Abstract: A method for producing de-colored shellac by dissolving colored shellac in an aqueous solution comprising an alkaline agent; contacting the colored shellac in the aqueous solution with a sufficient amount of a chlorite salt to achieve de-coloration of the shellac; precipitating the de-colored shellac by neutralizing the aqueous solution with an acid; and recovering the precipitated de-colored shellac from said aqueous solution. The de-colored shellac produced is non-toxic and suitable for human use. Dental compositions comprising the de-colored shellac are disclosed, as well as uses of the de-colored shellac as a food product coating, a nail polish or varnish, and a wood varnish.

Abstract: A method for producing de-colored shellac by dissolving colored shellac in an aqueous solution comprising an alkaline agent; contacting the colored shellac in the aqueous solution with a sufficient amount of a chlorite salt to achieve de-coloration of the shellac; precipitating the de-colored shellac by neutralizing the aqueous solution with an acid; and recovering the precipitated de-colored shellac from said aqueous solution. The de-colored shellac produced is non-toxic and suitable for human use. Dental compositions comprising the de-colored shellac are disclosed, as well as uses of the de-colored shellac as a food product coating, a nail polish or varnish, and a wood varnish.

Abstract: Methods for microfabricating composite materials and composite materials prepared there from are described herein. The sacrificial material can be etched or patterned to create a two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional sacrificial material structure. The resulting sacrificial material structure can be embedded in one or more embedding materials. The sacrificial material(s) are materials whose solubility can be altered by application of a stimulus typically pH, and/or temperature, light, pH, pressure, presence of absence of ions, and combinations thereof. The embedding materials can contain one or more additives that modify one or more properties of the embedding materials, such as degradation properties, porosity, mechanical properties, viscosity, conductive properties, and combinations thereof. The composite materials can be used in tissue engineering, drug screening, toxin detection, drug delivery, filtrations, bioseparations, and as microfluidic devices for fluid mixing and structural repair.

Abstract: A process for the cyclopropanation of olefins with a metal porphyrin catalyst and an acceptor/acceptor substituted diazo reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable molded part, comprising: providing a binding agent which contains a lyzable biopolymer; forming a molded part from the binding agent, wherein the time stability of the molded part to biological lysis is set by at least one of the following measures: adding a pulverized inorganic solid matter in a proportion of 5% to 85% of the mass of the binding agent before forming the molded part; thawing at least one of the surfaces of the molded part using a chemical or biological method such that the surface has a structuring in the range between 1 nm and 10 ?m. The invention further relates to an accordingly produced molded part.

Abstract: A two-step method for introducing acrylic functions into high molecular weight natural resins, under mild conditions, without the risk of gellation, wherein an acrylated natural resin ester is prepared by esterifying one or more of the sterically hindered hydroxy groups of the natural resin ester in an inert solvent with a 3-halopropionic acid, to form a 3-halopropionate ester of the natural resin ester and dehydrohalogenated the 3-halopropionate ester by reacting it with an organic base.

Abstract: A stable bleached shellac and an improved method for making stable bleached shellac is provided which involves precipitating bleached stable shellac from a pre-shellac solution at a pH of from 5.0 to 6.8, preferably from 5.0 to 6.5, most preferably from 5.0 to 6.0. The stable particulate shellac and the stable shellac solution, have a longer shelf life than conventional shellac. The stable shellac solution is comprised of solubilized particulate shellac in a solvent, most preferably ethanol. The stable particulate shellac and the stable shellac solution have a pH of from 4 up to less than 5 or from 5.0 to 6.8, more preferably from 5.0 to 6.5, even more preferably from 5.0 to 6.3, most preferably from 5.0 to 6.0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber composite with a fibrous material for reinforcement and a matrix material consisting essentially of shellac. The invention also relates to a process for producing a fiber composite with the steps:dissolving the shellac in a solvent,impregnating the fibrous material,heating the impregnated fibrous material andcompressing the impregnated fibrous material and simultaneously curing the matrix material.The production process is alternatively characterized by the steps:dissolving the shellac in a solvent,obtaining a solid by removing the solvent,pulverizing the solid,working the pulverized solid into the fibrous material,heating the fibrous material mixed with the pulverized solid, in the process of which the solid softens and permeates the fibrous material, andcompressing the permeated fibrous material and simultaneously curing the matrix material.

Abstract: An improvement in enzyme linked immunoassays is disclosed wherein the enzyme is in the form of a water soluble polymer saccharide conjugate which is stable in hostile environments. The conjugate comprises the enzyme which is linked to the polymer at multiple points through saccharide linker groups.

Abstract: A method of forming the aqueous-based shellac dispersion includes dissolving a shellac solution in a basic aqueous solvent to form a shellac solution and subsequently combining the shellac solution with an acidic aqueous solution, whereby the shellac precipitates to form the aqueous-based shellac dispersion. A film can be formed by applying the shellac dispersion to a suitable surface and exposing the dispersion to conditions which cause a substantial portion of the shellac particles in the dispersion to fuse, thereby forming a shellac film on the surface. The shellac film does not include any organic solvent for the shellac or any amine-containing shellac salt. A plasticizer can be employed to form a continuous shellac coating on a substrate at significantly reduced temperatures.

Abstract: This invention is directed to water soluble protein polymer conjugates which are stabile in hostile environments. The conjugate comprises a protein which is linked to an acrylic polymer at multiple points through saccharide linker groups.

Abstract: A composition for plugging wells that is biodegradable and environmentally safe comprising bentonite particles coated with a water soluble coating of biodegradable natural resin, such as certified three pound Confectioners White Lac Glaze in Specially Denatured Ethyl Alcohol (SDA) Formula 35A, 190 proof. The bentonite may be in the form of chips or compressed pellets. When exposed to water, the soluble coating dissolves at a uniform rate, exposing the bentonite to water whereupon it expands to form a tough but flexible water impermeable seal of a semi-solid, gel-like mass.

Abstract: Novel graft copolymers of shellac and a polyalkyleneglycol monomethacrylate are prepared. These graft copolymers are useful in preparing water-based flexographic, i.e. packaging laminating inks, comprised of a pigment; the graft copolymer; a binder resin; an alkanol; an alkali, ammonia or an amine; and water.