Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to convert water-insoluble lignin into water-soluble polyacid, the method comprising: (a) contacting a chelator/Fe complex with a water-insoluble lignin to produce a reaction mixture, (b) introducing an oxidizing agent to the reaction mixture, (c) incubating the reaction mixture for a suitable period of time, (d) introducing further water-insoluble lignin to the reaction mixture during step (c); (e) introducing further oxidizing agent to the reaction mixture incubating step (c); and (f) optionally repeating step (d) and/or step (e) one or more times; such that at least about 90% of the water-insoluble lignin in the reaction mixture is converted into a water-soluble polyacid by the opening of at least one aromatic ring in each water-insoluble lignin.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to break a C—C bond in lignosulfonate, the method comprising: (a) optionally sulfonating a lignin to produce a lignosulfonate, (b) contacting a chelator/Fe complex or a Fe(II) cation with a lignosulfonate to produce a reaction mixture, (c) incubating the reaction mixture for a suitable period of time wherein at least one C—C bond in a lignosulfonate is broken, (d) optionally introducing an oxidizing agent to the reaction mixture, and (e) optionally separating two separate molecules formed from breaking the C—C bond of lignosulfonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying candidate therapeutics for a disease caused by a viral envelope protein. In particular, the method can include contacting a test envelope protein with the candidate and determining its activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to depolymerize a lignin comprising: (a) mixing a lignin, a chelator, and FeCl3 to produce a first solution, (b) optionally incubating the solution for a first suitable period of time, (c) introducing an oxidizing agent to the first solution to produce a second solution, and (d) optionally incubating the solution for a second suitable period of time; such that at least one aromatic ring of one lignin polymer is opened.

Abstract: A process for valorization of lignin includes the steps of mixing lignin; a MOF catalyst metalated with a metal atom selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, or Ni, and combinations thereof; an oxidizing agent; and an aqueous solvent. The product of this process, a charged polyacid-containing species derived from lignin, may be included in a dispersion with a dispersible particulate material, and an aqueous dispersing medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method to depolymerize a lignin comprising: (a) mixing a lignin, a chelator, and FeCl3 to produce a first solution, (b) optionally incubating the solution for a first suitable period of time, (c) introducing an oxidizing agent to the first solution to produce a second solution, and (d) optionally incubating the solution for a second suitable period of time; such that at least one aromatic ring of one lignin polymer is opened.

Abstract: Coupling agents based on functionalized block copolymers for bonding thermoset polymers to solid materials. These are polymers which possess at least two types of functional groups, one which is able to attach to and react with solid surfaces, and another which can react with a thermoset resin, which are incorporated as pendant groups in monomers distributed in blocks (typically two) along the backbone of the chain. The block copolymers in this invention are synthesized by living ring-opening metathesis polymerization.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for coupling the component parts of a foldable device is provide. The hinge apparatus comprises a moveable sleeve adapted to tightly fit a guide and stop bushing operably connected with the support components of the foldable device. With the foldable device is in the use extended position, the moveable sleeve may surround and provide support to a hinge link. The hinge link is adapted to permit folding of the foldable device when the moveable sleeve is not surrounding the hinge link. A folding crutch comprising the hinge apparatus is provided. The folding crutch, comprising the hinge apparatus, provides the crutch user with safe, firm and sure support.