Abstract: Food, consumer, and industrial product packaging materials are provided by embodiments of the present invention. Films and laminates based on a combination of negatively charged polysaccharides are provided as such packaging materials. The films can be prepared by mildly treating soft wood with steam followed by alkali extraction and enzymatic treatment. Negatively charged non-cellulosic polysaccharides are isolated with weight average molecular weight Mw higher than 10,000 g/mol and molecular structure comprising a xylan main chain substituted with more than 15 molar % of glucuronic acid and more than 5 molar % arabinose. The negatively charged non-cellulosic polysaccharides can be casted from water solution on a suitable carrier and surface acetylated or coated with acetylated polysaccharide to obtain oxygen and water barrier packaging laminate. Inventive packaging materials can have strength at break above 55 MPa, elongation to break above 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmacology bioassays used in drug discovery, drug screening and toxicity evaluations. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel systems and methods used for production and control of 3-D architecture and morphology of living tissues and organs produced by mammalian cells using 3D porous scaffolds based on nano-cellulose. The resultant nano-cellulose based structures are useful as tools in high throughput assays for drugs. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for evaluating a drug that comprise a microtiter plate comprising a plurality of wells, each well comprising: a 3D non-biodegradable, inert, nano-cellulose scaffold; and optionally cells capable of forming living tissue or organs; and optionally a drug having a biological activity of interest; and optionally a detector capable of detecting the biological activity in a high throughput format.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are based on the fermentation of bacteria to produce nano-cellulose in oxygen permeable tubular bioreactors. The resulting hydrogel non-hollow fiber can be stretched and dewatered to form strong, stiff yet flexible fiber. The fiber can be dehydrated by freeze drying or solvent exchange to form macroporous material and then optionally soaked with a solution of growth factors, anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or anitibacterial agents to provide a slow release drug delivery device in fiber form. The surface of the fiber is composed of nano-structured cellulose which promotes cell migration, tissue integration, and the healing process. BC fibers are not degraded in the human body and thus are well suited as reinforcement of implants and growing tissue. Uses for the BC fibers include surgical sutures, and reinforcing and promoting regeneration of damaged tissue or implants.

Abstract: A film forming composition and a polymeric film or coating comprising hemicellulose and at least one component selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, cellulose, and an oligomer or polymer, is disclosed, said polymeric film or coating further comprising at least one additive/reactant increasing the liquid/moisture resistance and mixed with and/or reacting with the hemicellulose and said at least one component before or in conjunction with the forming of the film or coating. The use of said film or coating is also disclosed. Further, a method for the manufacture of said polymeric film or coating is disclosed, as well as a method for improving the liquid/moisture resistance of hemicellulose. Said at least one additive/reactant increasing the liquid/moisture resistance is either a cross-linking agent or a hydrophobizing agent. In another preferred embodiment the additive is a 2:1 layered phyllosilicate. The additive forms a nanocomposite with the hemicellulose as a matrix.

Abstract: A novel BC fermentation technique for controlling 3D shape, thickness and architecture of the entangled cellulose nano-fibril network is presented. The resultant nano-cellulose based structures are useful as biomedical implants and devices, are useful for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and for health care products. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for the production and control of 3-D architecture and morphology of nano-cellulose biomaterials produced by bacteria using any biofabrication process, including the novel 3-D Bioprinting processes disclosed. Representative processes according to the invention involve control of the rate of production of biomaterial by bacteria achieved by meticulous control of the addition of fermentation media using a microfluidic system. In exemplary embodiments, the bacteria gradually grew up along the printed alginate structure that had been placed into the culture, incorporating it.

Abstract: The precise application of an electromagnetic field controls cell motion to guide extrusion and deposition of biopolymers produced by the cells. This controlled biofabrication process is used to fabricate two- and three-dimensional networks of biocompatible nanofibrils (such as cellulose) for use as biomaterials, tissue scaffolds to be used in regenerative medicine, coatings for biomedical devices, and other health care products.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered composite materials for use in medical treatment of injured or degenerated menisci, cartilage, and bone. The composite materials include a cellulosic layer substantially or completely consisting of ?-1?4-glucan units, and a hydrogel layer substantially or completely consisting of copolymers of ?-1?2-glucan, ?-1?3-glucan, and/or ?-1?4-glucan, or mixtures of two or all three of these units. Production of the composite materials is achieved in a single culture milieu, using regulation of oxygen availability to control production of the various units and deposition of the layers by Acetobacter xylinum or other microorganisms that produce extracellular cellulosic material.

Abstract: Implantable materials for medical or surgical applications comprising specific chemical groups on their surface to alter the physico-chemical properties of said material rendering it suitable implantation or biocompatible properties.

Abstract: A film forming composition and a polymeric film or coating comprising hemicellulose and at least one component selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, cellulose, and an oligomer or polymer, is disclosed, said polymeric film or coating further comprising at least one additive/reactant increasing the liquid/moisture resistance and mixed with and/or reacting with the hemicellulose and said at least one component before or in conjunction with the forming of the film or coating. The use of said film or coating is also disclosed. Further, a method for the manufacture of said polymeric film or coating is disclosed, as well as a method for improving the liquid/moisture resistance of hemicellulose. Said at least one additive/reactant increasing the liquid/moisture resistance is either a cross-linking agent or a hydrophobizing agent. In another preferred embodiment the additive is a 2:1 layered phyllosilicate. The additive forms a nanocomposite with the hemicellulose as a matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the preparation of hollow cellulose vessels produced by a microorganism, and hollow cellulose vessels prepared by this method. The method is characterized by the culturing of the cellulose-producing microorganisms being performed on the outer surface of a hollow carrier, and providing an oxygen containing gas on the inner side of the hollow carrier, the oxygen containing gas having an oxygen level higher than atmospheric oxygen.

Abstract: A film-forming composition and a polymeric film or coating comprising hemicellulose, having a molecular weight of less than 50 000 g/mol, and at least one component selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, cellulose and a synthetic oligomer or polymer is disclosed. The use of said film or coating as an oxygen barrier is also disclosed. Further, a method for the manufacture of said polymeric film or coating is disclosed, as well as a method for improving the film-forming properties of hemicellulose having a molecular weight of less than 50 000 g/mol.

Abstract: A film-forming composition and a polymeric film or coating comprising hemicellulose, having a molecular weight of less than 50 000 g/mol, and at least one component selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, cellulose and a synthetic oligomer or polymer is disclosed. The use of said film or coating as an oxygen barrier is also disclosed. Further, a method for the manufacture of said polymeric film or coating is disclosed, as well as a method for improving the film-forming properties of hemicellulose having a molecular weight of less than 50 000 g/mol.

Abstract: The proteins involved in barnacle are useful in devising high-strength protein-based adhesives capable of curing under water, coatings for prosthetic implants to serve as an interface between the prosthetic and the bone or other tissue, and methods of preventing biofouling of underwater surfaces. DNA and amino acid sequences of the adhesion proteins are provided and isolated nucleic acid sequences and isolated proteins, vectors comprising such isolated nucleic acid sequences as well as microorganisms comprising such vectors and capable of expressing a barnacle adhesive protein are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of highly absorbent or superabsorbent hybrid fibers by ozoning of natural or synthetic fibers and subsequent graft polymerizing on the ozoned fibers. The method is characterized in that the ozoned fiber is graft polymerized in a water solution, containing ionizable or swellable monomers having hydrophilic groups and cross-binders comprising polyfunctional groups. The invention also comprises a product produced by the method according to the invention.