Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to biocompatible metal nanoparticles comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles covalently bonded to a plurality of biocompatible functional ligands. The plurality of metal nanoparticles may be chosen from any suitable metal nanoparticle, including, but not limited to, gold. The plurality of biocompatible functional ligands may comprise at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of proline, hydroxyproline, glycine, cysteine, and combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present invention may also be directed towards methods of synthesizing biocompatible metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles, are covalently bonded to citrate, resulting in gold-citrate nanoparticles, each of which will be tailored to 5-200 nm. Various amino acids may then be functionalized on to the gold-citrate nanoparticles, including, without limitation, three amino acids present in collagen (i.e.

Abstract: A palette of solid edible paints is formed by mixing quantities of an edible fluid medium with one or more edible colorants to make edible fluid paints of assorted hues; arranging deposits of the various hues of edible fluid paints on one or more carrier substrates; and drying the deposits of edible fluid paints until solid. Thereafter, the deposits of solid edible paint may be wetted to thereby dissolve or disintegrate at least a portion of the edible paint that can be transferred onto an article using a transfer applicator such as a swab or brush, to thereby make an edible decoration. The palette may be packaged in a convenient decorating kit, together with one or more edible decorating sheets and one or more transfer applicators.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of densifying lignocellulosic material such as wood. The wood is impregnated with a maltodextrin solution under vacuum and/or pressure and the maltodextrin is then cross linked to insolubilise the maltodextrin. A wood-polymer composite is formed. Suitable cross linking agents include compounds having at least one hydroxyl group. Maltodextrins having a dextrose equivalent in the range 15 to 30 are preferred. The resulting composite material has improved appearance, hardness, impact resistance, strength and water repellency.