Abstract: A method of making a hydrogel by treating a cellulosic biomass containing pectin and protein with an aqueous acidic solution at a pH, at a temperature, and for a time sufficient to cause formation of at least a gel fraction containing the hydrogel.

Abstract: A method of making a binder for extruded, pelleted, or agglomerated animal feed. The binder is made by treating biomass such as soybean hull or lemon peels with an aqueous acidic solution for a time, at a temperature, and at a pH sufficient to yield a first mixture containing biomass solids and partially dissolved biomass; and mechanically treating the first mixture of step to yield a first mechanically treated mixture; and then incorporating the first mechanically treated mixture as a binder in an animal feed. Also described are animal feeds made using the binder.

Abstract: A device for detecting volatile compounds. The device includes a substrate and a matrix disposed on the substrate. The matrix includes a carboxyl-rich binder, a clay, and a pH-sensitive indicator dye admixed with the binder and the clay. The pH-sensitive indicator dye is dimensioned and configured to change color in response to contact with a pre-determined concentration of a volatile compound.

Abstract: Described is a method of kraft pulping in which a phenolic compound is added to the cooking step. The phenolic compound is added at a time point between about 5 minutes and about 120 minutes prior to completion of the cooking step. The presence of the phenolic compound increases the extent of delignification in the cooking step.

Abstract: A device for detecting volatile compounds. The device includes a substrate and a matrix disposed on the substrate. The matrix includes a carboxyl-rich binder, a clay, and a pH-sensitive indicator dye admixed with the binder and the clay. The pH-sensitive indicator dye is dimensioned and configured to change color in response to contact with a pre-determined concentration of a volatile compound.

Abstract: A method of making a binder for extruded, pelleted, or agglomerated animal feed. The binder is made by treating biomass such as soybean hull or lemon peels with an aqueous acidic solution for a time, at a temperature, and at a pH sufficient to yield a first mixture containing biomass solids and partially dissolved biomass; and mechanically treating the first mixture of step to yield a first mechanically treated mixture; and then incorporating the first mechanically treated mixture as a binder in an animal feed. Also described are animal feeds made using the binder.

Abstract: Described is a method of kraft pulping in which a phenolic compound is added to the cooking step. The phenolic compound is added at a time point between about 5 minutes and about 120 minutes prior to completion of the cooking step. The presence of the phenolic compound increases the extent of delignification in the cooking step.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving dewatering in the papermaking process by incorporation of functionalized cellulose fibers in the paper furnish. Additionally, the disclosure provides the means to eliminate process problems mainly plugging problems in a nano/micro-fibrillated cellulose production process by incorporation of functionalized cellulose fibers in a cellulose fiber composition and methods of functionalizing cellulose fibers in a paper making process. The methods according to the present disclosure provide several advantages, such as improving the freeness and dewatering of the paper making process during the paper making process, leading to an increased production rate and reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising a diatom and a sensor, including gas detecting compositions, bacteria detecting compositions, explosive degradation product detecting compositions, and neurotoxin detecting compositions. The disclosure also provides methods of identifying the presence of gas, bacteria, explosive degradation products, and neurotoxins utilizing the compositions.