Abstract: The present invention provides a method for labelling one or more analytes in a sample, the method comprising: a) contacting the sample with one or more bifunctional linker reagents having the general formula Re1-L1-Re2, wherein Re1 is a first reactive group, L1 is a linker moiety and Re2 is a second reactive group, wherein Re1 reacts with an analyte to form a modified analyte; and b) contacting the sample with one or more mass labels, wherein Re2 of the bifunctional linker attached to the analyte reacts with a mass label to form a labelled analyte, wherein each mass label is relatable to an analyte by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for labelling one or more analytes in a sample, the method comprising: a) contacting the sample with one or more bifunctional linker reagents having the general formula Re1-L1-Re2, wherein Re1 is a first reactive group, L1 is a linker moiety and Re2 is a second reactive group, wherein Re1 reacts with an analyte to form a modified analyte; and b) contacting the sample with one or more mass labels, wherein Re2 of the bifunctional linker attached to the analyte reacts with a mass label to form a labelled analyte, wherein each mass label is relatable to an analyte by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Microparticles with a uniform spherical shape and a very narrow size distribution are described. They consist wholly or partly of a linear water-insoluble polysaccharide, preferably of 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucan, and may contain other, in particular biodegradable, polymers and/or active substances. They are suitable inter alia for the controlled delivery of active substances. They are prepared by dissolving 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucan or the polysaccharide in a solvent, introducing the solution into a precipitant, cooling the mixture and removing the particles formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing smooth-surface spherical microparticles which are completely or partially made of at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide. This method involves dissolving the at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide in a solvent or a mixture of solvents, introducing the solution into a precipitation agent or a mixture of precipitation agents, optionally cooling the mixture thus obtained, and separating the microparticles thus formed. The precipitation agent used consists of at least one water-soluble cellulose derivative. This invention also relates to microparticles obtained according to this method.

Abstract: Microparticles with a uniform spherical shape and a very narrow size distribution are described. They consist wholly or partly of a linear water-insoluble polysaccharide, preferably of 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucan, and may contain other, in particular biodegradable, polymers and/or active substances. They are suitable inter alia for the controlled delivery of active substances. They are prepared by dissolving 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucan or the polysaccharide in a solvent, introducing the solution into a precipitant, cooling the mixture and removing the particles formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled release tablet which in part or as a whole contains water-insoluble linear polysaccharides, preferably the polysaccharide poly(1,4-&agr;-D-glucan), in the form of microparticles, as retardation material. The tablet is also capable of controllably releasing an active agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a topical preparation containing spherical microparticles as the essential component, wherein the microparticles comprise water-insoluble linear polyglucan.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of water-insoluble, linear polysaccharides as a filtering agent, to a method for producing said filtering agent and to a filtering device. The inventive filtering agent have a high capacity for absorption and retention.

Abstract: Thermoplastic mixture based on biopolymers for producing shaped biodegradable articles with improved properties, preparation of the mixture, and also its use. A novel thermoplastic mixture based on biopolymers, in particular on starch, features the presence of lignin and is used for producing shaped biodegradable articles with improved properties, preferably with improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing smooth-surface spherical microparticles which are completely or partially made of at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide. This method involves dissolving the at least one water-insoluble linear polysaccharide in a solvent or a mixture of solvents, introducing the solution into a precipitation agent or a mixture of precipitation agents, optionally cooling the mixture thus obtained, and separating the microparticles thus formed. The precipitation agent used consists of at least one water-soluble cellulose derivative. This invention also relates to microparticles obtained according to this method.

Abstract: 1,4-&agr;-D-Polyglucan-based thermoplastic mixture, process for the preparation and use thereof The present invention relates to a thermoplastic mixture based on biopolymers obtainable by preparing and mixing (A) 100 parts by weight of a biocatalytically produced 1,4-&agr;-D-polyglucans, (B) up to 400 parts by weight of a melt-processable polymeric material different from (A), (C) water in an amount sufficient for plastification of the mixture, (D) at least one plasticizer in an amount of 10 parts by weight up to half the total of the parts by weight of (A) and (B), and (E) where appropriate up to ((A)+(B)) parts by weight of other conventional additives, where the water content of components (A) and (B) has been corrected to zero by calculation where the plastification takes place with introduction of thermal and mechanical energy, to the use of the mixture for producing essentially biodegradable moldings and sheets, and to a process for preparing the mixture.

Abstract: Homogeneous mixtures are described and can be processed to give shaped biodegradable and physiologically nonhazardous articles, such as packagings for food or drink or pharmaceutical products, sausage casings and the like. The mixtures comprise dialdehyde starch with a degree of oxidation of greater than 30%, starch which does not exhibit any iodine-starch reaction, and/or modified starch, water and other plasticizers, and also, if desired, other biopolymers and additives.