Abstract:
Enzyme-containing formulations having improved stability and enzymatic activity in liquid medium, comprising one or more protease enzymes produced from any Bacillus bacteria, at least about 5% alkali metal halide salt, and at least about 50% polyol. Also disclosed are methods for making such formulations.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to enzyme compositions and liquid formulations including enzymes. Particularly, the invention relates to methods for stabilizing enzymes and to liquid formulations with the stabilized enzymes.  
           [0003]    2. Background  
           [0004]    The stabilization of enzymatic activity is a standing problem in all areas of technology where enzymes are likely to be applied. Stability in this sense includes resistance to decrease in enzymatic activity prior to usage, e.g., under storage conditions. Stabilization of enzymes in liquid formulations is particularly a problem For example, a pre-formulated liquid enzyme concentrate may sometimes be stored for weeks or months before eventually being blended into a final product (e.g., a personal care product, such as a hand cream; or a cleaning product, such as a liquid detergent). Similarly, formulated liquid products containing enzymes may sit in storage for lengthy periods of time before use, as well. For a variety of reasons, the activity of enzymes in liquid formulations typically decreases over time.  
           [0005]    The prior art has attempted to deal with this problem. For example, organic compounds, such as sodium formate, and propylene glycol or glycerol are often added to liquid enzyme formulations. U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,818, Letton et al., issued Mar. 9, 1982, discloses liquid detergents containing enzymes and an enzyme-stabilizing system comprising calcium ions and a low molecular weight carboxylic acid or salt, preferably a formate. The composition preferably contains an anionic surfactant and a saturated fatty acid. U.S. Pat. No. 4,404,115, Tai, issued Sep. 13, 1983, discloses cleaning compositions containing enzymes, alkali metal pentaborate, al metal sulfite and a polyol. While somewhat effective, additives such as formate and other organic salts unfortunately are costly and, thus, significantly add to the expense of the liquid enzyme concentrate and final product. Further, there is in some instances a desire for formulations which are acceptable for food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic use, and certain salts like sodium formate may not be acceptable or suitable for this purpose.  
           [0006]    The use of inorganic salts as stabilization agents for enzymes is known in the art. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,658, Nakagawa et al, issued Oct. 24, 1995, discloses an enzyme based contact lens cleaning solution said to be stabilized with a polyhydric alcohol (5-30%) and alkali metal salt (1-5%) combination. The Nakagawa et al. patent teaches that polyhydric alcohol levels are less than 30% to maintain enzyme activity in the contact lens solution application. Xylanase was stabilized with a polyol (2040%) and formate or potassium chloride (48%) as described in a study entitled “Developmnent of A Method for the Stabilization and Formulation of Xylanase from Trichoderma Using Experimental Design”, R. Spencer Fisk and Curran Simpson, as reported in Studies in Organic Chemistry, vol. 47, Stability and Stabilization of Enzymes, Elservier, edited by W. J. J. Van Den Tweel, A. Harder, R. M. Buitelaar, 1992. This study discloses the use of no more than 40% polyol to maintain xylanase activity.  
           [0007]    A cosmetic formulation having an enzyme stabilized using a 30-99% water-binding polyol that is partially or totally complexed with acrylic or methacrylic polymer is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,449, Afriat et al., issued Nov. 3, 1998 , and U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,041, Afriat et al., issued Dec. 30, 1997. The cosmetic formulation may also include an inorganic salt (2 to 12%) as a secondary stabilizing agent.  
           [0008]    Clearly, there is a continuing need for liquid formulations that contain enzymes which are stabilized and exhibit a high activity over time. Particularly, there is a need for protease stabilized liquid formulations that are easy to process, highly effective, inexpensive to produce relative to the previously used stabilizing formulations, relatively inactive until ultimately included as an ingredient in a selected application, and also useful for formulations that are well tolerated physiologically.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    It has been discovered that the combination of a high level of alkali metal halide salts, such as sodium chloride (at least 4% or 5% w/w, or higher), in combination with a polyol solvent, such as glycerol, propylene glycol, sucrose, etc (30% w/w, or higher), provides a high level of thermal stability for protease (produced from Bacillus species, e.g., subtilisin) formulations.  
           [0010]    One aspect of the present invention provides a method for stabilizing one or more enzymes in a liquid medium. In one embodiment, the method of the invention includes the step of formulating in the liquid medium a high level of an alkali metal halide salt in combination with a polyol solvent.  
           [0011]    The alkali metal halide salt cap be, for example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium or potassium fluoride or bromide. Lithium salts may also be used. Additionally, other inorganic salts, such as salts of sulfates or sulfites, carbonates, phosphates, silicates or nitrates may be used. One preferred embodiment contemplates at least between 4-12% (e.g., at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, and/or at least 12%) sodium chloride. In one embodiment, the sodium chloride comprises between about 5-12%, preferably about 8-12% w/w, of the liquid formulation.  
           [0012]    The polyol can be present, for example, at a level of at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, and/or at least 95%. For example, one embodiment contemplates between 50 to 98% polyol, preferably between 55 and 95% polyol, preferably between 80 to 90% polyol, and most is preferably 50 to 80% polyol. Suitable polyols include, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, sucrose, among others.  
           [0013]    Among the various enzymes that can be stabilized by the teachings herein, one preferred enzyme is a protease, produced from Bacillus species, such as a subtilisin.  
           [0014]    The liquid medium of the invention can be, for example, a liquid enzyme concentrate or a formulated product including at least one enzyme, such as a protease. In one embodiment, the liquid medium is a formulated product selected from the group consisting of personal care products, health care products, and cleaning/detergency products. The liquid medium can be used, for example, in formulating hand creams, liquid detergents, and the like.  
           [0015]    Another aspect of the present invention provides a liquid formulation providing an enzyme-stabilizing environment. In one embodiment, the formulation includes one or more enzymes, a high level of an alkali metal salt, and a polyol solvent.  
           [0016]    The alkali metal halide salt can be, for example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium or potassium fluoride or bromide. Lithium salts also may be used. Additionally, other inorganic salts, such as salts of sulfates or sulfites, carbonates, phosphates, silicates or nitrates may be used. In one embodiment, the sodium chloride is present at a level of between 4-12% (e.g., at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, up to and including 12%). In an exemplary formulation, the sodium chloride comprises about 8-12% w/w of the liquid formulation.  
           [0017]    The polyol is preferably present, for example, at a level of at least 30%. Certain embodiments contemplate a polyol level of at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, and/or at least 95%. One embodiment contemplates between 50 to 98% polyol, preferably between 55 and 95% polyol, preferably between 80 to 90% polyol, and most preferably 50 to 80 polyol. Suitable polyols include, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, sucrose, among others.  
           [0018]    Among the one or more enzymes that are stabilized in the formulation, one embodiment contemplates inclusion of a protease produced from Bacillus species, preferably a subtilisin.  
           [0019]    In one embodiment, the liquid formulation is a liquid enzyme concentrate or a formulated product including at least one enzyme, such as a protease produced from Baccillus species, such as a subtilisin. The liquid formulation can be, for example, a formulated product such as a personal care product, health care product, a cleaning product, a detergency product, among others.  
           [0020]    Still a further aspect of the present invention provides a stabilized liquid enzyme formulation, including: (i) a protease, such as subtilisin; (ii) at least 5% w/w of an alkali metal halide salt, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium or potassium fluoride or bromide, or lithium salts. Additionally, other inorganic salts, such as salts of sulfates or sulfites, carbonates, phosphates, silicates or nitrates may be used; and (iii) at least 30% w/w of a polyol solvent, such as glycol. Preferably, the formulation includes a subtilisin which is stabilized to exhibit at least about 98% activity remaining after 22 days at 37 degrees C. In one embodiment, the stabilized subtilisin includes an amino acid substitution at position 217 (e.g., Y217L).  
           [0021]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims.  
         DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
         [0022]    The present invention provides methods for stabilizing enzymes and liquid formulations including stabilized enzymes utilizing a polyol and an alkali metal halide salt.  
           [0023]    Percentages herein are expressed as a percentage by weight of the liquid formulation.  
           [0024]    The inventors hereof have determined that the combination of a high level of an alkali metal halide salt (e.g., sodium chloride) in combination with a polyol solvent (e.g., glycol) provides a high level of thermal stability for liquid enzyme (e.g., proteases produced from Bacillus species) formulations.  
           [0025]    Generally, formulations of the present invention include at least about 30% polyol or polyhydric alcohol; for example between from about 50 to about 98%, between from about 50 to about 95%, between from about 80 to about 90% polyol, and/or between from about 50-80% polyol. An exemplary liquid formulation suitable IS for inclusion in personal care applications, as contemplated herein, includes between from about 50% to about 80% glycerol. Other suitable polyols include, and are not limited to, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, sorbitol, mannitol, erythritol, dulcitol and inositol. Such a liquid formulation can be further formulated into, for example, a hand cream, or the like. A liquid formulation for liquid detergent applications, as contemplated herein, includes between from about 33 to about 40% propylene glycol. Another exemplary liquid formulation for personal care application includes about 60% glycerol. The polyol level is approximately 50-80% to produce a compound having relatively inactive enzymes until such compound ultimately is included in a specific application.  
           [0026]    Formulations of the present invention include at least about 5% of an alkali metal halide salt, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium or potassium fluoride or bromide, or lithium salts. Additionally, other inorganic salts, such as salts of sulfates or sulfites, carbonates, phosphates, silicates or nitrates may be used. In one preferred embodiment, the alkali halide metal salt is sodium chloride. The sodium chloride can be present, for example, at a level of at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, and/or at least about 12%. In one embodiment, a liquid enzyme formulation includes between from about 5% to about 12% sodium chloride (e.g., preferred at about 8% sodium chloride). In another preferred embodiment, the liquid enzyme formulation includes about 10% sodium chloride.  
           [0027]    Preferred enzymes include those enzymes capable of hydrolyzing substrates. Such enzymes, which are known as hydrolases, include, but are not limited to, proteases (bacterial, fungal, acid, neutral or alkaline), amylases (alpha or beta), lipases, cellulases and mixtures thereof. Preferred proteases are also those described in US Re. 34,606 and EP 0 130 756, EP 251,446, EP 451,244, and EP 775,749, and incorporated herein by reference. Other preferred proteases are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,218,165, 5,284,791, 5,700,676, 5,185,258, 5,155,033, 5,346,823, 5,763,257 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/768,080, filed Feb. 8, 2000, titled Proteins Producing An Altered Immunogenic Response And Methods Of Making And Using The Same, describing protease mutants having an altered T-cell epitope. One preferred protease is available under the trade name Multifect, from Genencor International, Inc. Other preferred proteases include Purafect and Properase, from Genencor International, Inc. or Savinase, Esperase, Alcalase available from Novozymes A/S. Preferred proteases are those produced from any Bacillus species and include mutants which retain their bacillus protease-like structure and function. Other enzymes that can be used in the present invention include oxidases, peroxidases, transferases, dehydratases, reductases, hemicellulases and isomerases, among others. One or more enzymes may be included in the formulations of the present invention.  
           [0028]    The stabilized liquid enzyme formulations of the present invention can be applied in a variety of fields, including the fields of personal care (e.g., protease for use in hand creams, and the like), and cleaning (e.g., protease for use in liquid detergents, and the like), among others. For example, the liquid enzyme formulations can be liquid enzyme concentrates which are useful for further formulation into final products, and/or they can be final formulated products, such as skin creams, lotions, liquid soaps, liquid detergents, etc.  
           [0029]    Liquid enzyme formulations of the present invention are particularly effective at stabilizing enzymes during storage, within a temperature range of between from about 20 to about 40 degrees Celsius, e.g., at or around room temperature (22-25 degrees Celsius).  
       
    
    
     EXAMPLES  
       [0030]    The following examples are illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention.  
       Example 1  
       [0031]    Subtilisin BPN′ Y217L was formulated at 5-7 gE/l in a base of 80-90% glycerol, 1 mM KH2PO4 at pH 5.0. The method of formulation generally involves the following: the 1 mM CaCl 2  reagent was added to the glycerol reagent followed by the addition of the selected enzyme. Water was then added and the resulting mixture was allowed to dissolve overnight at 4° C. The selected salt concentration was prepared by dissolving the salt in 1M NaOAC prior to addition to the dissolved enzyme. Next, 3% CP carbon was added to the enzyme salt combination and the resulting compound was mixed at 22° C. for approximately 6 hours. Next, the compound was filtered and the resulting solution was stored for the stability studies set out below.  
         [0032]    As shown in Table 1, the formulation was tested without further stabilization and with stabilization utilizing three stabilizers (sodium acetate, sodium chloride, and sodium formate).  
                                                                   TABLE 1                       Stability Study 1                                Basic Conditions for all samples                * 50 ppm Ca2+   10 g enzyme solution           * Temperature 25 C./37 C.                            Product       Experiments   Activity                    B0   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   Sodium Acetate; 8%   Glycerol; 82%   6.75 gE/l           before additions; 10%       B1   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   Sodium Chloride; 8%   Glycerol; 82%   6.75 gE/l           before additions; 10%       B2   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   Sodium Formate; 8%   Glycerol; 82%   6.75 gE/l           before additions; 10%       B3   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   None   Glycerol; 90%   6.75 gE/l           before additions; 10%       B4   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   None   Glycerol; 90%   3.37 gE/l           before additions; 10%       B5   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   None   Glycerol; 45%/Propylene   6.75 gE/l           before additions; 10%       Glycol; 45%       B6   H2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   None   Propylene Glycol; 90%   6.75 gE/l           before additions; 10%       B7   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.0   None   Glycerol; 90%   6.75 gE/l           after additions; 10%       B8   KH2PO4 10 mM @ pH 5.5   None   Glycerol; 90%   6.75 gE/l           before additions; 10%                  
 
         [0033]    Activity levels for all of the above formulations were monitored as exhibited by the data of Table 2, which demonstrates that sodium chloride is a very effective agent for stabilization of subtilisin (note, in particular, B 1). Remaining enzyme activity at 22 days utilizing the three stabilizers as shown was between 96-98% as compared to a value of only 81% in the remaining formulations that did not include sodium acetate, sodium chloride or sodium formate.  
                                                                                                                                                                                                           TABLE 2                       37° C.       Subtilisin Stability Study       Activities by AAPF-pNA Assay in ΔAU min −1 ml −1                                      Buffer            Day   0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8                    0   206   211   233   229   112   234   204   200   204       1   212   216   239   238   113   238   214   171   214       6   205   210   225   214   98   217   177   161   198       22   196   206   224   185   49   179   109   142   160       41   158   208   212   150   11   163   62   116   138       66   186   205   202   129   7   132   32   33   113       94   183   192   183                       88                        Activity left %  Buffer            Day   B0   B1   B2   B3   B4   B5   B6   B7   B8                    0   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100       1   103   102   102   104   101   102   105   85   105       6   100   100   98   94   88   93   87   80   97       22   96   98   96   81   43   77   54   71   78       41   91   99   91   66   10   70   30   58   67       66   91   97   87   57   6   57   16   16   55       94   89   91   79                       43                  
 
         [0034]    The 8% NaCl sample was found to have high stability (over 98% activity remaining after 22 days at 37 degrees C. and 100% after 23 days at 37 degrees C.). The data further demonstrates that a high activity level (at least 90%) remained in the presence of sodium chloride out to 94 days.  
         [0035]    Table 3 below represents the same example as above conducted at 25° C.  
                                                                                                                       TABLE 3                       25° C.       Subtilisin Stability Study       Activities by AAPF-pNA Assay in ΔAU min −1 ml −1                                      Buffer            Day   0   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8               0   206   211   233   229   112   234   204   200   204       2   205   216   223   227   108   227   200   184   197       23   204   212   242   214   94   223   188   166   203       30   200   213   220   214   85   215   182   153   197       65   201   206   227   192   40   187   158   135   174       94   189   197   222                       158                        Activity left %  Buffer            Day   B0   B1   B2   B3   B4   B5   B6   B7   B8               0   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100       2   100   102   96   99   97   97   98   92   96       23   99   101   104   93   84   95   93   83   99       30   97   101   94   93   76   92   90   77   97       65   98   98   97   84   35   80   78   68   77       94   92   93   95                       77                  
 
         [0036]    Example 2 illustrates the results of a study designed to increase the commercial desirability of liquid enzyme formulations and to facilitate manufacturing of such formulations. Accordingly, Example g illustrates the surprising results achieved by reducing the concentration of glycerol and increasing the concentration of salt in the formulation.  
         [0037]    Subtilisin BPN′ Y217L was formulated as set out in Table 4 below in a base of 70-82% glycerol, 1 mM KH2PO4.  
                                                                                             TABLE 4                       Stability Study 2       Basic Conditions for all samples                                * 50 ppm Ca2+   10 g enzyme solution       * Temperature 25 C./37 C.                                        Target                                   Enzyme       Final           Enzyme   Salt**       Glycerol**   Activity   Enzyme   Form       Form #   Buffer   (g)   Salt Type   (g)   (mg/mL)   (wt/wt %)   Density                    B1    10 mM   8   NaOAC   82   6.75   0.54   1.25           K-Phos,           ph 5.0       B2    10 mM   8   NaCl   82   6.75   0.54   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.0       B3    10 mM   8   NaOAC.3H2O   82   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.0       B4    10 mM   12   NaOAC.3H2O   70   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B5    10 mM   8   NaCl   82   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B6    10 mM   6   NaCl   82   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B7    10 mM   8   NaCl   70   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B8    10 mM   10   NaCl   60   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B9   100 mM   6   NaCl   62   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B10   100 mM   8   NaCl   62   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B11   100 mM   8   NaCl   70   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B12   100 mM   10   NaCl   60   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B13   100 mM   8   NaOAC.3H2O   82   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5       B14   100 mM   12   NaOAC.3H2O   70   1.3   0.104   1.25           K-Phos           ph 5.5                  
 
         [0038]    As shown by the surprising data of Table 5 below, a stable glycerol/salt formulation that is easily manufactured may be achieved by increasing the salt concentration thereby enabling a reduction in the amount of glycerol in the formulation. Table 5 illustrates that a 60% glycerol and 10% salt formulation is exceptionally stable.  
                                                                             TABLE 5                       Subtilisin Stability Study: 25° C.       Activities by AAPF-pNA Assay in ΔAU min −1 ml −1                                      Buffer                                                           Day   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14               0   323   327   63.3   63.7   63.8   66.4   63.4   66.5   65.3   66.9   65.4   63.5   64.9   63.2       118   310   327   63.6   61.4   66.9   60.9   61.7   66.9   60.9   63.2   66.4   64.4   63.8   62.6       174   320   336   65.9   63.7   62.6   59.1   63.6   68.6   61.7   64.6   64.1   66.8   65.6   63.7       279   301   301   57.7   59.9   51.8   50.8   62.6   62.1   53.8   54.8   59.9   59.4   57.4   59.0               %       Original       Activity   B1   B2   B3   B4   B5   B6   B7   B8   B9   B10   B11   B12   B13   B14               0   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100       118   96.0   100.0   100.5   96.4   104.8   91.6   97.3   100.7   93.3   94.5   101.6   101.4   98.2   99.0       174   99.2   102.6   104.2   100.1   98.1   88.9   100.2   103.1   94.6   96.5   98.0   105.1   101.1   100.9       279   93.2   91.8   91.2   94.0   81.2   76.5   98.6   93.3   82.5   81.9   91.6   93.5   88.4   93.4                  
 
         [0039]    [0039]                                                                             TABLE 6                       37 C       Activities by AAPF-pNA Assay in ΔAU min −1 ml −1                                      Buffer                                                           Day   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14               0   323   327   63.3   63.7   63.8   66.4   63.4   66.5   65.3   66.9   65.4   63.5   64.9   63.2       9   313   316   63.1   64.0   64.3   64.2   62.7   63.0   61.6   64.1   60.7   61.4   62.4   61.2       29   311   320   63.3   63.2   64.1   63.4   62.3   64.4   60.4   64.3   61.1   61.7   62.7   61.4       112   269   298   57.9   55.3   62.4   48.4   64.7   63.4   48.9   62.2   60.9   58.9   57.4   56.5       173   281   233   54.7   50.3   57.3   12.4   61.7   64.6   27.7   60.7   61.7   55.9   52.8   52.6       280   242   43.9   48.3   44.6   6.79   4.42   56.9    58.3   4.76   32.3   52.5   55.5   47.1   42.4               %                                                               Original       Activity                   Buffer       Day   B1   B2   B3   B4   B5   B6   B7   B8   B9   B10   B11   B12   B13   B14               0   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100   100       9   97.0   96.6   99.8   100.5   100.7   96.9   98.9   94.7   94.4   95.8   92.8   96.7   96.2   96.8       29   96.4   97.7   100.0   99.2   100.4   95.4   98.1   96.9   92.5   96.0   93.4   97.2   96.7   97.1       112   83.4   90.9   91.4   86.9   97.8   72.9   102.0   95.4   75.0   93.0   93.2   92.7   88.4   89.4       173   87.0   71.2   86.4   79.0   89.8   18.7   97.3   97.1   42.5   90.7   92.9   97.2   86.1   83.3       280   75.1   13.4   76.3   70.0   10.6   6.6   89.6   87.7   7.3   48.3   80.3   87.4   72.6   67.1                    
       Protease Assay  
       [0040]    Examples 1 and 2 measured activity utilizing a protease assay with N-succinyl-L-Ala-L-L-Ala-L-Pro-L-Phe-p-nitroanilide (suc-AAPF-pNA). The assay is based upon the cleavage by proteases of the amide bond between phenylalanine and p-nitroaniline of the N-succinyl reagent. P-nitroaniline is monitored spectrophotometrically at 410 nm and the rate of the appearance of p-nitroaniline is a measure of proteolytic activity. A protease unit is defined as the amount of protease enzyme that increases absorbance at 410 nm by 1 absorbance unit (AU)/min of a standard solution of 1.6 mM suc-AAPF-pNA in 0.1 M Tris Buffer at 25° C. in a cuvet with a 1 cm path length. The glycerol was obtained from JT Baker.  
         [0041]    Various other examples and modifications of the foregoing description and examples will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after reading the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intended that all such examples or modifications be included within the scope of the appended claims. All publications and patents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.