Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which may be used as an implant is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: A nanoporous silicon support comprising a plurality of macropores is provided to function as a bioreactor for the maintenance of cells in culture in a differentiated state. Each cell or group of cells is grown in an individual macropore and is provided with nutrients such as by perfusion of the nanoporous silicon support with fluid. The macropores may be between 0.2 and 200 microns and be coated with a substance that provides cell adhesion. The support containing cells may be used to used to test compounds for biological activity, metabolism, toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity or to characterize novel or unknown comounds. The support is sufficiently robust that it may be assembled into larger reactors to simulate organ function or be used for the production of biomolecules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a denitrifying composition which is a material to be used for decomposing nitrates nitrogen in effluent by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that consume sulfur and carbonate as nutrients and is characterized by containing particles of calcium carbonate dispersed in sulfur. Preferably, the composition contains 10 parts by weight of sulfur coexisting with 10-15 parts by weight of calcium carbonate and 1-3 parts by weight of a microporous substance. This denitrifying composition can be prepared by heating powder of calcium carbonate and sulfur thereby melting the sulfur, dispersing the powder of calcium carbonate in liquid sulfur and solidifying the dispersion by rapid cooling. The composition simultaneously contains nutrients and alkali source and hence enables denitrification to proceed stably without addition of other components.

Abstract: An air purifying filter includes a modified enzyme immobilized on a surface of a carrier. The modified enzyme has been modified with a bonding agent that improves bonding. The surface of the carrier has not been rendered to be water repellant prior to immobilizing the modified enzyme on the surface of the carrier. The bonding agent improves bonding of the modified enzyme to the carrier.

Abstract: A chemical and bio-chemical assay method is described which screens compounds for enzyme inhibition, or receptor or other target binding. Inhibition or binding by the library compounds causes a change in the amount of an optically detectable label that is bound to suspendable cells or solid supports. The amounts of label bound to individual cells or solid supports are microscopically determined, and compared with the amount of label that is not bound to individual cells or solid supports. The degree of inhibition or binding is determined using this data. Confocal microscopy, and subsequent data analysis, allow the assay to be carried out without any separation step, and provide for high throughput screening of very small assay volume using very small amounts of test compound.

Abstract: An immunoassay, e.g. ELISA, method and kit for determining (preferably quantitatively) an analyte adsorbed at a surface or present in a liquid sample, comprising binding the analyte to a solid phase, attaching a marker to the analyte, and detecting marker attached to the solid-phase. The invention proposes to use a combination of marker and detection (e.g. an enzyme-substrate combination) which is capable of producing a precipitate on a solid phase which carries the marker and to detect the binding of analyte to the solid phase by in-situ determining the change in surface mass of the solid phase due to the formation of the precipitate. Ellipsometry is an example of a technique suitable for determining the change of surface mass of the solid phase, which could be made of a silicon- or chromium-sputtered glass slide The invention shortens the assay time and/or improves the assay sensitivity, and allows to measure extremely low surface concentrations of analytes of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and apparatus for bioremediation of mixed waste aquifers, based on a synergistic combination of reductive treatment using zero-valent iron and anaerobic biotransformations. Also disclosed are methods for in situ and ex situ remediation of groundwater and wastewater via these iron-bacterial compositions in a variety of devices including batch reactors, permeable and semipermeable reactive barriers, flow-through reactors, fluidized bed reactors, and sediment tanks.

Abstract: Electrochemical test strips and methods for their use in the detection of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject test strips have a reaction zone defined by opposing metal electrodes separated by a thin spacer layer. The metal surface of at least one of the electrodes is modified by a homogenous surface modification layer made up of linear self-assembling molecules having a first sulfhydryl end group and a second sulfonate end group separated by a short chain alkyl linking group, where 2-mercaptoethane sulfonic acid or a salt thereof is preferred in certain embodiments. The subject electrochemical test strips find application in the detection of a wide variety of analytes, and are particularly suited for use the detection of gluose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing optically active cyanohydrin. An immobilized enzyme is used in the invention, in which (S)-hydroxynitrile lyase is immobilized in a carrier comprising a porous inorganic material.

Abstract: A device and method are provided using a sensor containing an electrode with an enzyme layer to determine a component in a liquid sample. Inlet and outlet channels feed liquid sample to and from the sensor surface. The inlet channel is placed an angle of preferably 1 to 80 degrees to the sensor surface, and an inlet channel end opening is at a distance from the sensor surface of preferably two fold or less of an inlet channel inner diameter. The angle and distance provide good measurement accuracy, stable measurement sensitivity and rapid response. The sensor may be vertically sandwiched between upper and lower parts, and be removable from the upper part. Liquid sample is continuously moved from the inlet channel over the sensor surface and discharged through the outlet channel. Liquid sample speed over the sensor surface is adjusted to provide sensor output in proportion to concentration of the liquid.

Abstract: A bone substitute material is prepared which comprises a soft matrix, living cells and a setting matrix comprising non-ceramic hydroxyapatite cement. The bone substitute material can be injected minimally invasively into a bone defect with a suitable injection apparatus. In an embodiment, living cells are mixed with a fibrinogen solution and then with a thrombin solution to form the soft matrix, and the soft matrix is mixed with an aqueous solution of non-ceramic hydroxyapatite cement to obtain the bone substitute material which remains unsolidified until after application to a body.

Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: Immobilized garlic alliinase wherein the alliinase is chemically, physically or biologically immobilized, is useful in a method for continuous production of allicin. The method comprises adding a solution of alliin as substrate to a column containing the immobilized garlic alliinase and collecting pure allicin in the effluent. The pure allicin is intended for use as food additive or for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, high levels of cholesterol and blood lipids, high blood pressure and thrombosis.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods are provided for fabricating complex patterns of materials, such as proteins, inorganic materials or cells, on surfaces. Complex, discontinuous patterns on surfaces can be formed incorporating or depositing multiple materials. A stamp structure has a flow path containing a series of interconnected channels. The channels include a first channel within an interior of the stamp structure, a second channel within a stamping surface of the structure defining a pattern, and a channel fluidically interconnecting the first and second channels. After contacting the stamp with a surface, a fluid is introduced into the flow path so that the fluid contacts the surface to form a pattern. In another embodiment, the stamp structure has two non-fluidically interconnected first and second flow paths defining first and second patterns of channels to produce non-continuous first and second patterns on a surface.

Abstract: A test piece for use in biological analyses includes a plurality of different known specific binding substances disposed in predetermined positions on a substrate. The specific binding substances are disposed on a plurality of surfaces provided by the substrate and arranged in the direction of thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: A light weight medium for growing microorganisms includes a mass of polymeric foam, such as a polyurethane foam, having an outer region enclosing an inner region. A plurality of fragments of an inorganic material, such as sand, are at least partially embedded in the outer region. The light weight medium may be used to support growth of microorganisms in a wide variety of biological and/or biochemical processes, or may be used without microorganisms in chemically treating wastes.

Abstract: A relic process is used to produce bioresorbable ceramic scaffolds that can be used for in vitro or in vivo growth of human or animal tissue such as bone or cartilage. The process involves impregnating an organic fabric template with metal and phosphate ceramic precursors, heat treating the impregnated fabric to decompose the fabric to form a ceramic green body, and sintering the ceramic green body to form the scaffold which has a form analogous to that of the fabric template. Impregnating the fabric may be by soaking the fabric in a solution or sol containing the ceramic precursors. The fabric may be formed into a laminate prior to heat treating. Sintering results in fibers of the fabric being cross-sintered with one another to form a three-dimensional scaffold structure having controlled pore size and distribution. The scaffold may be treated with a material that promotes bone growth through the scaffold.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for use in a microbiological assay procedure wherein a plurality of diffusion disks are placed on a nutrient medium on a plate, each of the disks carrying a respective antibiotic agent and each having an identification code identifying the respective antibiotic agent, the disks being positioned on the plate in a preselected relative arrangement. The method comprises optically scanning the disks on the plate, consequently generating a digitally encoded image including digitized representations of the identification codes, and electronically processing the digitally encoded image to determine an angle of rotation of the plate relative to a pre-established reference frame or coordinate system, wherein the electronic processing of the digitally encoded image includes detecting a region of the plate occupied by a unique subset of the disks.

Abstract: A device for the detection of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the device has (i) a photoactive layer of a semiconductor having a band gap of greater than 2.5 eV, (ii) a dye applied to the semiconductor, and (iii) a charge transport layer comprising a hole conductor material, where the hole conductor material is preferably solid and amorphous.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a phospholipid in an aqueous system in which hydrolysis is extremely controlled, and the synthetic yield is improved. A process for exchanging a base of a phospholipid as a raw material by subjecting the phospholipid to the action of phospholipase D in the presence of a receptor having a hydroxyl group, in which the reaction is carried out in an aqueous system, a phospholipid adsorbed on a carrier is used as a raw material phospholipid, and the receptor and the phospholipase D are used in free forms.

Abstract: Abstract of the Invention The present invention comprises novel culture methods and devices in which living cells or subcellular biocatalysts are immobilized by the opposition of forces. The immobilized cells or biocatalysts may be attached to support complexes that add to the resultant vector forces. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a cruciform design. Commercial applications of the apparatus include efficient isolation of metals from ores and removal of gases.

Abstract: Method for the attachment and/or crystallization of macromolecules, chemical reagents used in the said method, products obtained as well as applications of the said products in the field of materials and of structural biology, in particular as biosensors or as biomaterials. The said method comprises essentially the incubation, without stirring, for at least 15 minutes, of a biological macromolecule in solution with nanotubes of carbon closed at their ends, under suitable temperature and pH conditions.

Abstract: A biodegradable, biocompatible porous matrix as a scaffold for tissue engineering cartilage is formed of a copolymer of a polyalkylene glycol and an aromatic polyester such as a polyethylene glycol/polybutylene terephtalate copolymer. A ceramic coating such as a calcium phosphate coating may be provided on the scaffold by soaking the scaffold in a solution containing calcium and phosphate ions. A composite scaffold which is preferably a two-layer system may be formed having an outer surface of a layer of the porous matrix formed of the copolymer, and an outer surface of a layer of a ceramic material. The composite scaffold may be prepared by casting the copolymer on top of the ceramic material in a mould. Cells are preferably seeded on the scaffold prior to implanting, and the scaffold may contain bioactive agents that are released on degradation of the scaffold in vivo.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.

Abstract: L(−)-carnitine is synthesized from crotonobetaine, crotonobetaine salts or derivatives in an ecologically advantageous manner by immobilizing cells of Escherichia coli 044 K74 on ceramics, glass beads or polyurethane disks in a two stage continuously operating cell recycle reactor containing a reaction medium. The medium preferably contains between 25 mM and 1 M crotonobetaine and at least 50 mM fumarate. Growing or resting cells of E. coli are retained in the reactor by micro or ultrafiltration membranes which are arranged as a flat membrane module or hollow fiber module. A first stage contains a reactor tank and a second stage contains an external recirculation loop connected to the tank for feeding the reaction medium through a filter unit. L-carnitine is synthesized under anaerobic conditions to produce a reaction medium containing L-carnitine and unreacted crotonobetaine.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable physiological or pathophysiological biosensors. The subject biosensors comprise tissue or cells capable of carrying out a physiological or pathophysiological function, which can be used to monitor a chemical, physiological or pathophysiological variable associated with the physiological or pathophysiological function. In one embodiment, the tissue or cells are coupled via an electrical interface to an electronic measuring device or an electronic amplifying device. In another embodiment, the tissue or cells are coupled via an electrical interface to endogenous tissue or cells, including the blood. Preferably, the tissue or cells are excitable tissue or cells such as cardiac tissue or cells and neuronal tissue or cells. The subject biosensors may be placed, inserted or implanted in any animal including but not limited to a mouse, rat, rabbit, pig, cat, dog, cattle, horse, sheep or human.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for assaying a substance. The method of the present invention comprises contacting the substance with an assay agent comprising a catalytic agent to associate the substance with the catalytic agent, contacting the resulting associated substance with a label precursor capable of reacting catalytically with the catalytic agent to release the label, and detecting a mass label. The present invention also involves a kit for assaying a substance. The kit of the present invention comprises an assay agent comprising a catalytic agent, and a label precursor capable of reacting catalytically with the catalytic agent to release a mass label.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance enzyme sensor including a sensing part 6 having an optically transparent base 1, a thin metal film 2 made of gold or silver, and a film 4 provided on the metal thin film 2 causing electron transfer reaction with both the thin metal film and the enzyme is provided.

Abstract: A particle coated with a nonlamellar material such as a nonlamellar crystalline material, a nonlamellar amorphous material, or a nonlamellar semi-crystalline material includes an internal matrix core having at least one a nanostructured liquid phase, or at least on nanostructured liquid crystalline phase or a combination of the two is used for the delivery of active agents such as pharmaceuticals, nutrients, pesticides, etc. The coated particle can be fabricated by a variety of different techniques where the exterior coating is a nonlamellar material such as a nonlamellar crystalline material, a nonlamellar amorphous material, or a nonlamellar semi-crystalline material.

Abstract: A mediator molecule is immobilized on the surface of a metallic or ceramic implant material. An anchor molecule such as a dialdehyde having a functional group that covalently binds the mediator molecule is covalently bound to the surface, and the mediator molecule is coupled to the functional group of the anchor molecule. The implant material may be composed of titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, stainless steel or hydroxylapatite. Oxide units on the surface of the implant material can be increased preferably by treating with hot chromic-sulphuric acid for 0.5 to 3 hours at a temperature between 100 to 250° C. prior to binding the anchor molecule. Also, prior to binding the anchor molecule, the surface of the implant material can be activated by reacting with a silane derivative. Mediator molecules include BMP protein, ubiquitin and antibiotics, and the implant material may be an artificial joint or coronary vessel support such as a stent.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the purification of a target substance from a biological sample by immobilizing the target substance on a solid phase by means of a high affinity binding pair and subsequently eluting it by adding a partner of the binding pair in a free form. In addition reagent kits for carrying out the method are disclosed.

Abstract: Stable salts of S-adenosyl-1-methionine with polycations such as chitosan are described. The salts according to the invention are very stable and are valuable for use as active constituents in pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: An enzyme in a mixture containing the enzyme and a contaminant enzyme is purified by selectively aggregating and precipitating the contaminant enzyme with a surfactant. A deacetylase contaminant is separated from Cephalosporin C acylase using a cationic surfactant in an amount of 0.1 to 0.6%. Surfactants include benzylated or methylated cationic surfactants such as alkyl(palm)dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl(palm)trimethyl ammonium chloride and dodecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride. An immobilized enzyme is regenerated using a protease to remove the enzyme from a carrier. The carrier may be a synthetic adsorbent or an ion exchange resin having pores of 100 nm or less in diameter, and the immobilized enzyme is optionally crosslinked. Immobilized cephalosporin C acylase is regenerated using an alkaline or acidic protease.

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: A catalyst preparation comprising an insoluble matrix and an enzyme complex immobilized onto said insoluble matrix, characterized in that the matrix contains active carbon. The content of the active carbon is preferably in an amount of 0.1 to 70% by weight, more preferably 1 to 40% by weight and most preferably 3 to 20% by weight, relative to the entire matrix. The enzyme, particularly a lipase, is preferably coated with a surfactant. The inorganic insoluble matrix is preferably a silica-based matrix or an ion-exchange resin. The catalyst preparation of the invention is intended for use as a catalyst in esterification, inter-esterification and trans-esterification reactions.

Abstract: A slow-release solid chemical composition for environmental bioremediation is provided. The composition comprises a source of soluble organic substrates which include sugars, soluble organic polymers and mixtures of them in an amount of 7% to 90%, insoluble organic substrates an amount of 10% to 70%, complex inorganic phosphates in an amount of 0.5% to 7% and soluble organic salts in an amount of 2% to 70%. The insoluble organic substrates include fibrous plant materials, starches, cellulosic materials and mixtures of these substrates. The complex inorganic phosphates include ringed metaphosphates, linear polyphosphates and mixtures. The organic salts include lactates, formates, acetates, citrates, etc. Also the composition further comprises microorganisms which include Bacillus spp., Rhizobium spp., Bradyrhibzobium spp., Fibrobacter spp., Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas. spp., Geobacter spp., Arthrobacter spp., Nocardia, spp., aspergillus spp., Trichoderma spp., Candida spp., Yarrowia spp.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a coating of an immobilized biomolecule on a surface of a medical device to impart improved biocompatibility for contacting tissue and bodily fluids. A biomolecule such as a glycoprotein having an unsubstituted amide moiety is combined with an amine forming agent to form an amine-functional biomolecule. The amine-functional biomolecule is combined with a medical device surface having a chemical moiety such as aldehyde, epoxide, isocyanate, 1,2-dicarbonyl, phosphate, sulphate or carboxylate to form a chemical bond immobilizing the biomolecule on the surface. The chemical bond may be combined with a reducing agent or a stabilizing agent. The aldehyde moiety may be formed by combining a periodate with a 2-aminoalcohol moiety or a 1,2-dihydroxy moiety. Alternatively, an amine-functional medical device surface is combined with a biomolecule having a chemical moiety that reacts with an amine moiety.

Abstract: The present application describes novel uses of ruthenium bipyridyls or palladium porphyrins as photo-activatable crosslinking agents. Crosslinking can be between any two molecules including peptides, proteins, or compounds. Crosslinking occurs in the presence of an electron donor such as ammonium persulfate, and requires only moderate intensity visible light. Crosslinking can be between peptides, polypeptides or lead candidate compounds to unknown target molecules. Reagents utilyzing ruthenium bipyridyls and palladium porphyrins crosslinkers for use in diagnostic and detection scenarios are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lipase preparation is prepared containing a surfactant-coated lipase complex immobilized onto an insoluble matrix. A preferred surfactant is a fatty acid polyol ester such as sorbitan monostearate (SMS). The lipase preparation may be provided in granulated form or in an organic solvent, and can be used in esterifying, inter-esterifying, trans-esterifying and alcoholysing reactions with no added water. The lipase preferably has 1,3-positional specificity with respect to triacylglycerols, and the insoluble matrix may be modified with a fatty acid derivative. A lipase in aqueous medium is contacted with a surfactant to coat the lipase with the surfactant, and the coated lipase is immobilized onto an insoluble matrix to produce the lipase preparation which may be dried such as by freeze drying. Alternatively, the lipase may be first contacted with the insoluble matrix, and thereafter with the surfactant.

Abstract: A method and device for fluorimetric determination of a biological, chemical or physical parameter of a sample utilize at least two different luminescent materials, the first of which is sensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity, and the second of which is insensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity and decay time. The luminescent materials have different decay times. The time- or phase behaviour of the resulting luminescence response is used to form a reference value for determination of a parameter.

Abstract: A granule having high stability and low dust is described. The granule includes a hydrated barrier material having moderate or high water activity. Also described are methods of producing the granules.

Abstract: A separation and release process for purifying biological material on a micro separation column includes release of the biological material from magnetic carriers and elution from the micro separation column while the magnetic carriers are still magnetically retained by a matrix of ferromagnetic particles inside the micro separation column.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of mannitol by bioconversion with the aid of immobilized micro-organisms as well as to the use of the mannitol and by-products formed in the conversion process. In said process a solution containing a substrate convertible into mannitol is fed into contact with solid carrier particles containing viable mannitol-forming microorganism cells immobilized in and/or on said particles. The solution is reconditioned between successive conversion steps in order to provide conversion of a major portion of said substrate into mannitol.

Abstract: A malleable implant for implantation into living tissue is prepared having access means for cells into the interior of the implant. The implant is capable of being deformed under pressure required to insert the implant into an implant site. The access means can be hollow or solid. The solid comprises a material that more rapidly resorbs in vivo than the malleable implant to provide channels, or comprises a mechanically weak material that fractures under force at an implant site to produce channels or cracks. The access means may be inserted in the malleable implant at an implant site. A multilaminar structure may be formed having layers of malleable implant and layers of access means, or the access means may be heterogeneously distributed throughout the malleable implant. A kit can contain a powder such as calcium phosphate for making a paste implant material, and an access means insertable into the paste.

Abstract: Silicatein is an enzyme of silicate-forming organisms used for the synthesis of their silicate scaffold. The present invention relates to the use of highly-expressed and highly active recombinant silicatein, silicatein isolated from natural sources after gene induction as well as silicatein-fusion proteins for the synthesis of amorphous silicon dioxide (silicic acids and silicates), siloxanes as well as modification of these compounds and their technical use.

Abstract: A sensor element is provided including a polymer exhibiting a measurable property from the group of luminescence and electrical conductivity, the polymer being complexed with a unit including a recognition element, a tethering element and a property-altering element bound thereto so as to alter the measurable property, the unit being susceptible of subsequent separation from the polymer upon exposure to an agent having an affinity for binding to the recognition element whereupon the separation of the unit from the polymer results in a detectable change in the measurable property.

Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining a cell population enriched in microglial cells by contacting a composition containing microglial cells with immunoglobulin immobilized on a matrix such as a polystyrene matrix before or after contact with the cells, allowing the cells to bind to the with immunoglobulin, and removing non-adherent cells to obtain a cell population containing preferably at least 95% microglial cells. The immunoglobulin may be Fc domain-containing immunoglobulin G, and Fc receptors of the microglial cells bind to the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G. Purified Fc fragments from immunoglobulin G may be used in place of immunoglobulin G. The microglial cells may be from brain tissue, and from tissue of a normal animal or tissue of an animal having a neurological disorder.

Abstract: An immobilized enzyme is prepared for use in organic mediums essentially devoid of free water. An enzyme-containing liquid medium is contacted with a particulate porous carrier which preferably has a particle size of 200-1000 &mgr;m and a surface area of 20-1000 m2/g to adsorb the enzyme on the carrier, and volatile components of the liquid medium contained by the carrier are removed. The carrier may have a hydrophilic surface, and an amount of liquid medium is used to prevent agglomeration of the carrier. Alternatively, the carrier has a hydrophobic surface, and the addition of a hygroscopic substance suppresses agglomeration of the carrier by absorbing excess liquid. The hygroscopic substance may be removed during the removal of volatile components. Contacting of the enzyme-containing liquid and carrier can be in a fluidized bed where immobilization and removing volatile components are conducted simultaneously, or contacting can be in mixer followed by removing volatile components in a fluidized bed.

Abstract: An air purifying filter having an enzyme immobilized on the surface of a carrier is capable of direct killing or otherwise control of air-borne microorganisms which have been difficult to control by means of the conventional air purifying filters; and the filter is also capable of removing the retained microorganisms by killing or otherwise controlling them.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive device and method for detecting and quantifying analytes present in a medium. The device comprises a metalized film upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of an antibody-binding proteins. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the plastic film upon which the protein is printed, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.