Abstract: Living cells such as animal cells which produce biologically active factors are encapsulated within a semipermeable, polymeric membrane such as polyacrylate by co-extruding an aqueous cell suspension and a polymeric solution through a common port having at least one concentric bores to form a tubular extrudate having a polymeric membrane which encapsulates the cell suspension. The cell suspension is extruded through an inner bore and the polymeric solution is extruded through an outer bore while a pressure differential is maintained between the cell suspension and the polymeric solution to impede solvent diffusion from the polymeric solution into the cell suspension. The polymeric solution coagulates to form an outer coating or membrane as the polymeric solution and the cell suspension are extruded through the extrusion port. As the outer membrane is formed, the ends of the tubular extrudate are sealed to form a cell capsule.

Abstract: Polymer beads are prepared containing an immobilized extractant for sorbing metal contaminants at concentrations of less than 1 mg/L in dilute aqueous solutions. A preferred polymer is polysulfone and the extractant can be a biomass material or a synthetic chemical compound sorbed into activated carbon. The polymer beads are prepared by dissolving the polymer in an organic solvent to form a solution, adding the extractant to the solution to form a mixture and injecting the mixture through a nozzle into water to form the beads.

Abstract: Tablets are formed that release components over time for biological degradation of organic matter such as sewage sludge, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides and herbicides. The tablets contain an inner-core of a dormant live microorganism, an inner-coating over the inner-core of water soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyethylene glycol, an outer-layer over the inner-coating of sodium sulfate coated sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate particles, and an outer-coating over the outer-layer of water soluble hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyethylene glycol. The inner-core may contain a binder such as paraffin, gelatin and dextrose, and the outer-layer may contain additives such as enzymes, buffering agents, sugars and manganese dioxide as an oxidation catalyst. When the tablets are placed in an aqueous environment, layers of the tablets dissolve over time releasing components therein.

Abstract: Synthesis of semi-synthetic monobactamic or .beta.-Lactamic antibiotics by using derivatives stabilized by various methods of penicillin G acylase from various microbial sources according to a thermodynamically controlled strategy in monophase water/cosolvent organic apolar systems, wherein the concentration of the cosolvent varies between 30% and 90%, the temperature between -10.degree. C. and 50.degree. C., the pH between 4.5 and 8.5, with concentrations of the antibiotic nucleus between 0.5 an 875 mM and acyl donor between 0.2 mM and 1M, with a relationship antibiotic ring/activated or free acyl donor, using a buffer between 0 and 1M. Application to the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: A biocatalyst is immobilized with a graft product of a polymer and saponified polyvinyl acetate containing a stilbazolium group as a photo-crosslinking group. The polymer is preferably gelatin, collagen, starch, cellulose, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, carrageenan, mannan, dextrin or alginic acid. The graft product is prepared by bonding the polymer to the polyvinyl acetate, either directly through functional groups of the polymer and polyvinyl acetate or through a crosslinking agent. The polymer provides affinity for the biocatalyst and by grafting the polymer to the saponified polyvinyl acetate, damage to cells upon immobilization is reduced. A liquid composition containing a biocatalyst and the graft product is added to an aqueous solution of an inorganic salt or an organic salt to form a granular gel and the gel is irradiated with actinic rays to cure the gel.

Abstract: There is provided a matrix and cultivation system for anchorage dependent cells. The matrix is characterized by a substantially increased available effective surface area for cell attachment which is attained by resorting to the use of a fiber network or open-pore foams with suitable pore size. Attachment of the cells can be enhanced by modifying the surface of the substrate. One embodiment comprises a matrix in particle or flake form.

Abstract: A modified solid carrier is used to covalently immobilize biomolecules such as proteins. The carrier is based on well-known matrix materials modified to have covalently bound functional groups of formula I ##STR1## that are suitable for covalent immobilization, where A is a spacer group; X is O, S, or NH and n is 0 or 1. The modified solid carrier is prepared by reacting ammonia with glycidyl groups of a carrier to form .alpha.-hydroxy-.beta.-amino groups, reacting these groups with 2,4,6-trichloro-s-triazine to form an N-triazinyl group-containing carrier, reacting this carrier with ammonia and reacting the resultant carrier with 2,4,6-trichloro-s-triazine.

Abstract: A method for the large-scale cultivation of animal cells wherein animal cells are embedded in a collagen gel which is covered by a protective coating. The protective coating supports and protects the collagen matrix.

Abstract: A filter device for use in the treatment of water to render it potable, which is of particular value in emergency situations, comprises exo-polysaccharide producing, gram-negative bacteria supported upon a water-permeable material which is non-toxic to microorganisms and to human beings, is resistant to temperatures within the range from -15.degree. C. to +65.degree. C., and is not readily biodegradable. The device may be freeze-dried to enable it to be stored until it is required for use and may then be reactivated by the addition of water. It may be used as the surface layer in a slow-sand filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of preparation of a biosensor comprising forming an electrode system mainly containing carbon on an insulating base plate, treating the surface of electrode system with an organic solvent, and then arranging a reaction layer on the electrode system to give a unified element. The reaction layer contains an enzyme, electron acceptor and a hydrophilic polymer. Treatment with the organic solvent improves adhesion of the reaction layer to the electrode system. The electrode system contains a working electrode and a counter electrode. The electrode system is formed from a carbon paste containing a resin binder. Treatment is preferably carried out by wiping the surface of the electrodes with a material impregnated by the organic solvent.

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: A Triqonopsis variabilis D-amino acid oxidase in substantially pure form and active against cephalosporin C is disclosed. This D-amino acid oxidase is isolated from Trigonopsis variabilis by a method which is performed in three steps, namely:(a) acidifying and heating a crude cell extract of Trigonopsis variabilis to obtain a precipitate and supernatant fraction;(b) treating said supernatant fraction obtained in step (a) with sufficient ammonium sulfate to obtain a second precipitate, said second precipitate containing the D-amino acid oxidase of claim 1; and(c) resuspending the precipitate obtained in step (b) and collecting the D-amino acid oxidase by isoelectric precipitation.

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: A fusion protein is prepared containing a polypeptide such as an enzyme and an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that has essentially no polysaccharidase activity. By contacting the fusion protein with an affinity matrix containing a substrate such as cellulose for the cellulase substrate binding region, the substrate binding region binds to the affinity matrix to immobilize the polypeptide. The polypeptide can be purified by separating the fusion protein or polypeptide from the affinity matrix. The polypeptide can be separated by cleaving the protein with a Cellulomonas fimi protease.

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: Glycosaminoglycan degrading enzymes are fractionated and purified by chromatographically treating a solution containing the enzymes with an insoluble sulfated polysaccharide carrier. The enzymes are adsorbed onto the carrier and then subsequently desrobed from the carrier.

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: This invention provides a method for the maintenance of continuous activity of an immobilized enzyme reaction by initially underloading an adsorbent with a desired enzyme, monitoring the activity of the enzyme and periodically adding fresh enzyme to maintain a constant, continuous level of activity until the maximum carrying capacity of the support is reached. The method is preferably carried out when continuously isomerizing glucose to fructose with glucose isomerase adsorbed to a weakly basic anion exchange resin.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for encapsulating viable cells which produce biologically-active factors. The cells are encapsulated within a semipermeable, polymeric membrane by co-extruding an aqueous cell suspension and a polymeric solution through a common port to form a tubular extrudate having a polymeric outer coating which encapsulates the cell suspension. For example, the cell suspension and the polymeric solution can be extruded through a common extrusion port having at least two concentric bores, such that the cell suspension is extruded through the inner bore and the polymeric solution is extruded through the outer bore. The polymeric solution coagulates to form an outer coating. As the outer coating is formed, the ends of the tubular extrudate can be sealed to form a cell capsule. In one embodiment, the tubular extrudate is sealed at intervals to define separate cell compartments connected by polymeric links.

Abstract: Complementary DNA probe method for diagnosing bacterial or fungal diseases which produce leaf lesions in plants.

Abstract: A rotary fluid manipulator utilizable as a diagnostic device includes a porous body having fluid passages defined therein by fluid blocking means in the porosities of the body such as openings or slots in the body or compaction of areas of the porous body to define fluid passages therebetween. Various substances or binding partners such as receptors, immunoassay or other assay test materials and test specimens can be deposited on the porous body to permit various types of tests to be made by rotation of the manipulator to cause conjunctive centrifugal and wicking induced flow of fluids deposited thereupon.

Abstract: Immobilized water-insoluble biocatalysts in particulate form comprise living cells, particularly yeast, dispersed in a cross-linked gelling agent. An enzyme, particularly amyloglucosidase, may be co-immobilized in the particles. These particles are prepared by suspending the living cells in an aqueous solution of a gelling agent, dispersing this suspension in a water immiscible organic liquid to form a suspension in the liquid of aqueous particles comprising the living cells and gelling agent, gelling the gel and cross-linking the gelling agent. It is found that when living cells such as microbial cells and especially yeast are immobilized in this way, that surprisingly, not only is their viability retained, but the ability of yeast cells to produce ethanol under continuous fermentation conditions is significantly improved. Specific strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, suitable for immobilization in this way, are described.

Abstract: A fusion protein is prepared containing a polypeptide such as an enzyme and an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that has essentially no polysaccharidase activity. By contacting the fusion protein with an affinity matrix containing a substrate such as cellulose for the cellulase substrate binding region, the substrate binding region binds to the affinity matrix to immobilize the polypeptide. The polypeptide can be purified by separating the fusion protein or polypeptide from the affinity matrix.

Abstract: Process for producing starch sugar which comprises contacting liquefied starch with amylase immobilized onto porous chitosan. Immobilized debranching enzyme can be used in combination with the amylase. The debranching enzyme is immobilized onto a specific support.

Abstract: In a process for growing enzyme crystals, small crystals are continuously removed from a crystallizer, dissolved and returned to the crystallizer to maintain a supersaturated state. The method permits the growing of large crystalline enzymes of uniform size of about 0.5 to 1 mm. Solid materials can be coated with crystalline enzymes by placing a solid material in the crystallizer such that crystals deposit on the solid material. The process is preferably used to produce crystalline glucose isomerase.

Abstract: A carrier fleece is prepared for use as reagent carrier from which reagents can be dissolved in as assay such as immunological analysis. The carrier fleece contains from 5 to 60% by weight of cellulose-containing fibers, from 40 to 95% by weight of polyester or polyamide polymer fibers or a combination thereof and from 5 to 30% by weight of the fibers of an organic binding agent which has a hydroxyl or an ester group or a combination thereof. In an immunological analysis, the carrier fleece is impregnated with an immunologically active agent such as a beta-galactosidase conjugate and then introduced into a solution of a sample containing an immunologically active substance to be analyzed. The immunologically active agent is eluted into the sample solution and the presence of the immunologically active substance in the sample is determined.

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: According to the invention, yeast cells are immobilized on a substantially noncompressible carrier having anion exchange properties. The immobilized yeast can then be used to ferment a sugar-containing substrate. The noncompressibility enables the system to be sterilized and to operate under pressure. A preferred example of the carrier is granular DEAE cellulose.

Abstract: Fixation of a physiologically active substance on a carrier through an alkylene oxide chain allows the physioactive function of the substance to be retained to a high degree. The fixed physiologically-active substances are useful for separation and purification of materials. The carrier is preferably a thin fiber of 1.0 denier or less, and may be formed from a polymer. The alkylene oxide chain has an amino or epoxy group at one end which bonds to the carrier and a functional group at the other end which bonds to a physiologically-active substance.The carrier is preferably a thin fiber of 1.0 denier or less, and may be formed from a polymer. The alkylene oxide chain has an amino or epoxy group at one end which bonds to the carrier and a functional group at the other end which bonds to a physiologically-active substance.

Abstract: A method of biomolecule immobilization is described in which the biomolecule itself or, alternatively, a monomer-conjugated biomolecule, is grafted with free monomer onto a hydrophilic, solid-phase, polymeric substrate which has been pre-irradiated with ionizing radiation. The pre-irradiation step is carried out, preferably at -78.degree. C. in air, while the grafting step is carried out at 0.degree. C. in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The technique is applicable to immobilization of a wide variety of biomolecules, such as enzymes, catalysts, hormones, lectins, drugs, vitamins, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, DNA and RNA segments, pesticides, dyes and fertilizers. The products may be used for therapeutic or diagnostic applications or bioseparations.

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: A composite containing DEAE-cellulose agglomerated with a hydrophobic polymer is treated with tap water, deionized water or a dilute salt solution at a temperature of at least 60.degree. C. for a time sufficient to increase adsorption capacity for charged macromolecules by at least about 30%. Treatment is preferably at a temperature of about 80.degree. to about 100.degree. C. for a time period of about one-half hour to about 5 hours. The macromolecule is preferably a protein such as the enzyme, glucose isomerase.

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: The inventive membrane of high selectivity comprises a laminated enzyme membrane, which is enclosed by two cellulose membranes. The laminated enzyme membrane is an enzyme-containing polyurethane layer; the cellulose membranes are coated with cellulose nitrate.The inventive process is characterized in that ferricyanide or hydrogen peroxide is added in the presence of peroxidase to the measurement sample, the measurement portion or the enzyme membrane.

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: A carrier for immobilization of microorganisms is prepared by impregnating a fabric such as cotton gauze having a mesh size of 10-50 with 20-50% by weight of a vinyl monomer such as ethlene glycol methacrylate and polymerizing the monomer with ionizing radiation to form a polymer coating on the fabric. A microorganism such as Trichoderma reesei is grown in a liquid culture medium in contact with the polymer-coated fabric and the polymer-coated fabric is recovered containing growing cells of the microorganism. The polymer-coated fabric has high air permeability and permits good diffusion of liquid culture medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a paper or cardboard product and to a product manufactured by the method. According to the invention, a cellulase enzyme is added to the product during manufacturing, said enzyme causing the product to decompose when exposed to moisture. The enzyme can be introduced into the product in connection with surface sizing, pigment coating or calendering, or it can be added in the form of a solution which is separately applied to the product in the dry end region of the paper or cardboard machine. Experiments have shown that a product manufactured as taught by the invention can be provided with a plastic coating without risk of destroying the enzyme. Cardboard produced by the method of the invention can be used in the manufacture of packages for liquids, of packing boxes or disposable containers, the cellulase enzyme serving to promote decomposition of the products after they have been brought as waste to dumping areas.

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: 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: A composite structure having a thickness substantially less than its width such as a sheet is prepared which includes a substantially water-insoluble particulate or fibrous support having a surface energy of at least about 30 dynes per cm to which nitrogen-fixing filamentous blue-green algae heterocyst cells are attached. the support does not have a deleterious effect on the attached algae and is preferably cellulosic or a polyoletin such a polypropylene. The structure may contain a first and second layer and have a plurality of raised, three-dimensional shapes over at least a portion of at least one surface. Preparing the composite structure includes contacting the support with blue-green algae to permit the algae to attach to the support by means of heterocyst cells. The attach cells in a nitrogen deficient environment, fix nitrogen at a rate substantially greater than unattached cells, and have agricultural applications.

Abstract: A rotary fluid manipulator utilizable as a diagnostic device includes a porous body having fluid passages defined therein by fluid blocking means in the porosities of the body such as openings or slots in the body or compaction of areas of the porous body to define fluid passages therebetween. Various substances or binding partners such as receptors, immunoassay or other assay test materials and test specimens can be deposited on the porous body to permit various types of test to be made by rotation of the manipulator to cause conjunctive centrifugal and wicking induced flow of fluids deposited thereupon.

Abstract: A process of an interesterification reaction of fats, wherein a fatty acid moiety of a glyceride is substituted by other fatty acid moiety, and the reaction is accelerated by a catalyst and is continued constantly at a high rate for a long time. The process uses a dry cell for a catalyst. The dry cell is prepared from a lipase-containing microorganism by cultivating it to increase a lipase content and drying it to control water content.

Abstract: A regenerable support matrix useful for immobilization of biologically active materials is prepared by coating a core support with a cellulose ester, removing ester groups by hydrolysis to produce hydroxyl groups and converting the hydroxyl groups to dialkylaminoalkyl ether groups. The support matrix can immobilize biologically active proteinaceous materials with a net negative charge by adsorption. The support matrix is readily regenerated when an immobilized biologically active material becomes inactive by washing the support with a base or salt solution and adsorbing additional biologically active material to the support. Multiple cycles of immobilization and regeneration are possible without significant deleterious affects.

Abstract: A composite is prepared which includes a substantially water-insoluble particulate or fibrous support having a surface energy of at least about 19 dynes per cm to which nitrogen-fixing filamentous heterocystous blue-green algae are attached. The support does not have a deleterious effect on the viability of the attached algae, and is preferably polypropylene or cellulosic. Preparing the composite includes contacting the support with blue-green algae to permit the algae to attach to the support by means of heterocyst cells. The attached cells in a nitrogen-deficient environment, fix nitrogen at a rate substantially greater than unattached cells, and have agricultural applications.

Abstract: An improved repetitive, batch-type fermentation process is provided. It includes a first, non-repetitive step of forming a support bearing a film of live and reproductive microorganisms immobilized thereon, e.g. using a cloth support. Then, the process involves the steps of freely suspending and stirring small segments of support cloth bearing a fixed film of live and reproductive microorganisms immobilized thereon within a fermenter containing suitable nutrient liquor to carry out a fermentation process, whereby the microorganisms produce a fermented liquor; withdrawing fermented liquor from the fermenter while retaining the support cloth within the fermenter; adding fresh nutrient to the fermenter containing the support cloth bearing the fixed film of live and reproductive microorganisms immobilized thereon; and repeating the above steps a plurality of times. This provides an improved batch-type fermentation process which minimizes the problems of start-up and which can be readily scaled-up and automated.

Abstract: A membrane for an enzyme-electrode type sensor treated to increase the range of linearity of the sensor response.

Abstract: A multilayer structure is prepared containing immobilized nitrogen-fixing filamentous blue-green algal heterocyst cells. The cells are attached to a first layer which is a water-insoluble support having a surface energy of about 30 to about 115 dynes per cm. Second and third layers are adjacent and contiguous with first and second surfaces, respectively, of the first layer. At least one of the second and third layers is transparent to actinic radiation. The support may be cellulosic such as wood pulp. The immobilized cells fix nitrogen at a rate which is substantially greater than cells when not immobilized. The structure is useful as a nutrient source for agricultural purposes.

Abstract: A process for preparing an enzyme preparation useful for interesterification in the presence of little water. The process comprises drying a hydrated substance having lipase-activity while contacting the substance with a fatty acid derivative.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel microorganisms separated from natural environments and purified and genetically modified, process for immobilizing these microorganisms by affixing then to substrates, the biocatalytic compositions formed by these microorganisms affixed to substrates, and the use of the biocatalytic compositions for the detoxification of toxin-polluted streams. The microorganisms are (1) Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC SD 904); (2) Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC SD 903); (3) Pseudomonas cepacia (ATCC SD 905); (4) Methylobacter rhodinum (ATCC 113-X); and (5) Methylobacter species (ATCC 16 138-X).