Abstract: Peroxide, particularly supplied as hydrogen peroxide, is an effective nucleic acid degrading agent and can be used in the recovery of intracellularly produced materials from cell (particularly bacterial) lysates. The degradation or removal of nucleic acids from cell lysates is important because they form solutions of high viscosity which interfere with subsequent processing. Peroxide degradation is particularly useful in the recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers such as polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate from lysates of bacterial cells in which they are produced.

Abstract: The shelf-stability of carrot root material is enhanced by blanching the material, milling it, and then subjecting it to a decreasing pressure which is sufficiently rapid to cause rupturing of the cell walls of contaminating organisms in the product. The latter is effected by passing the product through a homogenizing valve (20). The treated product is then packaged by an aseptic packaging machine (22), to keep it from re-contamination by contaminating organisms.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions and methods for sterilizing soil using oxygen radicals. The soil is treated with an aqueous solution of an activated oxygen species after pretreatment with a water soluble phenolic complex including a divalent cation having redox potential, a cation redox reducing agent. The combination of the activated oxygen species and water soluble phenolic complex is sufficient to reduce soil microorganisms by at least 40% without leaving an accumulative toxic residue.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of microbial DNA which renders such DNA amenable for further enzymatic modification in situ, including digestion of the DNA with restriction endonuclease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing plasmid DNA, comprising the steps of: (a) lysing cells containing the plasmid DNA to obtain a lysate; (b) treating the lysate by a means for removing insoluble material to obtain a solute; and (c) applying the solute to differential PEG precipitations and chromatography to purify the plasmid DNA. In other embodiments of the invention, the plasmid DNA is produced with GRAS reagents; the plasmid DNA is produced in the absence of enzymes; the plasmid DNA is produced in the absence of organic extractants; the plasmid DNA is produced in the absence of mutagens; the lysing, treating and applying steps are scalable to result in the large scale manufacture of the plasmid DNA; and the lysing, treating and applying steps result in the generation of pharmaceutical grade material.

Abstract: A method of preparing an extract of an intracellular component, wherein cells are contacted with an extractant to generate an extract solution, which comprises contacting the solution with a cyclodextrin to neutralize the extractant. preferred extractants are cationic or other kinds of surfactants. The cyclodextrin is preferably used in solution. Preferred intracellular components are ATP which can, after neutralization of the extractant, be assayed by a firefly luciferase assay; and DNA or RNA which can, after neutralization of the surfactant, be amplified or further processed in other ways.

Abstract: The invention provides vaccines and methods for preventing or treating intestinal protozoal infections in an animal. In particular, vaccines and methods for prevention or treatment of giardiasis are provided. The invention also encompasses methods of preparing and methods of use of novel toxins, antibodies, vaccine strains and compositions that result from or are used in these methods.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viability of bacterial cells is disclosed. Further, a two-stage process of hypo-osmotic shock is used by exposing cells to a first solution having a water activity (a.sub.w) of 0.997 or less. In addition after the first step the cells are further exposed to a solution of a higher a.sub.w that the first solution. The solutions are applied to the cells in the form of a spray or by immersion. The solutions are applied to the bacterial cells between 5 seconds and 30 minutes to obtain a reduction in the viability of the cells being treated of which are additionally treated with a solution of lysozyme contained in the solutions or to a cold shock treatment step. The cold shock treatment is applied by exposing the cells to a temperature in an aqueous liquid at 10.degree. C. or less.

Abstract: A procedure for the extraction of polyhydroxyalkanoates from halophilic bacteria which contain them, using lysis or rupture of halophilic cells (for example, of the halobacteria type) which develop in media with high salt concentrations, by concentration by centrifugation, and then dilution-resuspension in a medium with low salt concentration, for example, fresh or distilled water, and then centrifugation, sedimentation, or filtration of the suspension obtained.

Abstract: Microorganism cells such as Saccharomyces or Candida yeast cells are treated with an alkaline aqueous solution with heating and stirring or with a cell wall dissolving enzyme such as glucanase or mannase to obtain cells that function as microcapsules by rapidly taking up a large amount of hydrophobic liquid. Treatment with an alkaline aqueous solution is preferably carried out at a pH of at least 8 for at least 1 hour at a temperature of 20.degree.-100.degree. C. A preferred embodiment of enzyme treatment is with .beta.-1,3-glucanase for about 30 minutes to 5 hours at pH 4-9 at a temperature of 30.degree.-60.degree. C. The treatments dissolve cell walls of the yeast such that the walls still have sufficient strength for enclosing hydrophobic liquids.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid process for lysing Mycobacteria. In one embodiment is provided a process for lysing Mycobacteria which comprises exposing the bacteria to a lysis effective amount of heat. A particularly effective method for providing the necessary heat is in the form of forced hot air such as in a forced hot air oven. The process of the invention is particularly advantageous since only one step is involved, it is expedient compared to prior methods, and little instrumentation is necessary. By practicing the present invention it is possible to lyse Mycobacteria with minimal effort. In addition, practicing the invention results in liberating cellular components including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Mycobacteria. Not only is DNA liberated, but the DNA is suited for subsequent analysis by way of probe hybridization, restriction enzyme analysis, and the like.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for effectively disrupting biological samples contained in cuvettes to which beads have been added. In the apparatus, a special arm/bearing subassembly is driven and oscillated by a motor in a manner to attain cellular disruption of the biological samples without degradation of their cellular components. In the preferred form, the special arm/bearing subassembly has a cam, bearings, and a bearing sleeve which cooperate with a motor drive shaft to rotate a yoke with two arms holding four cuvettes. For increased safety and environmental protection, special sample retainers can be provided to better secure the cuvettes and the arm/bearing subassembly is enclosed in a sample chamber which provides a secondary containment compartment that contain any spillage.

Abstract: A method of separating cell nuclei from cells comprises: treating a fluid containing whole cells so as to selectively lyse the cytoplasmic membrane together with a small proportion of the nuclear membranes but leaving a large proportion of the cell nuclei intact; applying the treated fluid to a membrane whereby a mesh of DNA from the lysed nuclei is formed on the surface and captures intact cell nuclei. A device for use in the method is described.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the clinical analysis of a sperm sample. The devices include a solid substrate, typically on the order of a few millimeters thick and approximately 0.2 to 2.0 centimeters square, microfabricated to define a sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow channel extending from the inlet port. In one embodiment, a sperm sample is applied to the inlet port, and the competitive migration of the sperm sample through the mesoscale flow channel is detected to serve as an indicator of sperm motility. In another embodiment, the substrate of the device is microfabricated with a sperm inlet port, an egg nesting chamber, and an elongate mesoscale flow channel communicating between the egg nesting chamber and the inlet port. In this embodiment, a sperm sample is applied to the inlet port, and the sperm in the sample are permitted to competitively migrate from the inlet port through the channel to the egg nesting chamber, where in vitro fertilization occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of filamentous microorganisms. The method includes the steps of adding effective amounts of a biocide and an enzyme. The enzyme of the present invention enhances the leakiness of the protective sheath around the filamentous microorganisms to allow the penetration of the biocide into the cells of the filamentous microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid process for lysing Mycobacteria. In one embodiment is provided a process for lysing Mycobacteria which comprises exposing the bacteria to a lysis effective amount of heat. The process of the invention is particularly advantageous since only one step is involved, it is expedient compared to prior methods, and little instrumentation is necessary. By practicing the present invention it is possible to lyse Mycobacteria with minimal effort. In addition, practicing the invention results in liberating cellular components including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Mycobacteria. Not only is DNA liberated, but the DNA is suited for subsequent analysis by way of probe hybridization, restriction enzyme analysis, and the like.

Abstract: A bacteriolytic enzyme complex obtained from a bacterial culture of Nocardiopsis dassonvillei strains, e.g., isolates G102-3 (NRRL 18349), G119-6 (NRRL 18350), and D38-3 (NRRL 18364).The enzyme complex may be produced by cultivating the microorganism in an aqueous medium containing maltodextrin and soybean meal, after which the lytic enzyme complex may be recovered from the fermentation broth.This bacteriolytic enzyme complex is useful as a detergent additive.

Abstract: A cartridge for preparing nucleic acids such as DNA from cells comprises two end rings (14) enabling it to be mounted in sealed manner in a tube (10), two dialysis membranes (16) delimiting a dialysis enclosure (18) between them, a filter (20) for retaining cell nuclei dividing said enclosure (18) into two separate compartments, and means (24) for feeding substances into one of the compartments, means (26) for extracting substances from the other compartments, and means (28, 30) for feeding a dialysis liquid into the tube outside the cartridge, or for causing it to flow therethrough. The invention also provides apparatus, and a method using said cartridge.

Abstract: An extraction composition is described which is buffered to a pH from about 8 to about 11 and which contains from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of a water-soluble cationic surfactant which is a quaternary ammonium salt or a mixture thereof and from about 1 to about 10 weight percent of an anionic surfactant which has a sulfate anion having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms and an alkali metal or ammonium cation. The extraction composition is used to extract antigens from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis or Prevotella intermedia. Extracted antigens are determined using immunological methods. The extraction composition can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit.

Abstract: The CHLORELLA cell wall is disrupted by forming partially high- and low-pressure portions at high density in an aqueous suspension of CHLORELLA cells, instantaneously shifting the CHLORELLA cells in the aqueous suspension from a high-pressure state to a low-pressure state by interaction of the movement, dissipation and growth of these high- and low-pressure portions and the flowing of the aqueous suspension, and rupturing the CHLORELLA cells by their rapid expansion upon the shift.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of filamentous microorganisms. The method includes the steps of adding effective amounts of a biocide and an enzyme. The enzyme of the present invention enhances the leakiness of the protective sheath around the filamentous microorganisms to allow the penetration of the biocide into the cells of the filamentous microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention is a method to rupture microbial cells in order to recover intracellular material in the cells comprising:a) treating the cells with carbon dioxide under pressure sufficient to enter the cells for time sufficient to allow enough carbon dioxide into the cells to effect later rupture, thenb) suddenly releasing the applied fluid pressure on the cells so that the outer wall or membrane of the cells is ruptured by the expansion of carbon dioxide within the cell. Preferably the remaining intracellular material of the cells is separated and recovered. Also the treatment can be in conjunction with lytic enzyme to increase rupture rates. Preferably the enzyme remains active and protein in the cells retains its native state in the ruptured cell suspension. The preferred time for treating is from between about one hour and about fifteen hours. It is also preferred to treat initially at a pressure of from above about 500 psi gage to about 5000 psi and a temperature of about 10.degree. to about 85.degree.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the clinical analysis of a sperm sample. The devices comprise a solid substrate, typically on the order of a few millimeters thick and approximately 0.2 to 2.0 centimeters square, microfabricated to define a sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow channel extending from the inlet port. In one embodiment, a sperm sample is applied to the inlet port, and the competitive migration of the sperm sample through the mesoscale flow channel is detected to serve as an indicator of sperm motility. In another embodiment, the substrate of the device is microfabricated with a sperm inlet port, an egg nesting chamber, and an elongate mesoscale flow channel communicating between the egg nesting chamber and the inlet port. In this embodiment, a sperm sample is applied to the inlet port, and the sperm in the sample are permitted to competitively migrate from the inlet port through the channel to the egg nesting chamber, where in vitro fertilization occurs.

Abstract: Microbial encapsulation of materials is carried out by mixing a microbe with an encapsulatable material in liquid form in an aqueous medium to form an aqueous emulsion of the encapsulatable material. The encapsulatable material in the emulsion is absorbed into the microbe by diffusing across the microbe cell wall. The microbe has a lipid content of less than 40% by weight such as up to about 5% and may contain about 50-75% of the encapsulatable material. The emulsion is formed in the absence of a surfactant and the microbe is not treated with a lipid-extending substance or a plasmolyzer. The encapsulatable material can have a benzene or naphthalene ring and may be a perfume, an insecticide or a drug. If the material is normally solid, it can be dissolved in a solvent. The microbe may be treated to enhance permeability prior to or during encapsulation. After encapsulation, the microbe can be separated from the medium by centrifuging, freeze drying or spray-drying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a yeast by degrading yeast with enzymes having RNA degrading activity leading to 5'-ribonucleotides, wherein oxidizing conditions are maintained during the enzymatic degradation. Preferably the proteolytic degradation is carried out under anaerobic conditions, and the RNA degrading activity leading to 5'-ribonucleotides under oxidizing conditions, such as an oxygen saturated incubation medium. The invention also relates to the yeast extract obtained, to the use of the yeast extract and to a flavouring and a food composition comprising it.

Abstract: The number of bacteria in a cell population comprising bacteria and somatic cells is determined by concentrating the bacteria and the somatic cells on the surface of a substrate of a filter material, such as a membrane filter, rupturing the somatic cells by treatment with a medium which is not in osmotic balance with the medium inside the cells, such as water which here constitutes a hypotonic medium, and removing or inactivating their ATP, establishing an extraction chamber having an inner wall which is partly defined by the bacteria-bearing surface of the filter material and therein extracting the ATP from the bacteria with a medium containing a surfactant, such as a quaternary ammonium compound, capable of perforating the cell walls of the bacteria, adding luciferin and luciferase and transferring the medium to a measuring chamber, determining the amount of ATP by measuring the light emitted as a result of the luciferin/luciferase reaction and expressing the amount of ATP as the number of bacteria present

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: This invention relates to two methods for solubilizing proteins which are rendered insoluble by bacterial expression. One method comprises directly lysing the host bacterial cells with the detergent Sarkosyl. The other method comprises conventional lysing of the bacteria followed by an extraction process using Sarkosyl and fractionation. These methods render the proteins soluble. They do not entail harsh denaturation of the proteins, and therefore do not require renaturation of the proteins in many cases. Rather, they render the proteins soluble, in their native form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rapidly obtaining substantially pure DNA from a biological sample containing cells. The method involves gently lysing the membranes of the cells to yield a lysate containing genomic DNA in a high molecular weight form. The lysate is moved through a porous filter to selectively trap the high molecular weight DNA on the filter. The DNA is released from the filter using an aqueous solution to form a solution containing substantially purified DNA, from which the DNA may analyzed or recovered.

Abstract: This invention provides a rapid and highly effective method for extracting nucleic acids from cells or virions without the use of proteolytic enzymes. Extraction is accomplished within a few minutes using a lysing composition comprising a buffer, a source of a DNA polymerase cofactor, a stabilizer and at least one nonionic surfactant which will release nucleic acids from cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes of cells or virions. The resulting mixture is heated to boiling for up to fifteen minutes, and the nucleic acids are recovered for amplification using polymerase chain reaction. No proteolytic enzyme is used in the extraction process.

Abstract: Immunoadsorbent combinations for the detection and diagnosis of group B streptococcus polysaccharide antigen, comprising an insoluble carrier, a capture agent having an affinity for specifically binding to the trirhamnose epitope of group B streptococcus antigen and having the formula .alpha.-L-Rhap(1.fwdarw.2)-.alpha.-L-Rhap(1.fwdarw.2).alpha.-Rhap- 1- wherein Rhap is rhamnose, and an antigen marker agent having an affinity for binding to monorhamnose epitope of group B streptococcus polysaccharide antigen of formula .alpha.-L-Rhap-1- when the group B streptococcus polysaccharide is bound to the carrier. An immunoassay method test kit and polyclonal antibody are also described.

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: An apparatus for the treatment of biological samples comprises: at least one column having an adsorbent layer made of adsorbent that fills a part of said column, and a reservoir forming the other part of said column; at least one vessel connected to said reservoir, said vessel being disposed so as to contain said samples to be supplied to said reservoir and/or media for treating said samples; a means for supplying said samples and/or media for treating said samples from said vessel to said reservoir; and a means for controlling said supply means. A method for the treatment of biological samples involves the use of the above-mentioned apparatus. With the use of the apparatus, the analysis of samples and also the isolation of desired substances from samples could be done automatically with accuracy in a simple procedure.

Abstract: A novel method for the isolation of high molecular weight DNA from plants, yeast and bacteria using xanthate-forming compounds such as sodium/potassium ethyl xanthogenate is disclosed. The procedure does not require deproteination and yields clean DNA that is suitable for both PCR and Southern blotting. It can be utilized on a small scale without homogenizing the tissue. These features also facilitate automated screening of plant tissue samples, one of the labor-intensive techniques in molecular biology. This method is also adaptable for use in the field.

Abstract: A novel fungal strain of the species Ampelomyces quisqualis has been isolated and pure cultures thereof prepared. This novel strain is termed AQ10 and has CNCM Accession Number I-807, and was found to be a hyperparasite of the causative fungi of powdery mildew. Conidia obtained from this novel strain or mutants thereof may be formulated into phytological compositions and used effectively as a biocide for controlling powdery mildew infestations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing yeast extract which comprises adding chitosan to yeast thereby to accelerate autolysis. Organic solvents have been added in the past. However, organic solvents are frequently not naturally occurring substances in the concentrations used. When yeast extract is used for food, there are problems with toxicity, flavor, etc. should organic solvents not be completely removed. Accordingly the present invention prepares an excellent yeast extract using chitosan derived from natural substances thereby to accelerate autolysis of yeast without the unwanted problems of organic solvents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rapidly obtaining substantially pure DNA from a biological sample containing cells. The method involves gently lysing the membranes of the cells to yield a lysate containing genomic DNA in a high molecular weight form. The lysate is moved through a porous filter to selectively trap the high molecular weight DNA on the filter. The DNA is released from the filter using an aqueous solution to form a solution containing substantially purified DNA, from which the DNA is recovered.

Abstract: A method for determining the adequacy of a cervical or urethral test specimen collected for an immunological assay to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis. Cells present in the specimen are disrupted to expose a substance present in or on C. triachomatis that is detectable by immunological reaction. In order to determine if the test specimen contains an adequate amount of the cervical or urethral cell type that serves as a host cell for C. trachomatis, the disrupted specimen is also reacted with an immunological reagent that produces a detectable complex upon specific binding with a substance present in or on columnar epithelial cells. The present invention therefore provides a control reaction that verifies the adequacy of the collected test specimen and thereby increases the confidence that a negative test result for the presence of Chlamydia indicates the absence of a C. trachomatis infection in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositons for isolation of nucleic acids from cells. In particular aspects, this invention relates to the use of chaotropic compositions, such as guanidine hydrochloride or guanidinium isothiocyanate, in combination with polyanionic compositions, such as those containing sulfated polysaccharides (i.e., heparin or heparitin sulfate), for the isolation of nucleic acids (RNA or DNA). This method involves disrupting and lysing cells using a nucleic acid releasing composition containing a chaotropic component for the release of nucleic acids from the cell (guanidine hydrochloride or guanidinium isothiocyanate). The released nucleic acids are collected by ethanol precipitation and resuspended before exposure to a polyanion-containing protein dissociating composition which promotes the dissociation of nucleic acid associated proteins from the resuspended nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for the liberation of polysaccharide antigens from bacteria or fungi in biological probes or in grown cultures of these probes is described. In the majority of cases such a liberation is necessary in order that subsequently the polysaccharide antigens can be determined immunologically in a manner known per se. This liberation is effected by treating the biological probe or the grown culture with an aqueous phenol solution. A 1-10% phenol solution is conveniently used, with a 2.5% phenol solution being preferred and a 2% phenol solution being especially preferred. The phenol solution is allowed to act on the probe or culture for 5-30%, preferably 15, minutes. No extraction is necessary for the subsequent immunological determination of the polysaccharides.

Abstract: A method of extracting cellular components, e.g., nucleic acids, particularly DNA, from biological, expecially solid tissue, samples, particularly from plants is provided, whereby all of the steps can be performed in one vessel, and the entire process can be automated. A vessel suitable for this process is provided, as well as a system for the automated performance of the process steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for isolating and partially characterizing the nucleotide sequence for a novel polypeptide chain of human basement membrane (type IV) collagen, referred to as the .alpha.5(IV) polypeptide chain. The invention provides for the use of the identified nucleotide sequence (or DNA fragments thereof) to detect mutations in individual genes specific for the .alpha.5(IV) chain which can, directly or indirectly, produce several human diseases. Moreover, the invention also relates to procedures for determining genetic or acquired disorders of basement membranes using the identified nucleotide sequence (or DNA fragments thereof) of the .alpha.5(IV) polypeptide chain, probes specific to DNA fragments of said nucleotide sequence,or antibodies to the nucleotide sequence or DNA parts thereof.

Abstract: Hypochlorite digestion of bacterial biomass to recover intracellular poly-.beta.-hydroxylalkanoic acid (PHA) has not been used on a large scale since it has been widely reported to severely degrade the polymer. The process of the invention proposes to optimize the initial biomass concentration, the digestion time and pH of the hypochlorite solution to minimize degradation. Consequently, PHA of up to 95% purity with an average molecular weight of 600,000 can be recovered from biomass initially containing PHA having a molecular weight of 1,200,000. By incorporating a pretreatment step with an anionic surfactant solution, PHA of 99% purity with a molecular weight of 1.20.times.10.sup.6 was obtained from biomass containing 57% PHA by weight with an initial molecular weight of 1.25.times.10.sup.6.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a process for obtaining irone by microbiological route.The precursors extracted from fresh iris rhizomes are subjected to the action of a fungus of the genus Botryotinia.

Abstract: A process for obtaining sorbitol and gluconic acid or gluconate from aqueous glucose/fructose mixtures by using Zymomonas mobilis cells which have been permeabilized by treatment with cationic surfactant is disclosed. The permeabilized cells are preferably obtained by treatment with long-chain quaternary alkylammonium salts such as, in particular, CTAB, Dodigen or Bardac. Surfactant concentrations of 0.1 to 0.3% and a treatment time of 1 to 10 minutes at room temperature are expedient. The cell concentrations preferably used for the fermentation are 20 to 80 g/1 dry matter of permeabilized cells.

Abstract: An improved method for isolating and purifying nucleic acid from cell culture media contemplating adding to resuspended cell solutions a lysing solution and neutralizing/deproteinating agent without mechanical mixing, followed by centrifugation to partially pellet cellular debris, mixing the solution to complete the reaction, and additional centrifugation to fully pellet the debris.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for testing for the presence of catalase in a milk sample comprising combining a milk sample with a substantially catalase-free alkaline protease enzyme enriched detergent to disrupt catalase containing somatic cells present therein and release active catalase therefrom in the present of a pH buffering salt having a concentration of at least 20 mM in the resulting sample solution and providing the solution with a pH in a range of about 7.0-8.0 and thereafter testing the sample for the presence of catalase, as well as providing a test kit for detecting the presence of catalase in milk comprising a substantially catalase-free alkaline protease enzyme enriched detergent and 20 to 400 micromoles of a pH buffer alone or in combination with any other solute capable of reducing the solubility of oxygen in milk and of providing the resulting milk solution with a pH in the range of about 7.0-8.0.

Abstract: An extraction composition has been found useful for extracting antigen from herpes simplex virus. This composition has a pH of from about 8.5 to about 12, and comprises an alcoholamine or salt thereof, a nonionic surfactant comprised of a condensation product of an alkylphenol and ethylene oxide, cholic acid or a salt or derivative thereof and an anionic surfactant. Extraction of antigen is accomplished by contacting the extraction composition with a specimen suspected of containing herpes organisms under suitable conditions. Extracted antigen can be determined by forming an immunological complex with antibodies thereto and by detecting that complex. The extraction composition can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the in vitro detection of a determined RNA, particularly of a mRNA connected with a genetic abnormality in a biological material. This process comprises a treatment of the cells contained in that material for the sake of releasing their cellular components and of exposing the RNAs yet without denaturing other nucleic acids, and then the detection operation comprising contacting RNA sought to be detected, in presence of the other cellular components, with a nucleotidic sequence complementary of the RNA sought.

Abstract: A composition for isolating and purifying nucleic acid from cell culture medium and a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acid from cell culture medium employing the composition, in which the reagent includes about 1 to 3.5M acetate salt solution, about 4 to 11.2M acetic acid, about 1 to 40% by volume phenol, and about 1 to 40% by volume chloroform.