Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial chaperon useful for refolding the proteins having low voluntary folding ability and being difficult or unable to be a native form without a second (or assistant) of a molecular chaperon in a short time, and folding said proteins as an active form. The present invention relates to an artificial chaperon kit characterized in that the kit comprises cyclic saccharide cycloamylose and polyoxyethylenic detergent or cyclic saccharide cycloamylose and ionic detergent. The present invention also relates to a method for diluting the denaturant making the protein a denatured state by adding a specific detergent to a denatured protein, and preventing protein molecules from aggregation, thereafter adding cyclic saccharide cycloamylose, utilizing the inclusion ability thereof to strip detergent, accelerating the proper folding of protein into a correct higher-order structure with activity.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for separating and extracting biological products of avian origin. The method allows for the production of avian cartilages and of active ingredients which can be extracted from the cartilages thus obtained.

Abstract: Crystals of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GLP-1 analogues, and processes for preparation of crystals of GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for adsorption of a transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) comprising a compound which has a log P value of at least 2.50 wherein P is a partition coefficient in an octanol-water system and which is immobilized on a water-insoluble carrier. TGF-? present in a body fluid can be efficiently removed by bringing the body fluid into contact with the adsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of releasing a protein, recombinant or otherwise, from a cell. The process of the present invention involves contacting a host cell containing a protein of interest with a solution comprising one or more detergents and one or more reducing agents. The methods of the invention are particularly suitable to large scale production of recombinant products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for extraction and purification of cartilage type proteoglycan, and is to provide a method for extraction of crude proteoglycan characterizing to use acid as eluting solvent of cartilage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, by first mixing a starting material containing the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound with a first polymeric material, water and at least one of a second polymeric material and a surfactant, wherein the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant are immiscible in the resulting primary aqueous solution. The process further comprises maintaining the primary aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient for essentially separating the phases formed, and then removing the phase containing the main portion of the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound and the second polymeric material and/or surfactant. The second polymeric material and/or surfactant are separated from the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, and subsequently recycled to the initial mixing step.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for obtaining purified, monomeric, intact, correctly-folded insulin-like growth factor-I (also known as somatomedin-C). The improvements, consisting primarily of the addition of an IGF-I unfolding/refolding step and the substitution of a reverse phase chromatography step for a gel filtration chromatography step result in a three-fold increase in final yield. The process includes the following steps, in order: first cation exchange, unfolding/refolding, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, second cation exchange, and reverse phase chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for purifying human activin by cation exchange chromatography and chaotropic ion concentration gradient elution.

Abstract: A process for preparing a protein-polysaccharide conjugate includes reacting a protein with a polysaccharide to produce a mixture including a protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein. At least one unreacted reagent or low molecular weight component is removed from this mixture, without removing all of the free protein, to provide a purified mixture that contains the protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein. This purified mixture can be used as a conjugate vaccine, immunogen, or immunological reagent. Keeping the free protein in the purified mixture with the conjugate saves time and money in the conjugate production process. In another aspect of the invention, the purified mixture of the protein-polysaccharide conjugate and free protein is reacted with a hapten to produce a conjugate mixture including a hapten-protein conjugate and a hapten-protein-polysaccharide conjugate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing protein impurities from extracts of protease inhibitor-containing plant material. Plant materials containing protease inhibitors, such a potato tubers that contain protease inhibitor II, are extracted using an alcohol-free solvent. The proteins present in the extract include impurities other than the protease inhibitor, specifically Kunitz, Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The extract is subjected to heat treatment to denature and precipitate the unstable protein impurities followed by centrifugation to remove the precipitate. Ultrafiltration in the presence of a buffer removes the Bowman-Birk and carboxypeptidase inhibitors. The resulting purified protease inhibitor has applicability in the control of obesity and diabetes.

Abstract: A cytotoxic protein designated tumor necrosis factor is identified in nature. It is recovered in substantially homogeneous form by treatment with hydrophobic substances and ion exchange resins. The protein is conclusively identified by its amino acid sequences. Therapeutic compositions are provided.

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: There is provided a process for the extraction of water soluble biomaterials such as enzymes or proteins into carbon dioxide utilizing certain carbon dioxide-soluble surfactants. Also provided are certain carbon dioxide-soluble surfactants useful in the extraction of proteins. The surfactants are selected from fluoroether sulfate, fluoroether-polyethylene glycol block copolymer, fluoroether-functional sorbitol, and fluoroether dithiocarbamate chelate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Immunogenic compositions including vaccines are described that comprise an outer membrane antigen extract of a strain of Chlamydia and are effective in protection against disease caused by Chlamydia infection The immunogenic compositions may comprise the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia which may be in a homooligomeric form or complexed with at least one other antigen of Chlamydia. The immunogenic composition may include an immunostimulating complex (ISCOM) and the outer membrane antigen may be incorporated therein. The immunogenic compositions have utility as chlamydial vaccines and in diagnostic applications.

Abstract: Methods are described for the purification and spinning of recombinant and non-recombinant proteins. Specifically, the lysis of bacteria and purification of silk proteins occur in a single solution of organic acid. Bacterial proteins are hydrolyzed while the silk protein remains intact. Silk proteins remain soluble as they are concentrated into a aqueous-based mixture for fiber spinning.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering zein from substrates are disclosed. The method includes extracting a zein-containing substrate such as whole corn with ethanol to yield a crude zein alcoholic dispersion and treating this dispersion with an adsorbent to remove at least one of starch, color or oil to yield a purified zein which is subsequently recovered or used in industrial applications. A preferred adsorbent is activated charcoal.

Abstract: Zein is recovered from gluten meal prepared by wet milling procedures by washing the gluten with clean water to remove water-soluble components; separating the water-soluble components and recovering the water-insoluble components; extracting the water insoluble components with hydrous ethanol solvent to extract zein; recovering the crude zein extract; treating the crude zein extract with an adsorbent that adsorbs at least one of color, odor, oil and fatty acid; and to yield a purified zein extract.

Abstract: A readily-soluble freeze-dried solid preparation of hGH with a minimal content of degradation products in terms of deamidation, dimers, polymers, and sulphoxide forms, obtainable by a method comprising a single lyophilization of an aqueous slurry of an amorphous hGH isoprecipitate, the slurry having a pH of from about 4.7 to 5.0 and being essentially free of buffer components other than acetate.

Abstract: A method is provided for the extraction of water soluble biomaterials such as enzymes or proteins into carbon dioxide utilizing certain carbon dioxide soluble surfactants. The extraction can be performed on an aqueous solution, a fermentation broth or a fluid. The method includes the process steps of forming a carbon dioxide/surfactant mixture which involves dissolving carbon dioxide soluble surfactant(s) in carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide can be in a liquid or supercritical form and the surfactant includes tail and head groups that interact with the biomaterials. Further, the mixture is added to the aqueous solution, fermentation broth or liquid under conditions to allow for extraction of the biomaterials. The method further includes depressurizing and/or temperature adjusting to remove the water soluble biomaterials. The surfactants include fluroethers, oligomers of propylene-oxide, siloxanes, etc. The biomaterials include proteins or enzymes. The carbon dioxide is suberitical or supercritical.

Abstract: A method for the solubilization and/or naturation of a somatotropin involves contacting a somatotropin with a detergent composition and water under conditions effective to obtain a naturated somatotropin, wherein the detergent composition may be a C10, C12, C16 or C18 acyl glutamate, a C10, C14 or C18 alkyl sulfate, an alcohol ethoxy sulfate, lauroyl ethylenediamine-triacetic acid (LEDA), a C10 to C18 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, diphenyl disulfonate or an acyl amino acid.

Abstract: A process for forming small micron-sized (1-10 &mgr;m) protein particles is provided wherein a protein, a solvent system for the protein and an antisolvent for the protein solvent system are contacted under conditions to at least partially dissolve the protein solvent system in the antisolvent, thereby causing precipitation of the protein. The solvent system is made up of at least in part of a halogenated organic alcohol, most preferably 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP). Preferably, a solution of the protein in the solvent system is sprayed through a nozzle into a precipitation zone containing the antisolvent (preferably CO2) under near- or supercritical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use in purification of apolipoprotein A (ApoA) or apolipoprotein E (ApoE), said composition comprising a first and a second polymeric material, wherein the first and second polymeric material are immiscible in the primary aqueous solution, and wherein the second polymeric material is amphiphilic and water soluble. The invention further relates to a process for purifying ApoA or ApoE, or variants or mixtures thereof, by first mixing ApoA or ApoE, the composition containing a first and second polymeric material and water. The resulting primary aqueous solution is maintained for a period of time sufficient for essentially separating the phases formed, and removing the phase containing the second polymeric material and the main portion of ApoA or ApoE. Subsequently, the second polymeric material is separated from ApoA or ApoE.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing tissue for incorporation into xenografts and bioprosthetic devices. The methods of the invention make use of supercritical fluids to remove infectious materials and chemical agents from tissues, as well as to permeate a tissue with a chemical agent (e.g. tanning, cross-linking, and bioactive agents).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of inactivating and removing infectious agents from tissues of use in bioprosthetic devices. The methods include the removal and blockage of binding sites on the tissues for the infectious agents. Also provided are methods for blocking a site on an infectious agent that binds to a site on the tissue.

Abstract: A protein solubilization reagent made in two parts, of which one part is a dry urea-agent and the second part is a diluent for re-hydration of the dry urea-agent. The urea-agent comprises of urea and one or more agents selected from a group consisting of dry thiourea, detergents, sufobetaines, sulfonates, buffer agents, and dyes. The diluent contain pure water and other agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for elimination of viruses from a biological preparation wherein initially enveloped viruses are eliminated by a solvent-detergent step, then the solvent-detergents are removed by a resin composed of silicon beads and finally the preparation is nanofiltered.

Abstract: A method for the separation of a predetermined compound comprising i) partitioning the compound in a two-phase (system A) in which at least one of the phases is rich (phase 1) and the other is poor (phase 2) in a thermoseparating polymer (I), ii) collecting one phase (phase 1 or phase 2) containing said compound, and iii if desired, further working up said compound from the phase collected in step ii, characterized a) in that polymer (I) is a micell-forming thermoseparating polymer, and b) in that phase 2 possibly contains at least one agent that is cloud point-decreasing for thermoseparating polymer (I), such as a polymer (II) that is incompatible with polymer (I) or a salt.

Abstract: Pertactin (formerly 69 kDa protein) is recovered in stable biologically pure form having no detectable adenylate cyclase activity from fermentation broth from the fermentation of Bordetella pertussis as well as from the cells. The broth is processed to selectively remove pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), the pertactin is precipitated by ammonium sulphate and the precipitate is dissolved in buffer at pH 6.0 to 8.5, the solution then is passed through hydroxyapatite and ion-exchange chromatograph columns before final ultrafiltration. Cells are extracted with urea and the extract ultrafiltered and diafiltered. The pertactin is precipitated from the extract and the precipitate processed as above. In a variation, the broth is contacted with ammonium sulphate to precipitate pertactin, PT and FHA, the precipitate is dissolved and the PT and FHA selectively removed, before the solution is passed to the chromatograph columns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating prions from biological materials. The method includes adding a polyalkylene glycol, such as polyethylene glycol, to a solution of the biological material such that a precipitate containing the prion is formed. This precipitate is then separated from the solution of biological material, thereby removing prions. Biological materials include biologically derived fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid, biological samples, such as brain homogenates, blood plasma fractions, and aqueous solutions of recombinantly produced products. The disclosed method provides an effective process for the removal of these infectious materials from the biological materials, which may be further processed to provide the therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: The invention is a corn product removal process that successfully extracts oil and zein from dry-milled corn. Oils and zein are extracted from corn using ethanol. Corn solids are separated from the ethanol, oil and zein mixture produced in the step of extracting. Thereafter, the ethanol, oil and zein mixture are membrane filtered to restrain zein from the mixture and pass an oil and ethanol mixture. At least one of zein or oil is then selected to be separated for an output corn product.

Abstract: A rapid and simple method of isolating heat stable proteinase inhibitor proteins from plant tissues such as potato tubers is disclosed. The method comprises three steps. Proteins from potato tubers are extracted in an aqueous/alcohol extraction medium to form an alcohol extract. The alcohol extract is heated to a first temperature then cooled to a second temperature to form an insoluble precipitate phase containing debris and a soluble phase that contains the heat stable proteinase inhibitor proteins. The heat stable proteinase inhibitor proteins are precipitated from the soluble phase by dialysis against a suitable dialysis medium. The precipitated proteins may include a single inhibitor protein, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method for the solubilization and/or naturation of a somatotropin involves contacting a somatotropin with a detergent composition and water under conditions effective to obtain a naturated somatotropin, wherein the detergent composition may be a C10, C12, C16 or C18 acyl glutamate, a C10, C14 or C18 alkyl sulfate, an alcohol ethoxy sulfate, lauroyl ethylenediamine-triacetic acid (LEDA), a C10 to C18 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, diphenyl disulfonate or an acyl amino acid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and comprisitions for delivering effective amounts of lunasin as a nutraceutical. The general formulation comprises a composition comprising an active unit dosage of a lunasin polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The formulations may be delivered or administered by oral ingestion, by topically contacting skin using well known techniques for dermal delivery, by introducing into a retained physiological fluids. The invention also provides methods for making the subject formulations by purifying lunasin polypeptides to the requisite purity, and combining said lunasin polypeptide with a pharmaceuitcally acceptible excipient in an orally active unit dosage. The lunasin source material may be soybeans, a recombinant lunasin polypeptide expression system, a synthetically produced lunasin, or extract or fraction thereof.

Abstract: Endotoxin binding/neutralizing proteins capable of binding endotoxin in vivo, thereby neutralizing the toxic effect or bioactivity of endotoxin which are isolated from a horseshoe crab such as Limulus polyphemus, pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical uses of the proteins, a method of purifying the proteins and an assay for endotoxin based on the proteins, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a crude cartilage extract in an aqueous solution, this crude extract being fractionated to recover molecules of a molecular weight less than about 500 kDa. Some of the biologically active components of the extract are prepared by further fractionation. The cartilage extract can be used for treating diseases or conditions having etiological components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, metalloprotease activity and collagenolysis. Several cosmetic applications based on the capacity of the liquid extract to improve skin conditions are also disclosed. A simple and efficient process for the preparation of cartilage extracts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of marine invertebrate type V telopeptide containing collagen preparations from marine invertebrates, compositions containing preparations, and methods of using these preparations. The collagen preparation includes telopeptide containing and optionally invertebrate atelopeptide containing, type V fibrillar collagen. The present collagen preparations may be employed in a variety of products including for example, cosmetic, pharmacological, dental, and cell culture products.

Abstract: Immunogenic conjugate molecules comprising at least a portion of a capsular polysaccharide of a Streptococcus strain linked to at least a portion of an outer membrane protein of a Haemophilus strain are provided in which the immunogenicity of the capsular polysaccharide is increased. Particularly capsular polysaccharide from Streptococcus pneumoniae are linked to an outer membrane protein of a Haemophilus influenzae strain, which protein may be the P1, P2 or particularly the P6 outer membrane protein. Conjugate molecules comprising the P6 protein linked to a capsular polysaccharide from an encapsulated pathogen other than Streptococcus also are described, in which the immunogenicity of the capsular polysaccharide is enhanced. Such conjugate molecules may be incorporated into immunogenic compositions for protecting a host against disease caused by the Streptococcus strain and preferably also the Haemophilus strain.

Abstract: A resorbable extracellular matrix for reconstruction of cartilage tissue, the matrix being substantially free from non-native collagen, and including a purified collagen II material formed form natural cartilage and having fibers of native collagen II which are physiologically acceptable for implant into a mammalian body.

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: This invention is directed to a novel &bgr;-secretase that produces the A&bgr; peptide found in Alzheimer's Disease. One &bgr;-secretase is a protein having a molecular weight of about 61, 81 or 88 kDa that cleaves an amyloid precursor protein (APP) substrate. Another is a protease complex having a molecular between about 180 and 200 kDa, which, in one embodiment, contains the 61, 81, and 88 kDa proteins and, in another embodiment, contains proteins having a molecular weight of about 66, 60, 33 and 29 kDa. Another &bgr;-secretase has a molecular weight between about 50 and 90 kDA. The invention is also directed to methods of selecting agents that inhibit A&bgr; peptide production and treating Alzheimer's disease in patients.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification of a human complement C3 binding protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae and to its sequence and to methods for its purification and use. The protein binds but does not degrade or cleave C3 and is implicated in S. pneumoniae virulence. The protein is recognized by antibodies produced by humans recovering from pneumococcal infection.

Abstract: A process is provided for isolating a protein component of animal muscle tissue by mixing a particulate form of the tissue with an acidic aqueous liquid having a pH below about 3.5 to produce a protein rich solution. A protein rich aqueous solution is separated from solids and lipids, including membrane lipids. The protein rich aqueous solution can be treated to effect protein precipitation, followed by protein recovery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the extraction of proteins from gastrointestinal tract samples taken from humans or other mammals wherein the sample is mixed with an excess amount of aqueous extraction medium comprising at least one dissociating, disaggregating and/or chelating agent, homogenised in a closed vessel, the solid and liquid materials of the dispersion are separated from each other and the clear liquid extract is recovered.

Abstract: A new process, particularly simple and economical, for FSH and LH separation and purification starting from crude HMG preferably urinary, comprising the following steps:1) optional exhaustion of crude HMG viral charge in aqueous EtOH2) ion-exchange chromatography on weakly basic anionic resins of DEAE type;3) affinity chromatography on resin having an antraquinone derivative as a ligand;4) optional ion-exchange chromatography on strongly basic anionic resins;Hormones obtained thereby, in particularly pure form and having high specific activity, may subsequently undergo a depyrogenation step.

Abstract: A method for extracting prion protein from a biological material, e.g., an animal tissue or product. In a specific example, abnormal prion protein is extracted from homogenized sheep brain with hexafluoro-2-propanol. The hexafluoro-2-propanol is separated from the aqueous brain preparation by increasing the ionic strength of the aqueous solution. Prion protein in the organic extract can be further purified, or the extract can be tested, e.g., by immunoassay, for the presence of prion protein, and more particularly abnormal prion protein. The extraction process permits testing for the presence of abnormal prior protein, e.g., for diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE).

Abstract: A separating device for extracting cholesterol from plasma uses a spinner to disperse plasma into an extracting solvent in the form of fine droplets to improve separation efficiency, thereby making it suitable for delipidating blood plasma. Blood plasma is delipidated by providing the plasma to the spinner and dispersing the plasma into the extracting solvent in fine droplets. A de-emulsification step removes residual solvent from the plasma. Blood is removed from an animal and the blood plasma is delipidated. Delipidated plasma is de-emulsified and combined with the animal blood, which is then reintroduced into the animal.