Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally-invasive method for restoring a damaged or degenerated intevertebral disc at an early stage. The method comprises the step of administering an injectable in situ setting formulation in the nucleus pulposus of the damaged or degenerated disc of the patient. The formulation once injected combines with nucleus matters and host cells, and becomes viscous or gels in situ within the annulus fibrosus of the disc for increasing the thickness and volume of the damaged or degenerated disc. The formulation is retained within the disc for providing restoration of the damaged or degenerated disc.

Abstract: Absorbent boronate-galactomannan complexes comprising a hydrophobic group are disclosed. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are solid materials capable of gel forming upon contacting with liquids. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are particularly suitable for absorbing liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to discrete particulate composite additives for superabsorbent polymers and includes a method of making same. The discrete particulate composite additives generally comprise a polysaccharide and an inert inorganic component. Advantageously, these discrete particulate composite additives functionally improve superabsorbent performance. They are suitable for a number of applications, including the use and manufacture of hygiene products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent or a superabsorbent nanocomposite material comprising a polysaccharide and a phyllosilicate. The polysaccharide component can be a biodegradable polysaccharide that is a self-entangled glass-like polysaccharide or a crosslinked polysaccharide. The phyllosilicate component can be an exfoliation or a semi-exfoliation clay.

Abstract: A composite litter material for detecting a disease, such as urinary tract disease, when contacted by feline urine includes an absorptive polymer material forming a solid matrix, exfoliated clay embedded and dispersed within the solid matrix, a chromogenic indicator provided within the solid matrix, and an oxidizing agent distributed and stabilized within the solid matrix to be responsive to peroxidase activity in the urine to activate the chromogenic indicator. A method for detecting or diagnosing a feline disease includes contacting urine with the material and detecting a color change. A method of manufacturing the composite material includes preparing a mixture comprising the absorptive polymer and water and distributing the exfoliated clay, chromogenic indicator and oxidizing agent within the mixture, preferably by extrusion and addition of the components at particular points in processing the polymer mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to discrete particulate composite additives for superabsorbent polymers and includes a method of making same. The discrete particulate composite additives generally comprise a polysaccharide and an inert inorganic component. Advantageously, these discrete particulate composite additives functionally improve superabsorbent performance. They are suitable for a number of applications, including the use and manufacture of hygiene products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to discrete particulate composite additives for superabsorbent polymers and includes a method of making same. The discrete particulate composite additives generally comprise a polysaccharide and an inert inorganic component. Advantageously, these discrete particulate composite additives functionally improve superabsorbent performance. They are suitable for a number of applications, including the use and manufacture of hygiene products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic, gel forming, guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I, their use as absorbent materials, and to processes for producing same: Formula I wherein Z1, Z2, and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, substituted C1-C10 alkyl, C5-C7 cycloalkyl, and benzyl; and m is an integer ranging from 1 to 2,000,000. The absorbent guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I have absorbent properties suitable for use in personal care products.

Abstract: Absorbent boronate-galactomannan complexes comprising a hydrophobic group are disclosed. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are solid materials capable of gel forming upon contacting with liquids. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are particularly suitable for absorbing liquids.

Abstract: Absorbent boronate-galactomannan complexes comprising a hydrophobic group are disclosed. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are solid materials capable of gel forming upon contacting with liquids. The boronate-galactomannan complexes are particularly suitable for absorbing liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally-invasive method for restoring a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc at an early stage. The method comprises the step of administering an injectable in situ setting formulation in the nucleus pulposus of the damaged or degenerated disc of the patient. The formulation once injected combines with nucleus matters and host cells, and becomes viscous or gels in situ within the annulus fibrosus of the disc for increasing the thickness and volume of the damaged or degenerated disc. The formulation is retained within the disc for providing restoration of the damaged or degenerated disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic, gel forming, guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I, their use as absorbent materials, and to processes for producing same: Formula I wherein Z1, Z2, and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C10alkyl, substituted C1-C10alkyl, C5-C7cycloalkyl, and benzyl; and m is an integer ranging from to 2,000,000. The absorbent guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I have absorbent properties suitable for use in personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to discrete particulate composite additives for superabsorbent polymers and includes a method of making same. The discrete particulate composite additives generally comprise a polysaccharide and an inert inorganic component. Advantageously, these discrete particulate composite additives functionally improve superabsorbent performance. They are suitable for a number of applications, including the use and manufacture of hygiene products.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a new composition and method for chemically modifying chitosan, including N-substituting or N-cross-linking, under homogeneous conditions by providing neutral aqueous chitosan solutions with enhanced reactivity. The method comprises the steps of i) preparing a clear aqueous solution of chitosan, said solution comprising 0.1 to 10% by weight of a chitosan, and 0.1 to 20% by weight of at least one buffering agent having a pKa between 6.0 and 7.6, said solution having a pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.2; and ii) dissolving homogeneously at least one reagent into the solution of step a), said reagent being reactive toward amine groups of chitosan; and said reagent being at a concentration from 0.01 to 10% by weight. The chitosan in the aqueous solution is chemically modified or cross-linked by a selective substitution on the amino group of chitosan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent or a superabsorbent nanocomposite material comprising a polysaccharide and a phyllosilicate. The polysaccharide component can be a biodegradable polysaccharide that is a self-entangled glass-like polysaccharide or a crosslinked polysaccharide. The phyllosilicate component can be an exfoliation or a semi-exfoliation clay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally-invasive method for restoring a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc at an early stage. The method comprises the step of administering an injectable in situ setting formulation in the nucleus pulposus of the damaged or degenerated disc of a patient. The formulation once injected combines with nucleus matters and host cells, and becomes viscous or gels in situ within the annulus fibrosus of the disc for increasing the thickness and volume of the damaged or degenerated disc. The formulation is retained within the disc for providing restoration of the damaged or degenerated disc.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a new composition and method for chemically modifying chitosan, including N-substituting or N-cross-linking, under homogeneous conditions by providing neutral aqueous chitosan solutions with enhanced reactivity. The method comprises the steps of i) preparing a clear aqueous solution of chitosan, said solution comprising 0.1 to 10% by weight of a chitosan, and 0.1 to 20% by weight of at least one buffering agent having a pKa between 6.0 and 7.6, said solution having a pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.2; and ii) dissolving homogeneously at least one reagent into the solution of step a), said reagent being reactive toward amine groups of chitosan; and said reagent being at a concentration from 0.01 to 10% by weight. The chitosan in the aqueous solution is chemically modified or cross-linked by a selective substitution on the amino group of chitosan.