Abstract: The polysaccharide araban is extracted from sugar beet by a novel modification of the known alkaline extraction process in which, after neutralization of the alkaline liquor, the liquor is ultrafiltered and the retentate is dried to obtain dry araban. Araban, obtained by the above process or otherwise, is incubated with .alpha.-L-arabinofuranosidase to cleave most or all of the branches from the araban. The debranched araban forms an aqueous gel which has the properties of a fat mimetic and may be used as a fat substitute in foods. Isolated debranched araban derived from crude sugar beet araban is a novel substance. Araban itself may be used in the novel applications of emulsification and encapsulation of oils, for example flavor oils.

Abstract: Process for enhancing the natural bile acid binding capacity of edible pulp material by either heating an aqueous slurry of the pulp material to at least 40.degree. C. and/or sequentially reacting pulp with a first reactant, such as sodium hydroxide, for activating the pendant hydroxyl groups on the polysaccharide components of the pulp material, a second reactant, such as chloroacetic acid, for carboxylating the activated pendant groups on the polysaccharides, and a third reactant, such as calcium hydroxide, for providing calcium ions which can ionically bond to the carboxylated pendant groups.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material and method for the stimulation of the production of cytokines. Several polysaccharides, including polymers of different size of .sym.1-4 linked D-mannuronic acid (poly-M and M-blocks), chitosan and cellulose oxidized in C-6 position C60XY) induce human monocytes to produce the cytokines. Preferably, the molecular weights of poly-M and chitosan are above 50,000 and 20,000 respectively. Pretreatment of the monocytes with IFN-.gamma. increases the cytokine production from monocytes stimulated with all polysaccharides tested. The subject polysaccharides worked in vivo and in vitro.The present invention has therapeutic utility as vaccine adjuvants and components. Therapeutic compositions comprising biologically active quantities of the compositions of the present invention may be employed to potentiate antibody production in response to vaccine antigens. Anti-tumor, anti-bacteriological, anti-fungal and anti-viral effects may be expected.

Abstract: A method for the production of a plant gum product which comprises the steps of culturing gum-secreting plant cells in tissue culture in the presence of a culture medium; and recovering the gum product secreted by the cells from the culture medium. The gum product may be used in a food product, for example, as an emulsifying or stabilizing agent.

Abstract: A conjugate formed by the covalent bonding of a prostaglandin or a similar compound thereto and a polysaccharide. The prostaglandin is selected from prostaglandin E1, prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2.alpha., prostaglandin I2, carbacycline and iloprost and the polysaccharide is selected from pluran, amylose, amylopectin, cellulose, dextran and hydroxyethylated starch.

Abstract: Plant wall-rich products originating, for example, from higher plants naturally rich in pectins, algae, or from by-products, such as wheat bran, potato pulp, shells or oil works residues, and the like, are modified to contain a fraction of water-soluble polysaccharides which is higher than, in particular equal to at least twice that existing naturally, without modification of their overall chemical composition. To obtain them, water is added, if necessary to the natural product in the divided state, to form a mixture capable of undergoing a shearing treatment, and the resulting product is subjected to a shearing force before extrusion, resulting in modified products as aggregates which can be converted into powder. By means of aqueous extraction, performed directly on the extruded product, a water-soluble fraction is obtained, from which there are isolated, for example, pectins, with a degree of methylation .gtoreq.

Abstract: Beet pulp is reduced to small particle size and hydrolyzed in HCl at a low temperature for a long time and then peptized in hot water at 60.degree.-70.degree. C. for about one hour to produce an aqueous pulp slurry that is screened to recover the liquid which is filtered and mixed with aluminum chloride to lower the pH about 0.1 pH unit to the range of 1.8-2.25 pH. Ammonium hydroxide is then added to raise the pH to about 4.0-4.5 to form an aluminum pectinate precipitate, which is washed with an acidified alcoholic liquid to produce high-to-medium methoxyl pectin which is separated and dried to a stable powder. Waste streams are converted to animal feed or are recovered and recycled.

Abstract: Organophilic polymer adducts which are effective fluid loss control additives for oil base well-working fluids are prepared from an anionic or cationic water soluble polymer and one or more phosphatides. Preferred phosphatides are phosphoglycerides obtained from vegetable oils, most preferably commercial lecithin. Preferred polymers comprise polysaccharides or derivatives thereof and synthetic polymers.

Abstract: Sugar beet pectins are provided, which are characterized by unique properties which render them particularly useful in the preparation of food or drug comestibles. By incorporating the sugar beet pectins into food or drug products, improved properties, including physicochemical, rheological and nutritional properties are obtained.

Abstract: Purified agarose is recovered from agar or impure agarose by dissolving the agar or agarose in a lower alkylene glycol at elevated temperature, cooling the agar- or agarose-containing glycol solution to induce precipitation of a purified agarose product, and recovering the precipitated agarose product.

Abstract: Method of crosslinking carboxyl-containing polysaccharides in that the polysaccharide is at first activated with a bi- or polyfunctional reagent, and then after removal of any potential excess of activating reagent the crosslinking is performed during drying. The invention also comprises a material produced according to this method.

Abstract: Partially esterified oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (PEPs) of the formula [P--O--R).sub.x ].sub.n, where P is a polysaccharide having n=3-50 (preferably 3-10) C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 saccharide units, y is 0-4 (preferably 1 or 2), R is H or a C.sub.3 -C.sub.28 acyl group, and x is the degree of esterification ranging from 1-80 percent. The PEPs are used as indigestible fat substitutes (fat mimetics). They have non-caloric food values, with good organoleptic characteristics, are substantially resistant to intestinal absorption and do not appreciably hydrolyze in the digestive tract. Suitable polysaccharides are preferably selected from xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, aliginates, cellulose hydrolysis products, hydroxypropyl cellulose, starch hydrolysis products, casein, Karaya gum and pectin. C.sub.5 and C.sub.6 oligosaccharides of n=3-10 units are preferred. The polysaccharides are transesterified with fatty acid methyl esters to create PEPs of a degree of esterification determined for each polysaccharide.

Abstract: A composition for treating and preventing diarrhoea in humans and animals comprising a pectinaceous material and an amphophilic substance which is resistant to decomposition under the conditions prevailing in the stomach, and which contains a long-chained hydrophobic group. The use of the amphophilic substance significantly increases the curing and prophylactic effect of the pectinaceous material on diarrhoea.

Abstract: An absorbent material derived from a vegetable material containing pectin.

Abstract: A process for preparing pectin which comprises subjecting a plant tissue containing pectic substances to the action of a microorganism which belongs to the genus Bacillus and possesses an activity liberating pectin from a plant tissue but substantially does not possess an activity of decomposing pectin, or a culture broth or processed material thereof to liberate pectin from said plant tissue and recovering the pectin, which allows to obtain readily a pectin of high molecular weight in high yield.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antiseptic agent for food and drink, which comprises, as an effective ingredient, a pectin decomposition product having a molecular weight of 600 to 5000. This antiseptic agent is very effective for improving the preservability of food and drink. If at least one member selected from the group consisting of ethanol, glycine, sodium acetate, ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, glycerin fatty acid esters, sodium chloride and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salts is used in combination with this antiseptic agent, its antifungal activity can further be enhanced.

Abstract: This invention provides novel, highly absorbent pectin-containing vegetable materials, and a process for making these materials by incorporating into pectin-containing vegetable materials substituents which contain cation exchange groups. The present invention further provides absorbent structures containing these materials, as well as disposable absorbent procuts containing the materials or absorbent structures of the present invention.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical product is disclosed which contains at least a calcium salt or a calcium mixed salt of a natural or chemically modified polymeric, anionic carboxylic acid and/or an ester of sulfuric acid, and additive materials and/or an ester of sulfuric acid, and additive materials and/or carrier materials. There are further disclosed calcium salts, and methods of preparation thereof, comprised of polymannuronic acid, polygalacturonic acid, polyglucuronic acid, polyguluronic acid, the oxidation products of homoglycans, the oxidation products of heteroglycans, or their mixtures, for controlling the levels of phosphate, calcium and iron in patients with chronic uraemia and/or the control of the oxalate and/or phosphate of the blood in kidney stone prophylaxis.

Abstract: Beet pectin is crosslinked with an oxidizing system containing an oxidizing agent and an enzyme such as peroxidase that uses the oxidizing agent as a substrate. The crosslinked beet pectin is useful as a thickener or gelling agent in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: This is a method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber, such as ramie, flax, or hemp bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material and coloring gums therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is desirably washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber and remove water soluble material and other debris therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time of between 10 and 30 minutes to remove the pectin from the plant fiber. The acidic treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature in the range of between 60.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. and has a pH between about 2.0 and 3.5. Thereafter, the plant bast fiber with the pectin removed therefrom, is removed from the acidic treatment solution and a sufficient amount of NaOH is added thereto to increase the pH of the treatment solution to about 11.0.

Abstract: A method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber, such as ramie flax, or hemp bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber to remove water soluble material therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous, acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time between about 10 to 20 minutes to degum the plant fiber. The treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature in the range between about 60.degree. C. and 65.degree. C. and has a pH between about 2.0 and 3.5.

Abstract: What are disclosed are polysaccharide derivatives of the formula ##STR1## in which n denotes a number from 100 to 12,500 and R denotes hydrogen, a carboxyalkyl or hydroxyalkyl group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical or a detectable molecular group, any combination of the (3n+2) R radicals being possible, but at least one R being a carboxyalkyl or hydroxyalkyl group and at least one R being a detectable molecular group, and a process for their preparation and their use for the determination of endohydrolases, in indicator paper and for the detection of metabolites in biological liquids, are described.

Abstract: A method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber such as ramie bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber to remove water soluble material therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous, acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time up to about one hour to degum the plant fiber. The treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature and has a pH between about 2.0 and about 4.5.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the 2-hydroxyalkylation of a polysaccharide which comprises contacting a polysaccharide with an alkylene carbonate in the presence of a catalytic amount of a quaternary ammonium halide under conditions such that the polysaccharide undergoes hydroxyalkylation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention providing an improved method to treat a factory waste, and more particularly for the treatment of pectic waste fluids from orange canneries i.e. the acid- and alkaline wastes. The present invention also provides a process to recover pectic substance therefrom. The method contains the steps of (1) adjusting the pH either in the acidic waste or a mixture of acidic- and alkaline waste to a level over 7.0, allowing the waste or mixture to stand for a period sufficient to effect a substantial saponification of the pectic constituent, adding acid to the waste or mixture to bring its pH below 3, separating the pectic substance from the resultant, and treating the resultant supernatant or filtrate by a biological procedure using an active microorganism, or, alternatively, (2) adding acid to the alkaline waste to bring its pH below 3, separating the pectic substance from the resultant, and treating the resultant supernatant or filtrate by a biological procedure using an active microorganism.

Abstract: Method for the extraction of fruit and vegetable pressings and plant raw materials in a closed system. The extraction is effected by simultaneous mechanical and hydrodynamic effects on the materials, the fruit or plant mass being subjected to several extractions in two cyclically alternating modes of fountain-type and turbulent agitation with different intensities with bladed agitator tip speeds in an over-all range of 3 to 25 m/sec. The apparatus disclosed for practicing the method has a closed heat-insulated vessel with internal draining wall, a conical bottom, a cover having a ventilation opening, and an opening for the raw material, with a driving unit mounted on the cover with two driving speeds.

Abstract: Osmium carbohydrate complexes prepared by reacting osmium compounds and carbohydrates and their utilization as pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of heavy metal poisoning and arthritis in mammals. The osmium carbohydrate complexes may also be utilized in X-ray diagnostic procedures as contrast enhancing agents.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a derivative of a reducing sugar, said reducing sugar having molecular weights of from 120 to 2000, in that said derivative having at least one methylol group which branches the carbon structure of the reducing sugar in the .alpha.- and/or .alpha.'-position to the carbonyl group or cyclohemiacetal group of the reducing sugar.

Abstract: Derivatized agarose is produced by introducing into the disaccharide unit of the agarose polymer chain, at least one substituent having a molecular weight range greater than 100 to about 1,000,000. The derivatized agarose is useful as a sieving gel in electrophoresis and diffusive interactions.

Abstract: A medium for isoelectric focusing is produced which consists of or contains agarose into which positively charged substituents have been introduced to neutralize negatively charged groups inherently present in the agarose, said substituents containing as the only charged group a quaternary amino group with a positive charge independent of pH at least in the range 2-12. The medium may consist of a mixture of two or more agarose preparations with different degrees of substitution with regard to the introduced substituents. Unmodified agarose may also constitute one of the components of the medium.

Abstract: Controlled release pesticides are prepared by reacting an isocyanate derivative of a pesticide with a polymer having pendant groups containing a reactive hydrogen to obtain a novel pesticide-polymer system in which the pesticide is chemically bonded to the polymer. Active pesticidal material is released from the pesticide-polymer system by hydrolysis or chemical depolymerization under conditions of use.

Abstract: Pesticide polymers comprising a polymer with a macromolecular backbone and pendant groups having pesticidal groups chemically linked thereto are prepared by reacting a pesticide having a replaceable hydrogen with a multifunctional isocyanate to form a pesticide-isocyanate adduct and then reacting the adduct with the polymer substrate in a mutual solvent to form the pesticide polymers. The chemical linkages connecting the pesticide-adduct to the pendant groups are cleaved under environmental conditions of use to controllably release an effective amount of the active pesticide.

Abstract: A method for preparing a gelled biological growth medium in a culture growth container which comprises combining a liquid growth medium including low methoxyl pectin and a multivalent metal cation material in the culture growth container. Preferably, the cation material is located on a support material, such as a filter pad or paper, and the liquid growth medium including the low methoxyl pectin material is poured over the support material while in the culture growth container.

Abstract: A novel pectin esterase which randomly hydrolyzes the methyl ester bond of pectin can be obtained by cultivating, on a medium, a mold strain belonging to Genus Aspergillus, Genus Penicillium, Genus Fusarium or Genus Sclerotinia and having an ability to produce said novel pectin esterase. A demethoxylated pectin having a uniform methoxyl group content can be obtained by adding said novel pectin esterase to pectin. The demethoxylated pectin thus obtained can be utilized as gelling agent, emulsifier or thickener for food processing.

Abstract: Dry granular silicon acid, an organic polyol and a silicon tetrahalide are mixed simultaneously to produce an organic halosilicon acid resinous product.

Abstract: A polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol containing a mixture of nitrite ester groups with sulfate or nitrate ester groups with the mixture of ester groups being substantially uniformly distributed among the polymer units of the polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol.A nitrite ester of a polysaccharide alcohol having a degree of substitution of less than about 2.0. A nitrite ester of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of substitution of 1.0 or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to vasodilating derivatives of vincamine and apovincamine having the general formula ##STR1## wherein X represents either the radical of an organic acid or a compound forming an adduct with vincamine and apovincamine. These derivatives, apart from the therapeutical action possessed by the vincamine and apovincamine respectively, are also endowed with an extended effect. The invention relates too to the method for the preparation of the above derivatives and to the pharmaceutical compositions containing these derivatives as the active ingredient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a bonded particulate article by admixing particulate material with a binder system, the binder system being formed by admixing a polyol selected from the group comprising a saccharide, a saccharide polymer, and a glyco protein with glyoxal, with a solvent, and with an alkali halide; forming the admixture in a heated mold; removing the bonded article from the mold; and allowing it to cool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a resin-like material suitable for formed articles by cross-linking a saccharide-containing substance with glyoxal in water by controlling, by accelerating or retarding, the rate of the crosslinking reaction by the use of an alkali halide by dissolving or dispersing the alkali halide, saccharide-containing substance and glyoxal in water, causing the mixture to react by the application of heat, and removing moisture from the reacted mixture.

Abstract: Novel pectin derivatives having important and useful gel properties are made by direct amidation with high levels of ammonia at low temperatures.The desirable pectin derivatives have not more than 39% carboxyl groups and at least 27% amide groups. The most desirable pectin derivatives have from 56 to 70% acid plus amide groups, based on the total level of anhydrogalacturonic acid units as 100%, and the preferred amide level is between 30 and 35%. The pectins form 20 to 40% soluble solids gels that are improved in texture and less prone to syneresis over the gel pH range 3 to 4 with a wide range of added calcium ion when compared to gels made with currently known pectins.

Abstract: A six-carbon uronate (e.g. galacturonate or glucuronate) moiety is capable of complexing up to about 3 gram atoms of iron to provide a hematinic compound with high iron content, high bioavailability of iron (up to about 100% of FeSO.sub.4), reduced side effects (e.g. little or no metallic taste), and excellent compatibility with foodstuffs, pharmaceutical extenders, etc.

Abstract: Preparation of partially substituted nitrate and sulfate esters of polysaccharides or polyvinylalcohol, their esters containing a mixture of nitrite with sulfate or nitrate groups, aqueous media thickened with such esters, the simultaneous preparation of such esters and alkyl nitrites or such esters and inorganic nitrites or nitrates and resulting products, useful as thickeners, films, fibers and in many other applications.

Abstract: An improved smoking material is provided by the treatment of a film-forming carbohydrate material with ozone. In accordance with the present disclosure, a film-forming carbohydrate material, for example, polysaccharide is contacted, under controlled conditions, with gaseous ozone and is formed into a smoking product. During the ozone treatment, the carbohydrate material may be in particulate or other solid form or may be dissolved or dispersed in a suitable liquid medium, such as water. The ozone-treated film-forming carbohydrate material may be cast, by known methods, on a drying surface to form a solid film. The resulting film may then be cut or comminuted for use as a tobacco substitute or as a tobacco supplement in a smoking article. Such films may also be used as wrappers for smoking compositions.

Abstract: A novel affinity matrix material for trypsin and trypsin-like enzymes is disclosed. Methods employing this material to isolate and/or purify crude extracts containing trypsin and trypsin-like enzymes and to store the purified enzymes obtained are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the production of pectic substances having a methoxyl content of about 2 about 12% from pectic bearing substances comprising combining naturally occurring pectin bearing substances and a source of calcium ions at a pH range of about 3 to 8 to temporarily immobilize and fix said pectic substances and to cause the release of superfluous sugar and soluble solids containing liquors and juices from said pectin bearing substances while achieving a simultaneous and controlled, IN SITU, demethoxylation of said pectins; and subsequently extracting and separating said pectic substances by adding an oxalic acid containing solution and removing said calcium ions as insoluble calcium oxalate salts.

Abstract: An inorganic alkali halide is employed in a binder system to catalyze the reaction between glyoxal and polyhydroxyl compounds while permitting a controlled reaction rate and control of properties. The binder system has shown good utility as a foundry core binder.

Abstract: This invention relates to chemical conjugates of acid polysaccharides and biochemically active complex organic molecules and particularly to such conjugates which are capable of forming soluble sodium salts and insoluble calcium salts.

Abstract: Carboxymethylated derivatives of polysaccharide compounds such as starch are disclosed which have improved sequestering properties and are useful as water softeners as well as detergency builders in detergent compositions. The compounds are water-soluble and have from 0.5 to 3 hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups per monomeric six carbon glucose unit entirely or partially substituted with at least 2 neutralized or non-neutralized carboxyl groups.Built detergent compositions containing the water-soluble carboxymethylated derivatives of polysaccharide compounds with organic water soluble surfactants are also disclosed. The compositions exhibit improved sequestering power.

Abstract: A polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol containing a mixture of nitrite ester groups with sulfate or nitrate ester groups with the mixture of ester groups being substantially uniformly distributed among the polymer units of the polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol.A nitrite ester of a polysaccharide alcohol having a degree of substitution of less than about 2.0. A nitrite ester of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of substitution of 1.0 or less.