Abstract: A hydrogel bead for intra-articular supplement made by: providing a solution of alginate, providing a solution with chitosan having a Mw between lower than 60 kD, mixing the solution of alginate and the solution of chitosan, wherein the mixed solution comprises between 0.5 and 0.7% (w/v) of chitosan and between 1 and 1.4% alginate (w/v), introducing droplets of the mixed solution into a solution with Ca2+ or Sr2+ cations and isolating polymerised beads from the solution with cations.

Abstract: This application concerns a method for preparing glucan from Aspergillus niger, characterised in that it comprises (i) the at least partial deacetylation of the mycelium of A. niger; (ii) acid treatment of the (partially) deacetylated mycelium, preferably following purification and/or washing, to obtain insoluble glucan and soluble chitosane, which acid treatment comprises placing the deacetylated mycelium in contact with an acidic solution; (iii) the separation of the soluble chitosan on the one hand, and the insoluble glucan on the other; (iv) alkaline treatment of the glucan comprising placing the glucan in contact with an alkaline solution to cause the glucans to flocculate; and (v) drying the flocculated glucans to obtain glucan powder. This invention further concerns the glucans thus obtained, compositions comprising them, and their uses. The glucans of the invention may be used as immunostimulants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chitosan as a micronized powder, to its use for controlling certain yeasts, such as Brettanomyces, and to a method for treating a liquid food. The invention in particular relates to a water-insoluble chitosan as a micronized powder, for which the grain size is comprised between 5 and 50 microns, and to its use in the treatment of liquid foods and/or for controlling Brettanomyces.