Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. In one embodiment, the poultry gelatin is located preferably in at least one layer in the upper half of said imaging member comprising poultry gelatin. Another embodiment provides an aqueous coating composition comprising poultry gelatin.

Abstract: This invention involves a process for selecting and producing eukaryotic alkaline phosphatase in yeast. Yeast cells are subjected to multiple transformations using a vector comprising a first resistance marker gene and the alkaline phosphatase gene. Those strains that grow in media containing the first resistance marker are further transformed using a vector comprising a second selection marker gene and the alkaline phosphatase gene. Transformants that grow in media containing the second selection marker are selected for expressing the eukaryotic alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for processing poultry feathers. In one embodiment, the method for processing poultry feathers comprises contacting a plurality of poultry feathers having an average particle size with a detergent capable of imparting a static charge to the plurality of poultry feathers; reducing the average particle size of the plurality of poultry feathers; increasing entanglement of the plurality of poultry feathers; adding an anionic polymeric adduct to the plurality of poultry feathers; adding a cationic species to the plurality of poultry feathers; and dewatering the plurality of poultry feathers. In another embodiment, a composition for processing poultry feathers, comprises a detergent capable removing at least a portion of fats and oils from a poultry feather and imparting a static charge to the poultry feather; an antimicrobial compound; an anionic polymeric adduct; and a cationic species.

Abstract: A process for producing non-woven silk fiber fabrics comprises the following steps: a) obtaining silk fibroin, for example either from silk cocoons, or silk textiles or waste silk; b) removing the sercin layer covering the silk fibroin fibers, when present; c) breaking the disulfide bonds between heavy (350 kDa) and light (27 kDa) chains of silk fibroin in order to obtain the production of chain fragments which serve as a specific cellular recognition sites promoting the attachment and growth of cells, d) homogenising of the material resulting from step c).

Abstract: An aqueous coating fluid is described comprising gelatin at a concentration of at least 1 wt % and a colloidal particle dispersed material phase at a volume fraction of at least 0.01, wherein at least 20% of the gelatin comprises a gelatin prepared from hydrolysis of ossein using sodium or potassium hydroxide. The present invention enables increasing the concentrations of a coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed sub-micron colloidal materials, reducing the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials in such a coating fluid, and/or including higher molecular weight gelatin in such a coating fluid without detrimentally increasing the viscosity of such fluids. The invention further enables reducing the viscosity of an aqueous coating fluid containing gelatin and dispersed insoluble colloidal material, without needing to reduce the concentration of gelatin or colloidal materials, increase the size of the sub-micron colloidal materials, and/or reduce the molecular weight of the gelatin.

Abstract: An unliganded form of Staphylococcus aureus thymidylate kinase (S. aureus TMK) has been crystallized, and the three dimensional x-ray crystal structure has been solved to 2.3 Å resolution. The x-ray crystal structure is useful for solving the structure of other molecules or molecular complexes, and designing inhibitors of S. aureus TMK activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a water-soluble chain-extended gelatin subjecting a source a source gelatin having a first isoelectric point, in aqueous solution, to a partial crosslinking reaction to form a reaction mixture comprising a partially crosslinked gelatin having a second isoelectric point, filtering the reaction mixture, adjusting a pH value of the filtered reaction mixture to a value equivalent to the second isoelectric point ±1.5, and concentrating, drying and pulverizing the pH-adjusted reaction mixture.

Abstract: A hydratable oxidized keratin composition comprising one or more metal ion species capable of absorbing water to form a hydrogel. The keratin material is useful as a soil amendment providing organic and inorganic nutrients. The keratin material is also useful as a nutrient source in the bioremediation of toxic contaminants soils and liquids.

Abstract: An aqueous coating fluid is described comprising gelatin at a concentration of at least 1 wt % and gelatin hardener at a level from 1-200 effective &mgr;mole hardener per gram of coating fluid, wherein at least 20% of the gelatin comprises a gelatin prepared from hydrolysis of ossein using sodium or potassium hydroxide. Relative improvements are obtained in reducing the rate of chemical gelation of a coating fluid containing gelatin and a hardener, without the need for chemically modifying functional groups of the gelatin. The invention further enables an increase in coating fluid concentration, increase in the fluid viscosity, reduction in the ratio of added anionic polymer to gelatin, and/or increase in the pH of a coating fluid containing gelatin and a hardener, without detrimentally increasing the rate of chemical gelation of the coating fluid.

Abstract: This invention provides purified telomerase and methods of purifying it. The methods involve the use of several sequential steps, including the use of matrices that bind molecules bearing negative charges, matrices that bind molecules bearing positive charges, intermediate-selectivity matrices, methods that separate molecules based on their size, shape, or buoyant density, and by affinity purification.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering non-solvent fills from a gelatin-containing material by adding the gelatin-containing material to a suitable solvent to form a mixture including a solvent phase and a phase containing said non-solvent fill and then separating the solvent phase from the phase containing said non-solvent fill, followed by recovering the non-solvent fill.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput screening systems for identifying compounds that modulate the biological activity of a biochemically functional sarcomere. The method can be performed in plurality simultaneously with fluorescence or absorbance readouts.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a novel medicine, drink, food or feed having an action of strengthening bone. More specifically, the present invention is to provide a medicine, drink, food or feed combined with collagen, fraction containing collagen or degradation product thereof. Fraction containing collagen was prepared by mincing skin corium layer into pieces, defatting it and lyophylization or by pulverizing bone, decalcifying it and lyophylization. Oral administration of these can stimulate proliferation of osteoblast, inhibit bone resorption and strengthen bone. They can be useful for improvement of osteoporosis, bone fracture, bone pain, etc.

Abstract: A hydratable, highly absorbent keratin solid fiber or powder capable of absorbing a large weight excess of water may be produced by partially oxidizing hair keratin disulfide bonds to sulfonic acid residues and reacting the sulfonic acid residues with a cation. The neutralized suspension can be filtered, washed, and dried, leaving keratin solid which can be shredded into fibers and further ground into powder. Addition of water to the solid produces a hydrogel. The powder or hydrogel may be useful as an absorbent material, as a therapeutic for skin, or as an excipient. Another use for the hydrogel is as a biocompatible viscoelastic filler for implant applications.

Abstract: A method of cooling a photographic coating composition in a sol state is disclosed. The composition that includes photographic emulsion, an emulsified material or gelatin solution, or comprising combinations thereof is continuously cooled by employing heat exchanger, and after being transformed into a gel state, the resulting product is placed into a storage vessel.

Abstract: A sample is prepared from blood in a manner which makes it possible to further analyze proteins in the sample, e.g. to detect prions in the sample. Blood is extracted, allowed to clot and subjected to separation processing (e.g. centrifugation) to obtain serum. The serum is treated with a complexing agent which agent binds prions in the sample forming an agent/protein complex which makes it possible to concentrate the complex. Concentration of the complex results in a sample which can be successfully analyzed, e.g. assayed using a range of different types of assay methodologies for detecting prions.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the manufacture of gelatin which includes providing a collagen containing material and demineralizing the collagen containing material to produce ossein. An enzyme solution containing protease at a concentration of at least 10 ppb is added to the ossein for a time sufficient to solubilize the ossein to produce a solution containing the gelatin at a weight percent of from 0.5 to 6 and at a predetermined viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention is a gelatin composed of a high molecular weight fraction (>250,000) of from 0 to 25 wt %, a beta fraction (150,000-250,000) of from 0 to 20 wt % and an alpha fraction (50,000-150,000) of from 15 to 55 wt %. The gelatin has a Gel strength of from 150 to 350 g Bloom and a concentration of protease of greater than 10 ppb and an absorbance of at least 0.069 at 420 nm. The present invention also is a process for the manufacture of photographic gelatin. The process begins by liquefying or slurrying the residual ossein. Protease is added to the gelatin solution or ossein slurry to a concentration of at least 10 ppb to form a mixture. The mixture is reacted for a time sufficient to achieve a viscosity of less than 9 cps (6.16% gel concentration at 104.degree. F.) and the protease is inactivated. The mixture is clarified to form a gelatin solution wherein the gelatin is of high quality.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for degreasing bone for the manufacture of gelatin. A lipase solution at a concentration of greater than 0.1 ppm is added to a collagen containing material and treated for a time sufficient to solubilize the fat contained in the collagen containing material to produce degreased collagen containing material with a fat content of less than 1 weight percent.

Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of platelet-rich clots or thrombus, and for deaggregating platelet-rich clots or thrombus, using hementin, a polypeptide derived from leech salivary glands. Hementin may be administered for this purpose in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, with or without additional anticoagulants such as hirudin, hirudin analogues, or an inhibitor of factor Xa.

Abstract: A conjugate of a synthetic polypeptide containing RGD or (dR) GD and a biodegradable polymer, such as hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulfate is disclosed. Methods of making the conjugate and using it to aid wound healing by providing a temporary matrix are disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet wound dressing formed of cross linked keratin. An insoluble, largely Beta keratin fraction from human hair is acidified to a low pH, preferably less than about 3, which partially solubilizes the keratin by weakening hydrogen bonds. The suspension is added to base, such as ammonium hydroxide, forming a slurry. The slurry is cast directly onto a flat surface, allowing the re-formation of cross-links including hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds. The resulting cross-linked keratin sheet can be used as a sheet wound dressing or as a scaffolding for growth of cells. The insoluble keratin can be derived from human hair which is washed, rinsed, dried, chopped and treated with peracetic acid to break some accessible disulfide linkages. The treated hair is filtered, rinsed, dried, and ground into a keratin powder.

Abstract: A process for the recovery and purification of waste gelatin, especially from the manufacture of soft gelatin capsules includes the steps of effecting dissolution of the gelatin and other water-soluble components of the waste in a solvent such as deionized water such that a gelatin-containing solution dispersed within the remaining components of said waste is formed, permitting the dispersion to settle into an upper oil phase and a lower solvent based gelatin-containing solution phase, separating the lower phase from the upper phase, optionally hot filtering the lower phase to remove traces of the remaining components of the upper phase, and diafiltering the lower phase to remove the active ingredients, glycerin, and other water-soluble components and to provide a recycled gelatin solution.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the manufacture of gelatin which includes providing a collagen containing material and demineralizing the collagen containing material to produce ossein. The ossein is added to a water solution containing at least 3% sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide and at least 3% sodium sulfate for a time sufficient to form a reacted slurry. The reacted slurry is heated to a temperature of at least 45.degree. C. for a time sufficient to solubilize the ossein thereby producing a solution containing gelatin. The pH of the solution containing gelatin is raised to greater than 9.8. The pH of the solution containing gelatin is reduced with a sulfate salt of a divalent or trivalent metal to a neutral pH (between 7.0 and 8.0). The pH of the gelatin solution is then lowered to between 5.0 and 6.0 and a polymeric flocculant is added to the gelatin solution in an amount of less than 0.1% based on the dry weight of the gelatin to form a floc and the floc is removed.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) capable of binding to native PDGF, and MAbs capable of specifically binding to the PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB and PDGF-AB isoforms are disclosed. The subject MAbs may be used in the detection or purification of native PDGF or selected PDGF isoforms. In addition, the MAbs may be labeled with an imaging agent and used for in vivo diagnostic purposes, or combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent for use within wound healing compositions.

Abstract: In a method for producing gelatin from collagen-containing raw material, the raw material is ground and mixed with water to form a slurry; the slurry is treated with an acid and heated in order to expose the collagen in the raw material; the pH and the temperature of the slurry are adjusted once more; the slurry is separated into a liquid portion and a solid residue; and the gelatin is recovered from the liquid portion.

Abstract: A substantially pure preparation of an HSV-specific junction-spanning transcript (L/ST), wherein the 5' end of the L/ST maps to the b repeat sequences of HSV DNA at approximately 3 kb and 125 kb, wherein the L/ST extends into the c repeat sequences of HSV DNA and wherein the HSV DNA sequence encoding the L/ST is preceded by an ICP4 binding site and a TATA box.

Abstract: cDNA clones encoding minor ampullate spidroin proteins (MiSP) are described. The translated amino acid sequence of the cloned cDNA shows that the MiSPs have a structure which exhibits an amino proximal nonrepetitive region, a repetitive portion and a carboxy-proximal nonrepetitive portion. The repetitive portion of the sequence is describable by a generic repeat formula. Comparison of the amino acid sequences derived from the translation with the sequences of short peptides obtained from solubilized minor ampullate spider silk suggests that the nonrepetitive portions of the protein are cleaved from the protein during secretion from the cells synthesizing the spidroins. This comparison also suggests that the minor ampullate spider silk is composed of at least three polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions enriched for Neutrophil Inhibitory Factor which inhibit neutrophil activity including adhesion to vascular endothelial cells are provided. Also provided are recombinant Neutrophil Inhibitory Factors which also which inhibit neutrophil activity. Such compositions may comprise a glycoprotein isolated from nematodes. These compositions and recombinant Neutrophil Inhibitory Factors are useful in the therapy of conditions which involve abnormal or undesired inflammatory responses.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of superficial urinary tract tumors in a mammal involves administering a diagnostically effective amount of a liposomal composition comprising a liposome, a chemotherapeutic agent or immune activating drug carried by the liposome and a purified protein which functions as a mycobacterial receptor for fibronectin on the surface of the liposome whereby the liposomal composition becomes attached to and internalized in the cells of the tumors. In lieu of the purified protein an antibody to an integrin receptor on the surface of the cells of the tumors may be used or a delivery system composed of a conjugate of a chemotherapeutic agent or immune activating drug and an antibody to an integrin receptor may be employed.

Abstract: A process is described for the purification of the hepatitis A virus, which allows one to obtain with good yields a pure product, in which organic material collected by centrifugation after lysis of the culture cells is submitted to gel filtration and successively to ion exchange chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinase A inhibitor comprising as an active ingredient a peptide analogue consisting of an active minimum unit of gelatinase A inhibition obtained from APP (.beta.-amyloid precursor) or a peptide analogue comprising it. Gelatinase A can be qualified and quantified using any of the gelatinase A inhibitors according to the present invention.

Abstract: Gelatin, having high Bloom or gel strength in excess of 300, is extracted from fish, with high yield, by pre-treating collagen rich fish skins with a limewater (Ca(OH).sub.2) solution suspension with a concentration of between 19 gm of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of tilapia fish skin to 100 gm Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of fish skin for a period of time between ten to sixty days and optimally between two to four weeks. For fish with higher percentage of fat content, a minimum concentration is at least 50 gm of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of fish skin to avoid putrefaction. For fish with easily extractable gelatin, such as Nile perch, soaking time is from 3 to 10 days with a concentration of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water of about 15 gm. At concentrations above 100 gm of Ca(OH).sub.2 /liter of water/kg of fish skin and/or treatment time periods in excess of four weeks, Bloom strength dramatically decreases.

Abstract: A biochemically pure polypeptide(s), termed osteogenic growth polypeptide (OGP), which exhibits stimulatory effects on osteoblastic cells, in vivo bone formation and hemopoietic reconstruction. OGP, identified from regenerating bone marrow, has an amino acid sequence ofAla-Leu-Lys-Arg-Gln-Gly-Arg-Thr-Leu-Tyr-Gly-Phe-Gly-Gly.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of gelatin from powdered bone, which consists in subjecting the powdered bone to a first treatment with an acid solution at a temperature below ambient temperature in order to solubilize the phosphates, and then to a second treatment with an acid solution at a temperature of between 60.degree. C. and 85.degree. C. in order to isolate a broth from which the gelatin is extracted. Type A gelatin with a gel strength of more than 300 blooms and a gelling time of less than 100 seconds.

Abstract: The method for preparing high grade gelatin with a specific methionine content and with reduced methionine variability from batch to batch and within a single extraction includes controlling the amount of and variability of oxidant present during processing of bone stock into gelatin. Such controls include control of oxidant concentration and range in process water, control of volume of process water used in gelatin-making process and restriction of the range of gelatin extracts used in the product gelatin. Once the aim level of oxidant has been set, the total range of oxidant around the set point should be less than 220 meq per 100 kg dry bone.

Abstract: A protein which inhibits collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The protein has a molecular weight of approximately 17,000. A method of isolating the protein from Ornithodoros moubata and using the protein to prevent or delay blood coagulation by blocking the stimulation of platelet aggregation by collagen is also described. The protein is useful in the prevention, prophylaxis, therapy and treatment of thrombotic diseases.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to a novel method of recycling gelatin-based encapsulation waste material and, more specifically, to a process for the recovery and purification of gelatin and softening agents therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, deionized water is added to the waste material thereby forming an aqueous solution of gelatin and glycerine dispersed within the remaining oil and residual active-ingredient components of the waste material. Extraction methods are employed under specific conditions to effect separation of the bottom aqueous phase from the upper oil phase. The lower phase is hot filtered to remove any remaining traces of oil or other contaminants and the filtrate is then charged to a concentration vessel adapted for vacuum distillation. The water solvent is thus removed under specific thermal and atmospheric conditions until the desired concentration of gelatin and glycerine is achieved.

Abstract: Improved yield and gelatin quality is obtained by extracting conditioned collagen-containing material with water at lower temperature and shorter time conditions than previously used to remove high quality gelatin as quickly as possible. Very high quality gelatin is extracted initially. Acid conditioning yield is also improved by controlling pH between 1.5-2.0.

Abstract: At least part of the fat in fat-containing manufactured food products is replaced by gelatin in an amount by weight which is generally no more than 10% of the weight of the original fat content which has been replaced. Suitable gelatin for this purpose may be made from fish waste comprising fish skins by an aqueous extraction process, such as e.g. a stepwise process including separate alkaline, mineral acid and organic acid treatment steps. The gelatin is said to mimic the sensation experienced by the consumer of the creaminess or richness of foodstuffs containing regular fat levels. Exemplary products to which the invention may be applied are baked goods, dressings, whipped toppings, frostings, cream fillings and spreads. In Examples, the fat content is thus reduced substantially, to give food products which closely resemble in quality the higher fat-containing analogs.

Abstract: A soluble, chain extended gelatin having a high molecular weight and significantly higher viscosity at equivalent gelatin concentration compared to standard gelatin and significantly faster setting time is produced by preparing an aqueous gelatin composition containing from about 6% to about 18% dry weight of gelatin and from about 0.25 to about 5 millimoles of a bis-(vinyl sulfonyl) compound per 100 grams of gelatin, heating the composition at a temperature of from about 40 to about 60.degree.C. and at a pH of from about 4.5 to about 7 for from about one to about eight hours.

Abstract: A method for crosslinking protein comprises making an aqueous compositiion of a protein, sugar, a salt, and water, followed by heating the composition while maintaining the moisture content of the composition at a level of at least about 3 weight percent. The composition is made, and the heating carried out, so that the protein is crosslinked to a degree at which it is substantially water insoluble upon being placed in water at 100.degree. C. for at least 3 minutes. A crosslinked protein product comprises a protein crosslinked to a degree that it is substantially water insoluble upon being placed in water at 100.degree. C. for at least 3 minutes, a sugar, a salt, and water.

Abstract: A process for the production of gelatin from fish skins comprises the steps of: (a) cleaning the skins in order to remove therefrom substantially all superfluous material; (b) treating with dilute aqueous alkali; (c) washing with water until the washing water is substantially neutral; (d) treating with dilute aqueous mineral acid; (e) washing with water until the washing water is substantially neutral; (f) treating with dilute aqueous citric acid and/or another suitable organic acid; (g) washing with water until the washing water is substantially neutral; and (h) extracting with water at elevated temperatures not above about 55.degree. c., the washed citric acid-treated skins. In practice, the present process employs much lower temperatures than known heretofore for the treatment steps, which results in a high quality product (e.g. absence of a fishy smell), compared with the prior art.

Abstract: A method for separating organic compounds, specifically proteins, is provided. The method for separating organic compounds is based on a combined pi-electron and electrostatic interaction of the exchanger with specific components of the organic compound. The method provides both an anionic and cationic exchanger. Each exchanger can provide more than one dimension of separation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for pulverizing gelatin and to products in which pulverized gelatin is used. The present invention relates to a method for pulverizing hydrophilic and water-soluble dry gelatin with relatively high jelly strength using as a medium hydrophilic organic solvent dimethylformamide or organic solvent admixed with dimethylformamide in an atmosphere where moisture is shut out. It further relates to paints containing synthetic resin solutions in dimethylformamide or the organic solvent admixed with dimethylformamide which contains gelatin particles pulverized into 30 microns or smaller in size by the invention method. It provides paint layers, coating layers, films and finished cloths that are formed by using said paints and synthetic resin solutions. By eluting gelatin particles with hot water, paint layers, coating layers, film and finished cloths with excellent moisture permeability can be obtained.

Abstract: Collagen in tactoid form obtained by forming an aqueous solution containing dissolved collagen and a water soluble or miscible polymer adapted to precipitate collagen out of solution in the form of tactoids.

Abstract: A cold water-soluble instantized gelatin having full gelation ability while containing no additives is obtained by spraying a pure gelatin solution without additives and having a water content of at least 35% at a temperature in excess of the gelation and solidification temperature on an excess of finely divided solid gelatin particles which contain less than 8% of water, and drying the particles thus obtained in a fluid bed to a water content of from 8 to 13%, whereupon a portion is removed from the process as final product and is further dried to a water content as required for optimum dissolution to occur in cold water, while the remainder first is more effectively dried to a water content below 8% and is then recycled into the process.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of proteins which method includes providing a source of protein in an insoluble form, a source of at least one cationic surfactant; treating the insoluble protein with the at least one cationic surfactant in an amount sufficient to effect solubilization without substantial modification to the structural backbone of the protein.

Abstract: The production and isolation of bone morphogenetic peptide agents displaying the osteoinductive and immunoreactive activity of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and deriving from natural, synthetic or recombinant DNA sources, and said agents.

Abstract: BMP compositions including the human factor and bovine factor thereof, the process of isolating BMP compositions and factors, and the use of such factors and compositions to induce bone formation in animals.