Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying an aqueous liquid comprising inulin, in particular chicory root inulin, and one or more impurities, said method comprising filtration of said aqueous liquid employing a nanofiltration membrane having a molecular weight cut-off value of less than 2 kDa, without employing ion-exchange treatment. The invention further relates to the inulin composition obtainable by the method and to inulin compositions which comprise low concentrations of impurities while comprising significant amounts of short-chain (low DP) inulin.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting cellulose to nanocellulose. The process comprises dissolving a cellulose feedstock in an inorganic molten salt solvent medium. The solvent medium is substantially proton free. The solvent medium may contain a proton scavenger. The process is carried out at relatively low temperatures, and requires little input of mechanical energy.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting cellulose to nanocellulose. The process comprises dissolving a cellulose feedstock in an inorganic molten salt solvent medium. The solvent medium is substantially proton free. The solvent medium may contain a proton scavenger. The process is carried out at relatively low temperatures, and requires little input of mechanical energy.

Abstract: A process for the separation of a monosaccharide from an aqueous solution comprising the monosaccharide, in particular a hydrolysate of a polysaccharide containing biomass, characterized in that a) the solution comprises one or more salts or mineral acids, b) the solution is contacted with a zeolite adsorbent preferably of BEA zeotype for adsorbing the monosaccharide on the zeolite, c) the zeolite with the adsorbed monosaccharide is separated from the solution, d) the monosaccharide is separated from the zeolite absorbent. The process in a chromatographic process, in particular SMB, produces relatively highly concentrated and pure monosaccharide solution in water.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a cellulose containing feed comprising the steps of: contacting the cellulose containing feed with a molten salt hydrate and mildly hydrolyzing the cellulose to form a solution of partially hydrolized cellulose, separating one or more components of the partially hydrolyzed cellulose from the solution, converting the separated one or more components of the partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a thermo-catalytic process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering saccharide monomers and/or oligomers from a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture may further comprise water and a molten salt hydrate. The method may comprise adding an anti-solvent, whereby at least the saccharide oligomers are precipitated from the reaction mixture. In an alternate embodiment molten salt hydrate is extracted from the reaction mixture using a suitable extractant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering anhydrosugar alcohols from a mixture comprising closely related compounds, such as sugar alcohols. In the method the mixture is contacted with an adsorbent, whereby the anhydrosugar alcohols are selectively adsorbed. The anhydrosugar alcohols can be recovered by desorption from the adsorbent, using a desorbing solvent.