Abstract: Chitosan support material is crosslinked using a heat-induced, amidification reaction in non-aqueous solvent. Crosslinking is achieved by the use of dicarboxylic acids which form amide bonds with chitosan. The type and degree of crosslinking can be controlled to tailor mechanical strength, solubility, and functionality, of the resulting chitosan support material. Quaternization and/or cyclodextrin-modification functionalization of the chitosan beads can also be effected in addition to the crosslinking to produce separation materials with great versatility and utility. The invention is applicable to chitosan support materials of various solids contents and geometrical shapes such as beads, fibers, films, and adhesive coatings.

Abstract: Method for magnetizing crosslinked chitosan support material involving the treatment of carboxyl group-containing, crosslinked chitosan gels with solutions of ferrous chloride followed by treatment with dilute aqueous alkali and then oxidation with molecular oxygen gas to produce highly-enriched magnetized chitosan particles, beads, films and/or coatings.

Abstract: A process for chemically modifying substantially pure xylose-rich oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in homogenous phase solution. The process may be advantageously utilized to produce biodegradable, thermoplastic, melt flowable, low shear resistant and low viscosity xylan derivatives.