Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing the surface hydrophobicity of the surface of a cellulosic article involving applying a solution of amylose-fatty ammonium salt inclusion complex in water to the article and then optionally applying an alkaline solution to the article to neutralize said amylose fatty ammonium salt inclusion complex to form an insoluble amylose fatty amine inclusion complex. Also disclosed are cellulosic articles produced by the methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing the surface hydrophobicity of the surface of a cellulosic article involving applying a solution of amylose-fatty ammonium salt inclusion complex in water to the article and then optionally applying an alkaline solution to the article to neutralize said amylose fatty ammonium salt inclusion complex to form an insoluble amylose fatty amine inclusion complex. Also disclosed are cellulosic articles produced by the methods.

Abstract: A delivery system for UV-protective sunscreen agents, antioxidants, skin care agents, cosmetics and the like comprising feruloylated acylglycerols (FAG) and other cinnamate-modified vegetable oils (CMVO) incorporates the agents into starch-based composites. These composites permit the use of a lower level of CMVO for comparable UV protection than if the CMVO were used alone.

Abstract: A starch-lipid composite and related composition are described that enhance yield and sensory properties of low fat ground meat. Techniques are described herein for improving the taste and characteristics of ground meat and foods using such, by incorporation of the composite and/or the noted composition.

Abstract: A delivery system for UV-protective sunscreen agents, antioxidants, skin care agents, cosmetics and the like comprising feruloylated acylglycerols (FAG) and other cinnamate-modified vegetable oils (CMVO) incorporates the agents into starch-based composites. These composites permit the use of a lower level of CMVO for comparable UV protection than if the CMVO were used alone.

Abstract: Articles produced from hydrophobic polymers (e.g., polyethylene) are surface-coated with thin films of starch in order to render the surfaces hydrophilic. The thin coatings form on the surfaces of plastic objects when the objects are placed in contact with hot, aqueous solutions of starch. These starch coatings are adherent to the hydrophobic plastic surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, and they permit the surfaces to be uniformly wet with water. The coatings may be rendered even more adherent when wet by graft polymerizing the starch with a synthetic monomer. Resultant products have the potential for improved biocompatibility, improved compatibility with hydrophilic reagents, reduced build-up of electrostatic charge, reduced blocking, reduced friction, improved absorption of water-based dyes, and improved adhesion properties. The starch coatings are non-toxic, inexpensive and biodegradable.

Abstract: Articles produced from hydrophobic polymers (e.g., polyethylene) are surface-coated with thin films of starch in order to render the surfaces hydrophilic. The thin coatings form on the surfaces of plastic objects when the objects are placed in contact with hot, aqueous solutions of starch. These starch coatings are adherent to the hydrophobic plastic surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, and they permit the surfaces to be uniformly wet with water. The coatings may be rendered even more adherent when wet by graft polymerizing the starch with a synthetic monomer. Resultant products have the potential for improved biocompatibility, improved compatibility with hydrophilic reagents, reduced build-up of electrostatic charge, reduced blocking, reduced friction, improved absorption of water-based dyes, and improved adhesion properties. The starch coatings are non-toxic, inexpensive and biodegradable.

Abstract: Articles produced from hydrophobic polymers (e.g., polyethylene) are surface-coated with thin films of starch in order to render the surfaces hydrophilic. The thin coatings form on the surfaces of plastic objects when the objects are placed in contact with hot, aqueous solutions of starch. These starch coatings are extremely adherent to the hydrophobic plastic surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, and they permit the surfaces to be uniformly wet with water. Resultant products have improved biocompatibility, improved compatibility with hydrophilic reagents, reduced build-up of electrostatic charge, reduced blocking, reduced friction, improved absorption of water-based dyes, and improved adhesion properties. The starch coatings are non-toxic, inexpensive and biodegradable.

Abstract: Polysaccharide-based shells are provided having use for forming water-dispersible microcapsular delivery systems for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other active agents. These shells are prepared by intimately blending a solubilized polysaccharide with a lipophilic material to produce spherical droplets of the lipophilic material coated with the polysaccharide, diluting the emulsion with a solvent, and isolating the polysaccharide shells from the diluted emulsion.

Abstract: Articles produced from hydrophobic polymers (e.g., polyethylene) are surface-coated with thin films of starch in order to render the surfaces hydrophilic. The thin coatings form on the surfaces of plastic objects when the objects are placed in contact with hot, aqueous solutions of starch. These starch coatings are extremely adherent to the hydrophobic plastic surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, and they permit the surfaces to be uniformly wet with water. Resultant products have improved biocompatibility, improved compatibility with hydrophilic reagents, reduced build-up of electrostatic charge, reduced blocking, reduced friction, improved absorption of water-based dyes, and improved adhesion properties. The starch coatings are non-toxic, inexpensive and biodegradable.

Abstract: Lubricating additives for drilling fluids are prepared from semi-solid highly viscous and/or high molecular weight lubricants, such as polyalkylenes (e.g., polybutene), by steam jet cooking a mixture of starch, water, and the lubricant in order to uniformly suspend micrometer-sized lubricant droplets in an aqueous starch matrix. These additives avoid the need for toxic emulsifiers, surfactants, or short-chain hydrocarbon solvents for dispersing the lubricants. They impart lubricity to drilling fluids (muds) and also inhibit fluid loss in geological formations by enhancing the filtration control properties of the fluid.

Abstract: Polysaccharide-based shells are provided having use for forming water-dispersible microcapsular delivery systems for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other active agents. These shells are prepared by intimately blending a solubilized polysaccharide with a lipophilic material to produce spherical droplets of the lipophilic material coated with the polysaccharide, diluting the emulsion with a solvent, and isolating the polysaccharide shells from the diluted emulsion.