Abstract: An entirely aqueous method for concentrating beta-glucan from a beta-glucan source, such as milled cereal bran, grain or distiller's dried grain. The method comprises providing an alkaline aqueous extract of a beta-glucan source; acidifying or neutralizing the extract and heating the extract to between about 60° C. and 100° C.; cooling the extract, whereby a flocculate is formed; acidifying the cooled extract if the extract was neutralized; and removing the flocculate from the aqueous solution to form an intermediate solution. The intermediate solution may be subjected to ultrafiltration for further purification of beta-glucan, or may be evaporated, resulting in formation of a solid film enriched in beta-glucan. Beta-glucan has cholesterol-lowering properties and is a topical immunostimulant.

Abstract: An entirely aqueous method for concentrating water soluble polysaccharides having molecular weights of at least about 50 kDa. The method comprises evaporating a water soluble polysaccharide-containing solution until surface film formation occurs, and harvesting the resulting film which is enriched in the polysaccharide. The polysaccharide may be of plant or animal origin, and includes polysaccharides such as guar gum, xanthan gum and pectin.

Abstract: An entirely aqueous method for concentrating beta-glucan from a beta-glucan source, such as milled cereal bran, grain or distiller's dried grain. The method comprises providing an alkaline aqueous extract of a beta-glucan source; acidifying or neutralizing the extract and heating the extract to between about 60° C. and 100° C.; cooling the extract, whereby a flocculate is formed; acidifing the cooled extract if the extract was neutralized; and removing the flocculate from the aqueous solution to form an intermediate solution. The intermediate solution may be subjected to ultrafiltration for further purification of beta-glucan, or may be evaporated, resulting in formation of a solid film enriched in beta-glucan. Beta-glucan has cholesterol-lowering properties and is a topical immunostimulant.

Abstract: Bitter or otherwise undesirable compounds can be removed from beverages such as tea, coffee or wine by using a natural proteinaceous oat-derived material. This material will also remove noxious compounds such as nicotine from the smoke stream of lighted tobacco products. The liquid or gas is contacted with the material, resulting in the sequestration of the undesirable compounds within the pores of the proteinaceous material.

Abstract: A method and composition for dispersing oil. Distiller's dried grain is applied to an oil spill or to an animal or object contacted with oil. The distiller's dried grain sorbs and disperses the oil, allowing dispersal of the oil in open water or removal of the oil from the animal or object.

Abstract: A composition comprising a seed-derived proteinaceous particulate material for reducing the formation of sunburn cells in skin exposed to ultraviolet irradiation and method of using same, where the seed-derived material has a protein content of between about 1% and 50% and an average particle size of between about 1.0 .mu.m and about 600 .mu.m. Seed-derived proteinaceous particulate material is applied to skin in a topically acceptable carrier and reduces the formation of sunburn cells upon exposure of the skin to ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract: A process to prepare oat oil compositions with beneficial dermatological properties is disclosed. Formulations incorporating the oat oil compositions have antioxidant and other dermatologically beneficial properties. The compositions, either alone or in cosmetic formulations including lipid emulsions, inhibit ultraviolet irradiation-induced lipid peroxidation. The methods have applications in the cosmetic industry for inhibiting ultraviolet irradiation-induced skin damage and other beneficial dermatological properties. The formulations of the invention also are potent antioxidants.

Abstract: A proteinaceous emulsion and method for making a proteinaceous emulsion comprising a lipophilic phase, an aqueous phase and a protein emulsifier; which is capable of forming a thin film and has the capability of carrying active ingredients contained in either or both the aqueous phase and the lipophilic phase of the emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially intact proteinaceous particulate material that is effective as an oil spill dispersant composition. In a preferred respect, the invention is a grain product (such as oats) from which lipids are removed through organic solvent extraction. When such compositions are applied to an oil spill, they will adsorb oil, emulsify it, and finally disperse the oil with high efficiency. Moreover, the compositions are substantially non-toxic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fat substitute composition, comprised primarily of a defatted and substantially nondenatured proteinaceous particulate material, that, in a preferred embodiment is derived from seed grains, and most preferably oats. In addition, a method of making such compositions and using the same to produce food products having a reduced caloric count, creamy texture, and suitable mouth-feel, is disclosed. Further, a method to vary the viscosity of the resulting food products is disclosed, through changing the ratio of starch to protein in the fat substitute.