Abstract: The invention relates generally to gum-protein conjugates, as an alternative to substances such as propylene glycol alginate [PGA], wherein the conjugate both thickens and emulsifies. Exemplary uses include use in food emulsions, cosmetics, and industrial applications. For example, one aspect of the present invention relates to gum-protein conjugates capable of acting as both thickeners and emulsifiers and methods of making the same. Certain embodiments of the conjugation processes use guar gum in its milled, powdered form or as obtained from guar splits as the viscous substrate and conjugates the guar gum with a protein that is either endogenous or exogenous. Another embodiment of the present invention uses exogenous protein, or protein that is not part of guar seeds, as the conjugating protein. In this embodiment, guar gum is conjugated with protein having a globular and flexible structure, to produce a conjugate that both thickens and emulsifies.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to materials configured to replace pullulan and pullulan functionalities and their use in applications such as edible films, coatings, breath or flavor strips, tablet coatings, gel caps, tobacco products, films for cheese or spice flavor delivery, films as barriers in food products, and non food products including industrial, personal care and pharmaceutical products. In addition, the materials and methods disclosed herein are configured for use in similar products that do not incorporate pullulan but would benefit from pullulan-like properties and functionalities.

Abstract: A method of preparing a gum arabic replacement, partial replacement or extending composition, for use in a variety of applications such as food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention is directed towards a method of preparing a gum arabic replacement, partial replacement or extending composition for use in panning, candy, coating and adhesion applications. The method includes selecting a strong (key) film former of natural and/or modified polysaccharides that comprises between approximately 0.1% and approximately 10% of the composition, or used at a level in the finished application equivalent to about 0.1 to 10% of what gum arabic would typically be used regardless of whether the gum arabic is used.

Abstract: Super dispersible gums, starches, powder ingredients, and blends thereof, which disperse readily using spoon mixing are produced by surface coating of particles with a cross-linked hydrogel, or cold-water insoluble/slow-swelling hydrocolloid. The Processes are presented for producing products with increased dispersibility. Some of the poorly-dispersing or low dispersible substrates include xanthan gum, various cellulose derivatives, various seed gums, carrageenans, pectin, various alginates, gum Arabic and other tree exudates, larch gum, konjac, blends of gums, various instant starches, gum-starch blends, soy protein, egg solids, non-fat dry milk, certain flours, and cocoa.

Abstract: Emulsifiers based on the reaction product of hydrocolloid and dicarboxylic anhydrides, especially useful in the preparation of oil-in-water emulsions.