Eli Lilly and Company

Jesse L Bobbitt

Edward L Smithwick, Jr

Joseph Vincent Manetta

The present invention discloses a new method for solubilizing and refolding recombinant proteins expressed as granules. The method involves sulfitolysis and the formation of a precipitate of protein-S-sulfonate by warming. The precipitate has been found to contain protein in high purity. In addition, proper folding takes place if the desired protein is fully reduced and passed through an intermediate concentration of denaturant which allows for a transition between its folded and unfolded states.

Purification and refolding of recombinant proteins

The proteinase plasmin is assayed either colorimetrically or fluorometrically with a tripeptidyl-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide substrate having the following general formula: ##STR1## The substrate is useful for either routine clinical assays or kinetic studies.

Growing community of inventors

Indianapolis, IN, United States of America

Jesse L Bobbitt