finishing keratinous textile articles, for example wool fabrics, which comprises treating the articles with an anti-felt polymer for example isocyanate functional or bunte salt functional polymers, and a polymer of chlorinated ethylenically unsaturated monomer, for example polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polypropylene, and dichlorobutadiene. Thereafter, the articles are treated with an anionic titanium or zirconium complex at low pH. Textiles so treated exhibit both shrink-resistant and flame-retardant properties.

Abstract: In a process for the chain-lengthening of gelatine the gelatine is brought into contact with a hardening agent which can activate the carboxyl groups of the gelatine. The result is a partially hardened gelatine which has advantageous properties as for the production of photographic layers.

Abstract: Microcapsules having a defined release temperature and being formed of gelatin or a mixture of gelatin with gum arabic, carboxymethylcellulose and/or anionic polymers, the gelatin having been hardened with a natural and/or synthetic tanning agent and with a carbonyl compound, and the process for making said microcapsules.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for insolubilizing casein coatings for leather utilizing alkoxy alkyl ureas. The coatings are cured in the presence of an acid catalyst. The casein coatings of the invention avoid the disadvantageous use of aldehydes such as formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde to cure the casein and reduce its water sensitivity and unexpectedly show improved wet abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A method is provided for incorporating water-soluble therapeutic agents in albumin microspheres. This method is particularly advantageous where the therapeutic agent is heat-sensitive. All steps of the method can be carried out at relatively low temperatures, such as ambient room temperature. The method may be applied to the preparation of intravascularly-administrable, magnetically-responsive microspheres.

Abstract: A gelatin capsule is formed with an elongated portion and a bulb portion with a medicinal material therein for supply to a body through inserting the elongated portion in a body orifice. The elongated portion is treated with a hardening agent which withdraws water and/or glycerin from the elongated portion of the capsule so that the elongated portion has sufficient rigidity for insertion within the body orifice. The hardening agent can be a polymer of a glycol, which is preferably polyethylene glycol, an inorganic drying agent such as silica gel or phosphorus pentoxide, an alcohol, or a ketone, such as acetone, for example. When a polymer of a glycol is utilized as the hardening agent, the polymer of a glycol can remain on the elongated portion to function as a lubricant when the elongated portion is inserted in the body orifice. Furthermore, the polymer of a glycol can include an anesthetic for deadening the nerves around the body orifice.