Abstract: The present invention provides novel polymerizable lipids and mixtures thof with non-polymerizable lipids and methods for the controlled release of encapsulated materials using stabilized or polymerized vesicles. Release is induced by pH, ions, temperature, light or other changes in the environment. Time release mechanisms are also employed. Applications of the present invention especially include encapsulation of enzymes and their subsequent sustained release for degradation of environmental pollutants, encapsulation of fluorescent markers for use in sensor systems, and encapsulation and release of fragrant molecules in detergents.

Abstract: Granules of encapsulated living organisms for controlling agricultural pests are provided having a coating of an invert oil that forms a water-in-oil emulsion and an adsorbent for the oil to make the coated granules free-flowing. The oil slows drying of the organisms to maintain vitality of the organisms. The coated granules are produced by encapsulating bacteria, fungi or nematodes that control agricultural pests in alginate, starch or wheat gluten to form granules, coating the granules with a water-in-oil emulsion of the invert oil, coating the granules with the adsorbent for the oil and drying the coated granules to about 1-10% moisture. The adsorbent can be hydrated silica, fumed silica, clay, bran, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, absorbent starch or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A suspension of a microorganism or a plurality of different microorganisms is added to a dispersion of .beta.-chitin gel, and the resultant dispersion is molded and dried to produce an immobilized microorganism such as a film or membrane containing the microorganism. The .beta.-chitin gel dispersion is prepared by isolating and grinding .beta.-chitin from a source such as cuttlefish pen or squid pen, dispersing the ground .beta.-chitin in water and forming a gel dispersion. In forming the gel dispersion, the dispersion of ground .beta.-chitin is gelled and the gel is dispersed in water. Freeze-thawing may be used in gelling the dispersion of ground .beta.-chitin. A film of the immobilized microorganism can be formed on an electrode to prepare a microorganism electrode.

Abstract: A method for tanning skin is provided in which liposomes containing a DNA repair enzyme are administered to skin in combination with exposure of the skin to UV radiation. The result is an enhanced level of melanin production, i.e., more tanning than achieved by UV radiation alone. The administration of the DNA repair enzymes in liposomes also reduces the level of DNA damage caused by the UV exposure. Accordingly, both the tanning response is increased and the deleterious effect of UV exposure is decreased. The method can be used by the general population as well as by individuals whose skin is susceptible to UV-induced damage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the enzymatic synthesis of a peptide. A protected peptide having a C-terminal carboxylate group or a protected, N-acyl amino acid having an alpha carboxylate group is reacted with a protected peptide having an N-terminal ammonium group or a protected amino acid having an alpha ammonium group in the presence of a condensation enzyme under conditions in which the carboxylate group and the ammonium group condense to form a protected, uncharged, peptide product. This peptide product is transported across a water-immiscible hydrophobic phase into an aqueous product phase and prevented from back diffusing across the water-immiscible hydrophobic phase. The peptide product can be converted, chemically or enzymatically, to a charged species that cannot back diffuse across the water-immiscible phase into the aqueous reaction phase.

Abstract: An anti-thrombogenic substance is immobilized on a base of a medical device to impart anti-thrombogenic properties to the medical device. The method comprises the steps of applying a photo-reactive azide derivative macromolecular material to a base to form a bonding layer, coating the bonding layer with a macromolecular layer composed of a water-soluble photo-crosslinking macromolecular material containing the anti-thrombogenic substance, and irradiating the base with ultraviolet light with the bonding layer and the macromolecular layer formed thereon to develop inter-molecular covalent bonding in the bonding layer. The macromolecular layer containing the anti-thrombogenic substance is thus fixed onto the base. Concurrently, the anti-thrombogenic substance is immobilized in the macromolecular layer which is crosslinked. The azide derivative can be poly-m-azidostyrene, copolymers, of poly-m-aziodstyrene with styrene and copolymers of poly-m-azidostyrene with methyl methacrylate.

Abstract: An evanescent wave sensor and method for use in analyzing one or more media, the sensor including a waveguide having first and second wave propagating surfaces. The waveguide propagates an input signal along the waveguide between the first and second surfaces. The first surface receives a first radiation signal which indicates the presence of a first analyte, and the second surface receives a second radiation signal representing one or both of a second analyte and a reference. The first and second surfaces can both be contacted with a single medium, or with two separate media, and one or more output signals can be detected.

Abstract: A granular enzyme composition is produced, having reduced tendencies to form dust and leave residue, and exhibiting improved stability and delayed release characteristics. The granular composition comprises a core, an enzyme layer and an outer coating layer. The enzyme layer, and optionally the core and outer coating layer, contain a vinyl polymer. The vinyl polymer is preferably a hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol or copolymer thereof. The hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol has varying degrees of hydrolysis in the core, enzyme layer and outer coating layer. Also disclosed are methods for making such enzyme-containing granules, the methods having greatly reduced processing time.

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: The change in electrical resistance of an electroactive polymer such as polypyrrole, polyaniline or polythiophene when it reacts with an analyte is used to measure the analyte. The open circuit electrical potential of an electroactive polymer film is measured and an electrical potential is applied to the polymer film relative to a reference electrode to oxidize or reduce the polymer film to provide an initial reduced or oxidized state. Then the electrical resistance of the polymer film is measured in the absence of an analyte and the electrical resistance is again measured while the polymer film reacts with the analyte. The analyte concentration is determined from the rte and total amount of electrical resistance change.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for carrying out affinity separations of proteins under conditions optimized for recovering biologically active protein. The method utilizes a membrane-bound ligand first to capture and separate a ligate from a fluid mixture and subsequently to release said ligate in purified form. The present methods enhance the yield of active ligate recovered in the process. The invention has particular relevance to the recovery and purification of proteins from mixtures.

Abstract: The oxidative deterioration of water-containing products for human consumption, e.g. beverages and oil and/or fat based products is minimized by introduction of immobilized yeast. Yeast is immobilized in and/or on a solid material which allows only very slow penetration by water. Thin layers material of such a yeast-bearing solid, e.g. paraffin, wax, can be applied to the lining of crown corks. The yeast will retain sufficient viability, even after pasteurization of the contents of a container closed with the crown cork. The yeast will minimize the oxygen concentration in the contents between the time of pasteurization and eventual consumption of the contents.

Abstract: Osteoprogenitor cells encapsulated in alginate and alternatively, additionally encapsulated in poly-L-lysine and/or agarose promote regeneration of bone at the site of implantation. The present invention provides a composition comprising osteoprogenitor cells embedded or encapsulated in alginate and the use of said microcapsules for the facilitation of bone regeneration.

Abstract: The reaction of a lipase upon a fatty acid is effected by an improved method which comprises bringing the lipase bonded at multiple points to an anion-exchange residue or a carrier and a carrier having a free anion-exchange group admixed therewith into contact with a reaction mixture containing an oily substance including the fatty acid and a water-soluble substance thereby forming an oily product and a water-soluble product in the reaction mixture and subsequently separating the two reaction products.

Abstract: A rapid process for detecting pathogenic microorganisms in products for human consumption comprises contacting the microorganisms with a methylumbelliferone substrate. The substrate is hydrolyzed into methylumbelliferone by an enzyme given off by the microorganisms. Hydrolysis is accelerated by sodium lauryl sulfate, which renders the microorganisms more permeable to the substrate, the enzyme, or both. The methylumbelliferone is detected by its fluorescence, either in solution or on an agar medium supporting microcolonies formed from individual microorganisms.

Abstract: Microorganisms or enzymes are immobilized by using polyvinyl alcohol to form beads containing a microorganism or an enzyme. An aqueous solution of about 10 to about 20 wt % polyvinyl alcohol containing a microorganism or an enzyme is reacted with an aqueous solution of about 3 wt % to saturated boric acid for a period of about 10 minutes to about two hours to form gelled spherical beads. The beads are then hardened by treatment with an aqueous solution of about 3 to about 20 wt % phosphoric acid or phosphate for at least 30 minutes. Preferably, the polyvinyl alcohol has a degree of polymerization of about 1000 to about 3000 and a degree of saponification of about 70 to about 99 mol %. In an alternative embodiment, the boric acid solution can contain the phosphoric acid or phosphate. The microorganism can be an acclimatized activated sludge microorganism from agricultural or industrial waste water.

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: A bacteria-containing two component polymer gel is provided for solubilizing particulate or colloidal organic materials in wastewater. The gel contains a minor amount of a polymer component that is difficult to solubilize by bacteria in the gel and a major amount of a polymer component that is easier to solubilize by bacteria in the gel. The gel contains bacteria for solubilizing material in wastewater and for solubilizing the gel, and nutrients for the bacteria. The gel also contains a bacteria inhibitor such as sodium sulfide or sodium azide that can diffuse out of the gel at a gel-water interface to allow bacteria to dissolve the gel at the interface while preventing an interior region of the gel from prematurely dissolving. The gel is placed in a housing through which wastewater flows and contacts the gel.

Abstract: An immobilised hydantoinase containing a divalent metal ion selected from Mn.sup.++, Co.sup.++, Fe.sup.++, Ni.sup.++ and Mg.sup.++ is produced that is useful for the preparation of a D(-)(optionally substituted phenyl)glycine or N-carbamoyl derivative thereof by hydrolysis of a 5-(optionally substituted phenyl)hydantoin in the absence of air. Immobilization is carried out in the presence of the metal iona nd the metal ion stabilizes the hydantoinase and renders it capable of repeated re-use. The divalent metal ion may also be added to a reaction mixture containing the immobilized hydantoinase to minimize reduction of hydantoinase activity during hydrolysis of hydantoin. Cells that produce hydantoinase may be immobilized within or on a support, or hydantoinase separated from cells can be adsorbed on a positively charged polymeric support such as an ion exchange resin or covalently bonded to a polymeric support. A cross-linking agent such as glutaraldehyde may be used in immobilization.

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: A porous carrier containing an immobilized biologically active material is prepared in which a relatively large amount of an enzyme or an antibody has been immobilized in a manner that produces a low diffusion resistance toward reagents and products. The porous carrier is produced by fixing enzymes or antibodies within internal micropores of the carrier and mechanically compressing the carrier to a final thickness which is in the range of about 0.20 to 0.80 times the uncompressed carrier thickness. The compressed carrier may have a density about 1.25 to about 5.0 times the density of the carrier before compressing. Surprisingly, the compressed carrier exhibits less diffusion resistance to specific reagents and products than would an uncompressed carrier. A preferred porous carrier is a semi-permeable membrane made from synthetic polymers, such as polyvinylidine difluoride.

Abstract: Physically strong particles containing an immobilized enzyme are prepared for use in a fixed bed-column. The particles are prepared by adding a homopolymer of 1-amino ethylene or a copolymer of 1-amino ethylene and N-vinyl formamide to an aqueous medium containing an enzyme, adding a cross-linking agent to cross-link the enzyme and polymer and cause flocculation, and dewatering, sub-dividing and drying the resultant flocculant. Preferably, the enzyme is glucose isomerase and the cross-linking agent is glutaraldehyde, polyazetidine or diisocyanate.

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: A three dimensional porous matrix, such as a reticulated open-cell foam, having within its matrix structure a mechanically-fractured hydrogel containing a network of fracture channels. The mechanically-fractured hydrogel may be a gel that has been partially dewatered by compression of the gel in situ.The porosity of the gel-in-matrix makes it useful for chromatographic applications and for immobilization of biologically-active components, where efficient, intimate contact of the hydrogel with a liquid medium is important.

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: A fluidized bed reactor system which utilizes a fluid phase, a retained fluidized primary particulate phase, and a migratory second particulate phase. The primary particulate phase is a particle such as a gel bead containing an immobilized biocatalyst. The secondary particulate phase, continuously introduced and removed in either cocurrent or countercurrent mode, acts in a secondary role such as a sorbent to continuously remove a product or by-product constituent from the fluid phase. Introduction and removal of the sorbent phase is accomplished through the use of feed screw mechanisms and multivane slurry valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of nutrition and the sugar industry and presents a method and apparatus for producing glucose-fructose liquors on an industrial scale from sugar or liquors thereof. The invention uses reactors packed with a catalyst with high hydrolytic activity, and these are installed within a sugar refining factory or in an industry which dissolves it, such that glucose-fructose syrup is produced in a single operation by a continuous flow of the sugar liquor. High levels of hydrolysis may be attained by modification of the residence time. The process of hydrolysis of the sugar does not significantly alter the color of the solution. The product obtained on an industrial scale can be used both in the food industry and in 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: 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: Carrageenan-immobilized enzymes are prepared that are stable and retain high activity toward substrates when used in substantially water-immiscible organic solvents. The carrageenan-immobilized enzymes are preferably prepared by introducing droplets of an enzyme/carrageenan solution into a chilled alcohol saturated with a potassium salt and hardening the droplets in the alcohol. The alcohol is selected from n-butanol, benzyl alcohol, crotyl alcohol, n-propanol, isopropanol and sec-butanol. Reactions catalyzed by a .kappa.-carrageenan-immobilized esterase include steroselective transesterifications and hydrolysis reactions.

Abstract: A bilayered immobilized enzyme pellet and a process to manufacture this pellet are provided for use in a process involving the simultaneous isomerization of xylose to xylulose and fermentation of xylulose to ethanol. The bilayered pellet is able to maintain the environment where the isomerization reaction occurs within its optimum pH of 7.0 to 8.0 while the fermentation reaction occurs within its optimum pH range of 4.0 to 5.0. This process allows both xylose and glucose sugars to be effectively used as a feedstock for ethanol production by isomerizing the xylose to xylulose and then making the xylulose immediately available for the fermentation process. Because the xylose has been converted to its ketose isomer, xylulose, yeasts which can ferment glucose and xylulose can be used in this process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic or naturally occurring implant, such as a vascular graft, for implantation into a human patient. Uncultured, microvascular endothelial cells, isolated from microvascular endothelial cell rich tissue are disposed on at least one surface of the implant to provide at least about 50% confluence of the cells on the surface of the implant prior to implantation. In a preferred embodiment, the microvascular endothelial cells are obtained from fat tissue. Because of the large number of fresh microvascular endothelial cells that may be obtained from such tissue, sufficient cells may be placed on the implant so that they attach to provide at least 50% confluent coverage of the implant surface prior to the time of implantation.

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 manipulation of liquid microdroplets is disclosed. The process involves formation of microdroplets such that physical forces based on particular interactions of the microdroplets with a surrounding non-aqueous fluid results can be used to alter the position of the microdroplets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring glucose concentration of a sample solution using a glucose sensor having an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor which can detect pH change in the sample solution provided with a glucose oxidase-immobilized film formed on the ion-sensing section thereof, which comprise a step of measuring the output of the glucose sensor under a low level of dissolved oxygen in the enzyme-immobilized film; a step of measuring the output of the glucose sensor under a high level of dissolved oxygen in the enzyme-immobilized film; and a step of determining the glucose concentration of the sample solution from the difference between said two output values. The measuring system can be simplified and working efficiency can be improved since the present measuring method requires neither a buffer nor correct measuring of the sample solution or buffer.

Abstract: An active biological material encapsulated in a glass is formed using a sol-gel process. A metal alkoxide is mixed with water and exposed to ultrasonic energy at a pH.ltoreq.2 to form a single phase solution which is then buffered to a pH between about 5 and 7. The buffered solution is then mixed with the active biological material and the resultant gel is aged and dried. The dried product is a transparent porous glass with substantially all of the added active biological material encapsulated therein, the biological material retaining a high level of activity.

Abstract: An enzyme electrode comprising an enzyme and a coenzyme immobilized in at least one layer is provided. This electrode has an outer membrane preventing the coenzyme from dissipation and so sensitivity and durability can be improved. In an inner membrane containing the enzyme and the coenzyme, a mediator of electron transfer may be added. The enzyme and the coenzyme may be separated in two layers, respectively, in the inner membrane to improve measurement sensitivity.

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 process for enzymic oxidation of a fatty acid to produce an oxidation product and an apparatus for carrying out the process are presented. The process is carried out in the presence of water and oxygen wherein the fatty acid, water and enzyme for the oxidation are substantially uniformly distributed throughout a porous bed of solid suppport material in the substantial absence of a continuous liquid phase. Oxygen is passed through the bed and the oxidation product is recovered from the porous bed. By this process, methyl ketones can be produced from saturated fatty acids. The porous bed is contained within an apparatus which includes a sealable vessel, a gas inlet for supplying the oxygen gas to the reactor and a gas outlet. The gas is forced through the inlet and into passage means defining a plurality of upwardly extending passages that can open along their length into the bed and that are spaced 5 to 20 cm apart.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the delivery of an active factor from an implanted co-culture of an active factor-secreting cell obtained from a first source and an augmentary substance-secreting cell obtained from a second source different from the first source, to a target region in a subject. The co-culture is maintained within a biocompatible, semipermeable membrane in which the augmentary substance secreted by the augmentary substance-producing cells stimulates the active factor-producing cells to secrete active factor. The semipermeable membrane permits the diffusion of the active factor therethrough while excluding detrimental agents present in the extenral environment from gaining access to the co-culture.

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: 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: A test/control procedure and material is provided to facilitate standardization of immunostaining techniques and the assessment of their results. Pellets of an absorbent gel such as agar gel are caused to adsorb individual specific concentrations of an antigen of interest. The adsorbed antigens are confined to the individual pellets as by fixation or by enclosure in a diffusion-inhibiting barrier, and the pellets are installed in individual wells in a block of the gel in a manner to become integrated therein. The block may then be subjected to the same preparative routines as a tissue sample, sectioned and mounted like the sample, and then subjected to immunostaining by the same routine as the sample sections to provide a valid basis for assessment of the stained sample sections by comparison with the stained gel block sections. A gel block of suitable configuration is also disclosed.

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: The invention relates to a gel body of a delimited physical form preferably containing water and characterized in that it a) contains an encapsulated apathogenic micro-organism having a known and reproducible resistance; b) has a porous structure with the size of the pores defined, said structure preventing the encapsulated micro-organism from diffusing out but allows a nutrient solution adjusted to the micro-organism to diffuse in and metabolites produced to diffuse; c) is thermally stable in various sterilization, pasteurization or cooking processes; d) is mechanically stable when transported through the process equipment for sterilization, pasteurization or cooking; e) is surface sterile; and f) is transparent in order to allow observation of possible growth of the micro-organism when incubated in a nutrient solution.

Abstract: The preparation of optically-active cyanohydrins from the corresponding oxo compounds is disclosed. The reaction of the oxo compounds with hydrocyanic acid is carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of (R)- or (S)-oxynitrilase (4.1.2.10) and (4.1.2.11), respectively, being solubilized in a lyotropic liquid crystal. Compounds which upon hydrolysis produce increased pH values are excluded as surface active agents. Preferably, surface active agents, the organic solvent and an aqueous buffer solution with a pH of 3 to 6, are mixed together to obtain a liquid crystal/organic solvent two-phase system. The liquid crystal is preferably fixed on a porous support, in particular a glass support. The reaction is carried out in a flow-through reactor which contains the liquid crystal in the abovementioned form or in thin layers adjacent to narrow flow channels, the borders of which are liquid permeable and through which the substrate-containing solvent is passed.

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: 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: Sperm are encapsulated in a nontoxic polymer which is freely flowing at body temperature and a gel or solid at temperatures of storage and transfer. On delivery to the reproductive tract, the polymer microcapsule liquifies and the sperm are released.