Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing uniform polymeric spheres with controllable permeability. This invention may be useful for encapsulating living cells or tissue or chemicals or medicines in uniform polymeric spheres. In particular, this invention relates to polymeric microspheres made from polycation and polyanion polymer solutions. An apparatus includes airtight housing 1 having top 3 and bottom 25 chambers. Top chamber 3 includes pressure regulator means 5, stationary polyanion reservoir tank 7, polycation reservoir tank 27, and feed line 9 to adjustable tank 11. Tank 11 is associated with oscillator 13, nozzle 14 and capacitance means 19. Nozzle 14 and oscillator 3 cooperate to form polyanion droplets. In the bottom chamber 25 annular nozzle 50 is used to form an annular jet of polycation solution. The droplets and polycation jet are mixed at minimal impact velocities to form uniform polymeric sphere.

Abstract: A room temperature stable restriction enzyme in a glassified carbohydrate stabilizer is disclosed. A restriction enzyme reaction buffer containing Mg.sup.+2 is dispersed in the stabilizer. One cleaves DNA merely by adding water and DNA to the composition. The composition can reduce glycerol-caused star activity by avoiding the need for glycerol. The composition also reduces star activity caused by high concentrations of enzymes. Another method is provided of comparing cleaved DNA samples in connection with forensic and paternity testing applications.

Abstract: A culture of Pseudomonas XA cells containing indolyl-3-alkane alpha-hydroxylase(INDH) is produced by aerobic batch fermentation in a culture medium. The culture medium is in a vessel having a means for adjusting agitation rate. During culturing, the cells go through a logarithmic phase and a stationary phase. Oxygen concentration is measured in the culture medium at the beginning of the process to determine a first oxygen concentration. Agitation rate is adjusted to produce a second oxygen concentration in the culture medium of about two to about seven percent of the first oxygen concentration for a time period of about two to about seven hours which ends at the beginning of the stationary phase. An INDH having three subunits of different molecular weight is isolated from the cells. The INDH is stable, free from endotoxin-mediated side effects and has sufficient specific activity to be useful for depletion of tryptophan from aqueous solution. During use, the INDH may be in immobilized form.

Abstract: A porous mineral support such as a porous mineral oxide coated with an aminated polysaccharide polymer has cationic characteristics and is capable of reversibly fixing thereto biological macromolecules. This material is employed in the separation and purification of said biologic macromolecules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in blood is disclosed. The LDL is contacted with an enzyme which modifies it in a manner such that the LDL is rapidly removed endogenously by the patients' own metabolic processes. The enzyme may be introduced into the patient by injection, transdermal transport, nasal insufflation and ingestion. Additionally, the enzyme may be contained in a reactor for both in vivo and extracorporeal use.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of encapsulating viable tissue or cells within a double walled bead, the double-walled bean produced as a result of the method, as well as a method of pretreating the tissue or cells with an immunosuppressant such as UV-B irradiation prior to their encapsulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the immobilization or incorporation of polypeptides, especially enzymes or other bioactive polypeptides into polymeric matrixes, especially polyurethane, membranes produced by said polymers, and the utilization of such membranes in biosensors. A preferred type of biosensor is the needle sensor designed for in vivo monitoring of glucose which comprises a core platinum anode (2) coated with an insulating lacquer (3), the anode (2) is situated inside a stainless steel reference cathode (4) which is insulated from the anode (2) by a layer of epoxy resin (5) At one end, of the tip, the electrode (1) has a detection surface (6) which is in an acute angle to the general direction of the electrode (1). At the other end, the base, the electrode (2) is provided with terminals (7) and (8) for the anode (2) and cathode (4), respectively.

Abstract: Chitin deacetylase, the enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetamide groups of N-acetylglucosamine in chitin, was purified to homogeneity from mycelial extracts of the fungus Mucor rouxii. In addition, immunoglobulin specifically reactive with chitin deacetylase has been produced and purified.

Abstract: A process for covalently bonding biopolymer, such as protein, to an organic polymer surface coated with hydrophilic nonionic polymer having groups reactive with the biopolymer and having a cloud point in the reaction medium that is at least 5.degree. C. above the temperature at which the coated organic polymer surface is to be used, which comprises reacting biopolymer with the surface in an aqueous reaction medium, at a temperature not less than 5.degree. C. below the cloud point; but not above a temperature at which the biopolymer is deleteriously affected, and preferably not above about 100.degree. C., the product comprises a biopolymer immobilized on a hydrophilic solid surface having a nonionic polymer and a hydrophilic layer, coupled thereto via biopolymer-reactive groups of the nonionic polymer, and accordingly has low spontaneous adsorption of proteins and other biopolymers through electrostatic attraction and/or hydrophobic interaction.

Abstract: Supported lactic acid bacteria are produced by culturing lactic acid bacteria in a medium containing an aqueous dispersion of an expanded, pre-gelatinized, starch containing cereal adsorbent obtained by extrusion of a cereal product under a pressure of less than 50 bar at a temperature of at least 150.degree. C. The dispersion has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of from 30 to 60 mPas when measured as a 10% aqueous dispersion. After culturing, the supported bacteria are separated from the medium and the medium may be recovered as flavor or aroma material for use in baking. In another embodiment, the supported lactic acid bacteria are cultured in a medium to produce a flavor or aroma material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of binding biologically active organic ligands to hydroxyl groups of polymeric carriers. The method involves bringing 4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl Chloride into reactive contact with the hydroxyl groups of polymeric carriers in such a manner to form sulfonate groups in place of the hydroxyl groups. The ligand is then brought into reactive contact with the hydroxyl groups of polymeric carriers to replace the sulfonate groups reacted with the organic ligand. The polymeric carrier containing the bound ligand can be used to isolate a biologically active material from a heterogeneous solution.

Abstract: Levels of bilirubin in mammalian serum are controlled by administering to the mammalian intestinal tract a substance (a "bilirubin deactivator") that converts unconjugated bilirubin into nontoxic, physiologically compatible products, thereby reducing reabsorption of unconjugated bilirubin in enterohepatic circulation. Useful bilirubin deactivators include those which specifically adsorb the bilirubin and are excreted, and "bilirubin conversion enzymes", i.e., enzymes that operate on the unconjugated bilirubin substrate to yield products that are physiologically compatible in that they are not reabsorbed, or, if reabsorbed, they are nontoxic in the blood stream.

Abstract: The long-term activity of the biocatalyst for the production of sorbitol and gluconic acid from an aqueous solution of fructose and glucose is considerably improved with the aid of permeabilized cells of Zymomonas mobilis immobilized using .kappa.-carrageenan that has been rigidified and then stabilized by K.sup.+ ions. Rigidification of .kappa.-carrageenan is preferably carried out by treatment with glutaraldehyde alone or by treatment with polyethyleneimine or hexamethylenediamine and subsequent exposure to glutaraldehyde. A buffer-free solution is preferred and the pH is maintained by adding Ca.sup.++ ions while simultaneously precipitating gluconic acid.

Abstract: A method for amplifying enzyme activity is disclosed. Enzyme amplification is achieved by covalently bonding enzyme to a supporting material via a molecular chain which is a substrate for the enzyme, then introducing a small amount of enzyme in the free state to this system, causing release of a large amount of bound enzyme. In an alternative embodiment, complementary enzymatically inactive fragments of an active enzyme, which fragments can recombine to form active enzyme, are covalently attached to separate support materials by a molecular chain material which is a substrate for the active enzyme, and these two fragment-supported conjugates are connected in series. Upon application of free enzyme or free complementary enzyme to one of these fragment-support conjugates, followed by application of the resulting product mixture to the second fragment-support conjugate, a large amount of free enzyme is ultimately produced.

Abstract: A biosensor for the determination of glucose and fructose concentrations is provided. The biosensor is produced by a method which comprises treating Zymomonas mobilis whole cells with an organic solvent such as xylene and n-butanol, immobilizing the treated whole cells onto a support selected from the group consisting of gelatin, collagen, agarose, cellophane and polyacrylamide to give an immobilized whole cell enzyme membrane and adhering the membrane to the surface of a pH electrode to give the biosensor. The resulting biosensor is capable of determning glucose and fructose in high concentrations such as 5 g/L and 50 g/L, respectively. Invertase can be immobilized with the whole cells to provide a biosenser for the determination of sucrose.

Abstract: Lipase is absorbed on a carrier to provide an immobilized lipase preparation containing 0.5 to 8% water by a process that does not require drying. The process is carried out by providing a solution or dispersion of lipase in a liquid solvent, mixing the solution or dispersion of lipase with a carrier to provide a mixture containing 0.5 to 8% water and kneading the mixture to produce the immobilized lipase preparation. The solution or dispersion of lipase may contain an enzyme activity enhancing agent such as a fatty acid or its derivative such as lecithin. By not drying, an immobilized lipase preparation having higher activity is obtained.

Abstract: Bioactive cells are immobilized by suspending bioactive cells in an aqueous solution of a salt-free osmolarity adjuster, alginate and polyethylene glycol, dividing the suspension into bead-sized globules, contacting the globules with a solution of divalent cations to gel the alginate to form beads containing polyethylene glycol-filled areas and removing the polyethylene glycol to form voids in the beads entrapping the bioactive cells. By perfusing the beads with a nutrient medium, the cells can proliferate in the voids to produce high cell densities and produce a product which can be separated from the medium.

Abstract: An insecticidal composition in the form of a hydrated macrogel containing at least one species of entomopathogen and a hydrated water retentive compound which acts as a water-reservoir for the entomopathogen. Optionally, the macrogel contains attractants, in particular raffinose and gamma-irradiated, fungal-decayed wood.

Abstract: A composition for thrombolytic therapy includes a tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and a low affinity heparin fraction. The composition is administered intravenously to allow the t-PA to dissolve blood clots while the low affinity heparin fraction prevents reocculsion without the harmful side effects observed for unfractionated heparin, such as, stimulation of and interference with t-PA activity in the circulatory system, as well as, interference with fibrinolytic activity which can cause hemorrhaging in the mammalian circulatory system.

Abstract: Biologically-active material, particularly hybridoma cells, is immobilized for mass culture in bioreactors to produce biological products, particularly monoclonal antibodies, by ionically-interacting polycationic groups on chitosan with polyanionic groups on a polyanionic water-soluble polymer. Preferably, the chitosan is chitosan acetate and the polyanionic polymer is sodium alginate. In one embodiment, droplets of a suspension of the biologically-active material and water-soluble polymer are gelled by forming a calcium salt of the water-soluble polymer to form temporary capsules, and a sequestering agent for the calcium ions is added to effect ionotropic gelation of the water-soluble polymer and chitosan to form a semi-permeable membrane around each temporary capsule. In another embodiment, porous beads are formed by exposing droplets of a suspension of the biologically active material and water-soluble polymer to an aqueous solution of chitosan and multiple cations.

Abstract: A method of inducing aggregate formation of animal cells is carried out by forming a nutrient medium suspension of animal cells and introducing itno the suspension microspheres of a derivatized diameter of not more than about 60 .mu.m, when measured in a suitable buffer saline or cell culture media.

Abstract: Novel immobilized cells are prepared by immobilizing microbial cells in a gel carrier wherein an absorbent for organic solvents harmful to the cells is dispersed. A method for normally culturing these immobilized cells is utilized in a medium that contains the organic solvents or to which organic solvents are added without any previous sterilization. The present invention makes it possible to realize an ideal fermentation process without requiring a sterilizing process.

Abstract: A cofactor having an aromatic or benzylic amino group is converted into an isothiocyanate by reaction with a compound such as thiophosgene and the isothiocyanate of the cofactor is attached to a polymer which is preferably water-soluble. When the polymer has amino groups, a thiourea bridge is formed between the polymer and cofactor and a polymer having hydroxyl groups results in a thiocarbamate bridge. The polymer may be a copolymer of vinylamine or vinylmethylamine and vinylmethylacetamide, partially alkylamine-substituted .alpha., .beta.-poly-(2-hydroxyethyl)-D,L-aspartamide, polyethyleneimine or carbohydrate. The cofactor bound to a polymer and an enzyme are contained in microcapsules or in a membrane to form an enzyme reactor.

Abstract: In order to avoid the risk of undesired side reactions of blood products, the latter are produced from plasma by using chymotrypsin to inactivate prekallikrein activator. These preparations are obtained by the fractionated enrichment of plasma proteins, with the proviso that a chymotrypsin solution or immobilized chymotrypsin is added to the fractions at any stage of the fractionation process. Before completion of the preparations, the chymotrypsin or the immobilized trypsin is removed from the preparations.

Abstract: Microbial cells are immobilized by entrapment in gellan gum, also known as deacetylated heteropolysaccharide S-60. Entrapment can be carried out by forming a mixture of a paste of microbial cells and an aqueous solution of gellan gum and adding the mixture drop-wise to an aqueous solution of cations to produce beads of hardened gellan gum entrapping the microbial cells. The microbial cells preferably contain aspartase activity and can be E. coli ATCC 11303, and the cations are preferably magnesium ions. In an alternative embodiment, the mixture of microbial cell paste and aqueous gellan gum solution is admixed with a porous cationic exchange resin which is preferably in magnesium ion form and the microbial cells are entrapped in hardened gellan gum in and on the resin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a stable peracid bleach composition comprising discrete granules which comprise peracid, namely, diperoxydodecanedioic acid. In another preferred embodiment, enzymes are present in the composition separate from the discrete peracid granules. In both the enzyme-containing and non-enzyme containing compositions, peracid and exotherm control agents are combined in a discrete granule in which the amount of water is carefully controlled to result in, respectively, maximum peracid and enzyme stability. Standard bleaching composition adjuncts such as fillers, brighteners, pH control agents and the like may be included in the compositions apart from the discrete peracid granules.

Abstract: Biological materials such as enzymes, proteins and peptides are encapsulated by forming a mixture of the material and an aqueous non-ionic polymer solution, spraying the mixture into a circulating water-immiscible nonsolvent for the polymer at a temperature sufficient to freeze the beads and drying the frozen beads to remove essentially all unbound water such as to provide a water content of about 1-2 weight percent. Suitable non-ionic polymers are poly(vinyl alcohol), polyvinylpyrollidone, dextran and derivatized cellulose. A densification agent such as alumina may be present in the polymer solution to enhance specific gravity of the beads formed. Encapsulated material such as microbes produced by this process provide useful agricultural agents which can be delivered to the market in a dormant state and suitable for delivery to soil or plant leaves. The beads can be applied dry, via a planting or an insecticide box, or wet via a spray nozzle.

Abstract: Method for encapsulating biologically active material within a semipermeable capsule wherein gelled beads are obtained by suspending the material in a solution of a water-soluble substance which can be reversibly gelled, forming the solution into droplets and gelling the droplets to produce discrete shaped-retaining temporary gelled beads.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for immobilizing and growing cells in airlift bioreactors to obtain increased cell density. Cells are immobilized by forming alginate beads containing cells and gelatin particles, and dissolving the gelatin by heating to form cavities in the beads entrapping the cells. In a growth chamber of an airlift bioreactor, introduced oxygen-containing gas circulates growth medium in contact with the beads resulting in oxygen transfer to cells in the cavities of the beads where growth of the cells occurs. Preferably, bead formation is carried out in the growth chamber by dripping an alginate-cell gelatin suspension into a calcium solution contained in the growth chamber. Growth medium is then supplied to the chamber, and oxygen-containing gas is introduced to result in circulation of the growth medium and growth of the cells.

Abstract: Immobilized yeast for the production of alcoholic beverages is produced by forming calcium alginate beads containing yeast, hardening the beads for 30 to 180 minutes in a CaCl.sub.2 solution, washing the beads for 100 to 500 minutes at 5.degree. to 35.degree. C. with water which may have a salt content of up to 0.5 g/l and drying the beads at a temperature of 10.degree. to 50.degree. C. The immobilized yeast is particularly suitable for use in the bottle fermentation of sparkling wine.

Abstract: A method for forming agarose beads, which may incorporate biological material at least partially labile at above 40.degree. C., in which an aqueous agarose solution is formed into bead-size portions which are gelled by contacting the portions with a cooled atmosphere, gas, and/or smooth hydrophobic surface, and then collected.

Abstract: A hydrated gel of high water content and high porosity containing an immobilized microorganism is prepared by dropwise addition of an aqueous solution containing a microorganism, polyvinyl alcohol and a polysaccharide to an aqueous solution containing polyvalent metal ions to gel the polysaccharide and form spherical gel beads, and subjecting the beads to at least one cycle of freezing and thawing to gel the polyvinyl alcohol. The polysaccharide can be sodium alginate and the polyvalent metal ions can be provided by calcium chloride. Freezing is at a temperature not higher than -5.degree. C., and the cycle of freezing and thawing is preferably repeated at least two times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hapten-protein conjugate, wherein a hapten is bound to the reducing end of a sugar which consists of up to 10 monosaccharide units and on a free CH.sub.2 OH group on the other end of the sugar, which is in the .alpha.-position to a hydroxyl group, is bound a protein.

Abstract: An assay system useful for the determination of NAD(P)H, NAD(P), or a substrate of an enzyme which reacts with the formation or comsumption of NAD(P)H. Concentrations of organic substrates for example alcohol, cholesterol, uric acid, in a biological fluid such as saliva, blood or urine may be determined. The system includes a diaphorase which catalyzes a NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of a chromogen to cause a visible color change; this color change is indicative of the concentration sought to be determined. The system includes a chromogen which is a first substrate for the diaphorase which causes a color change when reduced by NAD(P)H, and a second substrate which is a competing substrate for the diaphorase; the competing substrate is irreversibly reduced by the diaphorase. The system is capable of measuring colorimetrically without dilution concentrations of organic compounds in biological fluids which previously could not be measured in such concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of inclusion of microorganisms of the group consisting of mycorrhizae and actinorhizae in a polymer gel matrix to prepare a solid, stable, storable preparation suitable for use in particular for agronomic purposes. The polymer gel matrix is based on at least one polymer from the polysaccharide group, with at least partial cross-linking of the polymer.

Abstract: Particles which enclose cavities can be produced by adding a water-insoluble solid, liquid or gaseous cavity generating compound to an aqueous solution of matrix material. Subsequent to forming particles by dispersion in a water-insoluble dispersion medium, the matrix is rendered insoluble in water by cooling, by covalent cross-linking or by polymerization. The cavity generating compound is washed out, whereafter the particles can be used as ion exchangers in gel filtration processes, in hydrophobic chromatography or in affinity chromatography, optionally subsequent to derivatizing the particles. The particles can also be used to advantage as microcarriers in the cultivation of anchorage-dependent cells.

Abstract: Whole cells of methylotrophic yeasts are able to oxidize benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde in aqueous reaction media. However, the low water solubility of the reactant and product of this bioconversion, combined with the ability of both to strongly inhibit the reaction, suggested to us the use of non-aqueous reaction fluids. Using non-aqueous systems, it was found that Pichia pastoris can be used to oxidize higher alcohols. The alcohol oxidase from such yeast had been previously reported unable to oxidize such alcohols. Purified alcohol oxidase was shown to function in a number of two-phase systems of varied aqueous to organic phase concentrations. The stability and biocatalyst recovery of the enzyme was improved by immobilization.

Abstract: An immobilized biocatalyst suitable for fermenting to produce ethanol is prepared by mixing a biocatalyst such as a microorganism with a reaction product of a homogeneous dispersion of an anionic polysaccharide such as alginate and a cationic polymer such as polyethyleneimine, and combining the resultant dispersion with an oil phase to form beads. A surtactant may be present when combining the dispersion with the oil phase. A water soluble-oil insoluble curing powder includinga salt of a multivalent cation such as calcium chloride is mixed with the beads in the oil phase to gell and dehydrate the beads and to prevent the beads from adhering to one another until individual bead surfaces become hardened.

Abstract: A microcarrier bead system for culturing anchorage-dependent cells is formed of a polystyrene core with a coating of collagen fixed thereover. In certain embodiments, the coating is a protein, such as laminin or fibronectin. The microcarrier bead is of low density, illustratively 1.02 g/cc, and therefore requires less agitation of the nutrient media to maintain suspension. This reduced stirring causes lower shear forces to impinge upon the cells, thereby improving the attachment and proliferation of the cells being cultured. The microcarrier bead of the present invention exhibits surprising advantages with respect to cell attachment and harvesting over beads formed entirely of collagen, or of DEAE-dextran coated with collagen. During harvesting, contamination of the product resulting from dissolved collagen, particularly when proteolytic enzymes are used, is minimized. Additionally, adsorption of toxins and product by the subject microcarrier beads is minimized.

Abstract: An enzyme is immobilized by contacting the enzyme with a support in a solution containing an iridoid aglycone cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent may be genipin or an aglycone or an iridoid glycoside such as geniposide, gardenoside or geniposide acid.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, methods for the preparation thereof and the use thereof in chromatographic methods for binding various biologically active materials non-covalently are disclosed. The class of compounds comprises the reaction product of a polymeric gel with a pyridine base, such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), and a halogen-substituted pyridine, such as 3,5-dichloro-2,4,6-trifluoropyridine (DCTFP), which reaction product may in turn be optionally reacted with hydroxyl ions or specified low-molecular-weight compounds. These compounds are capable of selectively and efficiently binding proteins and other organic materials of interest non-covalently to a degree comparable or superior to the heretofore preferred natural affinity ligands, such as Protein A gels. The novel compounds find particular utility in purification and recovery of proteins such as serum albumin and immunoglobulins of various classes from crude sources, such as diluted serum samples from various species.

Abstract: The invention is a gel bead comprising propylene glycol alginate and bone gelatin and is capable of removing metals such as Sr and Cs from solution without adding other adsorbents. The invention could have application to the nuclear industry's waste removal activities.

Abstract: A solution of an active protein substance and an inactive protein substance is reacted with a cross-linking agent, optionally in the presence of an inert carrier, under cross-linking conditions to produce articles comprising both active and inactive protein substances. The active protein substance comprises up to about 20 percent, e.g. from 1 to 20 percent by weight, based on the final weight of the total protein substance, whereas the cross-linking agent comprises from 0.5 to 8 percent by weight, based on the weight of the total treated mixture. The obtained articles are in the form of a solution or a suspension in aqueous medium, in the form of a film, in the form of a membrane, in the form of a fabric, in the form of a porous material, or in the form of a mass, such as granules, pills or tablets.

Abstract: A bilirubin oxidase derivative resulting from chemical modification of a water-soluble polymeric substance. The chemically modified bilirubin oxidase is useful as a drug for treating jaundice.

Abstract: Gas containing granules of a resiliently compressible material having a density variable with pressure are used as a solid phase support in liquid phase reactions such in immunological reactions. Varying pressure causes the density of the granules to change and is used for mixing and separating the granules in liquid phase. In an immunological reaction, the granules having an attached antibody are combined with a solution containing an antigen, then varying pressure is applied to the solution to mix the granules in the solution to fix the antigen to the antibody and then pressure on the solution is varied to force the granules to the top or bottom of the solution whereby the solution can be separated from the granules.

Abstract: New Amines and amides of carboxylated polysaccharides having the nitrogen of the amido and amino groups directly attached to the polysaccharides and method of making same, based on reacting in solution a material having carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, with ammonium donors having the general formula >NH such as primary and secondary amine reagents and with or without a reducing agent to obtain amides or amines. These products may be used for instance in biological separations, for the immobilization of proteins, for the removal of metal ions, a thickeners, and as suspension agents.

Abstract: Perfectly spherical, smooth and uniform microcapsules, which may contain living cells, are produced having a diameter less than 700 .mu.m by employing an electrostatic droplet generator. A droplet is suspended from a pointed source, such as a needle, and is charged with high static voltage. A collecting vessel or ring device is charged with opposing polarity and attracts the droplet. When a voltage potential threshold is passed, the droplet moves from the source to the collecting vessel. The voltage pulse height, pulse frequency and length, and extrusion rate of the droplets are adjustable so that predetermined sizes of droplets may be repeatedly generated and collected.

Abstract: Enzymes or microorganisms are immobilized by bringing a first aqueous solution into contact with a second aqueous solution containing metal ions having a valence of 3 or more. The first solution contains enzymes or microorganisms, and at least one immobilizing agent selected from the group consisting of Xanthan gum and derivatives thereof. The immobilizing agent is thereby hardened in a state to enclose the enzymes or microorganisms. Preferably, the metal ions are iron, tin, manganese or titanium ions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilized sarcosine oxidase preparation which contains creatineamidinohydrolase covalently bound to a water-soluble polysaccharide.

Abstract: Enzymes or microbes are immobilized by using low mannuronic acid to guluronic acid (M/G) ratio alginate to produce an alginate gel having improved strength. An aqueous solution containing an enzyme or microbe and alginate having an M/G ratio of 0.01-0.8 (preferably 0.01-0.3) is contacted with an aqueous solution of barium ion or strontium ion to gel the alginate.