Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated demineralization of bone and decellularization of soft tissue include a mixing assembly communicatively coupled with a control and reporting system. The mixing assembly includes a housing that supports a cannister sub-assembly forming a mixing chamber having a reagent inlet, a reagent outlet, and an internal fluid agitator. A motor is operably coupled with the agitator and configured to spin the agitator in first and second directions relative to the cannister, thereby agitating fluid contained within the mixing chamber. At least one pump is configured to progressively inject measured quantities of a plurality of reagents into the mixing chamber. The associated control and reporting system includes a user terminal that displays a graphical user interface enabling a user to initiate an automated demineralization or decellularization procedure in which the mixing assembly demineralizes tissue placed within the mixing chamber. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating inflammatory disease by the administration, to a patient in need thereof, of an inhibitor of IL-2R desensitization in combination with a low dose of IL-2. A low dose of interleukin-2 (IL-2) is sufficient to stimulate regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) without substantially inducing effector T lymphocytes (Teffs). In some embodiments, the inhibitor of IL-2R desensitization is a small molecule or drug. Is some embodiments the inhibitor is a NEDD8 activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor. In some embodiments a combination therapy provides for a synergistic effect, where the combination of the inhibitor of IL-2R desensitization and low dose IL-2 provides an effect that is greater than the sum of either the inhibitor or low dose IL-2 administered as a single agent.

Abstract: A method for removing precursors in recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) by hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) is provided, where a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture is processed by column chromatography for preliminary purification, and the pretreated sample obtained therefrom is further processed in a HIC column by washing the sample and then eluting the HIC column.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the manufacturing of IVIG products. These methods offer various advantages such as reduced loss of IgG during purification and improved quality of final products. In other aspects, the present invention provides aqueous and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for intravenous, subcutaneous, and/or intramuscular administration. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating a disease or condition comprising administration of an IgG composition provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the manufacturing of IVIG products. These methods offer various advantages such as reduced loss of IgG during purification and improved quality of final products. In other aspects, the present invention provides aqueous and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for intravenous, subcutaneous, and/or intramuscular administration. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating a disease or condition comprising administration of an IgG composition provided herein.

Abstract: Precipitated bacterial capsular polysaccharides can be efficiently re-solubilized using alcohols as solvents. The invention provides a process for purifying a bacterial capsular polysaccharide, comprising the steps of (a) precipitation of said polysaccharide, followed by (b) solubilization of the precipitated polysaccharide using ethanol. CTAB can be used for step (a). The material obtained, preferably following hydrolysis and sizing, can be conjugated to a carrier protein and formulated as a vaccine. Also, in vaccines comprising saccharides from both serogroups A and C, the invention provides that the ratio (w/w) of MenA saccharide:MenC saccharide is >1.

Abstract: Methods of producing bio-fuel and other high-value products from oleaginous biomass (e.g. algae biomass) are provided. The two-step methods use a first step of subcritical water extraction of the biomass at low temperatures to produce polysaccharides and other high value products of interest, followed by, ii) hydrothermal liquefaction of remaining solid biomass at high temperatures to produce bio-oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and pharmaceutical formulations of IaIp derived from plasma. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of the IaIp compositions and formulations, as well as method for the treatment of diseases associated with IaIp dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and pharmaceutical formulations of Factor H derived from plasma. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of the Factor H compositions and formulations, as well as methods for the treatment of diseases associated with Factor H dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for the manufacturing of IVIG products. These methods offer various advantages such as reduced loss of IgG during purification and improved quality of final products. In other aspects, the present invention provides aqueous and pharmaceutical compositions suitable for intravenous, subcutaneous, and/or intramuscular administration. In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating a disease or condition comprising administration of an IgG composition provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for reducing the serine protease and/or serine protease zymogen content of a plasma-derived protein composition. Also provided are methods for manufacturing plasma-derived protein compositions having reduced serine protease and\or serine protease zymogen content. Among yet other aspects, the present invention provides aqueous and lyophilized compositions of plasma-derived proteins having reduced serine protease and/or serine protease zymogen content. Yet other aspects include methods for treating, managing, and/or preventing a disease comprising the administration of a plasma-derived protein composition having a reduced serine protease or serine protease zymogen content.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: This invention relates to protein separation and purification methods for both alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT, also known as alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, API, and A1-PI) and Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) from, for example, a fraction of human blood plasma. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for separating AAT from ApoA-I at the initial stage of purification, so that the same starting material can be used as a source for both proteins. The methods further pertain to providing compositions of AAT and of ApoA-I suitable for pharmaceutical use and are suitable for large-scale purification.

Abstract: During the production of recombinant proteins from gram negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharides (LPS, endotoxin) are released along with the protein of interest. In many instances, LPS will copurify with the target protein due to specific or non-specific protein-ILPS interactions. We have investigated the ability of alkanediols to effect the separation of LPS from protein-LPS complexes while the complexes are immobilized on anion or cation exchange chromatographic media. Alkanediols provide a safer alternative to the use of other organics such as alcohols or acetonitrile due to their lower toxicity and decreased flammability. In addition, they are less costly than many of the detergents that have been used for such purposes. LPS removal efficiency increased with increasing alkane chain length. 1,2-alkanediols were more effective than terminal alkanediols in the separation of LPS from protein LPS complexes.

Abstract: A composition comprising neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), which has been enriched from urine, has a molecular weight of about 24.9 kDa to about 25.9 kDa, and comprises a plurality of isoforms having isoelectric points (pIs) ranging from about 5.9 to about 9.1; a composition comprising NGAL, which has been enriched from recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, has a molecular weight of about 25.9 kDa to about 27.9 kDa, and comprises a plurality of isoforms having pIs ranging from about 5.6 to about 9.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Zein is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-solvent mixture is separated into streams, one of which preferably includes an extract containing at least zein and solvent, and another that contains de-zeined corn solids and adsorbed solvent. The solvent is separated from the zein, and the de-zeined, desolventized corn solids are processed to provide one or more corn products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Oil is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-solvent mixture is separated into streams, one of which preferably includes an extract containing at least oil and solvent, and another containing de-oiled corn solids and adsorbed solvent. Zein is separated from the de-oiled corn solids. Solvent is then separated, and the de-oiled, de-zeined, desolventized corn solids are processed to provide one or more corn products.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and pharmaceutical formulations of Factor H derived from plasma. Also provided are methods for the manufacture of the Factor H compositions and formulations, as well as methods for the treatment of diseases associated with Factor H dysfunction.

Abstract: A method of oil extraction and biomass recovery from microalgae is disclosed. Methods according to the invention extract lipids from a biomass source and concentrate protein in the solid biomass source by alcohol processing. Aqueous alcohol processing methods provide extraction and separation techniques for lipids and protein-rich biomass suitable for biofuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing transformed earthworms using the gonad-regenerating capability of earthworms, to transformed earthworms produced by the method, and to a method for producing recombinant proteins from the body fluids of transformed earthworms. The method for producing transformed earthworms according to the present invention is a novel biotechnology technique which overcomes the drawbacks of conventional transgenesis techniques, and which has high injection efficiency. The method for producing transformed earthworms according to the present invention uses regenerative blast cells having totipotency, such as embryonic stem cells, and therefore, recombinant genes can be incorporated throughout the entire transformant, and recombinant proteins can be made from the body fluids of the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting organic molecules and/or organic minerals from a limestone material, including placing said limestone material in contact with a solution including at least one organic solvent, water and at least one acid, as well as to the organic molecules and/or organic minerals produced by the method. The products produced by the method can be used, for example, in therapeutic and non-therapeutic fields, in particular the agri-food, cosmetic and medical fields.

Abstract: A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of obtaining protein preparations from sunflower seeds as well as protein preparations produced with the method. In the method the sunflower seeds are dehulled to a residual hull content of 5% by weight or dehulled sunflower seeds with a residual hull content of 5% by weight are provided. Mechanical partial deoiling of the dehulled sunflower seeds is carried out through pressing up to a fat or oil content of the dehulled sunflower seeds in the range 10 to 35% by weight. After carrying out one or more extraction steps with at least one solvent, a defatted flour containing protein is obtained as a protein preparation. Both optically and functionally the protein preparation has very advantageous properties which allow it to be used directly in the food product or animal feed sector.

Abstract: Provided are new methods for precipitating proteins comprising (a) providing a protein solution, (b) adding a salt to the solution, (c) either (i) adjusting pH of the composition to below the pI of the protein (in cases where the method is directed towards precipitation of most or all proteins in the solution) or (ii) adjusting the pH of the composition to above the pI of the protein (in cases where keeping the target protein in solution is desired), and (d) adding an organic compound to the solution, wherein (I) in the case where the method comprises step (c)(i) a two phase solution is formed wherein at least about 75% of the protein is contained in the protein phase or (II) in the case where the method comprises step (c)(ii) the method further comprises removing precipitated impurities from the protein solution.

Abstract: A object of the present invention is to provide an immunochromatography method that makes it possible to rapidly detect an ultratrace amount of an analyte that has been impossible to analyze by conventional immunochromatography methods. The present invention provides an immunochromatography method, which comprises developing an analyte and a labeling substance which is modified with a first binding substance against the analyte in a mixed state on a porous carrier and capturing the analyte and the label at a reaction site on the porous carrier having a second binding substance against the analyte or a substance capable of binding to the first binding substance against the analyte, so as to detect the analyte, wherein the labeling substance having an average particle size of 1 ?m or more and 20 ?m or less is detected.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: A benign solvent for dissolving proteins comprises alcohol, salt and water. The ratio by volume of water to alcohol is between about ninety-nine-to-one and about one-to-ninety-nine. A salt concentration is between near zero moles per liter and the maximum salt concentration soluble in water. The amount of protein by weight as compared to the mixture of water and alcohol is between near zero percent and about 25 percent. A method for forming a protein structure from a benign solvent comprises forming a benign solvent from water, alcohol, and salt; and dissolving a protein in the benign solvent to form a protein solution. The method further comprises extracting the protein from the protein solution; and arranging the protein into a protein structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatographic method of separating biological material comprising, providing chromatographic media comprising inorganic oxide particles having an average diameter of about 2 microns or less and an average pore diameter of 300 ? or more; applying a solvent comprising said biological material to said media, wherein said biological material is reversibly bonded to said media; and eluting said biological material from said media with a solvent in less than about 2 minutes for biological material having a molecular weight of less than about 100,000 Daltons.

Abstract: A method for the production of a purified extract of natural allergens comprising the steps of a) extracting a natural source of allergens comprising allergenic proteins to form an extract, b) purifying of said extract to remove non-protein components to form a purified extract c) denaturating said purified extract to form a purified denaturated extract, said purified denaturated extract comprising proteins, wherein the most abundant (w/w) proteins, forming together at least 60% (w/w) of all proteins, are at least two proteins, and all proteins represent at least 60% (w/w) of the dry weight of the purified denaturated extract and a method for the production of a purified extract of natural allergens comprising the steps of a) hydrolysing a denaturated allergen to form an allergen hydrolysate, b) purifying said allergen hydrolysate to remove peptides with a molecular weight above 10,000 Da and below 1,000 Da in order to obtain a purified hydrolysate where 70%, more preferably 80% of the peptides are betwe

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing corn into one or more corn products. Oil is extracted from corn or corn products or by-products with a solvent. The corn-solvent mixture is separated into streams, one of which preferably includes an extract containing at least oil and solvent, and another containing de-oiled corn solids and adsorbed solvent. The solvent is separated from oil, and the de-oiled, desolventized corn solids are processed to provide one or more corn products.

Abstract: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Method for obtaining an anti-tumor substance from even-toe hoofed mammals (artio-dactylous animals) having leucosis, and according to a first alternative, the substance is obtained from the lipid-free blood plasma fraction of the animal, and the blood is taken from a pregnant female donor animal being in the 2nd or 3rd period of pregnancy up to at most the beginning of the first week preceding delivery. According to a second alternative the substance is obtained from the colostrum of the female donor animal, being preferably cow or sheep.

Abstract: The amount of lipid associated sialoprotein (LSP) in body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, bronchial washings, saliva and sputum samples, may be determined by a method which may be automated, involving the following steps to be performed on the sample: adding a mixture of a chlorinated lower alkyl alcohol; centrifuging to yield a substantially clear upper phase; recovering the upper phase and adding to it a protein precipitating agent; mixing the resulting admixture; recovering the resulting precipitate; washing the precipitate with saline solution; centrifuging to recover the precipitate; dissolving the precipitate in water; mixing; adding to the resulting mixture an hydrolysis agent; heating; and determining the amount of lipid associated sialoprotein present by determining the optical density of the sample.

Abstract: A glycoprotein extracted from the fruiting body of Grifola frondosa is demonstrated to have antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiobesity and antihyperlipidemic effects, and has great potential as an active component for pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements or health food preparations to treat and/or prevent the above diseases. This invention is to provide the glycoprotein and its preparation method.

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: A method of preparing a collagen sponge comprises mixing air into a collagen gel, so as to obtain a collagen foam which is dried. From the dried product thereby obtained, collagen sponge is obtained by isolating parts of sponge with a chamber diameter of more than 0.75 mm and less than 4 mm, or parts with an average chamber diagonal dimension of 3 mm. The collagen sponge may be used as a material for sealing wounds, possibly with a coating comprising a fibrin glue, such as a combination of fibrinogen, thrombin and aprotinin. A device for extracting a part of a collagen foam and for degenerating another part of the collagen foam to a collagen gel is disclosed. An elongated collagen sponge having a through-going hole or bore and a flexible wall may be used for re-establishing walls in a mammalian gastrointestinal funnel or trachea system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating damaged or degenerated fat pads in a foot of a host in need thereof. The method comprises the step of injecting into the fat pad of the host a biocompatiable solution having physico-chemical and mechanical properties substantially similar to a fatty acid mixture normally present in a healthy fat pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates in providing a process for recovering a soluble protein having a higher recovery rate by suppressing the aggregation of the protein when a denaturing agent is removed from the solubilization treatment solution containing a solubilized protein; and providing a process for removing a denaturing agent from the above solubilization treatment solution in which the aggregation of the protein is suppressed.

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

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 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.