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Primary Examiner: Padgett, Benjamin R.
Assistant Examiner: Leland, David
Attorney: Madsen; Mathew D.

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Title: Surfactant containing reagent formulations for assaying biological specimens and methods of preparing same



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Description:
Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of clinical diagnostic testing and more particularly to novel reagents and methods for making biological assays on body fluids.

A large variety of test reagents and methods are available for use in determining the character of various body fluids to assist in the diagnosis of certain pathological conditions. Tests for determination of certain types of biological activity or the presence and quantity of certain biologically active components provide information indicating the presence or absence of disease or other physiological disorder. In accordance with such tests, the biological specimen to be analyzed, for example, a sample of a body fluid, is typically mixed with a liquid reagent formulation which contains a reagent capable of effecting a reaction which causes a measurable change in the specimen/reagent system. Very often the reaction which takes place in the test is an enzymatic reaction. Certain tests are designed, in fact, to determine the presence of a particular enzyme and in such cases the reagent formulation may contain a substrate upon which the enzyme to be determined is known to act. In other cases, the determination may be for a material which is known to be reactive substrate in an enzymatically catalyzed reaction. In either case, the reagent formulation very commonly contains an enzyme, a coenzyme or both. Because the catalytic activity of most enzymes is specific to a particular reaction, test reagents can be formulated which are effective to determine specific biological components or activities even in a complex body fluid containing a large number of other components which might interfere with efforts to obtain a purely chemical analysis. Moreover, many of the components which are to be determined have highly complex chemical structures which would render direct chemical analysis difficult even in the absence of any contaminants.

Unfortunately, enzymes and coenzymes are generally rather delicate materials which may be readily denatured by heating and which also tend to degenerate upon storage. Many of the substrate materials used in biological assay reagent formulations are similarly unstable. Liquid reagents containing such components are therefore not generally susceptible to storage and must be freshly prepared shortly prior to use in clinical diagnostic testing. Because of the relative expense of enzymes and coenzymes and the skill required to prepare a reagent formulation containing these materials which can be utilized to obtain accurate clinical diagnostic test results, the instability of the liquid formulations has motivated a substantial amount of research to develop reagents in a relatively storage-stable form. Much of this effort has been directed to the development of solid, dry, water-soluble formulations which can be dissolved in water at the time of testing to provide a fresh liquid reagent useful in the test. Typical prior art dry reagent formulations are disclosed in Deutsch U.S. Pat. No. 3,413,198 and Stern et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,131.

A dry reagent formulation satisfactory for use in preparing liquid reagents for routine clinical diagnostic tests should satisfy a number of criteria. It must be readily soluble in a solvent compatible with the biological specimen, usually water. It should be capable of solubilizing proteinaceous material in the specimen. Moreover, it should be readily susceptible to packaging in convenient sized packages and be adapted for rapid dissolution in the solvent to provide a liquid reagent of proper strength for a given test or series of tests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved dry, water-soluble, reagent formulations for use in conducting clinical diagnostic tests. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such formulations which can be readily granulated and shipped or stored in granular form. It is a particular object of the invention to provide such reagent formulations in free-flowing, granular form at consistent bulk densities so that they may be delivered to a volumetric packaging or tableting operation in consistent weight amounts. Additional objects of the invention include the provision of dry reagent formulations having a high capacity for solubilizing protein; the provision of such formulations having a high degree of storage stability; the provision of methods for preparing the dry reagent formulations of the invention; and the provision of methods for conducting clinical diagnostic tests utilizing such reagent formulations. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In one of its aspects, therefore, the present invention is directed to a reagent formulation for use in conducting a clinical diagnostic test on a biological specimen. The reagent formulation comprises a solid, water-soluble, substantially anhydrous, storage-stable mixture containing a reagent capable of participating in a test reaction to effect a measurable change in a test system, and a solid nitrogen-containing polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant. The surfactant has a structure corresponding to that obtained when ethylene diamine is reacted sequentially with propylene oxide and ethylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst and the polyoxypropylene chains of the surfactant have an average molecular weight of between about 750 and about 6750.

The invention is further directed to a method of conducting a clinical diagnostic test on a biological specimen using the aforementioned reagent formulation. The method comprises dissolving the reagent formulation in water to produce a liquid reagent; mixing the liquid reagent with a specimen to form a specimen/reagent test system; and measuring a change in the system resulting from the reaction between the reagent and the specimen.

The invention is also directed to a method of preparing the novel reagent formulation. The method comprises the steps of mixing a reagent capable of participating in a test reaction to effect a measurable change in a test system, a nitrogen-containing polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactant of the above-noted character, and a solvent for the surfactant; and removing the solvent to form a substantially anhydrous, water-soluble, free-flowing, granular solid.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The drawing is a grid illustrating the molecular structure of various commercially available nonionic surfactants useful in the practice of the invention. The coordinates of each point on the grid correspond to the chain size of the polyoxyethylene hydrophile and polyoxypropylene hydrophobe moieties of a particular surfactant. Boundary lines set out on the grid separate the areas encompassing surfactants which assume different physical states.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate preparation of liquid reagents from solid formulations in the clinical laboratory, it is highly desirable to package the solid formulations in proper unitary amounts. Thus, for example, the solid formulations may be encapsulated or tabletted with the proper quantity of reagent in each capsule or tablet for conducting a single test. Alternatively, a multi-test package can be provided from which the proper amount of liquid reagent is prepared for conducting a specified number of tests.

Where a solid reagent formulation is packaged in unitary amounts, accuracy of metering the solid material into each capsule, tablet or multi-test package is important. The metering equipment which is used for delivering solid materials in packaging and tableting operations, however, almost universally operates on a volumetric basis. Unless the solid material is free-flowing and has a consistent bulk density, therefore, it cannot be delivered in consistent weight amounts to each package, capsule or tableting station using conventional equipment.

To provide a solid formulation in free-flowing form of consistent bulk density, it is preferably granulated prior to packaging. Granulation converts a powdered material into a material constituted by small agglomerates of relatively uniform size. Properly prepared, the granular material is free-flowing, has a consistent bulk density and is readily handled by the metering devices used in packaging operations. To granulate a powdered material, the powder is typically mixed with a binder dissolved in a volatile solvent, wet screened, dried by driving off the solvent, and dry screened following the drying step. In addition to the binder, a lubricating substance is normally incorporated in the granulation mass to further enhance the flow characteristics of the granules, especially under the compressive stress of tableting operations.

As noted, solid formulations useful as reagents for conducting clinical diagnostic tests on biological specimens should have certain additional properties. Because they are dissolved in water to produce a liquid reagent, all components, including the binder, should be readily water-soluble. Because many of the tests involve enzymatic reactions and/or proteinaceous substrates, the formulation should possess detergent properties for solubilizing protein.

It has now been discovered that the above objectives can be met and that effective clinical reagent formulations for the determination of certain biological properties of body fluids can be produced in free-flowing, granular form through the use of particular nitrogen-bearing polyoxyalkylene nonionic surfactants. Test formulations granulated with the aid of these surfactants are well adapted to precision packaging and tableting operations. Because of their free-flowing character and consistent bulk density, they can be delivered to either a packaging or tableting operation in consistent weight amounts by volumetric metering. As a consequence, clinical test reagents formulated at a central location remote from a clinical laboratory can be utilized to prepare liquid test reagents for clinical use without the need for weighing, analyzing, or other procedures by the clinical chemist or technician.

The nitrogen-containing surfactants which are useful in the formulations of the invention possess the unique multiple capability of serving as binders, lubricants and solubilizers for protein. Moreover, they are themselves water-soluble, thus promoting the dissolution of the reagent formulations in water to provide clinical liquid reagents. These surfactants are sold under the trade designation "Tetronic" by Wyandotte Chemical Corporation. They are normally prepared by sequential reaction of first propylene oxide and then ethylene oxide with ethylene diamine in the presence of an alkaline or acid catalyst. Normally these surfactants are prepared at elevated temperatures using alkaline catalysts such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium alkoxide, quarternary ammonium bases and the like. Other methods are available for the preparation of these surfactants. The preparation of surfactants such as those utilized in the formulations of the invention is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,979,528.

The properties and physical state of nonionic surfactants having structures corresponding to those derived from ethylene diamine, propylene oxide and ethylene oxide vary with the lengths of the polyoxypropylene and polyoxyethylene chains. As the drawing shows, the physical state of these surfactants is largely dependent upon the proportionate weight of the surfactant constituted by the polyoxyethylene chains, but is also influenced by the average molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene moieties. The polyoxypropylene chains are hydrophobic while the polyoxyethylene chains are hydrophilic. Thus, the surfactants having polyoxypropylene units of low average molecular weight are more water-soluble than those having polyoxypropylene units of a higher average molecular weight. The numbers set out on the face of the grid correspond to particular members of the Tetronic series. Each number is located at a point on the grid whose coordinates correspond to the polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene chain sizes of the particular product which is commercially designated by said number.

Essentially any surfactant whose structure is defined by the coordinates of a point lying in the grid of the drawing may be utilized in the formulations of the invention. It is preferred, however, that the surfactant be solid or at least semi-solid. A greater proportion of the solid surfactants can be satisfactorily incorporated in a reagent formulation and thus a greater binding and lubricating capacity is obtained without adversely affecting other properties of the formulation. Desirably, on the order of 2.5 to 5% by weight of the preferred solid surfactants are incorporated in the reagent formulations. When the liquid formulations are used, it is not always possible to incorporate more than 2 or 3% by weight of the surfactant without imparting a somewhat waxy character to the formulation. The use of 2 to 3% by weight of a liquid "Teronic" surfactant produces a useful product, but the binding and lubricating capabilities of the surfactant are not always fully exploited at such a level. Granules having the most desirable properties are obtained using solid or semi-solid surfactants.

Since the dry reagent formulations of the invention are dissolved in water for use in conducting clinical diagnostic tests, it is also desirable that the surfactant component promote the dissolution of the granular product. Thus, it is preferred that the surfactant be as hydrophilic as possible, i.e., that the molecular weight of the polyoxypropylene hydrophobe moiety of the surfactant be relatively low. Thus, the preferred surfactants for use in the formulations of the invention are those which are both solid or semisolid in physical state and relatively hydrophilic. Solid-state surfactants with polyoxypropylene chains having an average molecular weight of less than about 4000 are especially preferred, with the most suitable surfactants being those whose polyoxypropylene chains have an average molecular weight of between about 2750 and about 3750 and whose weight percentage of polyoxyethylene units is between about 70 and about 80%. Two particular surfactants whose weight and structure characteristics fall within the latter limits are those sold under the trade designations "Tetronic 707" and "Tetronic 908". "Tetronic 707" has a polyoxypropylene hydrophobe molecular weight on the order of 2750 and a weight percentage of polyoxyethylene units of about 70 % while "Tetronic 908" has a polyoxypropylene molecular weight of about 3750 and a weight percentage of polyoxyethylene units of about 80%. Good results are also obtained with surfactants whose polyoxypropylene chains have an average molecular weight of between 750 and 4000 with a weight percentage of between about 35 and about 65% polyoxyethylene units. Other surfactants within the grid of the drawing are reasonably satisfactory but less effective than those represented by the right lower corner of the grid.

In addition to their advantageous effect upon granulation and dissolution of dry clinical test reagent formulations, surfactants of the above-noted character have been found to be effective for solubilizing protein. As indicated above, this is a highly advantageous characteristic, since enzymes and other proteinaceous matter derived from either the reagent formulation or the specimen commonly participate in the test reactions. By solubilizing protein, the surfactants function to facilitate the progress of the test reaction and thus enhance the effectiveness of the reagent formulation. It may, therefore, be seen that incorporation of these surfactants in clinical test formulations uniquely provides multiple advantages in the preparation, packaging, dissolution and functional operation of clinical reagent formulations.

It has further been discovered that the dry clinical reagent formulations of the invention are quite stable and generally possess good shelf life characteristics. Although we cannot precisely account for the particular ingredient or combination of ingredients which imparts the high degree of storage stability, it appears that such stability may be a somewhat general characteristic of dry clinical reagent formulations which include the particular nitrogen-containing nonionic surfactants used in our formulations. If so, the ability to impart storage-stability represents a further aspect of the unique multiple function of this type of surfactant in such formulations.

To prepare the reagent formulations of the invention, the surfactant is mixed with a volatile solvent and at least one reagent capable of participating in a test reaction to effect a measurable change in a reagent/specimen test system. The surfactant should be soluble up to the amount present in the solvent which is utilized. Solvents which may be used include methylene chloride, chloroform, methanol, benzene, water, methanol/water, and chloroform/methylene chloride. After thorough mixing and appropriate size classification, the solvent is removed to yield a granular product.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ingredients of the formulation, in dry particulate form, are thoroughly blended in a mechanical mixer. With the mixer running, a granulating solution containing the solvent and the surfactant, preferably that sold under the trade designation "Tetronic 707" or "Tetronic 908", is added. Additional solvent is used as needed to produce granular agglomerates of the desired size and wetness.

The resulting wet granulation is screened through a coarse screen, for example 10 mesh, then spread in thin layers in trays and dried at reduced pressure, for example, 25" Hg absolute or less. Depending on the heat sensitivity of the formulation, drying is normally carried out at room temperature or at modest elevated temperature (up to about 37.degree. C.). Generally, the depth of the wet granules in the trays should not exceed about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.

After completion of the drying cycle, the dried granulation is rescreened through a finer screen, for example, 20 to 30 mesh, blended thoroughly and packaged in containers essentially impervious to moisture. Since the components of the reagent formulation are frequently moisture sensitive, the formulation should not be exposed to a relative humidity of more than about 5% after removal from the dryer.

The reagent formulations of the invention are adapted to be packaged in small unitary packages. For example, sufficient reagent formulation for a single assay may be tabletted or packaged in a capsule. The reagent formulations are also adapted to packaging in such containers as foil strip packets, utilizing automatic packaging machinery. Utilizing this packaging approach, sufficient reagent formulation to carry out a suitable predetermined number of tests, such as 10, 25, or 50 tests, may be accurately packaged in a single foil packet. The user then simply dissolves the contents of the multiple test packet in a predetermined volume of water and uses a suitable aliquot of the resulting liquid reagent in the performance of each of a series of assays for the desired biological substance or property.

In some instances, depending on the nature of the components and their compatibility, all of the reagents necessary in a single assay or determination may be included in a single formulation. In other instances, incompatibilities and/or other considerations may make it desirable to segregate certain reagents in which case two or more reagent formulations are prepared in accordance with the invention.

To conduct a clinical diagnostic test using the formulations of the invention, the liquid reagent produced by dissolving the dry formulation in a predetermined amount of water is mixed with the biological specimen in a predetermined volumetric or weight ratio. With the aid of appropriate instrumentation as required, the resulting specimen/reagent system is observed for the presence, absence, nature and extent of a physical, chemical or biological change. Such change as does occur is measured to provide the desired information for use in the clinical diagnosis.

Exemplary reagent formulations prepared in accordance with the invention and useful for the determination of hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, total protein, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase-L, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, uric acid (colorimetric) and uric acid (u.v.) are set forth in Table 1. The preferred compositions of these reagent formulations and methods for preparing them are described in the examples following Table 1 which more fully illustrate the invention.

                                      Table 1
    __________________________________________________________________________
    Exemplary Clinical Test Reagent Formulations
    __________________________________________________________________________
                                       Granulating Solution
                                             Poly-             No. of
                   Dry Ingredients           ethylene     Theo-
                                                               Tests
    Formu-
        Type of Formu-
                   (Reagents, Etc.)    TETRONIC
                                             glycol
                                                  CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2
                                                          retical
                                                               (Thou-
    lation
        lation     Name/Formula
                              Wt. (g.) 707 (g.)
                                             6000 (g.)
                                                  (ml.) .sup.(1)
                                                          Yield
                                                               sands)
    __________________________________________________________________________
    A   Reagent Formu-
                   NaHCO.sub.3
                              300      30         (a)
                                                     200  1000 50
        lation for Hemo-
                   K.sub.3 Fe(CN).sub.6
                              50                  (b)
                                                     300
        globin Assay
                   KCN        30
                   Mannitol   590
    B   Alkaline Chlo-
                   Sodium Di-
        rine Reagent
                   chloroiso-
        Formulation
                   cyanurate  120      15         (a)
                                                     200   555 30
        for BUN Assay
                   LiOH       240                 (b)
                                                     100
                   Mannitol   180
    C   Chromogenic
                   Sodium
        Reagent    Salicylate 1200     44    2    (a)
                                                     250  1250 10
        Formulation
                   Sodium Nitro-                  (b)
                                                     100
        for BUN Assay
                   ferricyanide
                              4
    D   Granular   Urease/EDTA
        Enzyme Formu-
                   Formulation
        lation for (36,000 I.U.)
        BUN Assay  Mannitol   579      15    6    (a)
                                                     100   600 30
                                                  (b)
                                                     200
    E   Reagent Formu-
                   Cupric Tartrate
        lation for Total
                   (Anhydrous)
                              500      100        (a)
                                                     1500 3850 50
        Protein Assay
                   Sodium Tartrate
                   (2H.sub.2 O)
                              750                 (b)
                                                     250
        Reagent Formu-
                   LiOH       2000
        lation for Total
                   RENEX-35   500
        Protein Assay
    F   Coenzyme Formu-
                   L-Aspartic Acid
                              1250     80         (a)
                                                     800       25
        lation for MDH Formulation                (b)
                                                     525
        GOT Assay  (containing 6.0 mg.
                   MDH; 1.4 I.U.)
                   NADH Formulation
                   (containing 0.5 mg.
                   NADH)
                   Tris-(hydroxymethyl)-
                   aminomethane
                              1875
                   Succinic Acid
                              187.5
    G   Substrate Formu-
                   Sodium Alpha-
                              200      25         (a)
                                                     500   990 50
        lation for Ketoglutarate                  (b)
                                                     200
        GOT Assay  Mannitol   765
    H   Reducer Formu-
                   Ascorbic Acid
                              3250     150        (a)
                                                     500  5000 50
        lation for Alkaline
                   Sulfamic Acid
                              1600                (b)
                                                     200
        Phosphatase Assay
    I   Molybdate Formu-
                   Sodium Molyb-
                              475      37.5       (a)
                                                     300  1250 50
        lation for Alkaline
                   date (<2%H.sub.2 O)
        Phosphatase Assay
                   Duponol ME
                   Dry        737.5               (b)
                                                     150
    J   Substrate Formu-
                   Disodium .beta.-Glycero-
        lation for Alka-
                   phosphate  500      87.5       (a)
                                                     400  2600 50
        line Phosphatase
                   Tris-(hydroxymethyl)-
        Assay      aminomethane
                              1500                (b)
                                                     100
                   Succinic Acid
                              12.5
                   Duponol ME Dry
                              500      170 -K
                                             Chromogen Formu-
                                                  o-Dianisidine.sup..
                                                     7.5l 14.4  4.5 (a) 150  3
                                                               0
        lation for Glu-
                   Mannitol   423.6               (b)
                                                     125
        cose Assay
    L   Buffer Formu-
                   NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4.sup.. H.sub.2 O
                              311.4    15.0       (a)
                                                     40 .sup.(2)
                                                           600 30
        lation for
        Glucose Assay
                   Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4
                              190.8               (b)
                                                     5-10 .sup.(2)
                   Mannitol   52.8
                   Spray Dried
                   Gum Arabic 30.0
    M   Enzyme Formu-
                   Glucose Oxidase
        lation for Stabilized 420      15.0   3.0 (a)
                                                     40 .sup.(2)
                                                           450 30
        Glucose Assay
                   Mannitol                       (b)
                                                     10 .sup.(2)
                   Horseradish
                   Peroxidase 30
                   Mannitol -N
                              Reducer Formu-
                                       Ascorbic Acid
                                             3250 125     (a)  1000 4950 50
        lation for In-
                   Sulfamic Acid
                              800                 (b)
                                                     500
        organic Phos-
                   Duponol ME Dry
                              775
        phorus Assay
    O   Molybdate Formu-
                   Tris-(hydroxymethyl)-
        lation for In-
                   aminomethane
                              1500     80         (a)
                                                     475  3000 100
        organic Phosphorus
                   Duponol ME Dry
                              470                 (b)
                                                     175
        Assay      Sodium Molybdate
                   (<2% H.sub.2 O)
                              950
    P   Coenzyme Formu-
                   NAD Modified
        lation for Lactate
                   (=225 g NAD)
                              1190     60         (a)
                                                     500  1250 50
        Dehydrogenase Assay
                   Mannitol                       (b)
                                                     250
    Q   Substrate Formu-
                   Lithium Lactate
                              2250     75    25   (a)
                                                     500  3200 50
        lation for Tris-(hydroxy-
        Lactate Dehydro-
                   methyl)-amino-
        genase Assay
                   methane    225                 (b)
                                                     1175
                   NaHCO.sub.3
                              450
                   Renex 35   175
    R   Coenzyme Formu-
                   NADH Formulation
        lation for Serum
                   (equivalent to
        Glutamic Pyruvic
                   0.4 mg. NADH)
        Transaminase Assay
                   LDH Formulation
                   equivalent to 2
                   units LDH)
                   DL-Alanine 1200     50.4       (a)
                                                     200       15
        Coenzyme Formu-
                   Sodium phosphate,
        lation for Serum
                   dibasic    585                 (b)
                                                     70
        Glutamic Pyruvic
                   Sodium phosphate,
        Transaminase Assay
                   monobasic  75
    S   Substrate Formu-
        lation for Serum      (See Formulation
        Glutamic Pyruvic      G above)
        Transaminase Assay
    T   Enzyme Formu-
                   Uricase Formu-
        lation for Uric
                   lation (equiva-
        Acid Assay lent to 0.05
                   units)
                   Glycine    113.25   4.50       (a)
                                                     25         7.5
        Enzyme Formu-
                   Sodium carbonate,
        lation for Uric
                   anhydrous  39.75               (b)
                                                     10
        Acid Assay
    U   Copper Reagent Formu-
                   Tris-(hydroxy-
        lation for Uric Acid


methyl)-amino- Assay methane 112.50 7.05 (a) 15 234 7.5 Sodium bicar- bonate 112.50 (b) 5 Copper Sulfate, anhydrous 1.95 V Neocuproine Formu- Neocuproine .sup.. HCl 5.25 4.75 (a) 30 160 7.5 lation for Uric Renex 35 150 (b) 10 Acid Assay W Blank Formu- Uricase Placebo 19.50 4.50 (a) 25 177 7.5 lation for Uric Glycine 113.25 (b) 10 Acid Assay Sodium carbonate, anhydrous 39.75 __________________________________________________________________________ .sup.(1) (a) indicates amount of CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 used as carrier for Tetronic 707 (b) indicates amount of additional CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 used to optimize granulation .sup.(2) Solvent is water instead of CH.sub.2 Cl.sub.2


EXAMPLE 1

Hemoglobin Reagent Formulation and Assay

Composition of the reagent formulation useful for hemoglobin assay is set forth as formulation A in Table 1.

To prepare this formulation, sodium bicarbonate (300 g.), milled potassium ferricyanide (50 g.) and potassium cyanide (30 g.) were initially added to a Hobart bowl and mixed with a stainless steel spatula. Mannitol (590 g.) was then added and the resulting blend was agitated for five minutes in the mixer. While agitation was continued, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (30 g.) in methylene chloride (200 ml.) was added. An additional amount of methylene chloride (300 ml.) was then added to produce the proper granulation.

The wet granulation was screened through a No. 10 mesh stainless steel screen and the wet screened material was transferred to 8 .times. 12 inch Pyrex drying trays, at a depth of between about 1/2 inch and about 3/4 inches in each tray. The granulation was then dried in a vacuum oven for 15 hours at a temperature of 35.degree. C. and a pressure of 25" Hg.

The dried granulation was removed from the vacuum oven in an environment where the relative humidity was not more than 5%. The dried granulation was then screened through a No. 20 mesh stainless steel screen using a Erweka oscillator. The screened, dried granulation was transferred to a P.K. blender and mixed for 5 minutes, then packaged in tightly closed containers. Approximately 1000 g. of a water-soluble, substantially anhydrous reagent formulation, sufficient for 50,000 tests, was obtained.

Upon being stored at a temperature of 45.degree. C., the above-prepared formulation was found to be stable for at least 23 weeks which is equivalent to a stability period of 92 weeks at room temperature.

Dissolved in water, formulation A yields a liquid reagent useful in assaying blood hemoglobin. By action of the dissolved reagent, erythocytes in the blood are hemolyzed releasing hemoglobin which is oxidized to methemoglobin. Methemoglobin is converted to cyanmethemoglobin whose formation alters the optical density of the reagent/specimen system. The optical density of the reagent/specimen system is measured at 540 nm. using a suitable spectrophotometer and compared against a reagent blank set at 100% transmission. The hemoglobin level is then determined by reference to a standard curve.

To prepare a liquid reagent sufficient for 50 tests, formulation A (1.00 g.) is dissolved in distilled water and the resulting solution is diluted to 250 ml. and mixed thoroughly. The reagent solution thus produced is stable for three months at room temperature if protected from light.

To conduct the hemoglobin assay test, a reagent/specimen test system is prepared by adding 20 microliters of well mixed blood (collected with an anticoagulant) to 5 ml. of the above solution of formulation A in a clean test tube. The contents of the tube are mixed thoroughly and allowed to stand at room temperature for at least five minutes. The optical density is then measured as described above to determine the hemoglobin level.

EXAMPLE 2

Blood Urea Nitrogen Formulations and Assay

Because certain components of the total number of reagents required for a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test tend to interact with one another in the dry state, three separate formultions are provided to segregate the interacting components. The three formulations prepared are set forth in Table 1 as formulations B, C and D. Predetermined amounts of each of these formulations are dissolved in separate portions of water to provide liquid reagents for use in making the BUN assay.

To prepare alkaline chlorine reagent formulation B, sodium dichloroisocyanurate, sold under the trade designation "ACL-60" by Monsanto Co. (120 g.), anhydrous lithium hydroxide (240 g.), and mannitol powder (180 g.) were blended in a Hobart bowl and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (15 g.) in methylene chloride (200 ml.) was introduced. Additional methylene chloride (100 ml.) was subsequently added to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was screened and dried, and the resultant dry granulation rescreened and packaged, in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

In the preparation of the chromogenic reagent formulation C, sodium salicylate (1200 g.) and sodium nitroferricyanide (4 g.) were blended in a Hobart bowl and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (44 g.) and polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 6000 (2 g.) in methylene chloride (250 ml.) was added. Additional methylene chloride (approximately 100 ml.) was subsequently introduced to produce the desired degree of granulation. The wet granulation was screened and dried, and the resultant dry granulation rescreened and packaged, as described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

Before blending the constituents of granular enzyme formulation D, the lyophilized urease/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) component was prepared. To prepare this component disodium EDTA (24 g.) and tetrasodium EDTA (15.12 g.) were dissolved in distilled water (about 900 ml.) with heating as required. A carbohydrate polymer having a number average molecular weight of about 1850, a dextrose equivalent of 10-13, a pH of 4.5-5.5, and a decomposition point of 440.degree. F., sold under the trade designation "Amisol" by Corn Products Company (11 g.) was added and the solution was cooled to about 4.degree. C. Lyophilized urease powder having a specific activity of approximately 200 IU/mg., such as that sold by Worthington Biochemical Corporation, Code : No. URPC, (100,000 International Units) was dissolved in this solution. The solution was filtered through glass wool or cotton to remove any turbidity. The clarified solution was divided and each portion placed in one of several freeze drying vessels and the portions frozen in thin layers by rotating the vessels in a dry ice/alcohol bath at -60.degree. C. or below. The frozen thin layers were lyophilized at -60.degree. to -70.degree. C. at a total pressure of 5 m.mu. Hg. for 16 to 24 hours. The resultant lyophilized powder was collected under an atmosphere having a relative humidity of less than 5% and stored in a desiccator at 4.degree. C. Assay of the specific urease activity of the dried powder was in the range of 2 to 3 I.U./mg. at 37.degree. C. It was found that the modified urease product thus produced is stable at room temperature and does not require refrigeration.

The following exemplary procedure provides approximately 600 grams of granular enzyme formulation containing 12 I.U. urease/20 mg. utilizing a lyophilized urease/EDTA formulation having a specific urease activity of 3.0 I.U./mg.

To prepare granular enzyme formulation D, lump-free mannitol (459 mg.) and the lyophilized urease/EDTA formulation prepared as above and having an activity of 3.0 I.U./mg. (120 g.) were blended in a Hobart bowl and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (15 g.) and polyethylene glycol having a molcular weight of about 6,000 (6 g.) in methylene chloride (100 ml.) was added to the blend. Additional methylene chloride (approximately 200 ml.) was subsequently introduced to produce the desired degree of granulation. The wet granulation was then screened and dried at room temperature, and the resulting dry granulation rescreened and packaged, in the manner described for hemoglobin reagent formulation A in Example 1.

Upon being stored at a temperature of 45.degree. C. the above prepared formulations were found to be stable for at least 21 weeks which is equivalent to a stability period of 84 weeks at room temperature.

Dissolved in separate portions of water, formulations B, C and D provide liquid reagents useful in the determination of blood urea nitrogen. The urease of formulation D specifically hydrolyzes urea to ammonium carbonate, which is subsequently decomposed by the addition of the alkali in formulation B to produce carbon dioxide and ammonia. In the presence of the catalyst, sodium nitroferricyanide, of chromogenic reagent formulation C, ammonia reacts with the phenol derivative of formulation C and active chlorine from formulation B to form an emerald green color complex. The intensity of the color is measured colorimetrically at 650 nm. and is proportional to the urea present.

Preparatory to conducting the test, formulation B (0.925 g.), formulation C (6.25 g.) and formulation D (1.0 g.) are each dissolved in water in separate containers. The solution of formulation D is diluted to 50 ml. while the solutions of formulations B and C are each diluted to 25 ml. All of the diluted solutions are thoroughly mixed. The solution of formulation D is stable for one month under refrigeration. The solutions of formulations B and D are stable for 3 months if kept in amber bottles under refrigeration. The resulting solutions are sufficient for conducting 50 tests.

In the conduct of the test, 1.00 ml. of the dilute solution of formulation D and 0.005 ml. (5 lambda) of serum are placed in a test tube, mixed well and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 5 minutes to effect enzymatic hydrolysis. Formulation C solution (0.5 ml.) is then added with careful mixing, immediately following which the solution of formulation B (0.50 ml.) is added and thoroughly mixed with the other components of the solution. Incubation is continued at 37.degree. C. for an additional 10 minutes for color development. At the end of this period, distilled water (2.00 ml.) is added and the optical density at 650 nm. is read using a spectrophotometer and compared with the optical density of a reagent blank set at 100 % transmission. The urea level in the specimen is then determined by reference to a standard curve.

EXAMPLE 3

Total Protein Formulation and Assay

The reagent formulation utilized is determination of total protein in a biological specimen is set forth as formulation E in Table 1.

In the preparation of formulation E, anhydrous cupric tartrate (500 g.), dihydrated sodium tartrate (750 g.), lithium hydroxide (2000 g.) and a surfactant comprising a polyoxyethylene ether alcohol and urea sold under the trade designation "Renex 35" by Atlas Chemical Industries (500 g.) were blended and thoroughly agitated in a Hobart bowl mixer. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (100 g,) in methylene chloride (1500 ml.) was added. Additional methylene chloride (250 ml.) was then introduced to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was screened and dried and the resultant dried granulation rescreened and packaged in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

Upon being stored at a temperature of 45.degree. C., the above-prepared formulation was found to be stable for at least four weeks which is equivalent to a stability period of 16 weeks at room temperature.

Dissolved in water, formulation E yields a liquid reagent useful in assaying a body fluid for total protein. The biuret reaction of proteins with the alkaline cupric tartrate constituent of formulation E results in the formation of a violet color.

To prepare the liquid reagent, formulation E (1.925 g.) is dissolved in distilled water and the solution is diluted to 100 ml. and thoroughly mixed. This reagent solution is stable for at least 3 months at room temperature, and is sufficient to conduct 25 tests.

In the conduct of the total protein test, a reagent/specimen assay system is prepared by adding 50 microliters of serum to 4.0 ml. of the solution of formulation E in a test tube. The contents of the tube are mixed thoroughly and incubated at 37.degree. C. for 15 minutes. The optical density at 540 nm. is then read using a spectrophotometer and compared with a reagent blank set at 100% transmission. The total protein level is then determined by reference to a standard curve.

EXAMPLE 4

Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase Formulations and Assay

For the serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) test, two separate formulations are provided. The two formulations which are utilized are set forth in Table 1 as formulations F and G. Predetermined amounts of these formulations are dissolved in separate portions of water to provide liquid reagents for use in making the SGOT assay.

Preparatory to blending the constituents of coenzyme formulation F, the modified malate dehydrogenase and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide components are prepared.

Modified malate dehydrogenase was derived from yellow split peas. The peas were pulverized to a fine powder using a mill or a micromill. A saturated solution of potassium chloride was prepared at room temperature by stirring potassium chloride (500 g.) in approximately 1 l. of distilled water for 5 minutes and allowing the solution to stand at room temperature overnight. Pulverized pea powder (10 g.) was stirred into a 50 ml. portion of the saturated potassium chloride solution, which extracted the maleate dehydrogenase therefrom. Extraction was carried out at room temperature for approximately 3 hours with occasional stirring. At the end of the 3 hour extraction period, the resulting suspension was centrifuged at 10,000 rpm using a No. 872 angle rotor in an IEC B-20 refrigerated centrifuge at 10.degree. C. for 10 minutes. The slightly colloidal supernatant extract fluid was collected and transferred to a plurality of freeze drying vessels. The extract was frozen in thin layers by rotating each vessel in a dry ice/alcohol bath at -60.degree. C. or below. The frozen thin layers were lyophilized at -60.degree. to -70.degree. C. and an absolute pressure of 5m .mu. Hg for 18 to 20 hours. The resultant lyophilized powder was collected under an atmosphere having a relative humidity of less than 5% and stored in a dessicator at 4.degree. C. Approximately 14 g. of dry powder was obtained which was assayed for the enzymic activities of both malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT). GOT specific activity was less than about 0.05% in relation to MDH specific activity, and the extract enzyme was, therefore, suitable for use. Activity of the MDH obtained was about 1.4 I.U./6 mg.

To prepare modified reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), gum arabic (15 g.), tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (12 g.), "Amisol" (10 g.), and bovine serum albumin (0.5 g.) were dissolved in distilled water (450 ml.) and the resulting solution was titrated to pH 9.0 and 12N sulfuric acid. After titration, the solution was diluted to 500 milliliters with distilled water and clarified by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm with a No. 872 angle rotor in an IEC B-20 refrigerated centrifuge at 10.degree. C. for 16 minutes. To the supernatant obtained from this centrifugation, 10 g. of NADH powder (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide disodium salt) was added and the resulting mixture stirred for at least 5 minutes to insure good mixing. This mixture was transferred into freeze drying vessels and frozen in thin layers by rotating the vessels in a dry ice/alcohol bath at -60.degree. C. or below. The frozen thin layers were lyophilized for 20 to 24 hours at -60.degree. to -70.degree. C. and an absolute pressure of 5 m.mu. Hg. The resultant lyophilized powder was collected under an atmosphere having a relative humidity of less than 5% and stored in a dessicator at 4.degree. C. Approximately 50 g. of dry lyophilized powder was obtained.

To prepare coenzyme formulation F L-aspartic acid (1250 g.), the above modified MDH (equivalent to 1.4 I.U. or 6.0 milligrams MDH), the above modified NADH (equivalent to 0.5 milligrams NADH), tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminoethane (1875 g.), and milled succinic acid (187.5 g.). were blended in a Hobard bowl mixer and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (25 g.) in methylene chloride (800 ml.) was added to the blend. Additional methylene chloride (approximately 525 ml.) was subsequently introduced to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was then screened and dried at room temperature, and the resulting dry granulation rescreened and packaged, in the manner described for hemoglobin reagent formulation A in Example 1.

To prepare substrate formulation G, sodium .alpha.-ketoglutarate (200 g.) and lump-free mannitol (765 g.) were blended in a Hobart bowl and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (25 g.) in methylene chloride (500 ml.) was added to the blend. Additional methylene chloride (approximately 200 ml.) was subsequently introduced to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The Wet granulation was then screened and dried at room temperature and 25" pressure or less and the resulting dry granulation rescreened and packaged, in the manner described for hemoglobin reagent formulation A in Example 1.

Upon being stored at a temperature of 45.degree. C., the above-prepared formulations were found to be stable for at least 3 weeks which is equivalent to a stability period for 12 weeks at room temperature.

Dissolved in separate portions of water, forulations F and G provide liquid reagents useful in assaying for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. SGOT present in the specimen catalyzes the transamination of L-aspartic acid and .alpha.-ketoglutaric acid producing oxaloacetate and glutamate. The oxaloacetate and NADH in the presence of MDH are converted to malate and NAD. The extent of reaction is indicative of the SGOT present and is measured by observing a decrease in optical density at 340 nm. at 37.degree. C.

The liquid reagent solution of formulation F is prepared by dissolving 7.2 g. of the formulation in distilled water, diluting to 125 ml. and mixing well. The solution of formulation G is prepared in similar fashion utilizing a 1.0 g. of the formulation and diluting to 25 ml. The formulation F solution should be prepared fresh daily while the formulation G solution is stable for a week under refrigeration.

In the conduct of the test, 2.5 ml. of the formulation F solution are placed in a test tube, 0.1 ml. of serum are added thereto, and the resulting solution stirred and incubated at 37.degree. C. in a heating unit for 7 to 10 minutes. 0.5 ml. of the formulation G solution is then added and mixed quickly in less than 10 seconds at room temperature. Exactly 2 minutes after the liquid reagent solution of formulation G is added, the test tube is removed from the heating unit and the absorbance of the reagent/specimen system is measured. The tube is then returned to the heating unit and held there until exactly 5 minutes after the solution of formulation G was first added. At this point, the tube is again removed from the heating unit and the final absorbance of the reagent/specimen system is measured. The SGOT content is determined from the two absorbance readings by calculation utilizing the following equation: ##EQU1## where A.sub.1 equals absorbance read at 2 minutes, A.sub.2 equals absorbance read at 5 minutes, L equals light path of the absorption cell or the I.D. of the test tube in centimeters. An SGOT unit is defined as that amount of enzyme which catalyzes the oxidation of 0.001 micromole of NADH to NAD per minute, at 37.degree. C. Other conditions for determining SGOT are known. The Karmen procedure known to the art carries out the above reactions at 25.degree. C. instead of 37.degree. C.

EXAMPLE 5

Alkaline Phosphatase Formulations and Assay

Three separate formulations are provided for the alkaline phosphatase test. These formulations are set forth in Table 1 as formulations H, I and J. Predetermined amounts of these formulations dissolved in separate portions of water provide liquid reagents for use in making the alkaline phosphatase assay.

Prior to the preparation of chromogenic reagent formulation I, the sodium molybdate component of the reagent blend was dried. Sodium molybdate was transferred into tared 8 .times. 12 inch Pyrex trays at a depth of between about 1/2 and 3/4 inch. The trays were then placed in a vacuum oven and the sodium molybdate dried at 55.degree. C. and a total pressure of 25" Hg until a weight loss of not less than 13 % was observed.

To prepare chromogenic reagent formulation I, the dried sodium molybdate (475 g.) and a dry sodium lauryl sulfate product sold under the trade designation "Duponol ME" by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company (737.5 g.) were blended in a Hobart bowl and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (37.5 g.) in methylene chloride (300 ml.) was introduced. Additional methylene chloride (150 ml.) was subsequently added to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was screened and dried and the resultant dry granulation rescreened and packaged in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

In the preparation of reducer quench formulation H, L-ascorbic acid (3.25 kg.) and sulfamic acid (1.60 kg.) were blended in a Hobart bowl and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (150 g.) in methylene chloride (500 ml.) was introduced. Additional methylene chloride (200 ml.) was subsequently added to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was screened and dried and the resultant dry granulation rescreened and packaged in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

Preparation of buffer substrate reagent formulation J was initiated by blending .beta.-glycerophosphoric acid, disodium salt (500 g.) tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane (1.5 kg.), milled succinic acid (12.5 g.) and "Duponol ME" (500g.) in a Hobart bowl and agitating the blend to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (87.5 g.) in methylene chloride (400 ml.) was introduced. Additional methylene chloride (100 ml.) was subsequently added to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was screened and dried and the resultant dry granulation rescreened and packed in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

Dissolved in separate portions of water, formulations H, I and J provide liquid reagents useful in the determination of the alkaline phosphatase content of biological specimens such as blood serum. Alkaline phosphatase in the specimen promotes the release of phosphate from the .beta.-glycerophosphate constituent of substrate reagent formulation J. The phosphate thus released reacts with sodium molybdate of chromogenic reagent formulation I in the presence of sulfamic acid and ascorbic acid or reducer quench formulation H. The ascorbic acid reduces the phosphomolybdic acid thus formed to phosphomolybdenum blue. The color of the latter is indicative of the concentration of alkaline phosphatase present in the reagent specimen system.

In preparation for a test, the dry reagent formulations are each dissolved in water to provide liquid reagents. Formulation I (1.25 g.) is dissolved in 25 ml. of distilled water to provide a chromogenic liquid reagent; formulation H (5.00 g.) is dissolved in 25 ml. of water to provide a reducer quench liquid reagent; and formulation J (2.60 g.) is dissolved in 150 ml. of water to provide a substrate buffer liquid reagent. The solution of formulation I is stable for a week at room temperature. The solution of formulation J is stable for two weeks when refrigerated. The liquid reagent constituted by the solution of formulation H should be prepared fresh daily and protected from light. The resulting solutions are sufficient for conducting 50 tests.

Conduct of an alkaline phosphatase determination is initiated by adding 3 ml. portions of the solution of substrate formulation J to each of two test tubes and incubating each tube for 2 minutes at 37.degree. C. One of the two tubes is then used for the test reaction while the other tube is used for a blank.

0.1 ml. (100 lambda) of serum is added to the tube used for the test reaction and mixed thoroughly with the liquid reagent therein to provide a specimen/reagent test system. The test system is then incubated for exactly 15 minutes at 37.degree. C., following which 0.5 ml. portions of the liquid reagent solution of formulation I and 0.5 ml. portions of the liquid reagent solution of formulation H are added to both the test system and the tube carrying the test blank. Both the test system and the blank are then incubated at 37.degree. C. for another 20 minutes, and the optical density of each determined at 700 nm against a water blank set at 100% transmission. Using a standard curve, the inorganic phosphorus content of each test solution is determined from its optical density compared to the water blank. Since both the test system and test blank originally contain the same amount of proportion of .beta.-glycerophosphate, the inorganic phosphorus released by action of alkaline phosphatase is determined by subtracting the total inorganic phosphorus in the test system from the total amount of inorganic phosphorus in the blank.

To calculate the alkaline phosphatase units present in the test system, the mg% inorganic phosphorus released is multiplied by 4. In the procedure of Bodansky, known to the art, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the mg% phosphorus released and the alkaline phosphatase units. Since the test of the invention utilizes only a 15 minute incubation time instead of the 60 minute incubation time of Bodansky, the factor of 4 is applied to obtain corresponding results.

The standard curve used to determined absolute inorganic phosphorus is obtained by spectrophotometric measurements of the optical densities of potassium dihydrogen phosphate solutions containing 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 mg% phosphorus at 700 nm, against a reagent blank set at 100% transmission. A standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution for use in establishing the standard curve is prepared by weighing out KH.sub.2 PO.sub.4 (438.1 mg.) in a 100 ml. volumetric flask, diluting to volume with high quality distilled water, and storing the diluted solution at 4.degree. C. This stock solution contains 100 mg. phosphorus per 100 ml. (100 mg%) and appropriately diluted aliquots of this stock solution are used in establishing the standard curve.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, phosphorus standard curves obtained from spectrophotometric measurements of varying concentrations of potassium dihydrogen phosphate are linear only up to about 15 mg%. Where high phosphorus sera (above 7.5 mg%) are analyzed for alkaline phosphatase content, therefore, a 50 lambda serum sample is used and the final result multiplied by 2.

An alkaline phosphatase unit is defined as the amount of enzyme of 100 ml. of serum which releases 1 mg. phosphorus per hour at 37.degree. C.

EXAMPLE 6

Glucose Reagent Formulations and Assay

For the glucose test, three separate formulations are provided. These are set forth in Table 1 as formulations K, L and M. Predetermined amounts of these formulations are dissolved in separate portions of water to provide liquid reagents for use in making the glucose assay.

To prepare chromogenic reagent formulation K, mannitol (423.6 g.) and o-dianisidine dihydrochloride (3,3-dimethoxybenzidine dihydrochloride) (7.5 g.) were blended in a Hobart bowl and agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (14.4 g.) and polyethylene glycol-6000 (4.5 g.) in methylene chloride (150 ml.) was introduced. Additional methylene chloride (125 ml.) was subsequently added to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was screened and dried at room temperature, and the resultant dry granulation rescreened and packaged in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

Buffer reagent formulation L was prepared by blending monobasic sodium phosphate (311.4 g.), dibasic sodium phosphate (190.8 g.), mannitol (52.8 g.) and spray dried gum arabic (30.0 g.) in a Hobart bowl and agitating the resulting blend to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (15.0 g.) in distilled water (40 ml.) was introduced. Additional distilled water (10 ml.) was subsequently added to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation as screened and dried and the resultant dry granulation rescreened and packaged in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A.

To prepare modified glucose oxidase, gum arabic (60 g.) and mannitol (40 g.) were dissolved in water (about 1600 ml.) and the resulting colloidal solution was titrated to pH 7.0 with 2% sodium hydroxide. After titration, the solution was diluted to 2 liters with distilled water and clarified by centrifugation at 10,000 rmp with a No. 872 angle rotor in an IEC B-20 refrigerated centrifuge. The clear supernatant inert solution was collected and stored at 4.degree. C. Bovine serum albumin (2 g.) was dissolved in 200 ml. of the aboveprepared inert solution with the aid of a magnetic stirrer. Liquid glucose oxidase (200 ml.) having a specific activity greater than 1000 titrimetric units per ml. was then slowly added and the resulting mixture stirred for an additional 5 minutes to insure good mixing. This solution was transferred into freeze drying vessels, each vessel being filled with 150-200 ml. of the solution. The solution was frozen in thin layers by rotating the vessels in a dry ice/alcohol bath at -60.degree. C. or below. The frozen layers were lyophilized for 16 to 20 hours at -60.degree. to -70.degree. C. and an absolute pressure of 5m.mu.Hg. The resultant lyophilized powder was collected under an atmosphere having a relative humidity of less than 5% and stored in a dessicator at 4.degree. C. Approximately 14 g. of dry lyophilized glucose oxidase powder with a specific activity range of 14-16 IU/mg. at 37.degree. C. was obtained.

In the preparation of enzyme reagent formulation M, a glucose oxidase (GOD) subformulation was initially produced. The above modified glucose oxidase (sufficient to provide 45 units of unmodified material/test) and mannitol (sufficient to provide 14 mg. -- total of modified GOD plus mannitol -- per test) were blended in a Hobart bowl and thoroughly agitated to promote intimate mixing. With the mixer running, a solution of "Tetronic 707" (15.0 g.) and polyethylene glycol-6000 (3.0 g.) in distilled water (40 ml.) was introduced. Additional distilled water (10 ml.) was subsequently added to produce the desired degree of granulation and wetness. The wet granulation was screened and dried at room temperature, and the resultant dry granulation rescreened in the manner described in Example 1 for hemoglobin reagent formulation A. The dry, rescreened granulated glucose oxidase subformulation was transferred to a tared 1500 cc amber bottle and stored in a dry room pending subsequent intermixture with the other constituents of formulation M, as described below. Each gram of this granulated glucose oxidase subformulation contains sufficient GOD for the conduct of 71 glucose tests. The yield of this formulation in terms of potential tests units may therefore be calculated as follows:

No. of tests = wt. of GOD subformulation (g.) .times. 71 tests/g.

A peroxidase trituration subformulation for formulation M was prepared by blending, with mortar and pestle, an amount of horseradish peroxidase (POD) and an amount of mannitol sufficient for the number of tests calculated above
Other info:


Inventors: Monte, Alexander A. (Glendora, CA, US)
Chiang, Ching (Glendora, CA, US)

Application Number: 468464
Filing Date: 1974-05-09
Publication_date: 1976-12-14
Assignee: Mallinckrodt, Inc. (St. Louis, MO)
Primary Class(es): 436/66 436/8, 436/14, 436/15, 436/18, 436/19, 436/86, 436/95, 436/99, 436/105, 436/108
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:
3519570Jul, 1970McCarty252/135.
3592945Jul, 1971Engelking252/316.
3723327Mar, 1973Van Kampen et al.252/DIG.

Other Refs: Other References: Wyandotte Chemicals Corp.: Technical Data, Tetronic Series, Apr. 1957.