Abstract: A method of producing a low-lactose milk protein concentrate comprising the steps of providing a starting liquid milk protein concentrate, pre-treating the milk protein concentration by ultra-sonication, and treating the pre-treated milk protein concentration by diafiltration to provide a calcium depleted low-lactose milk protein concentrate. The process of the invention provides a milk protein concentrate with high levels of protein, less than 1% lactose, and a calcium level that is depleted by at least 20% compared with an untreated milk protein concentrate.

Abstract: A method of producing a low-lactose milk protein concentrate comprising the steps of providing a starting liquid milk protein concentrate, pre-treating the milk protein concentration by ultra-sonication, and treating the pre-treated milk protein concentration by diafiltration to provide a calcium depleted low-lactose milk protein concentrate. The process of the invention provides a milk protein concentrate with high levels of protein, less than 1% lactose, and a calcium level that is depleted by at least 20% compared with an untreated milk protein concentrate.

Abstract: A process for producing a bio-based surfactant comprising an alkyl disulphate salt comprises the steps of methanolysis of medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (mcl-PHA) to provide hydroxy fatty acid methyl ester monomers (HFAME's), reduction of the HFAME's to provide 1,3 alkyl diols, sulphation of the 1,3 alkyl diols to provide 1,3 alkyl disulphates, and neutralisation of the alkyl disulphates to provide a bio-based surfactant comprising 1,3 alkyl disulphate salt. A bio-based surfactant comprising a mixture of medium chain length 1,3 alkyl disulphate salts is also described.

Abstract: An adhesive formulation such as a hot melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive is provided comprising 5 to 98% (by weight) biodegradable substantially non-crystalline mcl-PHA. The mcl-PHA may be cured with a peroxide curing agent. The adhesive formulation may include an additional biodegradable polymer, or a non-biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer. Hot melt adhesives comprising significant amounts of biodegradable mcl-PHA, waxes, and tackifiers are also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing pure lactic acid from a whey by-product rich in lactose and minerals, for example delactosed why permeate or concentrated whey permeate, is described. The method comprises upstream steps of neutralising the whey by-product with a basic metal hydroxide to form a precipitate comprising calcium and phosphate, and separating the precipitate from the whey by-product to provide a clarified whey by-product. The clarified whey by-product is fermentated by a bacterium capable of bioconversion of lactose to lactic acid to provide a fermentation broth containing a lactic acid salt. In the downstream steps, the fermentation broth is acidified to release lactic acid from the lactic acid salt, precipitate from the broth produced by acidification is removed, and the acidified fermentation broth is treated to recover pure lactic acid by removal of residual salts, and water, and optionally protein.

Abstract: An adhesive formulation such as a hot melt adhesive or a pressure sensitive adhesive is provided comprising 5 to 98% (by weight) biodegradable substantially non-crystalline mcl-PHA. The mcl-PHA may be cured with a peroxide curing agent. The adhesive formulation may include an additional biodegradable polymer, or a non-biodegradable thermoplastic elastomer. Hot melt adhesives comprising significant amounts of biodegradable mcl-PHA, waxes, and tackifiers are also provided.

Abstract: A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) membrane having a highly porous, reticulated, 3-D structure suitable for lateral flow diagnostic applications is described. Also described is a method for producing a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) membrane that comprises the steps of mixing a suitable amount of PMMA, a solvent and a optionally one of either a co-solvent or a non-solvent to produce a solution, casting a thin film of the solution onto a support, and removal of the solvent from the solution to produce the PMMA membrane. A lateral flow diagnostic device comprising a highly porous PMMA membrane as a reaction membrane is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor assembly embeddable within an oral appliance comprising a sensing means; and a data processing means coupled to the sensing means for processing data obtained by the sensing means; wherein the sensing means and the data processing means are sealed within a deformable layer.

Abstract: Provided herein are electrospun or electroblown non-woven fiber membranes, methods of making such membranes and lateral flow diagnostic devices comprising such membranes.

Abstract: A process for producing pure lactic acid from a whey by-product rich in lactose and minerals, for example delactosed why permeate or concentrated whey permeate, is described. The method comprises upstream steps of neutralising the whey by-product with a basic metal hydroxide to form a precipitate comprising calcium and phosphate, and separating the precipitate from the whey by-product to provide a clarified whey by-product. The clarified whey by-product is fermentated by a bacterium capable of bioconversion of lactose to lactic acid to provide a fermentation broth containing a lactic acid salt. In the downstream steps, the fermentation broth is acidified to release lactic acid from the lactic acid salt, precipitate from the broth produced by acidification is removed, and the acidified fermentation broth is treated to recover pure lactic acid by removal of residual salts, and water, and optionally protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor assembly embeddable within an oral appliance comprising a sensing means; and a data processing means coupled to the sensing means for processing data obtained by the sensing means; wherein the sensing means and the data processing means are sealed within a deformable layer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of modified nanoclay in one case comprises the steps of providing an organoclay, dispersing the organoclay in a solvent or mixture of solvents and/or surfactant, providing nariotubes or nanowires, dispersing the nanotubes or nanowires in a solvent or mixture of solvents and/or surfactant, and mixing the organoclay suspension with the nanotube and/or nanowire suspension. The organoclays modified with nanowires or nanotubes provide nanoadditives, which have enhanced thermal stability and electrical conductivity properties. The nanoadditive may include an inherently conducting polymer such as polyaniline. Also provided are polymer composites including the nanoadditive.