Abstract: The present invention relates to a biphasic superabsorbent and partially biodegradable material comprising a biodegradable and/or compostable polymeric phase and a non-biodegradable superabsorbent cross-linked polymer phase. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the production of said superabsorbent material and the use thereof to contain and/or absorb and/or separate liquids, in particular aqueous liquids, preferably contaminated ones, and/or biological fluids.

Abstract: Polymer blends and/or adducts obtainable from protein hydrolysates and/or gelatins used as raw material for the manufacture of regenerated leather and fabrics. Polymer adducts and/or blends conveniently prepared, tanned and finished can replace natural leather or fabric in the manufacture of clothing and consumer articles with particular technological properties.

Abstract: Polymer blends and/or adducts obtainable from protein hydrolysates and/or gelatins used as raw material for the manufacture of regenerated leather and fabrics. Polymer adducts and/or blends conveniently prepared, tanned and finished can replace natural leather or fabric in the manufacture of clothing and consumer articles with particular technological properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new class of blend containing segments with a peptide base of hydrolysed proteins and gelatin, and segments with a polymer base consisting of variously substituted polyethylenes such as EVA and EVAL, and a method for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of adducts containing peptidic-based segments of proteic hydrolysates and gelatins, chemically bound to polymeric-based segments of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with variable length and processes for the preparation thereof. The new materials can also contain segments of acrylic or vinylic polymers.

Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting an analyte in a fluid, useful for the production of an apparatus for the analysis of odours (an electronic nose), comprises a film of composite material formed by a matrix of a non-conductive polymer constituted by a polyamidoamine and a conductive filler, e.g. carbon black. In preferred embodiments, the polyamidoamine is formed as the adduct of bisacrylamidoacetic (BAC) and N, N?-dimethylethylenediamide (DMEDA) else N, N?-ethlenediaminoaceticacid (EDDA), and can include copper or cobalt ions as complexes.

Abstract: Polymers of the monomer N-acryloylmorpholine having a single reactive moiety at one end of the polymer chain have the following structure: ##STR1## wherein --Z--X--Y is a polymer capping moiety, such as mercaptan, X represents a saturated residue of a linear or branched aliphatic series of the general structure --C.sub.r H.sub.2r -- in which r is an integer from 1 to about 12, Y is a reactive moiety and typically will be one of the reactive moieties commonly known in PEG chemistry, such as an --OH, --COOH, or --NH.sub.2 group, Z is a moiety that readily reacts to cap a polymer free radical, and n is an integer from about 6 to 280, which yields a number average molecular weight ("M.sub.n ") of from about 1,000 to 40,000. The monofunctional polymer is a suitable alternative to monofunctional PEG for modification of substances having biological and biotechnical applications.

Abstract: A water-soluble polyvinyl 5-membered lactam having a molecular weight ranging from about 1000 to about 20,000 and chain-terminated with a compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the following formulas ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1 are C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl or substituted alkyl; n is 0 to 20; R.sup.II is ethylene; R.sup.III is C.sub.1 to C.sub.24 alkylene or substituted alkylene; and R.sup.IV is C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl or substituted alkyl; can be prepared by polymerizing an N-vinyl 5-membered lactam in a liquid solvent-chain terminator compound of the formula (I) or (II) in the presence of a free radical initiator. The lactam polymer so-obtained may be activated and grafted to (conjugated with) a drug or an enzyme to alter the properties thereof.

Abstract: Polymers of the monomer N-acryloylmorpholine having a single reactive moiety at one end of the polymer chain have the following structure: ##STR1## wherein -Z-X-Y is a polymer capping moiety, such as mercaptan, X represents a saturated residue of a linear or branched aliphatic series of the general structure --C.sub.r H.sub.2r -- in which r is an integer from 1 to about 12, Y is a reactive moiety and typically will be one of the reactive moieties commonly known in PEG chemistry, such as an --OH, --COOH, or --NH.sub.2 group, Z is a moiety that readily reacts to cap a polymer free radical, and n is an integer from about 6 to 280, which yields a number average molecular weight ("M.sub.n ") of from about 1,000 to 40,000. The monofunctional polymer is a suitable alternative to monofunctional PEG for modification of substances having biological and biotechnical applications.

Abstract: New biologically active drug polymer derivatives, namely peptides or protein derivatives, are useful medicaments and are represented by the generic formula:RO--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 O).sub.n --(CO)--NH--X--(CO)--NH--Z (I)whereinR represents a lower alkyl group,n is an integer comprised between 25 and 250,X when combined with adjacent NH and CO groups represents an amino acid or a dipeptide or tripeptide residue, andZ when combined with the adjacent NH group represents a biologically active peptide or protein or NH or NH.sub.2 containing drug residue.