Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of alkali salt of carboxyalkyl cellulose with good solubility in salt water which is useful for pertroleum drilling muds, which comprises (a) powdering high alpha cellulose obtained from fast growing plants or bamboo pulp, (b) preparing the alkali metal salt of cellulose by mixing the high alpha cellulose pulp obtained from fast growing plant or bamboo with an alkalinating agent in the presence of an inert organic solvent, (c) etherifying the prepared alkali cellulose to alkali metal salt of cellulose with an etherifying agent at a temperature in the range of 70.degree.-80.degree. C., (d) recovering the alkali metal salt of carboxyalkyl cellulose and (e) drying the resulting alkali metal salt of carboxalkyl cellulose.

Abstract: Water-soluble, high-viscosity grade cellulose ether compositions are useful for the reduction of serum lipid levels, particularly total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and/or attenuate the postprandial rise of blood glucose levels in animals. The pharmaceutical uses of compositions for reducing cholesterol levels additionally include the treatment of diabetes and/or hypercholesterolemia, with avoidance of many of the undesirable side effects associated with other forms of treatment. The composition may be in the form of a prehydrated ingestible composition, such as a gelatin, or a comestible, such as a cookie. In addition, the compositions of the present invention are palatable to the patient, thereby enhancing patient compliance with the regimen.

Abstract: A method for making an oxidized cellulose product from a cellulose material is disclosed. The method involves oxidizing a cellulose material into an oxidized cellulose product, comprising treating the cellulose material with a hypochlorite solution having an active chlorine content of between about 4 and about 6%, at a pH exceeding 9.5 and at a temperature, and for a time, effective to convert the cellulose material into the oxidized cell product; filtering the oxidized cellulose product; and washing the oxidized cell product with an antichlor agent such as sodium thiosulfate to remove chlorine and to raise the oxidized cellulose product to a neutral pH.The oxidized cellulose product may be used to form films, dispersions, gels, as carriers, for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cationic polysaccharide, preferably in fibrous form, having superabsorbent characteristics. The polysaccharides are substituted by quaternary ammonium groups, have a ds of at least 0.5, preferably 0.5 to 2.5 and are cross-linked to a sufficient extent that it remains insufficient in water. The polysaccharide is preferably cellulose. An increased number of functional groups in the product improves superabsorbent properties, whereas use of a cross-linking agent makes it possible to control the gel strength of the product and makes it easier to tailor the characteristics of the product to those which are required.

Abstract: A derivatized polysaccharide in which at least a portion of the active hydrogens originally present in the polysaccharide are substituted by monovalent aliphatic groups containing at least two carboxylic acid groups to an extent sufficient to provide a degree of substitution of at least about 0.1. The monovalent aliphatic groups contain from 4 to about 10 carbon atoms. The polysaccharide may be cellulose. At least a portion of the carboxylic acid groups present in the derivatized polysaccharide may be crosslinked permanently or reversibly. The monovalent aliphatic groups containing at least two carboxylic acid groups may be derived from 2,3-epoxysuccinic acid; 1,2-epoxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid; 2-(epoxyethyl)-succinic acid; or mixtures thereof. Also provided is a method of preparing a derivatized polysaccharide.

Abstract: A stable sulfide containing composition is disclosed, including a process for preparation thereof and a method for using the composition to soften nails or to treat ingrown toenail.

Abstract: A process for cross-linking a cellulose hydrate membrane by use of a water-soluble diepoxide in an alkaline solution. The membrane so produced is highly resistant to attack by alkalis, acids and cellulases, and is readily regenerable by alkaline cleaning.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of low molecular weight polysaccharide ethers which can be employed in binders for improving adhesive power and film-forming properties, by oxidative degradation of relatively high molecular weight polysaccharide ethers, which comprises initially introducing a relatively high molecular weight polysaccharide ether in suspension (e.g. in a slurry), adding a perborate or a mixture of perborate and perborate activator, and carrying out the oxidative degradation at a temperature of between 25.degree. and 90.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic, biodegradable polysaccharide ether esters, such as for example cellulose ether esters or starch ether esters, and to the production of such graft copolymers from polysaccharides, epoxides and dicarboxylic acid anhydrides and to the use thereof, for example as moldings, films or coatings.

Abstract: Drug delivery vehicles which reversibly increase in either loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon contact with the eye, skin, mucous membrane or body cavity are disclosed. The vehicles contain one or more nonionic substituted cellulose ethers and do not require a charged surfactant or a pH-sensitive polymer for such increase in loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon administration. In one embodiment, the vehicles gel upon instillation in the eye.

Abstract: Grafted polysaccharide compositions comprising polysaccharides grafted with antioxidants on at least one hydroxyl group of the polysaccharide. The use of antioxidant grafted polysaccharides or antioxidant grafted crosslinked polysaccharides as a treatment for arthritis, as a drug delivery vehicle, to reduce the incidence of post-operative adhesion formation, to promote the healing of chronic wounds and ulcers, and as a component of cosmetic formulations.

Abstract: Cellulose ether derivatives comprising a hydrophobic substituent having an unsaturated alkyl portion are disclosed. The unsaturation in the alkyl portion of the hydrophobic substituent can promote crosslinking of the cellulose ether derivative. The cellulose ether derivatives are useful as ingredients in latex compositions. The cellulose ether derivatives can provide associative thickening and rheological properties to latex composition during storage and application. In addition, after the latex composition is applied to the surface to be coated, the cellulose ethers of the present invention can promote crosslinking of the latex film to provide a hard and durable coating. Latex paint compositions comprising the cellulose ether derivatives of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microfibrillated oxycellulose suitable for use as a carrier in agricultural, cosmetic, and topical and transdermal drug products, and as a binder and disintegrant in the making of tablets, is prepared by the oxidation of cellulosic materials with persulfate salts in water, with or without the presence of an aqueous inorganic acid, or in glacial or aqueous acetic acid.

Abstract: A water retention aid for use in cementitious and adhesive compositions is prepared as a blend of a polysaccharide, preferably high viscosity, such as cellulose, and an unmodified, cold-water-soluble starch. The water retention aid is used in the cementitious or adhesive composition at a preferred level of 0.25-0.5 parts per 100 parts of the dry cementitious or adhesive composition.

Abstract: A degradation product of a polysaccharide derivative comprising a mixture of oligomers of the polysaccharide derivative, the majority of said oligomers having a molecular weight such that the oligomer conforms to a rod-like configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polysaccharide derivative in which part or all of the hydroxyl groups or the amino groups contained in a polysaccharide are replaced by two or more kinds of substituents, and a separating agent and a separating apparatus which comprise the polysaccharide derivative. The polysaccharide derivative of the present invention is extremely useful as a functional material for optical resolution.

Abstract: An insoluble polymeric capsule comprising at least two polymeric components, wherein one of said components is a hydrophilic colloid, and another of said components comprises a degradation product of a cellulose derivative, the degradation product comprising a mixture of oligomers, a majority of said oligomers having a degree of polymerization such that the oligomers conform to a rod-like configuration.

Abstract: A bed of water insoluble, transparent, cross-linked gel, suitable for use in electrophoresis, is formed by dissolving a polysaccharide, including at least one linear polysaccharide such as agarose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, in a suitable solvent, such as water; adding a cross-linking agent, which is not charged nor becomes charged upon contact with water in a pH range of 2 to 11, to the solution; and incubating this mixture in a quiescent state to substantially simultaneously react the polysaccharide and the cross-linking agent and to gel the reaction product into a bed. The polysaccharide is at least one linear polysaccharides, but that linear polysaccharide may also be admixed with other linear polysaccharides and/or at least one non-linear polysaccharide. Synthetic organic polymers may also be admixed in the cross-linking reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method is described for the chemical modification of pre-shaped hydrogels in non-aqueous medium. The conditions permit the reaction of highly expanded, porous hydrogel particles, such as spherical beads, using pseudo homogeneous reaction conditions in the absence of water. The method involves a three step procedure in which the porous gels are solvent exchanged int a water-free solvent (step 1) with minimal change in gel dimension and porosity; followed by reaction under non-aqueous condition (step 2); and followed by solvent exchange into water (step 3). Many different types of reactions requiring non-aqueous conditions may be carried out using these conditions. The method has particularly been demonstrated for crosslinking fluorinating beads, and for esterifying beads in a reaction involving multifunctional free carboxylic acids in the presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC).

Abstract: Bead-shaped cellulose products and a process for the manufacturing of such ead-shaped porous cellulose products provide improved characteristics, particularly a hydrophilic, reversibly expandable cellulose matrix with a pore structure that can be adjusted within wide ranges in a targeted manner while non-specific mutual reactions are simultaneously suppressed by biomacromolecules.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pteridine nucleotides which are highly fluorescent under physiological conditions and which may be used in the chemical synthesis of fluorescent oligonucleotidcs. The invention further provides for fluorescent oligonucleotides comprising one or more pteridine nucleotides. In addition the invention provides for pteridine nucleotide triphosphates which may be used as the constituent monomers in DNA amplification procedures.

Abstract: Unwanted color and turbidity are removed from sugar solutions during the processing of raw sugar by the use of bagasse treated with a dialkylaminoalkyl compound in a basic aqueous medium, and with regenerated treated bagasse, including sugarcane bagasse, corn cobs, peanut shells, wheat straw, oat straw, barley straw, rice straw, rice hulls, cottonseed hulls and paper from wood or cotton or mixtures of the foregoing.

Abstract: A process for recovering salable cellulose ether solids in an aqueous slurry from a reactor wherein such cellulose ether solids are produced, or in an aqueous slurry from a centrifuge or filter wherein a portion of the cellulose ether solids from the reactor have been removed, comprising flowing the slurry into a hydraulic cyclone at a temperature above the gel point of the cellulose ether solids in such slurry and under conditions which are tailored to the particular cellulose ether solids in the slurry and to the process by which these have been made.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.

Abstract: Process for preparing cellulose ethers with cyclic ethers as suspending agents. The present invention relates to a process for preparing cellulose ethers from cellulose and alkylating agents, in the presence of water and bases and at least one water-miscible cyclic ether as the suspending agent, comprising the stages:a) alkalisation,b) subsequent alkylation,wherein the water-miscible cyclic ether is employed already in stage a) or, where appropriate, not until stage b).

Abstract: This invention is a process for comminuting a cellulose ether which comprises extruding a hydrated cellulose ether through a plurality of orifices, each orifice having a cross-sectional area of from about 7.5.times.10.sup.-9 m.sup.2 to about 1.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2, to form an elongated extrudate, and then cutting the elongated extrudate to desired length. The high density cellulose ether product is typically cold water dispersible, non-dusty, and free flowing.

Abstract: A cellulosic polymer wherein at least a part of the hydroxyl groups of the cellulosic polymer is modified as represented by the following general formula [I]: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl group, X is a strong negative atomic group, and Y is ##STR2## wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 may be the same or different and each represents a member selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl group and a C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 cycloalkyl group, or ##STR3## Y is wherein R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 may be the same or different and each represents a member selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.5 alkyl group, a C.sub.3 to C.sub.6 cycloalkyl group and a C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl group, and n is from 1 to 10. Using the cellulosic polymer, a blood-treating device is assembled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties. The method involves forming a mixture of water and a crosslinking agent, adding a generally water-soluble, modified polysaccharide to said mixture wherein the surface of the polysaccharide becomes crosslinked, and drying the modified polysaccharide. Also described is a surface-crosslinked, modified polysaccharide having improved absorption properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sulphoalkylcellulose derivatives, in particular sulphoethylcellulose, with a degree of substitution by sulphoethyl groups of 1.2 to 2.0 using a one- to three-step, preferably two-step process and the use of the sulphoalkyl-cellulose derivatives as thickening agents or rheology improvers in textile printing.

Abstract: An inhibitor of the biosynthesis of sugar chains containing sialic acid that is excellent in the suppression of inflammation or allergy, which comprises as an active ingredient a sugar compound of the formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a peptide residue or a glycoprotein, and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, a sulfhydryl group, an acyloxy group, an acylthio group, an aryloxy group, an alkyloxy group or a glycothio residue. The inhibitor of the biosynthesis of sugar chains containing sialic acid may be used as a therapeutic agent for inflammation caused by sugar chains containing sialic acid.

Abstract: A method for making an oxidized cellulose product from a cellulose material is disclosed. The method involves oxidizing a cellulose material into an oxidized cellulose product, comprising treating the cellulose material with a hypochlorite solution having an active chlorine content of between about 4 and about 6%, at a pH exceeding 9.5 and at a temperature, and for a time, effective to convert the cellulose material into the oxidized cellulose product; filtering the oxidized cellulose product; and washing the oxidized cellulose product with an antichlor agent such as sodium thiosulfate to remove chlorine and to raise the oxidized cellulose product to a neutral pH.The oxidized cellulose product may be used to form films, dispersions, gels, as carriers, for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other products.

Abstract: There is described a process for silylizing carbohydrates in liquid nitrogen compounds,the carbohydrates being reacted under pressure in an autoclave at a tempperature of about 0.degree. to 200.degree. C. with a silylizing agent of the formula (I) ##STR1## in a liquid nitrogen compound of the formula (II) ##STR2## the respective radicals in the two formulas (I) and (II) being, independently of each other:hydrogen, a low alkyl group with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group with 3 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group in the form of a phenyl or naphthyl radical, an aralkyl group with 7 to 18 carbon atoms, an alkylaryl group with 7 to 18 carbon atoms, or an O-, S- or N-containing heterocyclic group with 2 to 5 carbon atoms.An especially suitable silylizing agent is hexamethyl disilazane. As liquid nitrogen compound preferably ammonia is taken, which under the process conditions is liquid. The process according to the invention is of advantage ecologically and economically.

Abstract: Microfibrillated oxycellulose suitable for use as a carrier in agricultural, cosmetic, and topical and transdermal drug products, and as a binder and disintegrant in the making of tablets, is prepared by the oxidation of cellulosic materials with persulfate salts in water, with or without the presence of an aqueous inorganic acid, or in glacial or aqueous acetic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing methyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers by alkalisation and etherification of celluloses, rinsing the methyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers with water at higher temperatures and recovering the short-chain cellulose ethers that are soluble in the wash water, wherein the wash water containing sodium chloride and organic by-products is passed across a first stage of a membrane filtration having a molecular cut size of 200 to 150,000 Dalton, is concentrated during this process and passes across a second stage of a membrane filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unexpected or surprising discoveries in the field of biodegradable, water-dispersible formulations and materials and methods for influencing their rate of dispersibility in water. In particular, the present invention relates to the unexpected discovery that the inclusion of effective amounts of short length cellulose fibers dispersed throughout a water soluble cellulose ether binder will result in a retardation or slowing of the water dispersibility of the formulation relative to a formulation containing long or long and short cellulose fibers in a cellulose ether binder. In an additional aspect, the present invention relates to the discovery that the inclusion of effective amounts of long length cellulose fibers dispersed throughout a water soluble cellulose ether binder will result in an enhancement or hastening of the water dispersibility of the formulation relative to a formulation containing a cellulose ether binder which does not contain long cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A novel polymer aqueous dispersion of enteric cellulose derivatives without ester bonded substituents, of which anionic functional groups form salts with cations. The aqueous dispersion of the present invention is used as coating agents for foods and pharmaceuticals. It has high dispersion stability such as high mechanical stability and high storage stability.

Abstract: Anionically dyeable smooth-dry crosslinked cellulose is produced by modifying cellulose-containing material with the combination of a hydroxyalkylamine or a hydroxyalkyl quaternary ammonium salt, one or more glycols, and a crosslinking agent. The reaction is typically catalyzed with salts such as zinc nitrate or magnesium chloride used either alone or in conjunction with citric acid. Types of usable anionic dyes include acid, direct, and reactive dyes. The cellulose-containing material may be in the form of fibers, threads, linters, roving, fabrics, yarns, slivers and paper.

Abstract: This invention relates to water-soluble polymerisable 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropylethers of cellulose and to a process for their preparation.

Abstract: A purified hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) or hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) reacts with a perfluorinated alkyl glycidyl ether to produce an associative thickener wherein a fluorinated C.sub.8 chain is nearly as effective as a hydrocarbyl C.sub.16 straight chain hydrophobe. A preferred glycidyl ether is prepared by reacting a terminal hydroxyl of a perfluorinated surfactant with epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved cellulose chromatography support and, in particular, to substantially spherical, high density cellulose particles. This invention also relates to a method of making these spherical, high density cellulose particles and, in particular, to a method for forming spherical cellulose from a high molecular weight viscose in a stable emulsion of a liquid carrier and emulsifying agents.

Abstract: Mixed polysaccharide compositions, well adopted for flocculating/precipitating solid particulates from liquid dispersions thereof and for the shaping of insulating articles therefrom, comprise (i) at least one polysaccharide prepared by microbial fermentation, the basic recurring structural unit of which comprising both glucose and rhamnose moieties, and (ii) at least one cationic natural polysaccharide or derivative thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a process of removing water-soluble impurities from a water-soluble cellulose ether aqueous solution containing such water-soluble impurities comprising treating an aqueous solution comprising a water-soluble cellulose ether and a water-soluble impurity by means of ultrafiltration and diafiltration at conditions effective to produce a treated aqueous solution having a reduced concentration of the water-soluble impurity and an increased concentration of the water-soluble cellulose ether.

Abstract: The new thermoplastic methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ethers have an average degree of substitution with methyl groups of 1.5 to 2.9 and a molar degree of substitution with hydroxypropyl groups of 1.4 to 1.9.

Abstract: New alkenyl methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose ethers have an average degree of substitution DS with methyl groups of 1.5 to 2.9, a molar degree of substitution MS with hydroxypropyl groups of 1.4 to 1.9 and an average degree of substitution DS with alkenyl groups of 0.05 to 1.

Abstract: A composition for a topically applied therapeutic cream or ointment having effective activity against one or a combination of sources of viral, bacterial, yeast and fungus infections characterized by the ability to penetrate beneath the epidermal layer of the skin. The composition includes a water soluble active component which is formulated with a water soluble organic solid base and a water soluble surfactant to form an aqueous solution having a gel-like consistency. A preferred active ingredient is a povidone-iodine complex. A preferred carrier is hydroxyethylcellulose.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers are disclosed which have sufficient nonionic substitution to render them water soluble and which are further modified with a C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 long chain alkylaryl group in an amount between 0.2% by weight and the amount which makes them less than 1% by weight soluble in water. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a preferred water soluble cellulose ether for modification according to the invention. These products exhibit substantially improved viscosifying effects compared to their unmodified cellulose ether counterparts, and provide good leveling and sag resistance in latex paints. Preferred alkylaryl groups are nonylphenyl, dodecylphenyl, and dinonylphenyl. Included are cellulose ethers with spacer groups of various lengths between the alkylaryl group and the connecting group to the cellulose molecule.

Abstract: A modified cellulose and/or chitin for biocompatible dialysis membranes having a structure represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein cell is cellulose or chitin, in each case without hydroxyl groups, s=3 in the case of cellulose and s=2 in the case of chitin, R' is CH.sub.3 and/or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 and/or C.sub.3 H.sub.7, X denotes specified functional groups, R" is H or R, R"' denotes R, x+t=0.75 to 2.85, t=0 to 2.85, x=0 to 2.85, and r=0 to 1. A process for preparation of the cellulose and/or chitin derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulose and/or chitin for biocompatible dialysis membranes having a structure represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein Cell is cellulose or chitin, in each case without hydroxyl groups, s=3 in the case of cellulose and s=2 in the case of chitin, R' is CH.sub.3 and/or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 and/or C.sub.3 H.sub.7, X denotes specified functional groups, R" is H or R, Z corresponds to the following groups of atoms: SR", SO.sub.3 H and salts thereof, SO-R, SONR".sub.2, SO.sub.2 -R, SO.sub.2 NR".sub.2, SO.sub.2 H and salts thereof, F, Cl, Br, I, NR".sub.2, PR".sub.2, PO.sub.3 H.sub.2 and salts thereof, PO.sub.2 H(OR), PO(OR).sub.2, PO.sub.2 HR" and salts thereof, POR"(OR) and POR".sub.2, x+t=0.75 to 2.85, t=0 to 2.85, x=0 to 2.85, and z=0.01 to 0.45. A process for preparation of the cellulose and/or chitin derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified cellulose and/or chitin for biocompatible dialysis membranes having a structure represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein cell is unmodified cellulose or chitin, in each case without hydroxyl groups, s=3 in the case of cellulose and s=2 in the case of chitin, R' is CH.sub.3 and/or C.sub.2 H.sub.5 and/or C.sub.3 H.sub.7, X denotes specified functional groups, m=0.75 to 2.85, and x=0.005 to 2.10. A process for preparation of the cellulose and/or chitin derivatives is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cellulose derivative comprising substitution-modified cellulose regenerated from a cuprammonium solution, the substituents being ester groups, wherein the acyl group represents one or more, optionally substituted, carbon chains with 10-36 carbon atoms, or a residue containing at least one aromatic and/or heterocyclic, optionally substituted, ring, or wherein the substituents are carbamate groups, the carbamoyl group of which represents a group containing one or more, optionally substituted, carbon chains with 2-36 carbon atoms, or a group containing at least one aromatic and/or heterocyclic, optionally substituted, ring. A dialysis membrane made from the substitution-modified cellulose, typically in the form of a flat film, a tubular film, or a hollow filament, is also disclosed.