Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous scaffold for tissue engineering. It is another object of the present invention to provide a porous scaffold obtainable by the method as above described, and its use for tissue engineering, cell culture and cell delivery. The method of the invention comprise the steps consisting of a) preparing an alkaline aqueous solution comprising an amount of at least one polysaccharide and one cross-linking agent b) freezing the aqueous solution of step a) c) sublimating the frozen solution of step b). characterized in that step b) is performed before the cross-linking of the polysaccharide occurs in the solution of step a).

Abstract: Apparatus of the invention for transporting substrates (3) comprises a mini-environment enclosure (1) that is movable and that can be coupled to a conditioning station (22). The mini-environment enclosure (1) includes a micropump (12) whose inlet is connected to an inside cavity (2) that is to contain the substrate (3) to be transported. An energy supply (16) is also provided in the mini-environment enclosure (1) to power the micropump (12). The mini-environment enclosure (1) comprises a peripheral shell (4) open to two opposite main faces (5, 6), and including a closable side opening (7). A first main wall (8) is fitted to close the first main face (5) in leaktight manner. A second main wall (9) is fitted and secured to close the second main face (6) in leaktight manner. The first and second main walls are disposed in planes parallel to the plane containing the substrate.

Abstract: In apparatus of the invention, a transport pod (1) can be coupled to an article-passing opening (11) of process equipment (9) in leaktight manner with sealing being provided by an interposed interface peripheral gasket (16). The pod door (4) can be secured selectively to the interface door (12) so that they can be moved together as a unit along an axial stroke followed by a transverse stroke under drive from door actuator means (14). The transport pod (1) is held by retaining means (15). The peripheral volume (21) around the two doors can be pumped out by means of a pump (22) and a duct (23). The pod door (4) can be locked on the transport door (1) by locking means (20) that guarantee good sealing while the transport pod (1) is separate from the process equipment (9). This ensures good sealing of the transport pod (1), and enables the doors (4, 12) to be opened under a vacuum without polluting the inside atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for the production of carbohydrate partial esters by transesterification of glycoses with fatty acid esters in the presence of emulsifiers and a catalyst mixture, to produce products with utility in the production of foods, cosmetic preparations, and in superabsorbancy applications.

Abstract: Compositions for oral administration of (a) a physiologically active fatty acid containing about 16 to 26 carbon atoms and about 2 to 6 double bonds, and esters or glycerides thereof; and (b) an oligomeric proanthocyanidin or a plant extract containing said proanthocyanidin are disclosed. Methods of using the compositions as additives in food products are also disclosed.

Abstract: In apparatus of the invention, a transport pod (1) can be coupled to an article-passing opening (11) of process equipment (9) in leaktight manner with sealing being provided by an interposed interface peripheral gasket (16). The pod door (4) can be secured selectively to the interface door (12) so that they can be moved together as a unit along an axial stroke followed by a transverse stroke under drive from door actuator means (14). The transport pod (1) is held by retaining means (15). The peripheral volume (21) around the two doors can be pumped out by means of a pump (22) and a duct (23). The pod door (4) can be locked on the transport door (1) by locking means (20) that guarantee good sealing while the transport pod (1) is separate from the process equipment (9). This ensures good sealing of the transport pod (1), and enables the doors (4, 12) to be opened under a vacuum without polluting the inside atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus of the invention for transporting substrates (3) comprises a mini-environment enclosure (1) that is movable and that can be coupled to a conditioning station (22). The mini-environment enclosure (1) includes a micropump (12) whose inlet is connected to an inside cavity (2) that is to contain the substrate (3) to be transported. An energy supply (16) is also provided in the mini-environment enclosure (1) to power the micropump (12). The mini-environment enclosure (1) comprises a peripheral shell (4) open to two opposite main faces (5, 6), and including a closable side opening (7). A first main wall (8) is fitted to close the first main face (5) in leaktight manner. A second main wall (9) is fitted and secured to close the second main face (6) in leaktight manner. The first and second main walls are disposed in planes parallel to the plane containing the substrate.

Abstract: A process for making carbohydrate partial esters having a degree of esterification of from 1 to 6 involving the steps of: (a) providing a catalytically active mixture containing: (i) an alkali metal carbonate; and (ii) a fatty acid lower alkyl ester; (b) providing an emulsifier mixture containing: (iii) a glycose component having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms; and (iv) a carbohydrate partial ester; and (c) combining the catalytically active mixture with the emulsifier mixture, with vigorous stirring, to form an emulsion/dispersion containing particles having a mean diameter of from 10 to 60 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel microspheres particularly useful in pharmaceutics as particulate vectors for carrying biologically active substances, in particular hydrophilic substances, for oral administration. The invention is characterised in that said microspheres consist of a support material continuous lattice wherein is optionally dispersed a substance, said support material containing at least 70 wt. % of a homopolymer consisting of recurrent units corresponding to general formula (I): wherein: R1 represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a (CH2)m—COOR3 group wherein m is an integer ranging between 1 and 5 and R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and n is an integer ranging between 1 and 5. The invention is useful in pharmaceutics.

Abstract: A high-concentrate flowable liquid anionic surfactant composition containing: (a) from 60 to 90% by weight of an alkyl ether sulfate corresponding to formula I: R1O(CH2CH2O)nSO3X  (I) wherein R1 is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, n is a number having a value of from 1 to 10, and X is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkylammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium; and (b) from 10 to 40% by weight of an alkyl sulfate corresponding to formula II: R2OSO3X  (II) wherein R2 is a linear or branched alkyl radical having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms, and X is an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium, alkylammonium, alkanolammonium or glucammonium, all weights being based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the composition has a solids content of from 50 to 80% by weight.

Abstract: A spine protector comprising a garment formed of a stretch-type material to provide a close fit about the trunk of a wearer is disclosed, the garment including means for receiving and retaining an elongate segmented member in a position substantially along the median line of the dorsal panel of the garment, whereby the garment, when worm, holds the segmented member tightly against the spine of the wearer. The elongate segmented member comprises a generally linear array of segments configured so as to allow said member to flex in the manner of a human spinal column.

Abstract: A process for the production of multiple w/o/w emulsions in whicha) a mixture of an oil and a lipophilic emulsifier I comprising glycerol and/or oligoglycerol or polyglycerol fatty acid esters is initially processed with intensive shearing to form a w/o pre-emulsion A, andb) the w/o pre-emulsion A is then further treated with an aqueous emulsifier II comprising adducts of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols and/or sterols and, optionally, fatty alcohols, wherein the treatment is accompanied by gentle shearing;and to the resulting multiple w/o/w emulsions and their use in the preparation of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining by heteroepitaxy a monocrystalline layer of a ternary compound on a monocrystalline substrate of a binary composition, in which a saturated solution (A) of the ternary compound is brought into contact with the substrate (90), the assembly being raised to a first temperature, and is thereafter cooled to a second temperature.The dynamics of the epitaxial growth is improved in accordance with the invention by placing the substrate (90) on the surface of the solution (A).