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 are provided for purification of Factor VIII polypeptides by affinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography, in which the eluate from the affinity column is diluted with a solution comprising higher salt concentration, or lower non-polar agent concentration than that of the elution solution, prior to passing the diluted solution through the ion exchange column. The affinity matrix may comprise a monoclonal antibody or a peptide ligand. The methods result in improved purification without significant yield loss.

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: 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: 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: Methods, compositions and devices for purifying polypeptides and/or proteins using metal loaded ligand bound membranes by metal ion affinity chromatography are described.

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 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: Hybrid polypeptides are provided formed with encapsulating regions from genes that encode for anabolic proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to recombinant nucleic acid molecules that code for genes which encapsulate an attached protein within a matrix; preferably, these genes encapsulate a desired ("payload") polypeptide within starch, and more specifically within the starch granule matrix. Expression vectors comprising these recombinant nucleic acid molecules, and hosts therefor, and more specifically the starch-bearing portions of such hosts, transformed with such vectors, are also provided. Preferably, grain containing a foreign protein encapsulated within the starch is provided, useful to produce mammalian, fish and avian food. The invention also encompasses methods of producing purified protein from starch and particularly from starch granules, and industrial uses of such protein.

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 C.sub.10, C.sub.12, C.sub.16 or C.sub.18 acyl glutamate, a C.sub.10, C.sub.14 or C.sub.18 alkyl sulfate, an alcohol ethoxy sulfate, lauroyl ethylenediamine-triacetic acid (LEDA), a C.sub.10 to C.sub.18 linear alkyl benzene sulfonate, diphenyl disulfonate or an acyl amino acid.

Abstract: A process for extraction of myelin basic protein from myelin containing tissue, such as central nervous system tissue, which process comprises the following steps:extraction of the myelin basic protein from myelin containing tissue with an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of chloroform and compounds having a polarity similar to that of chloroform;incubation of the organic phase in the presence of a lower aliphatic alcohol or propylene glycol;transfer of the myelin basic protein from the lower aliphatic alcohol/organic solvent mixture to an aqueous phase with the aid of hydrogen ions (protons); andrecovery of the purified myelin basic protein. The invention also relates to the product obtainable by the process.

Abstract: Blends of collagen type I and collagen type III having crosslinks of the pyridinoline (Pyrid), dihydroxylysinonorleucine (DHLNL) and histidinohyroxylysinonorleucine (HHL) types, wherein the amounts of the crosslinks satisfy the ratio: (Pyrid+DHLNL)/HHL=0.4-6. Collagen blends with these crosslinking ratios make excellent casings with improved properties for food products, particularly sausages.

Abstract: The extraction of proteins from selected naturally occurring membranes without any harmful, adverse, or other deleterious effect(s). In one preferred embodiment the detergent is prepared from the reaction of a cycloalkyl aliphatic alcohol and a saccharide.

Abstract: A process for purifying natural pulmonary surfactant by dispersing animal lung tissue on an inert carrier and extracting with a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: There are disclosed (i) a purification process for obtaining a human BCDF having the intramolecular disulfide linkage and the stereostructure of natural type human BCDF which comprises subjecting to an oxidation reaction and a refolding treatment a reduced type human BCDF obtained by culturing a microorganism having a human BCDF gene integrated therein and solubilized with guanidine hydrochloride, characterized in that after the oxidation reaction, a gel filtration chromatographic treatment is conducted under the conditions of the guanidine hydrochloride concentration adjusted to 4-7M; (ii) a purification process for obtaining a natural type human BCDF monomer by removing the organic solvent from an organic solvent-containing solution of human BCDF, characterized in that the solution is passed through a gel filtration chromatographic column equilibrated with an organic solvent, followed by eluting according to a stepwise or linear gradient program; and (iii) a human BCDF purification process comprising an ion

Abstract: The invention involves the supercritical or near-critical fluid disruption of microbial cells and extraction of intracellular components. First, a solvent that is a gas at ambient conditions and that has a critical temperature of between 0.degree. and 100.degree. C. is selected. This solvent is brought to near-critical pressure or higher and to near-critical temperature. The solvent then is combined with a slurry of cells to saturate the cells with the solvent under the prescribed conditions. Next, the pressure is released to cause a pressure drop which results in partial disruption of the cell membrane and release of solvent and other materials from the cell. Novel apparatus and associated methods are provided for carrying out the foregoing process continuously.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the demineralization of ground bone particles or pieces of cancellous or cortical bone. The apparatus includes multiple solution reservoirs which supply solutions to be pumped into one or more columns filled with bone samples to be demineralized. Solvent outflowing from the column(s) can be monitored for pH, calcium ion concentration or conductivity as a basis for determining when demineralization is complete. During the delipidization phase of processing, lipid solute can be monitored by photometry, or a small assay of the eluent can be dropped into deionized water to see whether a precipitate develops. Flow through the apparatus, including the types and amounts of solutions to be flowed through the apparatus, can be manually or computer controlled.

Abstract: Casings for food such as sausage are prepared from connective tissue that has been removed from animal tissue in accordance with the process comprising the steps of (1) mechanically separating connective tissue and impurities from animal tissue; (2) treating the connective tissue to remove the fat; (3) reducing the residual bone content of the connective tissue by exposure to acidic materials; (4) separation of the non-collagenous protein and elastin by treating the connective tissue with a first enzyme; and (5) separation of the muscle tissue from the connective tissue by treating with a second enzyme. The step of removing the fat from the connective tissue can be accomplished by one or more of the following steps: (A) hydrocarbon extraction of the fat from the connective tissue; (B) extraction of the connective tissue with a critical fluid; (C) dissolution of the fat with a third enzyme; (D) treatment of the fat with a suitable treating agent; (E) heat treatment; and/or (F) pressure treatment e.g.

Abstract: A method for the separation or purification of biopolymers comprises adsorbing the biopolymer on the surface of liquid oil droplets; and separating the adsorbed biopolymer from the oil droplets. The adsorbed biopolymer is separated from the oil droplets by mixing the droplets in an aqueous liquid, removing the lower aqueous phase and adding a fresh aqueous phase to the droplets, cooling the mixture to solidify and coalesce the oil and to cause it to release the adsorbed biopolymer to the fresh liquid, separating the fresh liquid and the biopolymer from the coalesced oil, separating the biopolymer from the fresh liquid.

Abstract: A method for the solubilization and recovery of insoluble parasite protective antigenic factors associated with parasite material comprising solubilizing the antigenic factors with a non-ionic detergent and separating the solubilized material from undispersed residual material. The purified protective antigenic factors are useful as vaccines, particularly against malaria, and as diagnostic agents.

Abstract: A novel leaching process for separating extractable material from a particulate solid material that comprises extractable and non-extractable portions includes the steps of introducing the particulate solid material and a liquid solvent to an extraction zone; agitating the liquid solvent to a degree sufficient to suspend the particulate solid material and effect segregation of particles thereof in relation to their propensity to settle; maintaining contact between the liquid solvent and the particulate solid material for a time sufficient to leach extractable material therefrom; and selectively withdrawing particles of the solid material from the extraction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the leaching process is a multi-stage process in which the selectively withdrawn particles from each stage are introduced to the next successive stage of the series.