Abstract: A biodegradable container includes a body structure made of a foamed hydrocolloid gelling matrix system having a fibrous material and a firming agent embedded therein and a water-resistant coating disposed on a surface of the body structure.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions that include a foamed gelling hydrocolloid system to which a firming agent and a fibrous material, with or without other optional components, are added. When articles prepared from such compositions are coated with a suitable coating, they are impervious to boiling water and able to withstand microwave heating.

Abstract: A biodegradable container includes a body structure made of a foamed hydrocolloid gelling matrix system having a fibrous material and a firming agent embedded therein and a water-resistant coating disposed on a surface of the body structure.

Abstract: Biodegradable compositions that include a foamed gelling hydrocolloid system to which a firming agent and a fibrous material, with or without other optional components, are added. When articles prepared from such compositions are coated with a suitable coating, they are impervious to boiling water and able to withstand microwave heating.

Abstract: An absorbent foam material which comprises a solid, cross-linked form of an anionic polymer (e.g. an alginate) and fibers or other cation contributing polymeric particulates which have donated appropriate cations for effecting cross-linking of the anionic polymer. Methods of producing the foam material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mucosal surface-coat-forming film dosage units containing a water-soluble hydrocolloid, an effective dose of an active agent and a mucosal adhesion enhancer; wherein the active agent is encapsulated within a polymer which is chemically or physically distinct from the hydocolloid; wherein the mucosal adhesion enhancer is a starch graft copolymer; wherein the film exhibits a dry tack value of less than 3.5 g, a wet tack of greater than 35 g, a gelation temperature that is greater than 70° C. for a 2% polymer solution, a dry film thickness of less than 20 mil, a water content of 0.5 to 10%, a tensile strength greater than 1500 psi, a modulus in the range of 35,000 to 300,000 psi, a % elongation of less than 20%, a tear probagation resistance of 0.001 to 1 N, and a dissolution time in the range of 1 to 600 seconds upon application to an oral mucosal surface.

Abstract: Mucosal surface-coat-forming film dosage units containing a water-soluble hydrocolloid, an effective dose of a sexual dysfunction active agent and a mucosal adhesion enhancer, wherein the mucosal adhesion enhancer is a starch graft copolymer.

Abstract: Substantially dry, rehydratable, water-dispersible, gel-forming, porous hydrocolloid micro-particulates containing internally or internally and externally at least one water-soluble, non-gelling, hydration enhancing hydrocolloid, processes and intermediates for their preparation, and their uses.

Abstract: Irradiated or nonirradiated substantially pure .beta.-1,3-glucan polysaccharides, derivatives and coprocessed mixtures thereof with other hydrocolloids, methods for their preparation, and uses for the aqueous gels prepared from them, including their use in the electrophoresis of DNA, RNA, and their fragments.

Abstract: Substantially dry, rehydratable, water-dispersible, gel-forming, porous hydrocolloid microparticulates containing internally or internally and externally at least one water-soluble, non-gelling, hydration enhancing hydrocolloid, processes and intermediates for their preparation, and their uses.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequencing gel comprising 2 to 10% of a gelling polysaccharide, preferably agarose; a denaturing agent, a non-gelling additive, preferably glycerol, and electrophoretic buffers. This composition is capable of resolving nucleic acid fragments having at least 50 bases and which differ from each other by at least one base.

Abstract: A process and composition is provided for a hydratable, alloy gum composition of Cassia gum and another gelling and thickening agent which composition is capable of forming a clear, stable colloidal solution. The compositions are usually more easily dispersed in an aqueous solution than either component alone. An alloy gum composition of Cassia gum and xanthan gum is particularly useful for absorbing an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Novel beta-1,3-glucan polysaccharide gels characterized by (a) coherent, uniform, non-particulate structure, and (b) substantially uniform pH throughout. The gels are prepared by dissolving a beta-1,3-glucan polysaccharide in an aqueous alkaline medium at a temperature of about 55.degree. C. or below and while maintaining the solution at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adjusting the pH to 10.5 or lower, followed by cooling below about 40.degree. C. or heating above 50.degree. C. The gels formed by cooling are reversible whereas the gels formed by heating are thermally irreversible. The gels are useful for supporting, separating, transforming or treating biological materials, as carriers for pharmaceuticals, as coatings for biological materials, in food products, and can be shaped to form disposable contact lenses.

Abstract: A device for replicating microbial or other cell colonies or aggregates comprises a layer of moisture absorbent material either in the form of a coherent film or comprising individual particles or a combination of film and particles, said layer being secured to a suitable handle forming element by means of which the device may be manipulated.

Abstract: Device for applying a measured quantity of water-soluble or water-dispersible reagent to a water-containing solid medium for use in molecular diffusion or affinity separation procedures is provided in the form of a film consisting essentially of a film-forming solid organic polymeric binder which is soluble in water to the extent of at least 1% by weight at 20.degree.C. and dispersed in said binder a measured quantity of said reagent, said film being of a size and shape adapted to be placed in contact with said medium to permit said reagent and binder to diffuse completely into said medium. The device is used by placing it in face-to-face contact with a water-containing solid medium.

Abstract: A hydratable or hydrated gel medium for use in bioassay of a test substance contains fixed in a localized zone a reagent for the test substance. Assays are conducted rapidly by diffusing the test substance followed by an indicator substance also reactive with the reagent into the zone and measuring a change in characteristics within the zone caused by the reaction of the indicator substance.

Abstract: Purified and substantially pure &bgr;-carrageenan and processes for their preparation. Purified &bgr;-carrageenan can be obtained from a marine macroalga containing &bgr;-carrageenan and/or a precursor thereof by the steps of: A. where the macroalga contains a precursor of &bgr;-carrageenan, reacting the macroalga with an alkaline compound to convert the precursor to &bgr;-carrageenan, B. extracting carrageenan from the macroalga, C. treating the extracted carrageenan with an aqueous quaternary ammonium salt to form a precipitate and an aqueous solution, D. separating the solution from the precipitate, and E. isolating purified &bgr;-carrageenan from the solution. Substantially pure &bgr;-carrageenan can be obtained from purified &bgr;-carrageenan by the further steps of: F. forming a solution of purified &bgr;-carrageenan in water, G. contacting the solution with an ion exchange agent that removes carrageenan which contains sulfate ester from the solution, H.