Abstract: Methods for producing an activated pectin-containing biomass composition are provided. The method includes (A) mixing a starting pectin-containing biomass material comprising an insoluble fiber component and an insoluble protopectin component with an aqueous solution of an alcohol to form a mixture; (B) activating the starting pectin-containing biomass material to form an activated pectin-containing biomass material comprising the insoluble fiber component and a soluble pectin component by subjecting the starting pectin-containing biomass material to (i) an activating solution formed by adding acid to the mixture to adjust the pH of the mixture within the range from at or about 0.5 to at or about 2.

Abstract: Methods for producing an activated pectin-containing biomass composition are provided. The method includes (A) mixing a starting pectin-containing biomass material comprising an insoluble fiber component and an insoluble protopectin component with an aqueous solution of an alcohol to form a mixture; (B) activating the starting pectin-containing biomass material to form an activated pectin-containing biomass material comprising the insoluble fiber component and a soluble pectin component by subjecting the starting pectin-containing biomass material to (i) an activating solution formed by adding acid to the mixture to adjust the pH of the mixture within the range from at or about 0.5 to at or about 2.

Abstract: Methods for producing an activated pectin-containing biomass composition are provided. The method includes (A) mixing a starting pectin-containing biomass material having an insoluble fiber component and an insoluble protopectin component with an aqueous solution of an alcohol to form a mixture; (B) activating the starting pectin-containing biomass material to form an activated pectin-containing biomass material having the insoluble fiber component and a soluble pectin component by subjecting the starting pectin-containing biomass material to (i) an activating solution formed by adding acid to the mixture to adjust the pH of the mixture within the range from at or about 0.5 to at or about 2.

Abstract: Carrageenan-based compositions containing a carrageenan, a starch, a plasticizer, water, and an optional buffer are disclosed, in which the carrageenan has both a potassium content of less than 4 wt. % and a viscosity configured to produce capsules on pressure-free rotary die equipment. Films and capsules can be formed from the carrageenan-based compositions.

Abstract: Carrageenan-based compositions containing a carrageenan, a starch, a plasticizer, water, and an optional buffer are disclosed, in which the carrageenan has both a potassium content of less than 4 wt. % and a viscosity configured to produce capsules on pressure-free rotary die equipment. Films and capsules can be formed from the carrageenan-based compositions.

Abstract: Methods for producing an activated pectin-containing biomass composition are provided. The method includes (A) mixing a starting pectin-containing biomass material having an insoluble fiber component and an insoluble protopectin component with an aqueous solution of an alcohol to form a mixture; (B) activating the starting pectin-containing biomass material to form an activated pectin-containing biomass material having the insoluble fiber component and a soluble pectin component by subjecting the starting pectin-containing biomass material to (i) an activating solution formed by adding acid to the mixture to adjust the pH of the mixture within the range from at or about 0.5 to at or about 2.

Abstract: Methods for producing an activated pectin-containing biomass composition are provided. The method includes (A) mixing a starting pectin-containing biomass material comprising an insoluble fiber component and an insoluble protopectin component with an aqueous solution of an alcohol to form a mixture; (B) activating the starting pectin-containing biomass material to form an activated pectin-containing biomass material comprising the insoluble fiber component and a soluble pectin component by subjecting the starting pectin-containing biomass material to (i) an activating solution formed by adding acid to the mixture to adjust the pH of the mixture within the range from at or about 0.5 to at or about 2.

Abstract: Methods for producing an activated pectin-containing biomass composition are provided. The method includes (A) mixing a starting pectin-containing biomass material comprising an insoluble fiber component and an insoluble protopectin component with an aqueous solution of an alcohol to form a mixture; (B) activating the starting pectin-containing biomass material to form an activated pectin-containing biomass material comprising the insoluble fiber component and a soluble pectin component by subjecting the starting pectin-containing biomass material to (i) an activating solution formed by adding acid to the mixture to adjust the pH of the mixture within the range from at or about 0.5 to at or about 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process by which a pectin extract is first de-esterified using a biocatalyst. Secondly, the resulting high molecular weight de-esterified pectin is further de-esterified and optionally amidated using conventional methods. Since the bio-catalyst may de-esterify to a DE of about 25%, conventional acid or alkali de-esterification and optionally amidation will have little impact on the molecular weight of the pectin in question because the number of ester groups have been substantially reduced in the first part of the process. In addition, the novel process leads to novel pectin compositions having higher molecular weight and higher intrinsic viscosity compared to known pectin compositions. These changes lead to low ester pectins providing gels of higher gel strength.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for treating precipitated carrageenan, comprising the steps of (a) treating the precipitated carrageenan with an aqueous treatment solution containing an alkali or a salt, (b) washing the treated precipitated carrageenan in water, and (c) drying the washed precipitated carrageenan.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a carrageenan composition comprising: sodium in the range of about 5.410 to about 8.230%, preferably about 6.300 to about 8.230%, and more preferably about 7.380 to about 8.230%; potassium in the range of about 0.023% to about 0.248%, preferably about 0.023 to about 0.238%, and more preferably about 0.023 to about 0.078%; calcium in the range of 0.046-0.553%, preferably 0.046-0.446%, and more preferably 0.046-0.325%; and magnesium in the range of about 0.051 to about 0.338%, preferably about 0.051 to about 0.244% and more preferably about 0.051 to about 0.127%; wherein the carrageenan product has a gelling temperature of 7-30° C., preferably 7-18° C., more preferably 7-12° C.; and a melting temperature in the range 16-38° C., preferably 16-28° C., more preferably 16-24° C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses A process for producing a carrageenan composition, comprising the steps of: cleaning kappa carrageenan-containing seaweed in water; treating the cleaned seaweed with an aqueous treatment solution, the aqueous treatment solution containing about 3-30 wt %. preferably 10-25 wt %. and most preferably 15-20 wt %, of a treatment compound; subjecting the treated seaweed to washing with water; and processing the washed seaweed to produce the carrageenan composition.