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 keratin hydrogel which can be used as a wound dressing and cell scaffolding. The keratin hydrogel is formed from clean, washed hair by partially oxidizing a significant percentage of disulfide linkages to form cysteic acid groups, while some disulfide linkages remain intact. The partially oxidized hair is treated with a reducing agent, thereby reducing most of the remaining disulfide linkages to cysteine-thioglycollate disulfide and cysteine groups. A soluble fraction of hair is collected and oxidized, such that the reduced sulfur groups are allowed to reform disulfide linkages, thereby binding the keratin together. The cysteic acid groups remain, providing hydrophilic sites within the hydrogel. A higher degree of partial oxidation results in a greater abundance of hydrophilic cysteic acid groups in the hydrogel.

Abstract: A poly(ethylene glycol) derivative is disclosed that is activated with a sulfone moiety for selective attachment to thiol moieties on molecules and surfaces. The activated PEG is water soluble, hydrolytically stable for extended periods, and forms hydrolytically stable linkages with thiol moieties. The linkages generally are not reversible in reducing environments. The PEG derivative is useful for modifying the characteristics of substances including modifying biologically active molecules and surfaces for biocompatibility. Methods for synthesizing the active PEG and for preparing conjugates of the active PEG and other substances, including biologically active substances, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptide having a primary structure of amino acid sequence shown by Sequence List Sequence No. 1 and DNA encoding for the polypeptide. The polypeptide is obtainable by following steps (1)-(3):Step (1): extracting small granule fraction of homocytes of horseshoe crab with a buffer containing protein denaturing agent and chelating agent,Step (2): subjecting said extract to reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography,Step (3): eluting by concentration gradient elution with a hydrophobic organic solvent.Also, the polypeptide is produced by chemical synthesis. The polypeptide has similar chemical structure to defensin and is useful as gargles, disinfectants, antiseptics or antimicrobials.

Abstract: An assay for screening test compounds to indentify agents which modulate the binding of an E6-BP polypeptide with a papilloma virus E6 protein. The assay includes combining, as a cell-free system, an E6-binding protein or fragment thereof which binds to the E6 protein, and a test compound, and detecting the formation of a complex which includes the E6 protein and the E6-binding protein. A change in the formation of the complex in the presence of the test compound is indicative of an agent that modulates interaction between an E6 and an E6-binding protein.

Abstract: A hydrolyzer system, apparatus, and method for effecting the continuous conversion of offal, feathers, hair, and other keratinaceous material into usable protein products for further commercial usage. The hydrolyzer system includes a feed screw conveyor, transfer conduit, feed substrate expansion chamber, hydrolyzer, product expansion means, and dryer. The hydrolyzer utilizes direct steam injection heat transfer in combination with a feed expansion chamber means and means for agitation and mixing within the hydrolyzer to fluidize a plug of feather feed substrate formed in the transfer conduit by the feed screw conveyor. The apparatus provides a means for heating and fluidizing the feather feed substrate at elevated temperatures while mixing same to effect its hydrolyzation while preventing the escape of back pressure therefrom via a feed substrate plug formed by the feed screw conveyor.

Abstract: Polymers are provided comprising protein polymers comprising blocks of repeating units and sequences comprising amino acids, individually or in defined sequences, capable of enzyme catalyzed covalent bond formation for cross-linking, as exemplified by glutamine and/or lysine reactive for FXIII catalyzed isopeptide formation or non-amino acid polymers having side chains comprising such amino acids or sequences, which may be used for preparation of articles of manufacture, particularly cross-linkable compositions. By appropriate choice of the polymer, resorbable implantable polymers may be used in internal applications for mammals as formed objects or depots.

Abstract: Novel polypeptides comprising repetitive units of amino acids, as well as synthetic genes encoding the subject polypeptides are provided. The subject polypeptides are characterized by comprising repetitive units of amino acids, where the repetitive units are present in naturally occurring proteins, particularly naturally occurring structural proteins. The subject polypeptides find use in a variety of applications, such as structural components of prosthetic devices, synthetic fibers, and the like.

Abstract: A process for the production of a solubilized protein is disclosed, which is obtained by reducing disulfide bonds in a disulfide bond-containing water-insoluble protein material into mercapto groups and subsequently converting a part or an entire portion thereof into carboxymethyldisulfide groups. In particular, the disclosed process for the production of a solubilized protein which comprises (a) treating a disulfide bond-containing water-insoluble protein material with an aqueous alkaline solution of a reducing agent, and (b) reacting the protein treated by step (a) with thioglycolic acid in the presence of an oxidizing agent under a weakly acidic to a weakly alkaline condition. A process for the production of regenerated protein products, which comprises regenerating disulfide bonds in the solubilized protein, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A poly(ethylene glycol) derivative is disclosed that is activated with a sulfone moiety for selective attachment to thiol moieties on molecules and surfaces. The activated PEG is water soluble, hydrolytically stable for extended periods, and forms hydrolytically stable linkages with thiol moieties. The linkages generally are not reversible in reducing environments. The PEG derivative is useful for modifying the characteristics of substances including modifying biologically active molecules and surfaces for biocompatibility. Methods for synthesizing the active PEG and for preparing conjugates of the active PEG and other substances, including biologically active substances, are also disclosed.

Abstract: DNA constructs coding for a chimeric polypeptides containing fragments of cartilage matrix proteins that can bind collagen and their protein products are described. Also, the invention relates to purified chimeric polypeptides, and methods of their production and purification from transformed cells as well as their use as agents in therapeutics and clinical imaging. In addition, the invention disclosed a method for forming collagen fibrils using the chimeric polypeptide.

Abstract: A composition and method are provided that are effective in revitalizing scar tissue by introducing a bioactive substance having angiogenic activity into the scar tissue. The bioactive substance can be introduced by itself, or it can be introduced into the scar tissue in a timed release form. The present invention is effective in treating stress urinary incontinence or localized muscular dysfunction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of insoluble cytoskeletal proteins, or fragments thereof, which are characteristic of the origin of the tissue. The invention relates as well to the method for detecting such proteins by breaking down and solubilizing the protein for immunological detection and quantitation. The method allows detection of tissue lesions or other pathological foci and metastases.

Abstract: Synthetic peptides corresponding to different regions of the human keratin 1 chain can disassemble preformed keratin intermediate filaments or inhibit filament assembly both in vitro and in vivo. The disruption of keratin filaments may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of epithelial abnormalities.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable, thermoplastic compositions made of the reaction product of soybean protein and a carbohydrate filler, a reducing agent, a plasticizer, water, and optional additives as desired. The composition has a high degree of flowability for processing by extrusion and injection molding into solid articles that are biodegradable with a high degree of tensile strength and water resistance.

Abstract: In a process for the purification of cytokeratin 20 (CK 20), a cytoskeletal fraction of cells containing CK 20 is produced, the proteins present therein are separated by gel electrophoresis or/and by chromatography and the CK 20 is isolated from the gel or the chromatographic fraction containing CK 20. In a process according to the present invention for the production of antibodies specific for CK 20, purified CK 20 is used for the immunization and then polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are produced according to well-known methods. These antibodies are used for the immunologically identification of CK 20, or its .alpha.-helical central fragment obtained by proteolytic cleavage on tissue sections, in tissue homogenates and in body fluids.

Abstract: A poly(ethylene glycol) derivative is disclosed that is activated with a sulfone moiety for selective attachment to thiol moieties on molecules and surfaces. The activated PEG is water soluble, hydrolytically stable for extended periods, and forms hydrolytically stable linkages with thiol moieties. The linkages generally are not reversible in reducing environments. The PEG derivative is useful for modifying the characteristics of substances including modifying biologically active molecules and surfaces for biocompatibility. Methods for synthesizing the active PEG and for preparing conjugates of the active PEG and other substances, including biologically active substances, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of novel crosslinked polymers. The compounds of the present invention are prepared by the reaction of chloracetic acid with a pendant hydroxyl group which is present on a polyoxyalkylene polymer, followed by the reaction of the halo-ester with a protein or amino acid to give a crosslinked protein compound. In a preferred embodiment the polyoxyalkylene glycol has been prepared by the reaction of both ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. In a more preferred embodiment, the ethylene oxide is at the terminal portion of the molecule and the propylene oxide is in the center. The proteins of the present invention plate out on the surface of hair skin and once dry act as humectants, trapping moisture to the hair. This results in hair which is fuller, has less static and is cosmetically more appealing. This combination of properties makes these polymers ideally suited for use in personal care applications.

Abstract: Organofunctional silicone chains having an organic moiety on at least one end of the chains, are covalently linked to free amino groups of proteins by the organic moieties to provide a useful ingredient for cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: A method for measuring hyaluronic acid in a biological sample which comprises (a) coating a solid support with hyaluronic acid; (b) incubating the sample with cartilage proteoglycan; (c) exposing the incubated sample to the coated solid support; (d) then exposing the coated solid support to a keratan sulfate-reactive antibody; (e) determining the amount of antibody linked to keratan sulfate; and (f) correlating the amount of antibody linked to the keratan sulfate to the amount of hyaluronic acid in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is a new nonantigenic keratinous protein material that may be used as a number of purposes, including correction of soft tissue deficiencies and the creation of biomedical implants and implant coatings. The present invention also includes processes for using the nonantigenic keratinous protein material for soft tissue augmentation, creating implants, and the coating of biocompatible implants. The nonantigenic keratinous protein material can be formed by obtaining nonantigenic keratinous protein and processing it to a powder form. If hair from the recipient or a compatible doner is used, it is bleached and rinsed, then dried and chopped into about 0.25 inch pieces. The keratinous protein is then homogenized in a solvent to a particular size generally in the range of about 0.1 to about 500 .mu.m. The particles are then ultrasonicated in a solvent.

Abstract: By cloning the gene for particular keratin proteins, it has been possible to determine amino acid sequences of specific keratins. This has made possible selection of sequences which are unique to a given keratin. The production of antibodies that respond to selected sequences provides means of selectively identifying specific keratins. These diagnostic tools provide means of identifying cell source of malignancies.

Abstract: The present invention provides the process for treating the animal hairs by solubilization wherein the animal hairs can be treated in a short time without any complicated operations and special apparatuses, and the process for recovering the solubilized product of the animal hairs wherein said product can be recovered simply and efficiently from the solution thereof. The former is the process for treating animal hairs by solubilization which comprises solubilizing the animal hairs in a weak alkaline liquid medium in the presence of an oxidizing agent whose concentration is high. The latter is the process for recovering a solubilized product of animal hairs which comprises admixing a solution of said product with an organic acid or an aqueous solution thereof to precipitate said product.

Abstract: Methods for induction of the tumor necrosis factor, TNF, with at least one of the catabolic enzymes pancreatin, bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin are provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising either fructose or ribose, starch hydrolysate and a film forming agent other than starch hydrolysate is described. The composition, characterized by a weight ratio of fructose or ribose to starch hydrolysate in the range of between about 1:99 and about 15:85, is employed in a method of treating wounds in a host in need of such treatment. In this method a therapeutically effective amount of the composition contacts the wound for a period of time sufficient to initiate wound healing.

Abstract: Method for oxidative folding of peptide and protein substrates to form disulfide bonds using dimethyl sulfoxide and other equivalent sulfoxides as mild oxidizing agents.

Abstract: The .alpha.-chlorohydrin content of liquid hydrolysed protein obtained by acid hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid is reduced by adjusting the pH of the liquid hydrolysed protein to a pH of from 8 to 14 and holding the liquid for a time sufficient for the .alpha.-chlorohydrin content of the liquid hydrolysed protein to be reduced.

Abstract: High molecular weight protein/fatty acid condensation products obtained by reaction of one mole of a protein hydrolysate of average molecular mass 3,000 to 7,000 with 0.5 to 3, preferably 2 to 2.5, moles of a C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 -fatty acid chloride in aqueous medium at a pH of 7 to 12. These protein/fatty acid condensation products are distinguished by eliciting no mucosal irritation whatever. They are therefore outstandingly suitable as surfactants for mild washing and cleansing agents.

Abstract: Continuous hydrolyzing of keratinaceous material is effected in an elongated hydrolyzing vessel (1) under suitable pressure and temperature which is established by direct steam injection through injection valves, whereby the product mass is heated, fluidized and agitated at one and the same time.An inlet chute (2), which is closed in a pressure-proof manner, leads the material in batches and at intervals into the vessel (1), and an outlet chute (3) at intervals leads the hydrolyzed material to an economizer (4) and further to a pressure-free removal vessel (10).The product mass in the hydrolyzing vessel (1) moves through the vessel as plunger flow established by the overpressure in the inlet chute (2).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and prevention of erythma and acne comprises in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier from about 1 to 10 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition of a delipidized and purified keratin polymer obtained from animal starting material containing keratin, the keratin polymer being in the free state.

Abstract: A novel keratinic polymeric product is described which can be used for cosmetic purposes. This product comprises keratin peptide chains of different molecular weights, formed of amino acids bonded to one another by amide groups with more than 75 percent of the cystine linkages being in the form of S-sulphocysteine, the said peptide chains terminating at one end in a free carboxyl group and at their other end in a free amine group, the major part of said chains having a molecular weight of 1,100 to 7,500.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is disclosed which is specific for human colon fibroblast-derived tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and which is useful for immunoaffinity chromatography purification of t-PA and determination of t-PA in a biological sample.

Abstract: Keratin protein hydrolysate products, which are prepared from keratin-containing animal parts, such as fowl feathers and the like, the product being useful as an anti-skin blemisher, moisturizer, skin mask, shampoo enhancer, shaving lotion and nail hardener and conditioner, and method of preparation of the products.

Abstract: Dehydrated protein materials are treated with gaseous HCl without temperature control, the reaction temperature being susceptible to reach, momentarily, 150.degree. C. Then the material thus treated is degassed and, after drying, a non hygroscopic powder usable in the food industry or in the pharmaceutical industry is obtained.