Abstract: A tire sidewall may be formed from a composition including a rubber component and a non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gel for separating and/or purifying a gas mixture comprising a metal cation, a porous support, a gelling agent and a solvent. Associated devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers and a method of preparing the same. Particularly, entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers are prepared by adding epichlorohydrin to ?-cyclodextrin to prepare a polymer in a gel state, entrapping the polymer by entrapment of metal ions on the surface of the polymer and pulverizing the entrapped polymer to prepare powders. According to the entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers, steroid hormones contained in a biological sample can be simply extracted without using an additional device required in conventional solid-phase extraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides wood derivatives and composite materials prepared by first solvating a lignocellulosic material using an ionic liquid. The solvated lignocellulosic material can be derivatized to incorporate functional groups, particularly groups that facilitate later combination with polymer materials, including non-polymer polymers. The polymeric materials can be combined with the derivatized lignocellulosic material in solution, or the derivatized lignocellulosic material can be isolated and later combined with the polymeric material in a melt. The invention encompasses a variety of wood derivatives, composites, and nanocomposites useful for preparing multiple types of products, including membranes, fibers, and formed parts.

Abstract: A method for producing biodegradable plastic from natural materials containing polysaccharides by treating the polysaccharide-containing materials with a basic aqueous solution, subsequently treating the mixture with a modifying material that converts pendant hydroxyl groups at any carbon atom of the anhydroglucose units of the saccharide to create polysaccharide carboxylate, and then reacting the product with proteins to produce a biodegradable copolymer with electrostatic chemical bonds between protein and polysaccharide carboxylate molecules. The process provides relatively inexpensive methods for preparing biodegradable plastics that are useful for manufacturing various articles.

Abstract: Starch esters are made by: reacting a starch with an esterifying agent in the presence of a catalyst in a solvent for the starch ester, the esterifying agent including a mixture of at least two esterifying agents; or pre-treating a starch in a bath being free of an esterifying agent, and reacting the pre-treated starch with an esterifying agent in the presence of a catalyst. Articles are made by blending cellulose ester and starch ester, may be cross-linked, and may include internal plasticizers.

Abstract: Copolymers are manufactured to include a zwitterionic monomer (e.g., methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine monomer), a dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer, and optionally one or more additional monomers. The dihydroxyphenyl derivatized monomer gives the copolymers excellent adhesion properties. Optional monomers include a cationic amino monomer, a hydrocarbon monomer, and/or a hydrophilic monomer. The copolymers are biocompatible and can be used with medical devices.

Abstract: A cellulose ester film has a front retardation Re of from 20 nm to 100 nm relative to light having a wavelength of 590 nm at 25° C. and 60% RH; a retardation Rth in a film thickness direction of from 60 nm to 400 nm relative to light having a wavelength of 590 nm at 25° C. and 60% RH; and a shrinkage factor in a slow axis direction of less than 1% in the range of from a glass transition temperature to a temperature of 40° C. higher than a glass transition temperature.

Abstract: The development described provides methods of producing functionalized cellulose in a one-step acid treatment process and of using the cellulose so derived to make composite polymer materials. The composite materials may include mixtures of the acid treated cellulose, functionalized cellulose polymers, including but not limited to cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose propionate, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose, biobased and/or biodegradable polymers, impact modifying agents, and other components such as nucleating agents and pigments. The composite materials formed possess thermomechanical properties that differ from those of similar polymer composites made using prior art. In particular, the composite and nanocomposite materials are characterized by increased heat distortion temperatures and improved impact strengths.

Abstract: A method of preparing a supramolecular complex containing at least one therapeutic agent and a multi-dimensional polymer network is described. A supramolecular complex prepared by a method of the invention is described. A method of treatment by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a supramolecular complex of the invention is also described. Such a supramolecular complex may be used as a delivery vehicle for various therapeutic agents.

Abstract: New crosslinked polysaccharides useful as absorbents or superabsorbents alone or in a mixture are obtained by reacting polysaccharides (preferably containing carboxylates groups) with at least one crosslinker selected in the group constituted by activated polyethylene glycols such as for example halogenated (Cl, Br, I), mesylated, tosylated, or triflated activated polyethylene glycols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of a haemocompatible polymer, consisting of a polyurethane bound covalently to sulphated hyaluronic acid. These sulfated derivatives have anticoagulative, non-thrombogenic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. They also have the ability to inhibit platelet adhesion, aggregation and activation. The invention is particularly advantageous in resisting the enzyme hyaluronidase, therefore ensuring anti-coagulant activities for longer periods of time when compared to similar compounds. This biocompatible polymer material is well suited for surgical or other medicinal uses.

Abstract: An adhesion preventive material including a cross-linking polysaccharide derivative containing at least one active ester group introduced in a polysaccharide side chain, which is capable of reacting with an active hydrogen-containing group, and being capable of forming a crosslinked material due to covalent binding among the active ester group and an active hydrogen-containing group upon contact with water under an alkaline condition, is disclosed. The adhesion preventive material is able to reduce preparation works to be carried out while previously estimating the time of application and dose not require a special device.

Abstract: Sulfonated graft copolymer obtained by radical graft copolymerization of one or more synthetic monomers in the presence of hydroxyl-containing naturally derived materials. The graft copolymer includes 0.1 to 100 wt %, based on weight of the total synthetic monomers, of at least one monoethylenically unsaturated monomer having a sulfonic acid group, monoethylenically unsaturated sulfuric acid ester or salt thereof, with the monomer and hydroxyl-containing naturally derived materials present in a weight ratio of 5:95 to 95:5.

Abstract: A method of depolymerizing galactomannan-type polysaccharide polymers and xanthan, preferably galactomannans, to a pre-selected lower molecular weight by irradiation with high energy electron beams. The preferred galactomannans for treatment according to this method are guar gum, guar splits and hydroxypropyl guar. In a preferred embodiment the guar gum is depolymerized preferably to a molecular weight of about 150,000 Daltons to about 200,000 Daltons. The depolymerized guar has a polydispersity of less than about 3.0 and is useful in oil well fracturing to enhance oil production.

Abstract: A method for the production of a cross-linked support matrix that in form of a bed will permit liquid flow velocities above 5 cm/h, preferably above 50 cm/h, to pass through the bed. The method is characterized in that it comprises the steps: (a) providing a starting support matrix that has pendent unsaturated groups, and (b) subjecting said starting support matrix to electron beam or gamma-ray irradiation. The use of a cross-linked support matrix produced by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starting support matrix that has pendent unsaturated groups, and (b) subjecting said starting support matrix to electron beam or gamma-ray irradiation as a support matrix in liquid chromatography, cell culturing, step-wise solid phase synthesis of organic compounds, running catalytic reactions by the use of a solid phase bound catalyst.

Abstract: A bio-liquid crystal polymer is made from a tissue-derived compound or the derivatives. The bio-liquid crystal polymer has a characteristic of liquid crystal under predetermined conditions and is biocompatible.

Abstract: Amphiphilic biocompatible cyclodextrin grafted polymers comprising a hydrophobically modified cyclodextrin moiety, a linear linker and a biocompatible hydrophilic polymer backbone, wherein said cyclodextrin moiety is grafted to said biocompatible hydrophilic polymer backbone by said linker are disclosed. The cyclodextrin-grafted biocompatible polymers of this invention may be used as bioactive agent carriers. Methods of making and using such cyclodextrin-grafted biocompatible polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic laundry or dishwashing product in unit dose form comprising at least three distinct zones for delivering into at least three different stages in the washing cycle. The product provides improved cleaning, care and finishing benefits.

Abstract: Methods for forming structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates are provided. Additionally, structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates are provided. The structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates may be formed by contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and a carbohydrate reactant. The enzyme may catalyze the formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon or carbohydrate reactant and alcohol functional groups of the carbohydrate or organosilicon reactant. The enzyme may catalyze the formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon or carbohydrate reactant and amine functional groups of the carbohydrate or organosilicon reactant.

Abstract: Novel conjugates of glycosaminoglycans, particularly heparin and dermatan sulfate, and amine containing species and therapeutic uses thereof are described. In particular, mild methods of conjugating heparins to proteins, such as antithrombin III and heparin cofactor II, which provide covalent conjugates which retain maximal biological activity are described. Uses of these conjugates to prevent thrombogenesis, in particular in lung airways, such as found in infant and adult respiratory distress syndrome, and on surfaces in contact with blood are also described.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: A first fiber treatment comprising a functional protein prepared by treating proteins such as collagen with a cross-linking agent and a solvent-base resin; a second one comprising the above functional protein and a water-base resin; a third one comprising a water-soluble organic substance having an average molecular weight of 100 to 20000 and a reactive modifier; a fourth one comprising the above functional protein and a reactive modifier; and products such as fibers and textile goods treated with one of the treatments.

Abstract: This invention provides novel methods for the formation of biocompatible membranes around biological materials using photopolymerization of water soluble molecules. The membranes can be used as a covering to encapsulate biological materials or biomedical devices, as a “glue” to cause more than one biological substance to adhere together, or as carriers for biologically active species. Several methods for forming these membranes are provided. Each of these methods utilizes a polymerization system containing water-soluble macromers, species, which are at once polymers and macromolecules capable of further polymerization. The macromers are polymerized using a photoinitiator (such as a dye), optionally a cocatalyst, optionally an accelerator, and radiation in the form of visible or long wavelength UV light. The reaction occurs either by suspension polymerization or by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: A solution for forming a graft substrate containing a graft initiator, a catalyst for activating the graft initiator, a polymerizable silicon softener, and at least one additional prepolymer, each of the softener and the prepolymer which includes a functional group for reaction with an activated site on the substrate for grafting thereto and water. The treated fiber exhibits excellent crockfastness, color fastness, and abrasion resistance, strength, and has a soft hand.

Abstract: Disclosed are modified naturally occurring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin made by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical properties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: A polymer dispersion is prepared by copolymerization of from 20 to 70 parts by weight of a monomer mixture comprising a) from 2.5 to 100% by weight of one or more (meth)acrylates of monohydric, saturated C3-C8-alcohols as monomers A and b) from 0 to 97.5% by weight of one or more further ethylenically unsaturated monomers as monomers B in 100 parts by weight of an aqueous solution which contains from 5 to 35% by weight of a starch or of a starch derivative by emulsion polymerization in the presence of an initiator containing peroxide groups, by a process in which the initiator and monomers are metered in continuously and wherein, a first amount of initiator is metered in over a first feed period of from 5 to 60 minutes and a second amount of initiator is metered in over a second feed period of from 15 to 180 minutes, the first amount of initiator being greater than the second amount of initiator.

Abstract: The production of a precursor material suitable for the production of mechanical objects (FIGS. 10, 11, 12) by a forming process is shown. Natural, relatively hard, solid vegetable material, such as waste shell husks are introduced; these consisting predominantly of cellulose. Starch, derived from an agricultural source, is combined with the solid vegetable material and then mixed together with a binding agent, including lipids. After thorough mixing, the resulting mixture is dried and the milling operation is then performed upon the dried mixture to produce precursor powder.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate characterized by having in the molecule a unit represented by Chemical Formula (1): wherein n may assume any one integral value within the range of from 1 to 8. Also disclosed are a process for producing the polyhydroxyalkanoate by the use of a microorganism having the ability to produce the polyhydroxyalkanoate and accumulate it in the bacterial body; a charge control agent, a toner binder and a toner which contain this polyhydroxyalkanoate; and an image-forming method and an image-forming apparatus which make use of the toner.

Abstract: Methods of making and using a superabsorbent starch graft copolymer involve producing starch graft copolymers having particle sizes useful in granule applicators for application to agricultural fields. Starch graft copolymers applied to field crops provide excellent anti-crusting properties, increased seed germination and stand, increased crop growth, increased yields, and reduced water requirements.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing an acidic superabsorbent polysaccharide derivative, comprising the steps of: (a) crosslinking at least one polysaccharide containing acidic groups, such as carboxymethyl cellulose and/or 6-carboxy starch, with a crosslinking agent to produce a gel; (b) if necessary, adjusting the pH of the polysaccharide to a value between 3.5 and 5.5; (c) comminuting the acidified polysaccharide gel; and (d) drying the comminuted polysaccharide at elevated temperature. The superabsorbent polysaccharide obtainable by this process has a pH below 5 and provides odour control when contacted with malodorous fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyethylene glycol derivative having sugar residue-containing side chains and carboxyl group-containing side chains, and a method of preparing the same. The present invention also provides a carrier for drug delivery systems and a carrier for gene transfer, both comprising the polyethylene glycol derivative.

Abstract: Methods for forming structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates are provided. Additionally, structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates are provided. The structurally defined organosilicon carbohydrates may be formed by contacting a hydrolase enzyme with an organosilicon reactant and a carbohydrate reactant. The enzyme may catalyze the formation of an ester bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon or carbohydrate reactant and alcohol functional groups of the carbohydrate or organosilicon reactant. The enzyme may catalyze the formation of an amide bond between carboxylic acid, ester, or amide functional groups of the organosilicon or carbohydrate reactant and amine functional groups of the carbohydrate or organosilicon reactant.

Abstract: Methods of making and using starch graft copolymers produce particle sizes useful in granule applicators for applying to agricultural fields. Starch graft copolymers on field crops provide excellent anti-crusting properties, increased seed germination and stand, increased crop growth, increased crop yields and reduced water requirements.

Abstract: A composition includes at least one hydrophilic polymer containing primary (—NH2) and/or secondary (—NHR) amine groups and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A method of increasing the strength of paper includes the step of contacting the paper with a composition comprising (i) at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function. A hydrogel composition is formed from a mixture of at least one hydrophilic polymer containing at least two groups which are independently the same or different a primary amine group or a secondary amine group and at least one saccharide containing a reducible function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water swellable, water insoluble superabsorbent materials having controlled variable gel-bed friction angles. Controlling the gel-bed friction angle of the superabsorbent materials may allow control of the swelling of the material, the absorbency of the material, and/or the absorbency, resiliency, and porosity of the absorbent composite containing the superabsorbent material. The present invention relates to treatments for superabsorbent materials to manipulate friction angle and new superabsorbent materials having the desired friction angle characteristics. The present invention also relates to absorbent composites employing superabsorbent materials having the desired friction angle characteristics.

Abstract: PHA containing a novel 3-hydroxy-thioalkanoic acid unit having a highly reactive thienyl group in a side chain thereof, and a method of producing the same are provided. Specifically, 5-(2-thienyl-sulfanyl)valeric acid represented by Chemical Formula [4] below and 6-(2-thienylsulfanyl)hexanoic acid represented by Chemical Formula [5] below are provided. Further, a method of producing PHA, comprising the step of collecting PHA from cells of a microorganism cultured in a medium containing the valeric acid or hexanoic acid, and a novel PHA represented by Chemical Formula [1] below are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a biodegradable, water absorbable resin, by directly cross-linking of a culture broth with a cross-linker. The cross-linker contains two or more functional groups in the same molecule which can react with the functional groups in the culture broth. The present invention further relates to a biodegradable, water absorbable resin and its uses.

Abstract: Water-compatible branched or unbranched epoxy compounds comprise a backbone having covalently attached two or more epoxy moieties and one or more of the same or different sulfonate or thiosulfate moieties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for preparing copolymers of cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s), characterized by the following operations: (a) preparing a solid state mixture of cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) and/or inclusion complex(es) of cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) and a poly(carboxylic) acid and/or a poly(carboxylic) acid anhydride or a mixture of poly(carboxylic) acid(s) and/or poly(carboxylic) acid anhydride(s), and optionally, a catalyst; and (b) heating the solid mixture to a temperature in the range 100° C. to 200° C. for a period in the range 1 min to 60 min, preferably 30 min or substantially 30 min. The present invention also concerns soluble and insoluble compounds of cyclodextrin(s) and/or cyclodextrin derivative(s) or their inclusion complexes with at least one poly(carboxylic) acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying naturally occuring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical propserties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: Chemically-modified surfaces on unoxidized carbon, silicon, and germanium substrates are disclosed. Ultraviolet radiation mediates the reaction of protected &ohgr;-modified, &agr;-unsaturated aminoalkenes (preferred) with hydrogen-terminated carbon, silicon, or germanium surfaces. Removal of the protecting group yields an aminoalkane-modified silicon surface These amino groups can be coupled to terminal-modified oligonucleotides using a bifunctional crosslinker, thereby permitting the preparation of modified surfaces and arrays. Methods for controlling the surface density of molecules attached to the substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are hyaluronate-containing hydrogels having angiogenic and vascularizing activity and pre-gel blends for preparing the hydrogels. The hydrogels contain a cross-linked matrix of a non-angiogenic hyaluronate and a derivatized polysaccharide material, in which cross-linking is effected by free-radical polymerization. Kits for preparing the hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of modulation of synthesis capacity on and cleavage properties of synthetic oligomers from solid support is described. The method utilizes linker molecules attached to a solid surface and co-coupling agents that have similar reactivities to the coupling compounds with the surface functional groups. The preferred linker molecules provide an increased density of polymers and more resistance to cleavage from the support surface. The method is particularly useful for synthesis of oligonucleotides, oligonucleotides microarrays, peptides, and peptide microarrays. The stable linkers are also coupled to anchor molecules for synthesis of DNA oligonucleotides using on support purification, eliminating time-consuming chromatography and metal cation presence. Oligonucleotides thus obtained can be directly used for mass analysis, DNA amplification and ligation, hybridization, and many other applications.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a method for producing water-insoluble polysaccharides. A method for making the water-insoluble bio-compatible gel includes activating the hydroxyl-containing polysaccharides with the activating agent to form activated polysaccharides, and cross-linking the activated polysaccharides, under moderate conditions producing different shapes of the water-insoluble bio-compatible gel. The water-insoluble bio-compatible gels, films, porosities, powders, sheets, fibers and spheres of this invention may be applied to various medical and cosmetic uses.

Abstract: Cellulosic polymers, copolymers and grafts, are disclosed that adhere to fibers and surfaces during an aqueous treatment process. The cellulosic polymers having grafts and/or co-blocks are prepared using living-type free radical polymerization techniques, which provides control over the degree of substitution and graft/co-block composition and structure. These cellulosic polymers allow for the modification of fibers and surfaces to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an aliphatic polyester, utilizing starch as a raw material. The invention produces an aliphatic polyester by the steps of hydrolyzing starch to obtain glucose, oxidizing the glucose to obtain gluconolactone or gluconic acid, reducing the gluconolactone or the gluconic acid to obtain caproic acid, chlorinating the caproic acid to obtain 6-chlorocaproic acid, cyclizing the 6-chlorocaproic acid to obtain &egr;-caprolactone, and executing ring-opening polymerization of the &egr;-caprolactone.

Abstract: In a process for the metal-catalyzed preparation of copolymers of carbon monoxide and an olefinically unsaturated compound having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms in an aqueous medium, the copolymerization is carried out in the presence of a water-soluble macromolecular host compound which has a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic shell.