The concentration of viruses from sewage by adsorption on and elution from an insoluble cross-linked copolymer of maleic anhydride is described. Viruses either added to sewage or naturally contained in sewage were preferentially adsorbed to this polyelectrolyte at a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0 and were eluted at pH 8.0 to 9.0. In a 2-month survey of viruses in sewage in the spring (April to May 1968), when viruses are at low levels, efficient and economical detection of these agents was accomplished with the polyelectrolyte-concentration method. This method lends itself to the detection of viruses present in minute amounts in fecal samples, urine, sewage, and other natural waters. Large volumes of these fluids can be treated with the polymer described, and virus can be concentrated sufficiently for detection.

Acid-resistant, nonenveloped viruses belonging to the enterovirus, reovirus, and adenovirus groups were readily concentrated on PE60, an insoluble cross-linked polyelectrolyte based on isobutylene maleic anhydride. Hydrolysis of PE60 by NaOH increased its capacity to adsorb viruses. Hydrogen ion levels played an important role in virus concentration; optimal pH levels for maximal virus adsorption were between pH 3.0 and 4.5. Undiluted virus was easily concentrated from large volumes on PE60, and the adsorbed virus was readily eluted at pH 8 to 9. Divinylbenzene cross-linked styrene/maleic anhydride copolymers were found to adsorb highly purified tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and poliovirus (3).

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A new polyelectrolyte was synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activity. The product is a derivative of ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer of low molecular weight (Mn approximately equal to 1100). The anhydride groups were first converted to the half-amide, half-ammonium salt by reaction with ammonia. A percentage (14-25 wt %) of these groups was further converted to the imide by heating. The product, carboxyimamidate (Carbethimer, N-137) inhibited the growth of a number of solid tumors in vivo. Sensitive tumor models included Lewis lung carcinoma, Madison 109 lung carcinoma, M5076 ovarian tumor, colon carcinoma 26, B16 melanoma, and P815 mastocytoma. Activity was dose related between nontoxic dose levels of 300 and 2000 mg/kg ip.