An apparatus is disclosed for removing organic waste from a stream of water and for growing Tubifex worms, Chironomidae larvae, infusoria and other like organisms. The apparatus comprises a plurality of pans with each successive pan displaced below the preceding pan so that water is allowed to run therethrough. Dividers are positioned within the pans to entenuate the channel in which the water flows. The organisms are added to collect organic waste, digest it and thereby clear the water. After t...

Method of producing dextranase by culturing a dextranase-producing strain of the fungus Fusarium fusarioides, for example, Fusarium fusarioides I.M.I. No. 158,405, Dactylium fusarioides A.T.C.C. No. 14167, Fusarium chlamydosporum C.B.S. No. 145.25, Fusarium roseum A.T.C.C. No. 13379, and Fusarium tricinctum C.B.S. No. 261.51, or a mutant or variant of said strain, in a fermentation medium, and recovering the dextranase which accumulates therein.

Compounds of formula (VIII) wherein R.sup.1, r.sup.2, r.sup.3, r.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are each selected from hydrogen and an hydroxyl group and at least four are hydrogen; B is an alkylene chain of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R is selected from hydrogen and an alkyl group of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; A is selected from a bond and a straight or branched, optionally substituted alkylene chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are each selected from hydrogen and an iodine radioisotope. Com...

A sensor uses the principle of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to monitor the progress of the reaction between a sample and a sensitive layer (for example an antibody layer). The layer is applied to the rear surface of a metallic film formed on the surface of an optically transmissive component in the form of a hemicylindrical lens and slide. Collimated light from a source is applied via a lens which focuses the incoming beam to a focus at a point to form a fan-shaped spread of light incident at...

A receptacle for cell cultures or biological tests comprising a base plate, and a wall member joined in detachable and liquid-tight manner to the base plate, the base plate and wall defining at least one chamber, at least that portion of the wall adjacent the base plate consisting of a noncytotoxic elastomeric synthetic material adhering to the base plate.

There are described processes for the preparation of submicroscopic particles of physiologically acceptable polymer associated with a biologically active material, by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of the biologically active material or by adsorbing the biologically active material upon preformed submicroscopic polymer particles. Where the biologically active material is an antigen, the particles are useful as constituents of injectable vaccines having an adjuvant effect.

A biological sensor which utilizes the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance to detect the refractive index change which occurs when two components--for example antibody and corresponding antigen--react with one another. Surface plasmon resonance takes place at the sloping exit surface of an optical waveguide such as a fiber optic 23. The input end of fiber optic 12 is connected to a light source 12. A layer 25 of metal is applied to the sloping exit surface so as to cause total internal refle...

A biological inoculant is disclosed for facilitating and fostering the growth of edible corn plants. The inoculant includes biologically pure cultures of bacterial strains, including Bacillus circulans, a yet unidentified bacterial strain, and Xanthomonas maltotphilia.

The present invention is drawn to a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in which the phenomenon of long-range surface plasmon resonance is used to develop a highly sensitive detector for use in biological, biochemical or general chemical testing. The sensor includes a laminar structure having of a high refractive index glass block, a membrane of dielectric material, a thin metal layer, and a sensitive layer. A sample to be tested is brought into contact with the sensitive layer. The refractiv...

Corn rootworm infestations can be controlled by inoculating the soil with parasporal-inclusion forming species of Bacillus laterosporus to produce viable populations of that bacteria effective to reduce crop damage. Viable populations of B. laterosporus can be initiated by application to the soil, of effective amounts of vegetative cells or spores of the organism either in liquid suspensions, or as coatings on seeds or granular substrates.