Abstract: The invention provides highly functional epoxy resins that may be used themselves in coating formulations and applications but which may be further functionalized via ring-opening reactions of the epoxy groups yielding derivative resins with other useful functionalities. The highly functional epoxy resins are synthesized from the epoxidation of vegetable or seed oil esters of polyols having 4 or more hydroxyl groups/molecule. In one embodiment, the polyol is sucrose and the vegetable or seed oil is selected from corn oil, castor oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, tall oil fatty acid, tung oil, vernonia oil, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making of the epoxy resin and each of its derivative resins are disclosed as are coating compositions and coated objects using each of the resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel acetoacetylated lignin resin compositions comprising the reaction product of lignin and an acetoacetate ester. The invention also relates to novel (meth)acrylated lignin resin compositions comprising the reaction product of lignin and a (meth)acrylic compound. The invention also relates to methods of making the novel acetoacetylated lignin resin compositions and the novel (meth)acrylated lignin resin compositions. The invention also relates to curable coating compositions comprising the novel acetoacetylated lignin resin composition or (meth)acrylated lignin resin composition. The invention also relates to methods of making the curable coating compositions of the invention. The invention also relates to methods of applying curable coating compositions of the invention to substrates. The invention also relates to articles of manufacture comprising a curable coating composition of the invention and a method of making such article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for an integrated dielectrophoretic (DEP) and surface plasmonic platform to quantify as little as 1 femptomolar to 1 picomolar of fluorescent molecules in low conductivity buffers.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel non-isocyanate siloxane-modified glycidol carbamate (GC) resins and coating compositions containing them. The non-isocyanate siloxane modified GC resins of the invention comprise the reaction product of at least one organic polyisocyanate, glycidol, and at least one bis(hydroxyl alkyl)-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. The coating compositions of the invention comprise at least one non-isocyanate siloxane modified GC resin of the invention and at least one curing agent. The invention also relates to methods of making the resins of the invention and coatings containing them. The invention also relates to a fouling-release (FR) coating system comprising the coating compositions of the invention and methods of applying said FR coating systems to substrates. The invention also relates to articles of manufacture comprising a coating composition of the invention and a method of making such articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel curable bio-based thermosetting compositions of a) at least one highly-functional bio-based epoxy resin; and b) at least one carboxylic acid crosslinker selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble multifunctional carboxylic acid, a dicarboxylic acid oligomer from a melt reaction between a diol and a dicarboxylic acid or its anhydride, and mixtures thereof and which are curable with water, an alcohol or a water and alcohol mixture. The bio-based thermosets of the invention may be free of VOCs and/or organic solvents. The bio-based thermosets of the invention can be used to form coatings, composites, adhesives, and films. Methods of making the bio-based thermosets of the invention are disclosed as are coating compositions and coated objects, such as coatings, composites, adhesives, and films, using the bio-based thermosets of the invention.

Abstract: Switchable adhesion devices, systems and methods are provided. A switchable adhesion component includes a switchable body. At least one portion of the body is adapted to carry an adhesive layer and another portion a load. At least a portion of the body is switchable between one or more varying states without imparting change to the surface chemistries or area at the adhesive joint.

Abstract: Bio-derived glycerides formed from a reaction between waste glycerol and biodegradable or bio-derived fatty acid esters such as crude biodiesel or soybean oil triglycerides are useful as dust suppressants, binders, and stabilizing agents.

Abstract: The invention is directed to curable polyurethane coating compositions which may be used to form fouling release coatings, e.g., for use in protecting boat hulls. The curable polyurethane coating compositions of the invention comprise (a) a prepolymer made by reacting at least one polyisocyanate with (i) at least one monocarbinol-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane), (ii) at least one methoxy-terminated poly(ethylene glycol), or (iii) mixtures thereof, (b) at least one polyol, and (c) at least one polyisocyanate crosslinker. The invention also relates to the prepolymer used in the curable coating compositions. The invention further relates to methods for reducing or preventing biofouling of a surface exposed to an aqueous environment comprising the steps of coating the surface with a curable coating composition of the invention to form a coated surface, and curing the coating coating composition on the coated surface.

Abstract: Compounds derived from biomass, e.g., cellulose and lignins, methods of forming such compounds and polymers and products formed using such compounds.

Abstract: Tricyclic compounds, including tricyclic iminodibenzylic and tricyclic iminostilbene compounds, are identified as therapeutic agents for inhibition of delta-5-desaturase (D5D) and for treating or preventing cancer and precancerous conditions, as well as autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and dietary supplements are provided, as are methods of administration and treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for predicting fertility and/or confirming the success of pregnancy and/or litter size in mammals. Novel methods and devices for field testing of mammal samples for pregnancy success and reproduction prosperity (fecundity) are also included.

Abstract: Standalone and self-contained cooling systems using compressed liquid and/or gas CO2 containers positioned in an insulated or non-insulated vessel encompassing a container which is either vertically positioned in an upright or an upside-down position. The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into a capillary system or flow metering system to allow the CO2 to enter a second body to where the CO2 coolant properties may be leveraged. The second body includes, by way of example, a plate, a cushion, a spot treatment pad for a person's muscle, or a cooler. The temperature is controlled by a metering CO2 releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which sends alerts when pre-defined thresholds are exceeded. The invention's metering CO2 releasing system may be triggered by an electronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid.

Abstract: The invention provides a bio-based acrylic monomer, particularly a plant oil-based acrylic monomer, which is well-suited for emulsion polymerization and latex formation in aqueous medium. Polymers and copolymers formed from the bio-based acrylic monomer are also provided. The invention further provided methods for making the monomer from bio-based triglycerides or fatty esters.

Abstract: In some exemplary embodiments, an ankle replacement prosthesis includes a tibial component which provides a convex bearing surface, and a talar component which provides a concave bearing surface configured to interface with the convex bearing surface of the tibial component to provide a joint of the ankle replacement prosthesis. The tibial component is configured to be attached to a patient's tibia and the talar component is configured to be attached to the patient's talus.

Abstract: Compounds derived from biomass, e.g., cellulose and lignins, methods of forming such compounds and polymers and products formed using such compounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a bio-based acrylic monomer, particularly a plant oil-based acrylic monomer, which is well-suited for emulsion polymerization and latex formation in aqueous medium. Polymers and copolymers formed from the bio-based acrylic monomer are also provided. The invention further provided methods for making the monomer from bio-based triglycerides or fatty esters.

Abstract: The invention provides highly functional epoxy resins that may be used themselves in coating formulations and applications but which may be further functionalized via ring-opening reactions of the epoxy groups yielding derivative resins with other useful functionalities. The highly functional epoxy resins are synthesized from the epoxidation of vegetable or seed oil esters of polyols having 4 or more hydroxyl groups/molecule. In one embodiment, the polyol is sucrose and the vegetable or seed oil is selected from corn oil, castor oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, tall oil fatty acid, tung oil, vernonia oil, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making of the epoxy resin and each of its derivative resins are disclosed as are coating compositions and coated objects using each of the resins.

Abstract: Standalone and self-contained cooling systems using compressed liquid and/or gas CO2 containers positioned in an insulated or non-insulated vessel and consisting of a specially designed unit where the containers are vertically positioned in an upright or upside-down position. The liquid and/or gas CO2 coolant is then released into capillary tube(s) embedded into a heat transfer plate or heat exchanger thus leveraging the CO2 coolant properties. The temperature is controlled by a metering CO2 releasing system encompassing an electronic control device which can be operated remotely and/or via a touch screen and which sends alerts when pre-defined thresholds are exceeded. The invention's metering CO2 releasing system may be triggered by an electronic or a thermostatic valve or may be triggered manually or by an electronic solenoid. The invention's cooling system also encompasses check valves, which avoid liquid and/or gas CO2 from escaping when removing or replacing CO2 containers individually.

Abstract: Bio-derived glycerides formed from a reaction between waste glycerol and biodegradable or bio-derived fatty acid esters such as crude biodiesel or soybean oil triglycerides are useful as dust suppressants.

Abstract: The invention provides highly functional epoxy resins that may be used themselves in coating formulations and applications but which may be further functionalized via ring-opening reactions of the epoxy groups yielding derivative resins with other useful functionalities. The highly functional epoxy resins are synthesized from the epoxidation of vegetable or seed oil esters of polyols having 4 or more hydroxyl groups/molecule. In one embodiment, the polyol is sucrose and the vegetable or seed oil is selected from corn oil, castor oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, tall oil fatty acid, tung oil, vernonia oil, and mixtures thereof. Methods of making of the epoxy resin and each of its derivative resins are disclosed as are coating compositions and coated objects using each of the resins.