Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a polymer hydrogel comprising the steps of: (1) preparing an aqueous solution of a water soluble polysaccharide derivative and a polycarboxylic acid; (2) optionally agitating the solution, for example, by stirring; (3) isolating a polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite from the solution; and (4) heating the polysaccharide derivative/polycarboxylic acid composite at a temperature of at least about 80° C., thereby cross-linking the polysaccharide with the polycarboxylic acid. The invention also provides polymer hydrogels produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A device for regenerating biological tissues, particularly for regenerating tissues of the peripheral nervous system, the respective manufacturing method and the instrument used in the method, the regeneration device comprising a hollow tubular structure based on biocompatible material and having a structural porosity in which the pores are oriented substantially radially with respect to its longitudinal axis so as to minimize the formation of scar tissue around the damaged site and allow the growth of the biological tissue inside the pores and inside the duct defined by the hollow tubular structure and facilitate the transport of nutrients.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a device for regenerating biological tissues, particularly for regenerating tissues of the central nervous system, and a device that can be manufactured with said method, the device comprising an outer sheath based on collagen which is substantially tubular and can be interposed between the endings of a biological tissue to be regenerated, and at least one supporting element based on collagen, which is accommodated inside the outer sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and modified foods and foodstuffs useful for weight management and glycemic control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a polymer hydrogel, comprising cross-linking a precursor comprising a hydrophilic polymer optionally in combination with a second hydrophilic polymer, using a polycarboxylic acid as the cross-linking agent. The invention further concerns the polymer hydrogel obtainable by the method of the invention and the use thereof in a number of different applications.

Abstract: Process to obtain antibacterial surfaces by silver deposition in the form of firmly bonded small particles and to the antibacterial substances obtained by aforementioned treatments. Silver deposition is obtained by surface impregnation of natural or synthetic material in an alcoholic solution with silver salt and, later, by their exposure to UV-rays until metal silver clusters form as a result of silver ions reduction on the material surface. The invention relates to the obtained antibacterial substances. The simple preparation of the antibacterial material makes the whole process easier both for required time and for costs: the needed devices are just a UV lamp and an Ultrasound bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a superabsorbent polymer hydrogel, comprising the steps of (i) crosslinking a 3% overall aqueous solution of carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt and hydroxyethylcellulose with 5% carbodiimide, in the presence of an acid catalyst; (ii) washing the gel obtained at least once by swelling in a polar organic solvent; and (iii) drying the gel by phase inversion in a non-solvent for cellulose. The invention further concerns the superabsorbent hydrogels obtainable by said method and the uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for fabricating molded structures having a radially organized pore structure. The molded structures are formed using a spinning-induced sedimentation technique such that sedimentation of a multi-component liquid suspension produces the internal geometry and porosity of the structure. The porous molded structures of the invention can be used in a number of applications including tissue and organ engineering, dialysis and phase separation membranes and water and liquid waste purification systems.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide can be obtained by crosslinking a polysaccharide or derivative thereof with at least 1% by weight of a flexible spacer having a chain length of at least 9 chain atoms and having terminal activated coupling groups. The flexible spacer may comprise a polyalkyleneglycol with a molecular weight from about 400 to 10,000. The coupling groups may be provided by divinyl sulphone units.

Abstract: A method of production of a highly absorbent, polysaccharide-based material, wherein an aqueous solution containing a starting material including a cross-linkable polysaccharide-based polymer blend of an electrically charged polysaccharide-based polymer and an electrically uncharged polysaccharide-based polymer is subjected to cross-linking in order to obtain a water-swelled gel. The cross-linked, water-swelled gel is dessicated with a polar solvent.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polysaccharide can be obtained by crosslinking a polysaccharide or derivative thereof with at least 1% by weight of a flexible spacer having a chain length of at least 9 chain atoms and having terminal activated coupling groups. The flexible spacer may comprise a polyalkyleneglycol with a molecular weight from about 400 to 10,000. The coupling groups may be provided by divinyl sulphone units.