Abstract: The present invention relates to dietary fiber compositions that can provide an increased level of acetate in the distal colon. Increase levels of acetate (or other short chain fatty acids; SCFA's) in the distal part of the colon is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases or conditions, such as being overweight or obese. To accomplish this using dietary intervention, which is clearly the preferred (first-line) option for the treatment and/or prevention of obesity (and related disorders), has been a challenge. It was now surprisingly found that combinations of an inulin-type fructan and resistant starch can be orally consumed to substantially increase the level of acetate in the distal part of the colon in human subjects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new bi-functional and polyfunctional bis-dioxolanes and bis-dioxanes. The present inventors have established that the bis-dioxolanes and bis-dioxanes of the invention are highly advantageous as building blocks, cross-linking and/or coupling agents in polymer engineering. They can be derived from biomass sources in a highly efficient manner. The production of the present bis-dioxolanes and bis-dioxanes from biomass has the particular advantage that it facilitates the introduction of desired functionality in a highly flexible manner. Hence, the present invention provides novel bi- or polyfunctional bis-dioxolanes and bis-dioxanes, their production from renewable (biomass) sources, as well as their use in the engineering of polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dietary fiber compositions that can provide an increased level of acetate in the distal colon. Increase levels of acetate (or other short chain fatty acids; SCFA's) in the distal part of the colon is believed to be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases or conditions, such as being overweight or obese. To accomplish this using dietary intervention, which is clearly the preferred (first-line) option for the treatment and/or prevention of obesity (and related disorders), has been a challenge. It was now surprisingly found that combinations of an inulin-type fructan and resistant starch can be orally consumed to substantially increase the level of acetate in the distal part of the colon in human subjects.

Abstract: This invention relates to water-borne acrylic paints and coatings, especially to agents that can be used to reduce the amount of VOC's to yield satisfactory paints or coatings. It has been found that cellulose based particles, which comprise cell wall material and their networks of cellulose based fibers and nanofibrils can be used to accomplish a reduction in VOCs and at the same time increase hardness and lower cracking of the dried acrylic paints and coatings. It is assumed that the organization of the cellulose fibrils, as it exists in the parenchymal cell walls, is at least partly retained in the cellulose based particles of the invention, even though part of the pectin and hemicellulose is removed there from.

Abstract: This invention relates to an external structuring agent for application in liquid detergent and personal care products. It has been found that cellulose based particles, which comprise cell wall material and their networks of cellulose based fibers and nanofibrils can advantageously be used to structure liquid detergent and personal care products, providing certain benefits that are much sought after in the design of such products. It is assumed that the organization of the cellulose fibrils, as it exists in the parenchymal cell walls, is at least partly retained in the cellulose based particles of the invention, even though part of the pectin and hemicellulose is removed there from. The process of making the structuring agent involves processing under relatively mild conditions, of a biological material that is currently considered a by-product.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions that have utility, amongst others, in the stabilization of suspension particles or gas bubbles in fluid water-based compositions and/or in conferring shear thinning behavior to such fluid water-based compositions. The inventors have developed parenchymal cellulose based materials, which comprise cell wall derived networks of cellulose based fibers and nanofibrils, can advantageously be used for stabilization of suspended solid particles in fluid water-based compositions. Specific aspects of the invention concern the parenchymal cellulose based materials, their production and their use in fluid water-based compositions, as well as the resulting fluid water-based compositions per se.

Abstract: This invention relates to an external structuring agent for application in liquid detergent and personal care products. It has been found that cellulose based particles, which comprise cell wall material and their networks of cellulose based fibers and nanofibrils can advantageously be used to structure liquid detergent and personal care products, providing certain benefits that are much sought after in the design of such products. It is assumed that the organization of the cellulose fibrils, as it exists in the parenchymal cell walls, is at least partly retained in the cellulose based particles of the invention, even though part of the pectin and hemicellulose is removed there from. The process of making the structuring agent involves processing under relatively mild conditions, of a biological material that is currently considered a by-product.