A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

The present invention relates to an esteramine salt according to the general formula (I):

##STR00001##

The substituents R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are defined below.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing such an esteramine salt according to general formula (I), wherein a corresponding monocarboxylic acid or an ester thereof are reacted with an aminoalcohol and an at least equimolar amount of a sulfonic acid.

Amines and amine derivatives that improve the buffering range, and/or reduce the chelation and other negative interactions of the buffer and the system to be buffered. The reaction of amines or polyamines with various molecules to form polyamines with differing pKa's will extend the buffering range, derivatives that result in polyamines that have the same pKa yields a greater buffering capacity. Derivatives that result in zwitterionic buffers improve yield by allowing a greater range of stability.

Aminoalcohol lipidoids are prepared by reacting an amine with an epoxide-terminated compound are described. Methods of preparing aminoalcohol lipidoids from commercially available starting materials are also provided. Aminoalcohol lipidoids may be prepared from racemic or stereochemically pure epoxides. Aminoalcohol lipidoids or salts forms thereof are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the amino moiety of these aminoalcohol lipidoid compounds, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Complexes, micelles, liposomes or particles containing the inventive lipidoids and polynucleotide have been prepared. The inventive lipidoids may also be used in preparing microparticles for drug delivery. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

Aminoalcohol lipidoids are prepared by reacting an amine with an epoxide-terminated compound are described. Methods of preparing aminoalcohol lipidoids from commercially available starting materials are also provided. Aminoalcohol lipidoids may be prepared from racemic or stereochemically pure epoxides. Aminoalcohol lipidoids or salts forms thereof are preferably biodegradable and biocompatible and may be used in a variety of drug delivery systems. Given the amino moiety of these aminoalcohol lipidoid compounds, they are particularly suited for the delivery of polynucleotides. Complexes, micelles, liposomes or particles containing the inventive lipidoids and polynucleotide have been prepared. The inventive lipidoids may also be used in preparing microparticles for drug delivery. They are particularly useful in delivering labile agents given their ability to buffer the pH of their surroundings.

The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating nitriles with hydrogen in the presence of a ZrO.sub.2-supported ruthenium catalyst.

The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating nitriles with hydrogen in the presence of a ZrO.sub.2-supported ruthenium catalyst.

The present invention relates to a compound of the following formula (I):

##STR00001##

The invention also relates to uses thereof as dye or pigment, notably as a luster pigment. The invention relates also to a reflective or photonic or nanophotonic or optoelectronic device comprising a compound of the invention. The invention relates also to a metal-like reflective coating, a metal-like particle or an organic-based metal-like liquid film comprising a compound of the invention.

The current invention relates to long - di-functional linear molecules as building blocks closing the gap between small molecules and polymers, or in a polycondensated form, in the production of oligomers and/or polymers, surfactants, lubricants, coatings, colloidal stabilizing surface chains/molecules.