Abstract: A composition for simultaneous cleaning and decontaminating a device. The composition is a per-compound oxidant in an amount effective for decontaminating the device and an enzyme in an amount effective for cleaning the device. The device may be a medical device such as an endoscope or kidney dialyzer and a plurality of devices can be cleaned using the same composition. The composition may additionally contain a corrosion inhibitor in an amount effective to prevent corrosion of a metal, a chelator, a buffer, a dye and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic product comprising, as a colouring agent, the extract of an alga. A preferred class of alga the extract of which is useful in the present invention is blue alga (Spirulina type), more preferred it is Japanese blue alga (Spirulina platensis). The ophthalmic product is preferably a contact lens care product.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for contact lenses, which contains an oxo-acid compound and/or a polyacid compound. The agent for contact lenses of the present invention can remove protein as, for example, a protein remover, irrespective of the kind of contact lens and without using a special cleaning device. In addition, washing with water after protein removal is not necessary.

Abstract: Enzyme granules are provided in which an enzyme is rapidly eluted, without insoluble remnants, and generation of powdery dust is suppressed, and which granules have a property such that classification phenomenon generated among the granules in a detergent composition is less likely to take place, in a case where the enzyme granules are formulated together with other components in a detergent. The enzyme granule comprise (A) water-insoluble substance and or a slightly water-soluble substance; (B) a water-soluble binder; and (C) an enzyme. A dye may also be present for coloring. The content of (A) component is 45% by weight or more, and the enzyme granules have an average particle size of from 150 to 500 &mgr;m and a bulk density of from 500 to 1,000 g/L, and have a structure such that more amount of (B) component is present near the surface of the enzyme granules than in the inner portion thereof. The enzyme granule may be aggregated to form an enzyme granule aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions, including laundry, fabric care, dishwashing, hard surface cleaner, oral/dental cleaning compositions, comprising a polyphenol/heterocyclic substrate based oxygenase, which provide effective and efficient cleaning of coloured and everyday body stains and/or soils and provides sanitisation of the treated surfaces. Furthermore, the cleaning compositions of the present invention provide fabric realistic items cleaning and whitening performance while providing excellent fabric colour safety when formulated as a laundry detergent composition.

Abstract: An alkaline protease having the following properties; a gene encoding the same; a microorganism producing the same; and washing compositions containing the same; (i) acting over a broad pH value range of 4 to 13 and achieving, at pH 6 to 12, 80% or more the activity at the optimum pH value; (ii) when treated at 40° C. for 30 minutes, being stable over a pH value range of 6 to 11; (iii) having an isoelectric point of about 8.9 to 9.1; and (iv) having casein digesting activity that is not inhibited by oleic acid. The alkaline protease of the present invention is highly stable to various surface active agents and fatty acids, and exhibits high stability to oxidizing agents, and is therefore useful as an enzyme to be used in detergents for automatic dishwashers and laundry detergents, both containing bleaching components.

Abstract: Improved stability, liquid enzyme compositions containing an alkylated trypsin and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with an aqueous composition are disclosed for the cleaning or simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods used as in-the-eye and/or out-of-eye inhibitors of proteinaceous deposits on hydrophilic contact lenses. Compositions of the present invention comprise moderately charged polyquaternium polymers that selectively bind to hydrophilic contact lenses to block the binding of proteinaceous materials. Compositions of the present invention may be used in multipurpose cleaning solutions for contact lenses and can eliminate the need for special enzyme cleaners and the like for removing proteinaceous materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combined formulation for disinfecting, neutralizing and cleaning a soft contact lens and a method using the same easily, efficiently and safely. The formulation is a one-solution type of combined formulation for disinfecting, neutralizing and cleaning a soft contact lens, which includes a first formulation that contains an iodine-based disinfectant and a proteolytic enzyme and a second formulation that contains a reducing and a foaming agent treated with a delayed release coating, and which contains a nonionic surfactant in at least one of the first and second formulations. A stained soft contact lens can be disinfected, neutralized and cleaned easily by holding it in an aqueous solution colored yellow or brown by iodine molecules and removing it from the aqueous solution after the solution becomes almost colorless.

Abstract: A method for antimicrobial treatment of microorganisms and/or viruses which involves treating the microorganisms and/or viruses with an effective amount of a fungal laccase and one or more enhancers in the presence of oxygen, the enhancers having the formula: wherein A, B and C are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: Stable liquid enzyme compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with an antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stable liquid enzyme compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-soluble, solid contact lens care agent (1) having at least a first (2) and a second (3) compartment containing within the first compartment (2) at least one agent, in particular a protease, for removing or supporting the cleaning of metabolic deposits on a contact lens and within the second compartment (3) at least one agent being capable of neutralizing a contact lens disinfecting solution, characterized in that the first compartment (2) is dissolved faster within the contact lens disinfecting solution than the second compartment (3) and both compartments (2, 3) are simultaneously subjectable to the contact lens disinfecting solution.

Abstract: Enzyme compositions and methods employing enzyme compositions are disclosed which are useful for cleaning contact lenses. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises an enzyme component effective when released in a liquid medium to remove debris from a contact lens located in the liquid medium; and an activity regulating component effective when released in the liquid medium to deactivate the enzyme component located in the liquid medium. This composition is preferably structured so that the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium before the activity regulating component is so released. The period of time between the release of the enzyme component and the activity regulating component is sufficient to allow the enzyme component to effectively remove debris from a contact lens which is introduced into the liquid medium before or at the same time the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium.

Abstract: Improved stability, liquid enzyme compositions containing an alkylated trypsin and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with an aqueous composition are disclosed for the cleaning or simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-purpose solutions for contact lens care provide substantial lens wearer/user comfort and/or acceptability. Such solutions include an aqueous liquid medium; an antimicrobial component, preferably a biguanide polymer present in an amount of less than about 5 ppm; a surfactant component, preferably a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer surfactant, in an effective amount; a phosphate buffer component in an effective amount; a viscosity inducing component, preferably selected from cellulosic derivatives, in an effective amount; and a tonicity component in an effective amount. Such solutions have substantial performance, comfort and acceptability benefits, which, ultimately, lead to ocular health advantages and avoidance of problems caused by contact lens wear.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions and methods for cleaning contact lenses using water soluble enzyme-polymer conjugates. A preferred method includes providing the subject enzyme-polymer conjugates in a tablet form, dissolving the tablet in an aqueous solution and subsequently soaking a contact lens in the resulting solution. Other methods include providing the enzyme-polymer conjugate in a liquid form and contacting a contact lens therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contact lens cleaning solution which is capable of, simultaneously and in a simplified manner, rendering surfaces of the contact lens hydrophilic and cleaning the contact lens for removal of protein deposits, without suffering from reduction of the cleaning effect of a protease, and also provides a method of cleaning a contact lens which is capable of rendering the surfaces of the contact lens hydrophilic while, at the same time, cleaning the contact lens for removal of the protein deposits, by using the contact lens cleaning solution as described above.A desired contact lens cleaning solution is prepared, which contains a protease in an amount effective for removing protein adhering or clinging to the contact lens and gum arabic as a hydrophilicity rendering component, wherein divalent metal ions in the gum arabic are removed or inactivated.

Abstract: Stable liquid enzyme compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stable liquid enzyme compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-step method for disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses of the type using hydrogen peroxide as the disinfecting agent and a protease as the cleaning agent, comprising the following steps: a) disinfection of the contact lenses in an aqueous disinfecting solution comprising from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. % hydrogen peroxide at a pH not acceptable to the eyes, b) cleaning the contact lenses by subjecting the contact lenses to a protease being inactivated within a period of time at a pH level not acceptable to the eyes, c) neutralization of the hydrogen peroxide in the aqueous disinfecting solution with a microbial catalase being substantially active at pH 3.0 to 7.0, d) adjusting the pH in the aqueous disinfecting solution to a pH level acceptable to the eyes.

Abstract: A range of novel biodegradable aqueous acid cleaning systems for removing limescale from surfaces, especially stainless steel and porcelain surfaces, wherein said system comprises a biodegradable aqueous acid system, said system having a pH of less than 7.0, said system comprising at least one of the following acids:i) iminodiacetic acid;ii) aspartic acid;iii) derivatives selected from N-alkyl, N-alkylaryl and N-cycloaliphatic derivatives of iminodiacetic acid;iv) derivatives selected from N-alkyl, N-alkylaryl and N-cycloaliphatic derivatives of aspartic acid; andv) C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 polycarboxylic acids,said polycarboxylic acids containing a heteroatom in the main chain thereof, said heteroatom being selected from S, O and N; said system optionally comprising mixtures of said acids (i) to (v).The composition preferably comprises a surfactant to optimize the performance of said acid. Additional optional ingredients are selected from thickeners and co-builders and enzyme mixtures.

Abstract: The invention discloses PEG-modified proteases, compositions containing these modified enzymes, and methods for using them to clean contact lenses. The methods of the present invention are also directed to the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses, when compositions of the present invention are combined with a suitable disinfectant.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens is disclosed, which method comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a cleaning solution for the contact lens comprising an effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme, 15-60 w/v % (percent by weight/volume) of propylene glycol, 10-60 w/v % of glycerine, and water, a total content of the propylene glycol and glycerine being in a range of 30-80 w/v %; (b) diluting the cleaning solution with a disinfecting or storing liquid for the contact lens which contains an ionic antimicrobial agent, so as to provide a dilution; and (c) immersing the contact lens in the dilution.

Abstract: A cellulase variant of a parent cellulase, e.g. a cellulase classified in family 45 such as a Humicola insolens 43 kD endoglucanase, comprising a cellulose binding domain (CBD), a catalytically active domain (CAD) and a region linking the cellulose binding domain and catalytically active domain (the linking region), wherein one more amino acid residues of the CBD, CAD or linking region is deleted or substituted by one or more amino acid residues and/or one or more amino acids are added to the linking region and/or another CBD is added at the opposite end of the catalytically active domain, has improved properties as regards e.g. alkaline activity, compatibility with detergent composition ingredients, particulate soil removal, color clarification, defuzzing, depilling, harshness reduction, and sensitivity to anionic surfactants and peroxidase bleaching systems and is useful e.g. in detergent compositions, for textile treatment, in paper pulp processing, for animal feed and for stone washing of jeans.

Abstract: The invention discloses stabilized enzymes suitable for use in a contact lens cleansing composition. Specific stabilizers for the protease enzyme include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, lauroyl-L-glutamic triethanolamine, sodium myristyl sarcosinate, 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine, hydrochloric alkyldiaminoglycine, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene castor oil 60, polyoxyl 40 stearate, and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether. The invention further discloses that the enzyme and surfactant mixture are lyophilized.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning and disinfecting solution for a contact lens to be cleaned and disinfected simultaneously in a simplified manner with high efficiency. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method of cleaning and disinfecting the contact lens wherein the cleaning and disinfection of the contact lens can be effected simultaneously in a short period of time by using the above-indicated cleaning and disinfecting solution. The above objects may be obtained according to one aspect of the present invention which provided a cleaning and disinfecting solution for a contact lens comprising an effective amount of proteolytic enzyme, 60-80% w/v % of propylene glycol, 10-35% w/v % of glycerine, and water, a total content of propylene glycol and glycerine being in the range of 70% to 95 w/v %.

Abstract: Enzyme compositions and methods employing enzyme compositions are disclosed which are useful for cleaning contact lenses. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises an enzyme component effective when released in a liquid medium to remove debris from a contact lens located in the liquid medium; and an activity regulating component effective when released in the liquid medium to deactivate the enzyme component located in the liquid medium. This composition is preferably structured so that the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium before the activity regulating component is so released. The period of time between the release of the enzyme component and the activity regulating component is sufficient to allow the enzyme component to effectively remove debris from a contact lens which is introduced into the liquid medium before or at the same time the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for caring for a contact lens include an inositol phosphate component in an amount effective to at least facilitate the beneficial treatment of the lens.

Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning agent containing 6.5-8% sodium alkyl sulfate, 2.7-4% fatty acid coconut diethanolamide, 0.38-0.42% citric acid, 0.38-0.42% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid, 0.42-0.48% sodium citrate, 2.88-3.2% water, 1.88-2.5% sodium polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, 0.5-1% sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, 0.2-0.4% sodium percarbonate, 2-5% sodium tripoly phosphate, 40.38-35.89% low density sodium carbonate, 40.38-35.89% Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O, 0.4-0.8%, savinase 40T, and 1-2% celluzyme 0.7T.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A contact lens cleaning solution containing an enzyme having proteolytic activity and a surfactant, and optionally also a chelating agent and urea, and a method of cleaning contact lenses utilizing this solution are described. The solution and method effectively remove deposits of proteinaceous material, mucins, lipids and calcium located either on or beneath the surface of the lens.

Abstract: This invention is within the field of thermostable proteases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermostable protease from Thermococcus celer, Thermococcus stetteri or Thermococcus litoralis, to a process for the preparation of these enzymes, and to detergent compositions comprising these enzymes. The enzyme has a temperature optimum in the range of from 75.degree. to 100.degree. C. and a pH optimum in the range of from 6.0-10.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent, and complexing agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for using a composition including a neutralizing system and a sequestering agent which prevents the accumulation of inorganic deposits on contact lenses, particularly when used regularly in a conventional hydrogen peroxide disinfection regimen. The neutralizing system includes at least one reducing agent, a reductase, or both. The sequestering agent preferably is gluconic acid, a polymetaphosphate or their salts. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most preferred sequestering agent; catalase is the most preferred agent for use as the neutralizing system.

Abstract: A composition and method useful to quickly and effectively indicate whether a functional component such as catalase has been added to a clear solution such as a hydrogen peroxide solution involves compounding with the functional component an effective amount of vitamin B-12 such that when the compounded composition is added to the clear solution, the clear solution turns rose colored. By observing the rose color, the user can determine that the functional component has been added to the clear solution.

Abstract: Compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme of high purity and integrity in a liquid medium and methods involving the use of these compositions for cleaning a contact lens, and in combination with an antimicrobial agent for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an agent for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme by adding a surfactant to a solution containing an effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme, the production of a lyophilized agent for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme, which comprises subjecting an aqueous composition containing a proteolytic enzyme to a lyophilizing treatment in the presence of a surfactant, and a lyophilized agent for contact lenses which contains a proteolytic enzyme and a surfactant. The method of the present invention enables stable preservation of a proteolytic enzyme in a liquid form. In addition, cleaning, sterilization and preservation can be simultaneously performed with a single solution, wherein an efficient removal of soil is achieved by only immersing contact lenses in the agent in a solution state. Accordingly, the agent of the present invention is advantageously used with ease by simple handling.