Abstract: Polysaccharide-based shells are provided having use for forming water-dispersible microcapsular delivery systems for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other active agents. These shells are prepared by intimately blending a solubilized polysaccharide with a lipophilic material to produce spherical droplets of the lipophilic material coated with the polysaccharide, diluting the emulsion with a solvent, and isolating the polysaccharide shells from the diluted emulsion.

Abstract: An edible adhesive is made by cross-linking a sugar with a polyfunctional acid. The adhesive has the property of binding two articles together for a limited period of time and then controllably releasing the adhesive bond between the articles when in contact with a liquid, such as a liquid beverage.

Abstract: Lubricating additives for drilling fluids are prepared from semi-solid highly viscous and/or high molecular weight lubricants, such as polyalkylenes (e.g., polybutene), by steam jet cooking a mixture of starch, water, and the lubricant in order to uniformly suspend micrometer-sized lubricant droplets in an aqueous starch matrix. These additives avoid the need for toxic emulsifiers, surfactants, or short-chain hydrocarbon solvents for dispersing the lubricants. They impart lubricity to drilling fluids (muds) and also inhibit fluid loss in geological formations by enhancing the filtration control properties of the fluid.

Abstract: Polysaccharide-based shells are provided having use for forming water-dispersible microcapsular delivery systems for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other active agents. These shells are prepared by intimately blending a solubilized polysaccharide with a lipophilic material to produce spherical droplets of the lipophilic material coated with the polysaccharide, diluting the emulsion with a solvent, and isolating the polysaccharide shells from the diluted emulsion.

Abstract: Polysaccharide-based shells are provided having use for forming water-dispersible microcapsular delivery systems for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other active agents. These shells are prepared by intimately blending a solubilized polysaccharide with a lipophilic material to produce spherical droplets of the lipophilic material coated with the polysaccharide, diluting the emulsion with a solvent, and isolating the polysaccharide shells from the diluted emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the propagation of plants and plant tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method for propagating woody plant material comprising culturing the material in the presence of carbon dioxide in excess of about 1000 .mu.l/l and pulses of filtered light. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a propagation method comprising culturing the plant material in excess of about 7000 .mu.l/l of carbon dioxide and further exposing the plant material to pulses of filtered light.

Abstract: A stable and non-separable composition comprised of starch and a water-immiscible material can be prepared in the absence of external emulsifying or dispersing agents by thoroughly solubilizing an aqueous dispersion of the starch at elevated temperatures and incorporating the water-immiscible material into the non-retrograded starch under conditions of high turbulence. The resulting dispersions form soft gels that can be easily converted to pourable fluids by the application of heat. Upon drying, these dispersions yield solid compositions that are easily redispersed in water to form smooth, stable dispersions. These compositions are useful as thickening agents, suspending agents, waterproof coating materials, adhesives, fat substitutes, and seed coatings. They are receptive to the addition of a variety of other water-immiscible materials, such as volatile and essential oils, food flavorants, medicinals, waxes, agricultural chemicals, and the like.

Abstract: A stable and non-separable composition comprised of starch and oil can be prepared in the absence of external emulsifying or dispersing agents by thoroughly solubilizing an aqueous dispersion of the starch at elevated temperatures and incorporating the oil into the non-retrograded starch under conditions of high turbulence. The resulting dispersions form soft gels that can be easily converted to pourable fluids by the application of heat. Upon drying, these dispersions yield solid compositions that are easily redispersed in water to form smooth, stable dispersions that are nongreasy, yet slippery to the touch. These compositions are useful as thickening agents, suspending agents, fat substitutes, and seed coatings. They are receptive to the addition of a variety of water-immiscible materials, such as volatile and essential oils, food flavorants, medicinals, agricultural chemicals, and the like.